Circa 1888 is a bar in Raleigh, NC. Open: Mon–Sun 3:00 PM – 2:00 AM. Phone: (919) 307-4597. Average rating is 4.5 stars from 580 reviews.
Circa 1888
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A cozy seating area with red upholstery and wooden tables. — Circa 1888
4.5 580 reviews Today 3:00 PM – 2:00 AM

Raleigh's Favorite Bar Since Before You Were Born

Craft cocktails, genuine community, and a vintage soul on West Davie Street.

About Us

A weathered sign displaying the name 'Circa'. — Circa 1888
A weathered sign displaying the name 'Circa'.

Some bars are just rooms with liquor. Circa 1888 is something else entirely. Named for the year Raleigh was growing into itself, this West Davie Street institution carries that same sense of becoming, a place that feels like it has always been here and always will be. The vintage aesthetic is genuine, not curated for Instagram, and the regulars who fill the barstools most nights would agree that the room has earned its character honestly.

What keeps people coming back, night after night, is the craft behind the glass. Every cocktail is built with intention, balanced and considered, the kind of drink that makes you slow down and actually taste it. The bar program here treats the guest as someone worth impressing, and that attitude shows in every pour.

With a 4.5-star rating across nearly 600 reviews, Circa 1888 has clearly done something right. It functions as a bar, a wine bar, a cocktail lounge, a gathering space for events, and on game nights, a proper sports destination. All seven nights a week, from 3 PM to 2 AM, the doors are open and the welcome is real.

What We Offer

Circa 1888 covers a lot of ground without losing its identity. The cocktail program anchors everything, with drinks that reward curiosity and satisfy the classics drinker equally. The wine selection gives you options beyond the usual bar shelf, and the full spirits menu means this is a legitimate destination for anyone who takes their drink seriously.

Beyond the glass, the space works hard. Private and semi-private event hosting brings birthdays, work gatherings, and celebrations into a room with genuine atmosphere. Sports viewing turns the venue into a communal experience, the kind where strangers become temporary teammates. The downtown Raleigh location puts you within walking distance of the rest of the city's best, so a night here can be the start of something or the whole evening on its own.

Open every day of the week from 3 PM to 2 AM, Circa 1888 fits any schedule, whether you're catching a midweek game or closing out a Saturday properly.

Gallery

Take a look at our space and what we have to offer

What Our Customers Say

Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers

Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
6 months ago
"Circa is my favorite bar in Raleigh; the service is always incredible and I love the community of regulars there dearly. Also love that every time Gabe (ginger bartender) sees me walk in he automatically makes my go to drink for me. Really goes to show how attentive and kind the staff is!"
— Kat Fox
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
6 months ago
"Easy 5 stars. Circa is a nice looking space with a really solid vibe, but the drinks are what sell me. Every cocktail I order is always perfectly crafted and balanced. The bartender Gabe’s service and professionalism is always on point. This man makes the best margaritas and paper planes that I’ve ever had in my entire life. Definitely one of my go to spots in Raleigh."
— Serra Calvert
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
6 months ago
"best bar in raleigh!!! Gabe the bartender is an angel on earth and was always there with a PBR and a chat, no matter if there were 20 or 200 people in the bar. beautiful vintage feel with a real wood bar and plenty of pool tables, but the real heart of circa is the friends we made along the way :). shout out ms.nicole, gin and tonics, One Person At A Time signs in the bathroom, and a place that's so much more than the sum of its parts "
— Addison Jackson
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
6 months ago
"This place is my favorite bar in the entire world and Gabe treats me like his PBR princess. Every bartender is amazing but particularly Gab and Ms. Nicole have my heart. Honest question: One cold PBR pint from Gabe or end world hunger? Answer: … brother…. Im gonna need a coaster 😎"
— Gamera The Destroyer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 months ago
"Very chill and homely spot in the warehouse district, with reasonably priced beers, plenty of pool tables, and a patio area which is home to a lot of memories 😛 check it out for some good conversation, even on weekday nights it's reasonably packed!"
— Brett

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Circa 1888 located?

Circa 1888 is at 412 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601, in downtown Raleigh within easy walking distance of the city's main corridors.

What are your hours?

We're open every day of the week, Monday through Sunday, from 3:00 PM to 2:00 AM. No days off.

Does Circa 1888 host private events?

Yes. The space functions as an event venue and is available for private gatherings, celebrations, and group events. Reach out directly to discuss availability and details.

Do you show sports?

Circa 1888 is a sports bar as well as a cocktail and wine bar, so yes, game viewing is a regular part of what happens here. It's a great spot to watch with a crowd.

Is this a good spot for wine drinkers, or is it mainly a cocktail bar?

Both. Circa 1888 operates as a wine bar and cocktail bar, so whether you want a well-built craft cocktail or a proper glass of wine, you're in the right place.

What's the vibe like?

Vintage in feel, welcoming in practice. Customers consistently describe it as one of Raleigh's best bars for atmosphere, service, and a genuine sense of community among regulars and newcomers alike.

Can I buy spirits to take home?

Circa 1888 operates as a liquor store in addition to its bar and venue functions, so off-premise spirits purchases may be available. Contact the bar directly for current details.

Hours of Operation

Closed · Opens 3:00 PM
Monday 3:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Tuesday 3:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Wednesday 3:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Thursday 3:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Friday Today 3:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Saturday 3:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sunday 3:00 PM – 2:00 AM
69° Clear Raleigh
Fri 88° 64°
Sat 90° 67°
Sun 88° 72°
Mon 76° 73°
Tue 87° 70°
Wed 85° 72°
Thu 82° 72°

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