
Circa 1875
An unpretentious Parisian bistro in a historic setting, offering classic French cuisine, fine wines, and sophisticated cocktails.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Circa 1875

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An unpretentious Parisian bistro in a historic setting, offering classic French cuisine, fine wines, and sophisticated cocktails.
"Experience a unique vibe with classic French fare and outstanding service in a beautiful, historic setting."
Reservations Recommended
The restaurant can get busy, so it's advisable to make reservations in advance.
Ask for Extra Crostini
Request extra crostini for dishes like Escargot or Steak Tartare to enhance the experience.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
French
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic French Bistro Ambiance
Experience charming French cuisine in a historic downtown setting with a vintage Parisian bistro vibe and a wine cellar.

Classic French Dishes
Savor unique and traditional French dishes like Escargot, Steak Tartare, and Sea Bass in a classy, elegant atmosphere.

Craft Cocktails and Wine Selection
Enjoy high-quality cocktails and a curated selection of French wine varietals in a sophisticated and inviting ambiance.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reservations Recommended
The restaurant can get busy, so it's advisable to make reservations in advance.
Ask for Extra Crostini
Request extra crostini for dishes like Escargot or Steak Tartare to enhance the experience.
Flavor Adjustments
If you prefer stronger flavors, consider requesting additional seasoning for your dishes.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
For potentially better service and a more relaxed experience, consider visiting during less busy times.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reservations Recommended
The restaurant can get busy, so it's advisable to make reservations in advance.
Ask for Extra Crostini
Request extra crostini for dishes like Escargot or Steak Tartare to enhance the experience.
Flavor Adjustments
If you prefer stronger flavors, consider requesting additional seasoning for your dishes.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
For potentially better service and a more relaxed experience, consider visiting during less busy times.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners rave about Circa 1875's charming French bistro ambiance, calling it a unique and classy experience. The escargot, steak tartare, and specialty cocktails are frequently praised. However, some guests mention that certain dishes can be under-seasoned or lack salt, and service, while often friendly, can sometimes be slow or inconsistent.
"This place was nice, we had some escargot (amazing) and the swordfish (kinda bland). Mainly enjoyed the drinks we had and the service. The bartender: Ian suggested i try his new concoction because I had an espresso martini (watery) to start. His concoction was similar to an espresso martini but had a hint of spice to it. I LOVED it. So much we each got 2-3. The atmosphere is really classy. The architecture is beautiful and if I got the chance to come back for some apps and drinks I would."
Jennifer
"Thought it would be nice to try this cute little French restaurant. I ordered the Escargot, my friend ordered the Steak Tartare and they were both very good. I would’ve liked for my Escargot to be served with some crostini’s but it was still good. My friend and I ordered some bread and our server told us that we wouldn’t be getting it until after our appetizer because that’s the “French way”. I feel like the butter served with the bread could’ve had a little bit more salt. We both ordered a bottle of wine to share, and it would’ve been nice for our server to tell us beforehand that we couldn’t split the bottle price. My friend ordered the Caesar salad and she loved it, and I also ordered the Seabass, which was the fish of the day. Again, I feel like my dish could’ve had a little bit more salt but it was still very good. All of the staff were very nice, but I feel like the service was a little slow. The presentation was nice but for my fish it looked like they just plopped everything on there altogether. I would like to come back again to try other things as well!"
Olivia Preston
"We had dinner there last Saturday and really enjoyed the atmosphere and outstanding service. The place has a unique vibe, and we particularly loved the downstairs room.
Our server Emily was an absolute legend, as she was very attentive throughout the entire meal. The food was somewhat of a letdown. The appetizers were pretty good, especially the Coquille St-Jacques.
For our main course, we ended up splitting two dishes. The trout was ok, but not well seasoned, and just felt flat. The pork was the best of the two, but definitely not a lot of meat for the price. The creme Brule wasn't my favorite either.
Overall, the atmosphere and service were great. The food wasn't up to par, and disappointed us. We would definitely come back again and give it another shot."
Steve Rainville
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Circa 1875 offers unpretentious French cuisine, blending classic dishes with some Southern ingredients. They also have a gastropub side.
Yes, it is recommended to make reservations in advance, as the restaurant can get quite busy.
Popular dishes include the Escargot, Steak Tartare, Sea Bass, and French Onion Soup. The burger and truffle fries are also highly recommended.
Yes, Circa 1875 has a bar area that offers a casual dining experience and is known for its excellent cocktails and wine selection.
While not explicitly listed, some reviews suggest the kitchen can be accommodating. It's best to inquire directly about dietary needs.
The restaurant has a charming, vintage Parisian bistro ambiance with distinct dining rooms, including a wine cellar and a pub area.
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In a beautifully renovated space with pressed-tin ceilings and a gorgeous antique bar, this is the place to come for a bottle of wine or champagne by the glass. Recordings of jazz legends like Billie Holiday or Django Reinhardt are usually the soundtrack, and the bar area is filled with tucked-away nooks for couples on a date. The gastropub next door offers a full menu of French fare that can also be ordered late into the night.
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Historic Downtown, near Broughton StreetEat a hamburger au poivre and truffle fries at the warm wood bar, then soak up the atmosphere and a crisp Cote du Rhone, poured by the man with the best ’stache in town: co-owner Jeffrey Downey. If you find yourself staring up in admiration at the stamped tin ceiling, you might have been over-served -- but you definitely have good taste.
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The scene: Offering a fresh alternative to the many restaurants delivering regional cuisine in Savannah, Circa 1875 steps away from the crowd and serves up unpretentious French cuisine in two distinctly different dining rooms. The main Parisian-style bistro features unusual décor, with pale green walls, white linen tablecloths and plus booth seating suggesting fine dining, while French flag curtains, over-the-top gold statues and oodles of classic artwork give the dining room a more kitsch vibe. The second dining room has a British gastro pub theme so on point that you’ll swear you’re sat back at home in your local.
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Circa 1875 - Your group will get to enjoy some of the absolute finest French cuisines in the city here at Circa 1875, one of the top-rated restaurants in Savannah overall. Considering itself an ‘Unpretentious French Cuisine and Gastro Pub’, Circa 1875 provides an affordable yet elegant dinner each night from 6 pm to 10 pm. This spot will give you both an Old World Feel while giving you Savannah culture and history at the same time.The food you will find on this top-rated TripAdvisor eatery is a great mix of French dishes with Southern ingredients.
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Usually most popular in the colder Savannah months, come in to Circa 1875 for authentic, unpretentious Parisian cuisine in a cozy, authentic setting. Pick the side of either the dining room or the pub (both will serve you dinner) pick a glass of either domestic or old world wine or beer. Start your meal out with the Prince Edward Island mussels steamed with white wine, fennel, shallots, garlic, and parsley butter, or for a more traditional French start try the very popular sautéed chicken livers on brioche.
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Described as an "unpretentious" French bistro, this swanky bistro- pub blends Old World charm with delectable French cuisine in an elegant setting. The site of a former Irish pub, the bar - which offers more casual dining - and restaurant are divided into separate areas, each displaying a chic blend of tiled floors and beautiful carved wood throughout. Circa 1875 offers an ample selection of boutique wines, imported draught beer, time-honored cocktails and "designer" martinis.
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Why You Need To Go: Vintage art nouveau prints line the walls of this dimly lit Paris-inspired bistro with a basement wine cellar. One side of the restaurant has white table cloths and offers traditional upscale French dishes, while the other side hosts a lively Gastropub complete with stained glass bar dividers, and an absinthe fairy. You can enjoy the best burger in town here served with cheese, sauce au poivre, and fries.
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Savannah’s most ingenious Parisian bistro and pub with a style of the 19th century offers a special old world taste of wine and atmosphere combined. Have your party in the “wine cellar” that provides a private dining space with medieval stained glass and decor. With a selection of party menus to choose from, one being named “The Marie Antoinette,” your experience here is surely fit for royalty.
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The problem with dining out in Savannah is that there are just too many restaurants to try—ones we wanted to make it to this visit but didn’t get to include Atlantic, Green Truck Pub and Circa 1875—but alas, we had to be choosy with just three dinners on the docket. Fellow foodies friends had all told us to make one a priority, so we did just that: Cotton & Rye.
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Local favorites include Circa 1875 Gastropub, Lulu’s Chocolate Bar (dishing up desserts and a full bar) and the romantic Planters Tavern in the basement of the Olde Pink House. Late-night coffee shops such as Gallery Espresso and the Sentient Bean offer a late-night place in which to chill out - often with live music on the weekends.
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Last on our list is the Circa 1875 Gastropub, a fantastic destination for your Savannah beer tour. If you’re tired of the loud, crowded and bustling beer scenes, this place is more refined and classy for you to enjoy. Located in the Historic District, it offers customers delicious beer and jazz music entertainment.
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Part French restaurant, part pub, Circa has all you need for a night out on the town. This Whitaker Street gastropub offers exotic French cuisine, including classics like escargot, mussels, and pâté. In the adjoining bar, you’ll see the remains from its founding as an Irish pub in the decor and atmosphere.
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The French have perfected the pairing of steak and potatoes with their classic dish, steak frites. Circa 1875’s mouthwatering version will have you saying, “oui!. ” However you prefer your steak, Circa serves up the perfect cooked-to-order protein in their romantic space on Whitaker Street.
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If overdosed on Southern cuisine and craving some European fare and atmosphere, a gay couple, Jeffrey Downey and Donald Lubowicki, owns the traditional French bistro Circa 1875, and also a newer Italian-centric venue, La Scala Ristorante, where pastas and hearty meat and fish mains rule.
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Circa 1875 is a testament to the city's diverse food culture, offering a menu inspired by French flavors. From classic French dishes like Escargots to Steak Frites, the dishes are prepared with a Savannah twist. The side bar of the restaurant is our preferred place to relish Circa.
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Circa 1875 will have you saying ~oui oui~ before the first bite even grazes your lips thanks to a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of, well, 1875. Buckle up for French cuisine that tastes delicious in a setting that doesn't feel pretentious.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit