Eat Seasonal, Creative American Food at Circa

Circa at Clarendon has been a neighborhood anchor on the corner of Clarendon Boulevard and North Highland Street since 2011, and it’s earned its staying power the right way: through a genuine commitment to seasonal ingredients, a menu that keeps regulars interested, and one of the most reliably excellent patios in the entire Clarendon corridor. The menu leans into creative American bistro cooking — tuna poke nachos, flash-fried calamari, a rotating selection of flatbreads and specialty burgers, grilled salmon with warm farro, and shareable small plates that make the patio even more fun with a group. The wine list runs deep, with over 20 options by the glass, and the seasonal cocktail menu reflects similar care.

Brunch is a particular highlight — running Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. — with egg dishes, boozy coffees, mimosas, and weekend-only specials that have made Circa one of the most-contested “best brunch in Arlington” votes. The patio faces a lively street corner one block from the Clarendon Metro, making it one of the best people-watching spots in the county on a warm evening. The restaurant is locally owned and operated, part of the Circa Bistros group that also includes locations in Foggy Bottom and Dupont Circle. Reservations strongly recommended on weekends. Book through OpenTable or explore the menu at circabistros.com/location/clarendon.