Circles Cafe

crcl36

Does anyone know what the deal is with Circles? Will it re-open?

hamilton

Yesterday I spoke with one of the bartenders who worked at Circles and he said the deal to reopen as an Irish Pub fell through and it is probably finished.

brooklynpotter

not all that sad about that, since it kind of sucked. curious as to what would be a good fit there.

obamanut

brooklynpotter wrote: not all that sad about that, since it kind of sucked. curious as to what would be a good fit there.

Just wondering if you're basing your opinion on Circles' last incarnation (before the controlling owner changed) or if you'd had the chance to eat there 3-4 years ago, when the old crew was still in charge, or if you're just jumping on the bandwagon.

I thought the burgers, steaks, pizza, flounder, etc. at that time, until a few years back, were fantastic, and so did many other locals. Circles had a superb reputation in the neighborhood for a long time, and actually got a great review in the Post or News around 2001-02 I believe.

I'm just over here trying to piece together how a place opens up on 9th Avenue selling nothing but turkey pot pies, and people start doing backflips, whereas a once-great all-around restaurant falls on some hard times and people are like "good riddance."

veets

Obamanut.. I totally get your point. I agree with you that going back afew years Circles was a good place to eat what they prepared so well and hang out at the bar and hear some music on Fri or Sat. night. I think Brooklyn Potter is saying farewell to the last incarnation of Circles, which was nothing to write home about. I think the "taste" of the neighborhood has gone through some changes and it has brought us a time where a restaurant that sells Turkey pot pies (that are well made) is gonna make it and the restaurant that is "there" trying to float on their reputable past won't make it.

ebrendan

In the past 10+ years I got pulled into eating at Circles three times. It sucked EVERY TIME.

brooklynpotter

i'm with flexi. been there 5 years ago, 3 years ago, never again. it all sucked.

obamanut

Flexichick wrote: In the past 10+ years I got pulled into eating at Circles three times. It sucked EVERY TIME.

Well I already know your take on the eateries/drinking spots around here, Flexichick - if they've been around in the neighborhood for more than 3-4 years, they automatically suck (with a couple of exceptions). So I can't say I'm at all surprised to hear you chime in.

As for Circles, I will confess that I worked there for almost 5 years when I was college age (which was awhile ago). In all that time, I never got tired of their food, which coming from me is saying a lot.

But alas, apparently I am the exception now. I guess I should walk up the avenue and get in line for my chicken pot pie before "dub pies" sells out. While I'm waiting I will contemplate my new business idea for the Circles space: a 24hr quiche bar. Sounds like a hit, doesn't it?

brooklynpotter

Obamanut wrote:
Well I already know your take on the eateries/drinking spots around here, Flexichick - if they've been around in the neighborhood for more than 3-4 years, they automatically suck (with a couple of exceptions). So I can't say I'm at all surprised to hear you chime in.

this isn't nice.

shuvani

brooklynpotter wrote: [quote=Obamanut]
Well I already know your take on the eateries/drinking spots around here, Flexichick - if they've been around in the neighborhood for more than 3-4 years, they automatically suck (with a couple of exceptions). So I can't say I'm at all surprised to hear you chime in.

this isn't nice.

Nor is it true. That said, I won't spend time arguing with a self-described "nut"

crcl36

So it looks like it's gone. Granted it wasn't fine dining, but the pizza was really good and it was a great spot to meet up for drinks after the park or movies. I'll miss it. I do hope some fancy/expensive/trendy place doesn't move in. As for Dub pies, they're actually good but I'll hold the back flips.

brooklynpotter

i think it's a hard space... you don't want the teenaged movie crowd because they're loud and rowdy (i live on 15th, half a block away, so i know this quite personally)... but it's the loud and rowdy kids hanging outside that could keep adults away...