Circa 1898

Incredible wings and tacos, wonderful atmosphere and service. Big fan of the crème brûlée and lemon curd cheesecake too. 10/10

Went in for lunch. It is beautifully restored, such attention to detail!! The seafood bisque was creamy, flavorful, lots of seafood in a good size bowl YUM!! My companion has a burger that was made perfectly as ordered and delicious. The staff were friendly and attentive. Look forward to visiting again!!

Had the jalapeno burger and fries with queso. Everything was spot on! Burger was made exactly as requested. The fries were fresh cut , crispy, hot and delicious. I don’t like cold or warmed up fries. The queso was zesty but not overly spicy. The waitress was very attentive to our table and extremely pleasant. The manager, Jenn, stopped by the table to ask about the food and was very interested in feedback. I also appreciate the extensive selection of bourbons from common to hard to find bottles. I will make this a regular stop and tell everyone they have to give it a try.

From the moment we walked into Circa 1898, we were immersed in the charm of history brought to life. The gorgeous restoration of the original 1898 building (once known as the New Mahoning Hotel) gives the space a timeless elegance — dark woods, original architectural touches, and a fine-dining atmosphere that still feels warm and welcoming. Our service was nothing short of exceptional. From the hostess greeting us, to our server’s attentive but unobtrusive manner, everything was seamless. Questions about the menu were answered with genuine enthusiasm, and the pacing of the courses felt just right — the kind of service that elevates a meal into an experience. And what a meal it was! My wife started with the chicken Florentine soup — rich and velvety, a perfect comfort start. She then enjoyed the short ribs served over garlic-mashed potatoes with green beans; the meat was tender, flavorful, and the sides complemented it beautifully. Meanwhile, I indulged in the scallops chowder — each bite brimming with fresh scallops in a perfectly seasoned broth. For my main, I had the bone-in ribeye cooked medium-rare to perfection. The steak melted in my mouth, accompanied by garlic mashed potatoes and roast carrots that were sweet, savory, and expertly roasted. And oh — the drink experience deserves its own applause. I sipped what I can genuinely call the very best smoked Old Fashioned I have ever had. The smoke infusion was subtle and sophisticated, the bourbon lovely and smooth, the bitters balanced — just an outstanding cocktail. In short: historic elegance, impeccable service, standout dishes from soup to steak, and a cocktail that stole the show. If you find yourself in Lehighton and seeking a dining experience that checks all the boxes, Circa 1898 should be on your list.

We had the pleasure of dining at Circa 1898 this evening. What a great find! The food was terrific, staff was wonderful (loved our server Sierra — she was amazing!) and the atmosphere was truly welcoming. They have done a fabulous job restoring this gorgeous building and have created a warm and inviting gathering place. A hidden gem not far from Jim Thorpe!! We will definitely be back!!

We have eaten here several times. Food, service, and drinks were great. This week we hesitantly ordered wings for takeout since they can sometimes get soggy, but they were fantastic! The mango habanero sauce is awesome!

We came in on a Sunday and we were really impressed with the food. They had a lot of classic cocktails which we enjoyed. I would like to come back on a Saturday to enjoy the saloon upstairs it looked fun but it was quiet when we went because it was Sunday. I felt like the server was a little standoffish at first maybe because we were a younger group but she warmed up to us and we had great time nonetheless. If we’re in the area again we’ll be returning.

Our first time at CIRCA went very good .Food was very tasty, one slight slip on undone Sweet Potato but everything else was perfect. Our server Sierra was great and the hostess Melissa spent some time on a personal level to clue us in on all that the restaurant had to offer in addition to the beautiful dining room with period overhead lighting and woodwork. This included a Saloon, bar, cafe and outside patio. We will return soon and can recommend this place to everyone. Mike H.

They really did a miracle on this building, and a restaurant of this quality was long overdue for this area. The food was amazing. We did steak, burgers, and wings. Everyone was happy with their choices. The cocktails are IG photo worthy if that's your thing. Our server April was really friendly and attended our needs. We will definitely make this our family spot, and you should too!

My wife and I stopped in to try their wings on the patio. The wings were excellent, the patio is very nice and perfectly shaded on a hot summer day. Our server was Sierra, she was very knowledgeable and kind, as well as beautiful. Circa 1898 is a great place and we are happy to have it. A great atmosphere and friendly staff as well as good food, will keep us coming back.

Had a filet. It was done to perfection. Also, Jill makes the best Old Fashion. This is our go to place. Glad we now have another great restaurant.

This is our 3rd visit to Circa, and it gets better and better each time. Erica, our server, was amazing, patient and very accommodating of our special requests. From the cocktails to the appetizers to the main courses to the desserts, everything was delicious. Whether you’re looking for fine dining (Circa) or bar bites (the Saloon), this place offers it all.

We had a great time at Circa 1898. Our server, Erica, was super friendly and the service was great. They were very accommodating with my food allergies, and the filet I ordered was cooked perfectly. The food overall was excellent, highly recommend!

Stopped in for breakfast at the Cafe. Was greeted by friendly employees. Iced mocha was shaken (nice touch) and donuts were great. Cozy atmosphere. Bill and Cindy (the owners) were gracious enough to give us a tour of the building. Wow. So neat I’m glad they kept the original charm. Bill knows so much about the historical aspects of the building and gave us the inside scoop on his renovations. Can’t wait to come back for a smoked old fashioned and some pub food.

So rich in history and attention to renovation details. Dining room dinner is a lovely experience. Excellent service, delicious food and cocktails. Quality dining at a very reasonable price. The Saloon is another level of culinary delight and crafted cocktails. Every nook and cranny brings an absolute wonderland of adventures!

Had a Beautiful experience with my Son and Future Daughter in Law. Food ,Staff and ambiance was just amazing. Will definitely be a good to place for all Celebrations. Would Love to learn more about history of this building.

Great experience from start to finish! From the super friendly host, our amazing server, Katie, the beautiful views of the patio, and to the outstanding food - our night out at circa was perfect. The French onion soup is sooooo good and reason enough alone to go there. Shrimp scampi was delicious, the pasta was the perfect al dente. The drink menu is thoughtfully curated and expertly executed (hubby says special mention for the smoked old fashioned). Hats off to circa! Will definitely make this a date night rotation place.

Absolutely love Circa 1898! You can enjoy fine dining in their elegant restaurant or hang out in the tavern for a more casual vibe. Bring the pups along and eat out on the patio. The food is excellent and the service is tops. It's a little off the beaten path but well worth the effort.

Came for my wife’s birthday. Had a fantastic time. Everything delicious, service and atmosphere were great also. Sierra, our server, was awesome.

7 of us went to dinner Friday night for the first time to Circa 1898. Loved the decor of the restaurant and the history of the building. The tea room was so cute and the bakery-yummy! Our waitress was the best and very attentive! The best French onion soup ever!

A historic place that has been redone beautifully. A lot of time and effort has gone into keeping the beauty of the place and it’s much appreciated. I haven’t gone for a meal, but I have gone for coffee and pastries. I must say I am very happy there the workers are very friendly and understanding a definite go to place. I also have talked to the owners and very friendly people Cindy the wife of Bill is very knowledgeable and has done extensive research on the history of the building and the surrounding area. I highly suggest getting her book and reading it. It’s very informative from this what I’ve seen so I went and ordered it

Absolutely phenomenal experience at Circa 1898! The food was nothing short of amazing—every dish was perfectly prepared and bursting with flavor. The service was top notch; the staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and made us feel truly welcome from start to finish. And the ambience? Outstanding. The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between elegant and cozy, making it the ideal spot for a special night out. Highly recommend—this place is a gem!

We had an incredible experience at Circa 1898! We had the pleasure of trying it for the first time on Fathers Day. Everything exceeded expectations. The smoked old fashioned was absolutely perfect, and the food? Amazing. The steaks were cooked perfectly. It's so exciting to have a place like this right here in Lehighton—definitely a new favorite! Thank you!!

Food was very good. We had a party of 8 and we all ordered something different and no one was disappointed. Our server was efficient and friendly.

We came here twice during our stay in the Poconos. We came for breakfast first and loved it. He got the veggie omelet and I got the eggs Benedict. The cheddar scone was fantastic with it. We also got a couple of scones to go from the cafe. They were perfect later as a snack! We loved breakfast so much we came back for dinner the last night of vacation and it did not disappoint! My husband had the scallops and loved them and I had the braised beef. All of it was delicious! If you’re in the area we definitely would recommend it. Very cool atmosphere and very friendly staff.

The restaurant is stunning!! It was brought back to life but left in the era it was built. The food is delicious! We got burgers, soup, fries and queso. Everything was timed perfectly so that we could enjoy the soups without rushing, then the burgers fries and queso came. Everything was exactly as ordered and exceeded our expectations! The burgers are some of the best around!!! We also enjoyed their fresh-brewed iced tea! The waitress was very friendly and accommodating! The restaurant is meticulously clean! There is nothing bad that we can say about this place!! Highly recommend stopping in AND making it a regular visit! It’s just THAT good!!

This was our first visit to Circa and we were amazed at the atmosphere. The architecture of this place is incredible. We ate in the dining area and walked around to see the other areas of the restaurant before we left. Our server was very attentive and made sure we had everything we needed. She added some suggestions when we were trying to choose our main courses. We had crab cakes and shrimp scampi and both entrees were exceptional. We will definitely be back.

We came into the saloon near the end of the night and were the only people left. There was a limited late menu. We apparently just missed trivia night. Had to ask for music to be put on. We ordered a lot of food to sample and a good amount of drinks. The Cajun steak bites were dry, tasted like they were reheated. The wings were overcooked and dry. Egg rolls were good and the jalapeno poppers were good. The drinks were good and the bartender was very friendly. We heard good things about this place but were ultimately not impressed. However, I'd try again when it's busier and the full menu is in play.

I see a lot of potential in this restaurant, and a few things will be forgiven as they just opened recently. One thing that annoyed me right away was the slow service. Our appetizer arrived before we got our drinks. It took forever to get a refill. The restaurant was not overly crowded at this time, so I don't believe that was the reason. It just seemed that the waitress was very inexperienced. The quality of the food was very good, however the presentation lacked the finesse you expect from a $36 plate. Please don't serve a short rib dish without a little bit of gravy. If your menue says a dish has fresh herbs on it, don't dust it off with powder dry parsley. A little bread basket to start, very common in finer restaurants, was noticeably absent. Our wine was excellent and reasonably priced. I believe some small improvements can elevate this restaurant to the top of the area.

They really did an amazing job restoring the building,it's beautiful ,next time we go we are going to try the saloon, the fine dining needs a little fine tuning,there was no point in complaining about the shrimp scampi because they served it,menu  said jumbo shrimp but what was served were 6 medium shrimp, someone really dropped the ball in the kitchen.

Restaurant is beautiful. Service was fine. From reading the reviews, it seems there is a lack of consistency. My potatos au gratin were so dried out, I would have never served them. Waitress did give me what looked like a fresh batch. Crab patties were also underwhelming.

Charming restored hotel. Server Sierra was excellent, very friendly and attentive. Good house craft drinks. Food was unremarkable, nothing special but decently prepared. The crab cake with remoulade was filled with a lot of crab and was good. My husband’s $43 bone in rib eye was a 1/2 inch thick and over cooked (asked for medium rare) that was the biggest disappointment of the night. The risotto was well prepared and the vegetables were nothing special but edible. The star for me was the cinnamon sticky roll made on the premises, soft and perfectly gooey!

Our waitress was very nice and attentive. The problem was drinks took a long time. I can live with that. We got a number of appetizers and they were all very good. The drinks were well crafted as well and also good. The main dishes were not good at all besides the ribeye steak that was just okay. The sides were all very bellow average the scallops dish were overcooked with cold sides and crunchy risotto. The scampi was a over lemon nightmare. The filet was cold with burned sides and box mashed potatoes at best. Its disappointing as I wanted to have a good place in Carbon country but unfortunately if you want good food it's a trip to the lehigh valley. I will also say the pricing I would have zero issue with if the food was well executed but it was not.

We gave this place a fair shake. We went three times in September for Trivia night. We had raw hamburgers (got excuses about the kitchen being busy - no resolution), we had charred steak bites, over cooked wings, the wrong order brought twice, things floating in water and soda glasses, slow service, they dont have enough wait staff and kitchen staff to cover the weekend crowd so wait times are long and food suffers. We are done.

It was very nice to see the inside. Now the food, for the price you would expect a competent chef. We had a large party that ordered all different dinners. They were all over cooked and awful. My husband and son were sick all night. My crab cakes were basically filling. Everything was precooked and microwaved. The prices were outrageous for something I can cook 10x better and would take the challenge on. I feel it cost alot to fix the place so they cut corners with the food. We will never return and would recommend anyone to save their money.

Food was terrible,crab cakes were 100 % filler and sooo spicy 🌶️..no mention of of spice on the menu …pork chop was dry as the desert .Carrots hard and tasteless , box mashed potatoes and a frozen twice baked I could have made at home (looked like Aldi brand to be honest)..drinks were ok …dessert was ok but nothing special , store bought cheesecake …prices were on par for a nice place if the food was edible ..we took most home and fed to the dog .. really really disappointed,wanted to love the place ,maybe after they are open longer and get better quality food

Food was great, had the clams casino and grilled salmon LOVED IT. Emily was the absolute worst server though. Paid more attention to her phone and gossiping with the other servers then she did our table. Definitely need a new server as the other ones were more attentive then she was.

I agree with the reviews regarding the ambiance and the overall renovations. I love old being brought back. I never saw it before the renovation. Enough with the decor. Food was awful. Ordered drinks. My appetizer brought after one sip of my Manhattan (if you want to call it that) and my wife’s appetizer brought about 5 minutes or more later. My crab cake somewhat bland and medium warm. My short ribs dry and hard (no au jus) and ALSO brought before we had finished our drinks. Sent them back with the waitress’ retort of bringing them so it didn’t get cold. Really? Veggies…mildly warm and yucky. Potatoes au gratin the only thing with any warmth. My wife’s dinner——-scallops and some kind of yucky starch. I think you can guess the rest. This place can be something special but changes have to start in the kitchen along with communication from the wait staff. Management needs to get seriously involved.

I was one of a party of five last night. We placed our order at 5:05 and the first plate came out at 6:25. Then another, then two more and finally the last plate. There is obviously a problem with the kitchen staff. As others have indicated, steaks and crab cakes are very good. I had the shrimp scampi, and it was good. We had an order of lemon chicken that was drowned in lemon juice. Had I known this earlier in the meal, I would have insisted it be sent back. I realize the restaurant is relatively newly opened, but if you’re not ready for prime time, you’re not ready. I tipped our waitress well. This was not her problem, this is a management problem. Your patrons are paying top dollar for the area for your food and service.

We went for breakfast hoping to support local, but unfortunately we won’t be returning. After this experience, we wouldn’t even consider trying dinner here. The young girl working was very friendly and kind, but seemed unsure when answering questions about the menu. The décor is cute, but the atmosphere was overshadowed by dirty floors, a number of flies, and food that was overwhelmingly greasy. The hash browns were inedible—one bite tasted like pure oil. The eggs had no flavor, and the English muffin was more butter than bread. For two egg sandwiches, two hash browns, and one 16 oz coffee, the bill came to $29. I wouldn’t mind the price if the quality matched, but sadly it did not. Save your money and look elsewhere.