We had such a fantastic night here as a family of 8 people and were taken incredible care of by Gino, our server. The staff was kind, engaging, and friendly and all worked hard to support each other considering how busy it was! The food was to die for, and Gino went as far as to get us an extra take-home container of a dressing we absolutely loved, because he was that great to us! My ONLY complaint would be the need for another bathroom or two, but when Gino saw me waiting, he escorted me to a back bathroom so that I didn’t arrive back at our table after our food was already served! The drinks were wonderful and the dessert was great! We WILL be back, and can’t wait to tell our friends and family how much we recommend The James. And to Gino- thank you for your great service, our family could not have been happier!Vegetarian options: Dishes are labeled clearly & salads all have the option to add proteins if desired.Dietary restrictions: Gluten free options & plenty of options for meatless meals.
I took my team from Magnolia Soap for a birthday dinner here. The food was amazing! Our waiter, Freddie, was so awesome. It was all of our first time at The James and we definitely plan to return. I think the rolls are honestly the best bread I've ever eaten and the Crispy Brie Cheese appetizer was amazing. I love burgers so that's what I chose.... SO good!!! Happy to support another local family owned business.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Renee Schuett
Lovely outdoor seating
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mike Schrettenbrunner
We went there for the first time yesterday. Everything we tried was great tasting. The service was amazing. The waiter made a desert choice for us that totally hit the spot (try the maple bourbon banana cream pie). The pricing was one point for the quality. Great atmosphere inside and out, with views of Geneva all around. Totally recommend it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Maple Bourbon Banana Cream Pie, Brussels Sprouts
Doctor Dendro
Had a reservation for 5 days. Was told I had to sit inside or wait 45 minutes to sit outside. I settled and went inside. I see 5 open tables outside right now! I’ve been here for 10 minutes and no waiter/waittress and those tables are still open. So, we left. It’s my anniversary and was about to drop some dough! Why do you have such great reviews!?!?!? Ah, paid for reviews…..
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
John Kavalec
Great luncheon sandwiched. Pastrami sandwich was one of the best I've ever had.
Amazing restaurantThe food is deliciousThe staff are professional, and kind
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
barbara quintanar
Attended the bridal shower here, and we all couldn't be more pleased with the food, service, and elegance of the place. Wonderful service, delicious food, one of the kind atmosphere.There is plenty of room for everyone and the same time very intimate for the family gatherings.Enjoyed it all!!!Thank you "The James "for this wonderful experience!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sid G.
UPDATE: We've been back 3 times since my first review and it keeps getting better. The hostess is cordial, friendly and sweet, what a nice change. Our latest visit we had Kyle as our server, super friendly, knowledgeable and spot on without being overwhelming. There were 6 in our party and he didn't miss a beat. Started out with Joan's Rolls, super soft, warm rolls with a chive butter, so good. 3 of us had the miso salmon, the other 3 had the apple & pear salad with a protein. Everything was delicious and done perfectly! We like how the chef changes the menu a little bit every so often.
Mary L.
We went here for an early Sunday dinner, celebrating our Anniversary. This place is a comfy , pretty vintage space. Was not too crowded. Service Was quick, knowledgeable, friendly. Some things on the menu of the day we're not available. While our entrees and drinks were good, nothing was omg, we will be back. Alcohol was very pricey and wine was a small pour. It was lovely seating and a view. Wasn't impressed with the menu offerings or the food itself. We have been to at least five better restaurants in similar price range in the Geneva, St Charles area.
Had our first visit to The James during Restaurant Week in Geneva. The ambiance is very unique- it felt quite crowded with all of the tables and winter wear, but you could check your coat when you arrived. This restaurant is in an old house, so the floors are a bit uneven so be cautious if you have mobility concerns. We could tell the restaurant was relatively new because the staff was still fully learning the menu and they were out of a few items. However, overall we had a lovely experience and I would go back again in the future. I chose to eat from the restaurant week menu- I started with the potatoes and caviar amuse. I thought it was quite tasty, though I think I would pick something else if not on the Restaurant Week menu as it was quite pricey. I did the steak frites for my entree and I was very pleased. I would order it again- the fries were perfection and my steak was also very nicely done. For dessert, the included option was the maple bourbon banana cream pie which I thought was great also. Both of the cocktails I enjoyed were also lovely, though they were out of the syrups for the ones I originally wanted to try. I ended up getting the James Old Fashioned which was solid, and the Fruits of Winter Sangria which was large and a bit like a dessert. I do appreciate that they have several good 0-proof options as well. I will come back here again in the future- but might give them a bit of time to get everything sorted.
Todd Klimek
The James has quickly become one of our favorite places. The food is fantastic, the service is great, and they are always accommodating. The starter with the caviar is a "must" order. Can't wait for their patio to open again.
Poor bar scene. I’ve been here twice and was the only person at the bar. Bar tender was away chatting with others 80% of the time. Food is ok to good. Lobster bisque is very good. Atmosphere is nice.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 1
Kim M.
My sister and I went to the James for my birthday for the first time. The ambiance is amazing, the staff was incredibly nice and attentive. The food was excellent. I can't wait to go back.
Erik Spychalski
Star ratings. 1 bad. 2 below average. 3 average / neutral. 4 good. 5 excellent.Service was good. Reservations needed. Sat quickly. Food came out timely and was good. Cocktail menu rotates. Atmosphere not much change from prior restaurant goes with theme of restaurant and location. Overall will return.Wheelchair accessibility: Single story easy access.
We had such a fantastic night here as a family of 8 people and were taken incredible care of by Gino, our server. The staff was kind, engaging, and friendly and all worked hard to support each other considering how busy it was! The food was to die for, and Gino went as far as to get us an extra take-home container of a dressing we absolutely loved, because he was that great to us! My ONLY complaint would be the need for another bathroom or two, but when Gino saw me waiting, he escorted me to a back bathroom so that I didn’t arrive back at our table after our food was already served! The drinks were wonderful and the dessert was great! We WILL be back, and can’t wait to tell our friends and family how much we recommend The James. And to Gino- thank you for your great service, our family could not have been happier!Vegetarian options: Dishes are labeled clearly & salads all have the option to add proteins if desired.Dietary restrictions: Gluten free options & plenty of options for meatless meals.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crispy Baby Brie, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Waygu Burger, Cheese Puffs, Potatoes & Caviar
I took my team from Magnolia Soap for a birthday dinner here. The food was amazing! Our waiter, Freddie, was so awesome. It was all of our first time at The James and we definitely plan to return. I think the rolls are honestly the best bread I've ever eaten and the Crispy Brie Cheese appetizer was amazing. I love burgers so that's what I chose.... SO good!!! Happy to support another local family owned business.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lovely outdoor seating
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We went there for the first time yesterday. Everything we tried was great tasting. The service was amazing. The waiter made a desert choice for us that totally hit the spot (try the maple bourbon banana cream pie). The pricing was one point for the quality. Great atmosphere inside and out, with views of Geneva all around. Totally recommend it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Maple Bourbon Banana Cream Pie, Brussels Sprouts
Had a reservation for 5 days. Was told I had to sit inside or wait 45 minutes to sit outside. I settled and went inside. I see 5 open tables outside right now! I’ve been here for 10 minutes and no waiter/waittress and those tables are still open. So, we left. It’s my anniversary and was about to drop some dough! Why do you have such great reviews!?!?!? Ah, paid for reviews…..
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
Great luncheon sandwiched. Pastrami sandwich was one of the best I've ever had.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Waygu Burger, Grilled Swordfish
Amazing restaurantThe food is deliciousThe staff are professional, and kind
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Attended the bridal shower here, and we all couldn't be more pleased with the food, service, and elegance of the place. Wonderful service, delicious food, one of the kind atmosphere.There is plenty of room for everyone and the same time very intimate for the family gatherings.Enjoyed it all!!!Thank you "The James "for this wonderful experience!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
UPDATE: We've been back 3 times since my first review and it keeps getting better. The hostess is cordial, friendly and sweet, what a nice change. Our latest visit we had Kyle as our server, super friendly, knowledgeable and spot on without being overwhelming. There were 6 in our party and he didn't miss a beat. Started out with Joan's Rolls, super soft, warm rolls with a chive butter, so good. 3 of us had the miso salmon, the other 3 had the apple & pear salad with a protein. Everything was delicious and done perfectly! We like how the chef changes the menu a little bit every so often.
We went here for an early Sunday dinner, celebrating our Anniversary. This place is a comfy , pretty vintage space. Was not too crowded. Service Was quick, knowledgeable, friendly. Some things on the menu of the day we're not available. While our entrees and drinks were good, nothing was omg, we will be back. Alcohol was very pricey and wine was a small pour. It was lovely seating and a view. Wasn't impressed with the menu offerings or the food itself. We have been to at least five better restaurants in similar price range in the Geneva, St Charles area.
Restaurantji Recommends
Had our first visit to The James during Restaurant Week in Geneva. The ambiance is very unique- it felt quite crowded with all of the tables and winter wear, but you could check your coat when you arrived. This restaurant is in an old house, so the floors are a bit uneven so be cautious if you have mobility concerns. We could tell the restaurant was relatively new because the staff was still fully learning the menu and they were out of a few items. However, overall we had a lovely experience and I would go back again in the future. I chose to eat from the restaurant week menu- I started with the potatoes and caviar amuse. I thought it was quite tasty, though I think I would pick something else if not on the Restaurant Week menu as it was quite pricey. I did the steak frites for my entree and I was very pleased. I would order it again- the fries were perfection and my steak was also very nicely done. For dessert, the included option was the maple bourbon banana cream pie which I thought was great also. Both of the cocktails I enjoyed were also lovely, though they were out of the syrups for the ones I originally wanted to try. I ended up getting the James Old Fashioned which was solid, and the Fruits of Winter Sangria which was large and a bit like a dessert. I do appreciate that they have several good 0-proof options as well. I will come back here again in the future- but might give them a bit of time to get everything sorted.
The James has quickly become one of our favorite places. The food is fantastic, the service is great, and they are always accommodating. The starter with the caviar is a "must" order. Can't wait for their patio to open again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Maple Bourbon Banana Cream Pie, Shrimp Shakshuka, Grilled Swordfish
Poor bar scene. I’ve been here twice and was the only person at the bar. Bar tender was away chatting with others 80% of the time. Food is ok to good. Lobster bisque is very good. Atmosphere is nice.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 1
My sister and I went to the James for my birthday for the first time. The ambiance is amazing, the staff was incredibly nice and attentive. The food was excellent. I can't wait to go back.
Star ratings. 1 bad. 2 below average. 3 average / neutral. 4 good. 5 excellent.Service was good. Reservations needed. Sat quickly. Food came out timely and was good. Cocktail menu rotates. Atmosphere not much change from prior restaurant goes with theme of restaurant and location. Overall will return.Wheelchair accessibility: Single story easy access.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4