So glad St. James is now open for lunch -- this is seriously the best thing that could've happened by my job! My brother/friend and I went yesterday for lunch and got the oxtail bowl and the pepper shrimp bowl. We were full for the rest of the day, and mind you, this was around 2:30 The service was amazing. The bar manager gave us great conversation while also letting us know about their happy hour and dinner hours. We even talked about possibly hosting a teacher happy hour there, and he pointed us in the right direction on who to contact. Now let's get into the food... 1000/10! The flavors from the coconut rice down to the pepper shrimp sauce -- OMG! As I'm typing this, I can taste the flavors all over again Lunch is Wednesday-Friday from 12:00 PM-4:00 PM. Definitely check them out! read more

It was booming with music, it is a cozy spot so tables are pretty close. Chicken & plantain Waffles Chicken was delish well seasoned Poinsettia delish drink, light refreshing, effervescent not sweet. Trini Breakfast Plate Mashed Pumpkin with fried bake and salt fish. I was forewarned by my server that if you're not familiar with the dish it can appear very salty, they added alot of lime to balance it. fried bake was a Generous portion. PI made a sandwich. It was tasty. read more

Are you kidding me? Duck, pork, beef, fish--every single dish was superbly prepared. I honestly can't think of one thing I didn't enjoy. We showed up on a Thursday evening without reservations, and they had no problem seating our party of three. For the level of flavor and execution, the portion sizes were surprisingly generous. It's been over two hours since we left, and I'm still thinking about the meal--that says everything. Great job, St. James. BB read more

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I went to this restaurant while visiting DC. I've heard so much good things about this Caribbean restaurant. And it did not disappoint. I went to the bar to eat. The bartender was very welcoming. Gave me all of the recommendations. I had the snapper which was so yummy and well seasoned. I'm not a drinker so I asked him to make me a passionfruit mocktail and he executed to perfection. Definitely recommend if you go. Please do a reservation perfect for date night or girls night out. read more

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Insanely flavorful! I ordered the brisket platter with sweet plantains and pepper shrimp, and everything on the plate was packed with flavor. The beef brisket was incredibly tender and cooked perfectly. The sweet plantains added the perfect touch of sweetness, and the pepper shrimp had a great kick. Our waiter was very helpful and walked us through the menu, pointing out some of the highlights. The ambience is chill and relaxed, making it a great spot for a date night or dinner with friends. Definitely recommend checking it out. Looking forward to coming back! read more

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The bartender Diggs is so friendly and definitely made our evening an even better one! Extra star for the amazing service. I loved the greens & coconut rice however the oxtails were really fatty. I'm willing to give it another try! read more

St James - Modern Caribbean - Oxtails - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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After seeing posts about St. James on social media I knew I had to come the next time I was in DC. My friend and I didn't have a reservation but decided to walk in on a Saturday night. There were no tables available but there were two seats at the bar. The bartenders who were working that night were great! They made amazing drinks and even tweaked some menu drinks to our likings. The food is shared plates and an appetizer a medium meal and a side were perfect for the two of us to share. The macaroni pie was some of the best I've ever had in a restaurant. Possibly the best that wasn't home cooked. The wings were also very tasty. The oxtails were honestly just OK. They were very tender but not super flavorful. I'll definitely be back the next time I'm in DC. read more

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Came here last night for a meal and drinks. My friend and I sat at the bar and we had an experience. We just got back from carnival so we appreciated the array of Trinidadian rums available. I love the layout and decor - great use of space and color. Food Jerk wings - 10 out of 10. They were well seasoned and fell off the bone. They paired nicely with the aioli that was provided. Mac and cheese - the best. Very creamy and satisfying. Definitely not your typical Mac and cheese. Coconut rice - deliciousness in a bowl Oxtail- least favorite. Out of a 10 I would give it a 3. Seasoning was a minimum. This dished reminded me more of pepper pot. Definitely was a bit disappointed. Drinks Passion me up - 10 out of 10 strong but sweet Pineapple chow - 10 out of 10 another banger. Music They played a steady mix consisting of Afro beats. Here's my thing - you're a Caribbean restaurant, carnival was just two weeks ago - the people want soca- well I did. They missed a perfect opportunity to show up the people our culture. Cons There's a 20+% up-charge so the restaurant can pay the employees a "living" wage and then you still have to pay 18% (or more for tip). I think this is ridiculous and I have my thoughts but I still paid it. Aside from the oxtail and the additional cost - I loved this place. I will be back. read more

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We came to St. James for my friend's birthday dinner -- a table for six on a Saturday night with a 7:00 PM reservation. The restaurant was clearly very busy, and we ended up waiting about 15 minutes past our reservation time to be seated, which wasn't ideal but understandable given the weekend crowd and lively atmosphere. I started with the Honeybee cocktail, which was excellent -- refreshing, well-balanced, and easily one of my favorite drinks of the night. I tried to order a second round toward the end of dinner, but unfortunately the order never made it through, so I didn't get another. A small hiccup, but worth mentioning since the drink itself was so good. The food started off incredibly strong. I ordered the crab accras, and I'm still thinking about them. They were perfectly crisp on the outside, soft and flavorful inside, and came with two standout aiolis -- culantro and garlic -- both absolutely delicious and perfect for dipping. Around the table, friends ordered the jerk wings (spicy and flavorful) and cassava fritters, which were a hit. For my entrée, I had the duck & dhal. The dhal purée paired with coconut jasmine rice was rich, comforting, and deeply flavorful. The duck, slow-cooked for 24 hours, had great flavor, though slightly on the drier side -- but when eaten together with the coconut rice, it balanced out beautifully and didn't feel dry overall. We shared bites across the table, and everything leaned strongly toward authentic Caribbean flavors. One friend who is Trinidadian commented on how authentic the food tasted overall, and another said the fried plantains were the best they've had in the area and tasted just like traditional Caribbean-style plantains. The callaloo soup had a wonderfully earthy, comforting flavor that stood out as well. Another friend ordered the pepper shrimp, featuring jumbo shrimp in a pimento chili sauce with black rice -- the kind of spice that slowly creeps up and gives a gentle numbing heat in the best way. One friend also ordered the paratha roti platter -- I didn't get a chance to try a bite myself, but it looked incredible when it came out and is definitely something I'd order next time. Unfortunately, the experience dipped toward the end of the evening. One friend's oxtail arrived burnt, which was disappointing and had to be sent back. After quite a long wait, the replacement order came out incorrect, which was frustrating -- especially during a birthday celebration. It felt like the kitchen may have been struggling to keep consistency as the night went on. That said, the restaurant still made the celebration special. They came out to sing happy birthday and brought a rum cake with ice cream, which was a lovely touch and a great way to end the evening -- the rum cake itself was delicious. Overall, the food at St. James is genuinely impressive -- flavorful, authentic, and memorable. Despite some service and consistency issues later in the night, I would absolutely come back again, especially to try the fried snapper (and hopefully a perfectly executed oxtail next time). And honestly, I'm still thinking about those crab accras. read more

St James - Modern Caribbean - Crab Accras - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I've been wanting to try the St James for quite some time...made reservations for a mid weekend experience and was seated immediately by the hostess. The decor is nice is certainly passable for date night and mid size parties. Looking at the menu we were a little indecisive but eventually figured it out. The best decision we made was the crab accra...I'm positive I spelled that wrong so just ask for the crab dish under the appetizers lol. Solid 10/10...fresh, different, and served hot kinda like mini crab cake but with a twist. Next we tried the Rotti platter for two...food is indeed enough for two people so majority of that dish went home. Out of the spread of items I'm picking the sweet potatoes as my fav. 7/10 Also tried the jerk wings...very flavorful indeed...these wings are grilled not smoked...but certainly contain flavor...not sure why they don't serve a jerk chicken entree because this appears to be a specialty item indeed 8/10 Last I tried the macaroni pie...great presentation and delivery but half of my pie was cold...luckily the sauce was hot so I just made it work. 7/10 Overall the food and service is very good...I understand restaurants cook food the day before in preparation but a few of my dishes were cold and hot at the same time which is a dead giveaway. No need to make a fuss over it so I just kept my meals to take home. I would comeback to try different items but I'd probably ask more questions before ordering. read more

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Let's talk St James, our severs name was Tim same name as my husband so I can't forgot. The food was phenomenal. He said the pork chop was his favorite and boy was it good. Literally tenderism on a plate. I really wanted to pick up the bone and eat it but you know I'm a lady . The honey bee drink with sir Davis whiskey was right up my alley in how I like my drinks. That lil rum old fashioned butter beware that drink is SCRONG okay! The chocolate lava cake had some sort of spice seasoning on it very small amount tha just gave it what it needed. When I tell you the service was top top notch and I will truly be back again and again. Let me circle back to the pork chop really quick when I tell you I don't eat dumplings or mushrooms ... well apparently now only at st James!!! The whole plate was fantastic! We also had the jerk wings and crab balls (I'm going to dumb down the name because I don't remember) both of which were fantastic. The chicken was NOT over cooked at all super moist with a spice. And surprisingly the crab balls I liked. Anything that looks like a hush puppy is a no for me but my husband got them and I tried and we could add it to the list of things I also now eat. Okay now let's talk Tim. He was so on time with everything truly coming through with whatever you needed. Service all around was on point. This place feels like your local watering hole as far as the vibe with an upscale aesthetic. Honorable mention for the nice CLEAN bathroom yes please. I could go on and on but overall do not miss out on this place. I will for sure be back. read more

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It's Restaurant Week, so I came back to St James with a coworker after work. The dimly lit aesthetics and smooth music here are always welcome to the eyes and ears. The servers are always attentive and warm as well. It was still Happy Hour, so I ordered the PassionMeUp, and my coworker ordered the rum punch. We both enjoyed ours, and mine was pretty strong, as the waiter mentioned. For dinner, we both went with option 2. The crab accras were phenomenal; I wished they gave us more. The fried snapper and coconut were amazing. I finished the whole fish, which is something I hardly do in one sitting. The molten chocolate wasn't anything exceptional. Given its size, it was enough to not make you feel stuffed after a full dinner. read more

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Made a weekday reservation and was seated on time. Tables and bar space were quickly filling up so I recommend having the reservation. It's a darker restaurant to set the vibe. The food service was fairly quick and everything was delicious. Parking was tough I recommend uber during busy hours. read more

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St. James is definitely the best place I ate last year. Loved everything I had, so it is hard to pick a stand out, but can't imagine ever coming here and not getting the aloo and Chana pies. They were sooo good. This is the type of restaurant where you want to try every dish on the menu, cause each time you come it's an impossible decision on what to get. Can't recommend this place enough and as a bonus lots of goodies for those that are vegetarian. I would suggest making a reservation for sure as this place is hopping and for good reason read more

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We had a fabulous meal here with friends a week ago. The cocktail, food and service were all great. My husband and I shared the chana tacos (I think that's what they're called!), wings, and ribs for two. It was a ton of food! The ribs were already de-boned and ready to eat. The rolls that came with the ribs were so good, we took them home. We don't usually take bread home but we couldn't help ourselves. We shared sips of our cocktails with friends and all of them were balanced and tasty. I was surprised that my friends pineapple cocktail wasn't too sweet. It had some green notes to it that took it to another level. 10/10 experience all around! read more

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I returned to St. James recently and was happy to find it was just as good as I remembered! This time I got the duck and dhal. The duck was well-cooked and I really liked the coconut rice. The server offered pepper sauce, and the spice it added was perfect - I only wish it was automatically included in the dish because it really improved the flavor. I was super curious to try the cassava pone, since I'd never had anything like it. It was a dense, gummy cake of cassava, pumpkin, and shredded coconut. I enjoyed it but it was definitely super dense - I regret eating it all along, but I didn't want it to go to waste! Definitely recommend splitting with a friend. The prices have increased since the last time I was here, but the happy hour is still great value and the food is always solid. read more

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St James is a fantastic restaurant! The vibe and ambience are great! We've been twice and both times I've had no complaints! The food and service are great! read more

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I went to St. James a few weeks ago for a catch-up dinner with a friend. I was really excited to try it since I'm Haitian and always open to checking out the few Caribbean spots in the area. The vibe and service were both really good--warm, welcoming, and lively without being too loud. We started with the crab fritters, which were tasty, and the drinks were great too. I ordered the branzino for my main, which was just okay--it was supposed to come with rice but arrived with greens instead. The greens were at least flavorful, and the sweet plantains I ordered on the side were delicious. Overall, I'd come back for the vibe, the service, and the dishes I enjoyed, even though the main was a bit underwhelming. read more

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St. James immediately catches your eye when you walk in. The décor is beautiful, modern, and gives off a refined island feel with soft lighting and rich colors. It feels elevated but still relaxed. The greeting was a little off. The host met us with a casual "What's up?" which felt out of place for such a nice restaurant. We were seated near the prep area even though open tables were available inside and on the patio, which made it harder to enjoy the setting. The two male bartenders, though, really carried the experience. The more experienced bartender was friendly and knowledgeable, moving us to a better part of the bar once spaces opened. The newer bartender was attentive and handled our service well. I ordered the Aloo and Channa Pies, Grilled Branzino, and Collard Greens, with a Sorrel Fizz to drink. The pies had nice seasoning but no potatoes, only chickpeas. They fell apart while eating, and I think they'd hold together better if the chickpeas were slightly mashed. The Grilled Branzino, wrapped in banana leaves and served with coconut rice, started flavorful but the seasoning faded midway through. It actually tasted better the next day after resting in its own juices. The Collard Greens were the standout of the meal as they were slightly creamy, coconut-based, and full of depth. They'd be perfect if they automatically came with the house pepper sauce. The Sorrel Fizz was light and refreshing but mostly tasted like soda with just a touch of sorrel. At our table, the Jerk Wings were a hit....juicy, smoky, and well-seasoned. The Bake & Fish Sandwich was okay but not memorable. The Brisket Platter looked great but tasted more like a deconstructed pot roast than smoked brisket. The macaroni pie, made with penne pasta, was a little dry and needed more seasoning. The entrées took over 30 minutes to arrive after appetizers, which made the wait feel long. Overall, the presentation and bartenders stood out, but the kitchen timing and consistency need improvement. I appreciate what the 20% Fair Wage Fee stands for, though it felt high given the slower service. I'd return for the collards and wings and would probably sit at the bar next time. Worth a visit for the atmosphere and drinks, but go in with realistic expectations on the pacing. read more

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My girlfriend and I were visiting the area, and a coworker who grew up in the DC area told me this place was a must try. I am extremely glad that my coworker recommended this place. We started with the Jerk Wings, and they were incredible. My girlfriend picked up one of the wings, and the meat literally fell off the bone. Packed with flavor, perfectly seasoned, and just the right amount of heat. Next were the Oxtails which were tender and rich. We also ordered the Trini-Chinese Cornish Hen, which was another standout dish. The sauce it came with was so good that I could have eaten it by itself. Both entrees were served with Coconut Rice, which was delicious. On the side we ordered Collard Greens and Sweet Plantains, which were both incredibly flavorful. And the Macaroni Pie, which was probably one of the best things I have eaten on this entire trip. The staff were super welcoming and friendly, which made the experience even better. If you're looking for amazing food in DC, this place should be at the top of your list! read more

St James - Modern Caribbean - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Omg!!! I've been slacking on writing reviews lately but I had to write this one. I think I finally have a favorite restaurant in DC. This place was superb. The best food I've had in a while. I came here randomly during restaurant week. I had the sorrel margarita, it was delicious!!! For apps I had the pork buns and the crab fritters. DELICIOUS!!! And for dinner I had the fried red snapper. Perfect 10/10. The service was incredible. Loved my server. And the ambiance was great. Only thing I didn't love was the lava cake. Thought it could have been better. But that didn't deter from me giving this place five stars. The food and the service was impeccable. I highly recommend you dine here!!! read more

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We had an incredible restaurant week meal at St James! The ambiance is warm and cozy and I loved the bar library ladder! Our server Josh was amazing - very attentive and helpful. We ordered one of each of the RW menus and shared everything. My favorites were the duck, the greens, and the dumplings. The duck was so tender and flavorful and really fell off the bone! Everything came out very timely and fresh. The portions were really hearty - you get dhal or rice plus the greens and plantains with the masala. Happy hour runs til 7 on the weekdays so we also got to enjoy $10 drink deals! read more

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St. James - Modern Caribbean was recommended by a good foodie friend, and I am happy to say it was one of the best recommendations. The server was super polite and made very good recommendations. She described items from the menu as if she had prepared them herself. Very impressive. The decor was wood, black, and gold. I particularly liked the gold flatware. The music was totally Caribbean, and played at a nice conversational level. Ok, so I know you want to know what I got...here it is: Watermelon salad: very fresh, light, and citrusy. I had never tasted jicama before (FYI, it's similar to a water chestnut), but it added a nice texture to the salad and paired well with the arugula, corn, and pumpkin seeds. 5/5 Crab Accras: these were fried crab fritters served with garlic aiolis. They had a very nice crunch on the outside and juicy inside. They tasted more like salmon cakes to me, but nonetheless, still very good. 5/5 Fried Plantains: Delicious. They were caramelized to perfection with a very pretty glaze. There were parts that were crispy. They just melted in your mouth. 5/5 Not your mother's crab and dumplings: Every item in this dish spoke for itself. From the cassava dumplings and crab blended with the coconut curry sauce to the scotch bonnet pearls, all tasted like nothing I had ever had before. A total explosion of flavors in your mouth from the first to the last spoonful. You better get that EVERY-TIME you visit. 5/5 Grilled Branzino: Y'all, that fish skin was super crispy and well seasoned. The meat of the fish was tender. It's grilled in banana leaves with some garlic aioli. The surprise side was the coconut rice. As a non-white rice eater, this was flavored nicely. It wasn't dry or mushy. The texture was amazing. You can add that as a side with the dumplings and be full. A definite must try. 5/5 Rum cake with homemade banana ice-cream: Our server recommended this. The cake was served warm with a scoop of the banana ice-cream on top. It melted nicely into the crevices of the rum cake. Since it was my birthday, it came with a candle and a note wishing me a happy birthday and thanks for coming. Now that alone would have gotten them 5 stars from me , but as the saying goes; "This was the icing on the cake." It was very thoughtful and unexpected to get a handwritten message. BRAVO, St James. 10/10 All of the dishes came nicely plated. (See photos and video) and the service was impeccable. If you are in DC, you better make sure you make a reservation. Til we eat again.... read more

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I love this place! This was my second time going. The vibes are always good and the ambiance is elevated but chill. I went during DMV Restaurant Week on a Saturday evening. There were tables available and also space at the bar, where I sat. I got the sorrel margarita and the Not Your Mother's Crab & Dumplings. The marg wasn't sweet which I like. I LOVED the dumplings- so flavorful and rich. Service was a little slow with only one bartender behind the bar, but it was fine and he thanked me for my patience. I'll be back to try more of the menu! read more

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I really enjoyed my experience here ! Parking was tough so leave early and make reservations unless you go early. I came in around 5:45 on a Sunday evening and I was able to park up front and walk in with no wait. I ordered the rum punch for my drink and it was good. They also serve sir Daniel's (Beyonces liquor ) at the bar. I got the crab Accra for appetizer and it was soooo good , fresh and a good price for what you pay. My friend got the branzino she said she liked it, it was just okay to me. I ordered the duck, it was good but it was a small portion so I wouldn't order again. I would definitely come back and try more menu items like the oxtails or fried snapper. For dessert I got the rum cake with banana ice cream and that was really good. Perfect Spot for a date night or girls night. The service was also amazing ! Can't wait to come Back read more

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Walked in on a Friday evening with no reservation and was able to be sat immediately. The vibe and aesthetic was modern and they were playing Caribbean music. The service was great, even with our server being extremely busy. There's two floors. I ordered the Brisket plate that came with the mac and cheese and greens. We also ordered the Cassava fritters and rum cake. The Cassava fritters were a must and the sauce was tangy and went perfect with them. I would describe them as tasting like a fried mashed potato ball. The brisket was lean but in a flavorful sauce, not spicy but not barbecue. The greens weren't bad. The Mac and cheese had a little bit of a spice kick to it but also tasty. I was debating on getting the rum cake and it was the best decision I could have made because it was delicious! Didn't have a strong rum flavor on the cake itself which I liked. The options for ice cream were banana or coconut and I went with coconut. I would definitely come back here! read more

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The food was amazing, i ordered the pepper shrimp mild it was good but i should've ordered it hot or spicy, i loved the sauce and the rice. The shrimp was a was big and fresh, and cooked to perfection. My first time having black rice and it paired perfectly. The service was also great and food came fast but almost too fast for my liking, kinda felt like i was being rushed. The ambiance was nice and relaxed exactly my style read more

St James - Modern Caribbean - Jerk wings - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Went on a Friday evening around 6pm. 1. There is no happy hour on Fridays 2. The rum punch has Trini rum, spectacular (and looks pretty similar to the emoji) 3. Server was very very knowledge and welcoming 4. The food was DELICIOUS! I had the aloo channa appetizer and the grilled branzino medium plate, with coconut rice - highly recommend 5. Bathroom was clean 5/5 read more

St James - Modern Caribbean - Rum punch - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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6 of us had dinner on May 14th. My only regret is that I did not take pictures of our food. Everything was so delicious from the Aloo & Channa pies to the Jerk wings and Casava fritters for appetizers to the Oxtials and Coconut Rice and Roti for entrées. Every bite was delightful. Our server Tim was a great host as well. I will be going back. read more

I made reservations here for a party of 6 for my fiancé's birthday in March. We were greeted by the friendly staff and our server was great! She was so nice and attentive. We rarely eat Caribbean food and I forgot how amazing it was. We ordered a bunch of dishes to share. -Jerk Wings: Best wings I've had in a very long time. It's so tender, flavorful, and moist. We ordered 2 plates of this so each person had 2 wings. I think we all wish we ordered more, but we wanted to save room for the other dishes. -Cassava Fritters: Absolutely delicious! This came out piping hot. Fried to perfection and it was soft in the middle. The garlic aioli paired nicely with this. -Oxtails: Flavorful and tender. It comes with coconut rice which adds a hint of sweetness to this dish. -Duck & Dhal: This was divine! The duck was also so tender and savory. I could eat this whole dish if I could. -Paratha Roti Platter: An assortment of goat, beef, vegetable curries, and pumpkin. I actually enjoyed the vegetable and pumpkin curries over the proteins. This is great to share! I also enjoyed the roti which is a soft and flakey flatbread. My friend brought a cake but if we wanted to serve it, they would have charged us $5/person. That's kinda hefty for just cutting our own cake. They did bring out a complimentary dessert for my fiancé, which was nice. But it would've been better if we were able to cut our cake there too. Other than that, I had a good experience at St. James. I would recommend! read more

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Bravo! 10/5 stars! I came here after my annual visit to the Blacksonian, for an early dinner with my friend. Ordered the Duck &Dahl- an easy 10 star dish. The skin on the duck was perfect! The duck was so tender and soooo good *tears*. I wish they gave me two quarter legs. Coulda had a lil duck walk going on IYKYK lol. Then for desert was the Pone. Now... not everyone can make a good Pone BUT these dem? nailed it! Took me back to my childhood in Flatbush Bk. I have no complaints and when I go back to DC I'm going straight to St. James! read more

St James - Modern Caribbean - Pone - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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This dinner was impeccable. First off, the wine list has a ton of reasonably priced options which I really appreciate (most are under $50). To start we had the pork pow and jerk wings followed by the oxtail, duck & dahl and a side of plantains. I would honestly order everything again. on repeat. It did not miss at all. The vibes in the restaurant were good, our waiter was great. 10/10 I will be back. read more

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St. James is always delicious. They've changed their menu since I last visited, so I welcomed returning to this Modern Caribbean restaurant to meet a friend who was in visiting from out of town. The service was amazing. Both the server and hostess checked on us throughout the night, and the bartender recommended a drink based on my preference for rum or whiskey. The drink perfectly paired with the meal, so much so that I ordered two. Both of the appetizers that we shared at the table were delicious, but the Crab Accras (seasoned perfectly) were my favorite over the Cassava Fritters. I ordered the Not Your Mother's Crab & Dumplings with a side of Collard Greens which were both perfection. My only complaint is that the server made it seem as though the Not Your Mother's Crab & Dumplings was not filling, so I ordered the collards as well. I had plenty of food. The Crab dish was filling, and the collards were seasoned perfectly, and without meat. I could taste the coconut milk in the greens which were so delicious. I went home with leftovers and a full belly. Will definitely make sure less time passes before I return to St. James. read more

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Food presentation and taste was great Staff was supper helpful friendly and knowledgeable Nice Carib vibe with upbeat music playing in the background Jerk wings good nice and flavorful Cassava fritters pairs well with jerk wings or ribs The ribs melt in your mouth type deliciousness The staff was soo welcoming and attentive Will definitely be back read more

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Finally had the chance to check out St James and it did not disappoint! From being seated in a timely fashion to great wait service from Tim, this Valentine's date night out with my wife will be one to remember. The food was good and fresh, really loved the flavor profiles and the vibes inside the restaurant was dope! We started with the Aloo and Channa Pies and the cassava fritters, but bites very tasty and the accompanying sauces were great choices. For our main course we shared the Paratha Roti Platter and side sampler, this was great as we were able to taste a little of the Caribbean cuisine and cooking skills of the chef and team. Everything was tender and had the perfect balance of heat and savory. Also Great music playing the background throughout the evening at a volume that we were able to talk without yelling which is sometimes hard to find at DC area restaurants. We look forward to going back because there were so many choices on the menu that sounded really good. read more

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I enjoy the food at St. James! This was my second time dining. The food is consistently good! The coconut milk greens and the squash salad were both well-seasoned and delicious. The squash salad was a surprise hit due to the great combo flavor of the jerk and the curry dressing. Very nice! The cassava fritters are always great and I also enjoyed those! Our server Joshua was great. The only issue was the host had to close us out quickly to make room for another reservation that was booked for the table where we were sitting. It was very rushed and we didn't even want to stay at the bar, nor was that offered as an option, so we left. My friend was visiting from out of town and that left a bad impression on her because she hadn't yet finished drinking the coffee she ordered. It's unfortunate that everything was fine up until the end of our experience. Other than this, the food was fantastic! read more

Had a fantastic meal here on a recent weekend visit to see our daughter. Reservations are preferred, but we were walk-ups and were lucky enough to get the last table on their cute little outside patio space. Our server was a bit absent minded, so the entire meal experience took much longer than anticipated, but the food quality more than made up for this minor inconvenience. I also noticed they have a nice looking Happy Hour menu (Tu-Th from 5:30-7:00pm) so may have to return and take advantage of that offer! My wife and I shared several dishes...a watermelon salad, jerk wings and finally a beef brisket dinner plate. The salad had a lovely presentation on the plate, ringed with watermelon slices that had been marinated and then topped with peppery arugula leaves, chunks of jicama, corn, pumpkin seeds and a tart citrus dressing. The jerk wings were absolutely killer...smoked with a spicy rub on top and served with a creamy remoulade style sauce for dipping and cooling. Finally, the slow-n-low smoked beef brisket that was so tender you could easily cut it with a fork! Slices were topped with a rich sauce that accentuated the cut of meat. It came with sides of fried, sticky plantains and a macaroni pie akin to mac-n-cheese that was piping hot and ohhh so gooey delicious! We will no doubt be returning here on another daughter visit to DC. This place is a true gem! read more

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Had a great birthday dinner at St. James! I was greeted and sat right away. The space is small, but cozy. The lighting makes for a romantic vibe. We started the dinner with the jerk wings and crab accras (both on happy hour at the time we went) and both were delicious! The accras are a must in my opinion. So delicious and the accompanying sauces were delicious. For dinner we ordered the oxtail with coconut rice and a side of sweet plantains. The oxtail was SO tender, but I wanted them to have more flavor. The coconut rice and plantains were delicious! The service was incredible. The entire staff were friendly and personable. I would definitely go back and encourage you to give it a try!! read more

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Staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. The jerk wings were tender but spicy. The pressed chicken was also tender but lacked seasoning. This was extremely bland and had a lot of gristle. The collard greens had a chalky texture, most likely due to the addition of coconut milk. The mac & cheese was by far the star of the menu. It was cheesy, well seasoned, and extremely flavorful. This was hands down the perfect macaroni and cheese, 10/10. read more

St James - Modern Caribbean - Macaroni Pie, Sweet Fried Plantains (v), collard Smoky Greens (v) & Coconut Rice (v) - Caribbean Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Another flawless birthday meal at this place the brings the magic consistently! It's my second bday dinner here and each time the staff is amazing - the candles are lit - the music is bumping and you feel SPECIAL!!! The flavors never disappoint and we've never ordered anything bad! read more

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