St James - Modern Caribbean
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Saint James was the first stop on the For the Culture: DMV Food Tour, and despite my feelings about the tour itself, this restaurant definitely made a good first impression. The décor is beautiful, the vibe is on point, and the Afrobeats had me ready to stay all night. The staff was friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even better. Now...if you're sitting by the windows, don't be surprised if you get a little free entertainment. There were some interesting characters outside banging on the glass, but hey...that's city life. As for the food, I know the tour menu was only a small sample, so I'm trying not to judge the restaurant too harshly. The brisket was good, the greens were good, but the mac and cheese just didn't do it for me. It had this delayed spice that caught me off guard, and I wasn't a fan. That said, I've heard their regular menu is much better than what we were served on the tour, so I'm absolutely willing to spin the block. Between the beautiful décor, good service, authentic Caribbean menu, and Afrobeats setting the mood, I can definitely see myself coming back for the full experience.
The restaurant interior is very nice, and the high top tables have very comfortable chairs. We started with the jerk wings and pork pow for apps. Jerk wings were tender! The pork pow was a bit over salted and didn't come out that hot. For mains we shared the paratha platter with 2 beef (instead of 1 beef 1 goat). I did appreciate the option to switch out the goat! This also didn't come out super hot. We liked the chickpea curry the most, and the beef was just a bit plain. We weren't huge fans of the pumpkin. Overall we weren't blown away, might prefer Cane over this! Service was very quick though and food came out fast.
I was excited to try St. James Modern Caribbean as part of the For the Culture DMV Food Tour, but unfortunately, this dish was a nope for me. We sampled the greens, mac & cheese, and brisket with gravy, served family-style. The greens were well-seasoned, but the texture was off and they lacked the flavorful finish I was hoping for. The mac & cheese was definitely cheesy, but the flavor just wasn't there for me. The brisket was the biggest disappointment--it was tough rather than tender, and the gravy didn't save it. Overall, the presentation and concept were nice, but the food didn't deliver on flavor or texture for me. Unfortunately, this one gets a NOPE.
My first time having Trinidad culture food & it was absolutely delicious.Lots of spices & flavors. The service was FIRST CLASS, make sure to ask for Pierre's section...thank you Pierre for the delicious recommendations & service.The Pepper Shrimp was "AMAZING" along with the rest of our dishes.They have bread that's good called Roti which is delicious.It reminded me of a tortilla but lighter & softer. It's a little loud but the vibe is nice.They play nice jazz & there is a full bar.Great place to meet friends & definitely a date.Parking is a challenge but definitely worth it & everything was clean. When I'm back in DC again I'll visit St James again,
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
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
St. James is a very special place. We had heard of the great reviews and entered this place with hopes and dreams of leaving with full tummies and satiated souls. This place did not disappoint. First, make a reservation. I cannot stress this enough. It gets packed. Second, come hungry and with a group if you want more options to try. This is definitely a place where sharing makes sense. The oxtail was extremely tender and flavorful, with that rich, slow-cooked depth you want from oxtail without it feeling heavy. The jerk wings are a must-have. Perfectly seasoned with that unmistakable jerk flavor and just the right amount of spiciness. The dipping sauce helps temper the heat without completely taking away the flavor. The fried snapper with rice was exceptional. The whole fish was beautifully crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside, and the coconut-based sauce/chutney brought a bright, tangy contrast to the fried fish. The roti comes with options for proteins. We picked the goat and beef, along with chickpeas and pumpkin. The tender, savory meat paired really well with the creamy, curried chickpeas and slightly sweet pumpkin. It also came with three dipping sauces and roti, giving us plenty of different flavor combinations to try! As for sides, absolutely get the plantains and macaroni pie. The plantains were cooked perfectly and beautifully caramelized, with a ginger glaze that was not overwhelmingly gingery. Even Michelin specifically calls out St. James' sweet plantains finished with candied ginger. The macaroni pie is basically macaroni and cheese's Caribbean cousin ! It is creamy, cheesy, baked/grilled until you get those delicious browned edges, with seasoning that gives it a distinctly Caribbean character. St. James was added to the MICHELIN Guide Washington, D.C. selection, so apparently our hopes and dreams were not misplaced. It isn't Michelin-starred or a Bib Gourmand; it's a Michelin Guide Selected restaurant. Reasonable prices for sure! Absolutely amazing meal! 10/10! 5/5! Whatever the metrics are!!! read more
This was a pleasant surprise. Walking in I was really excited that this restaurant was on the smaller side. Music was playing but it wasn't super loud, I could actually hear my conversation. We came for happy hour and had the jerk wings, pork buns, and the crab accras. Everything came out piping hot. You can tell the food was made with love and passion, delicious. Our waiter, Tim was so knowledgeable. He spoke about the food like he was invested. The excitement in his voice when we spoke about how much we loved the food was cool! He even recommended that we try one of their sister restaurants. We will be back for sure. read more
The food here was just okay. It felt like it was trying to be Caribbean food, but it missed the mark to me. To be honest, i live in NYC. So my threshold for Caribbean food is pretty high, and you would think with the prices of things on their menu it would be a hit. It wasn't. To start, the ambiance was amazing! It was a beautiful space. Beautifully decorated. I loved the pops of emerald across the space. They didn't have a table for 4 available when we went. So we sat at the bar. The hostess did inform us at the time that they were short staffed so the wait time may be a little excessive. We understood and took the seats anyway. We had just missed happy hour, which was a bummer. But the people i was with wanted to order food. So i ordered my 1 and only drink. I tried some of the food that was ordered. I first tried the brisket... uhm... lol. Let's just say it tasted more like roast than brisket. It was very saucey, tender and fatty. But the flavor was missing something. It had a twinge of sweetness on the backhand. It wasn't bad. It just wasn't what i expected. The black rice was also just okay. I love me some Haitian food, but this wasn't that. lol. It was a bit spicy on the backend which i didn't hate. But that was probably my favorite bite of the night. The drinks were good. They were pretty standard to see my bill for my one drink come out to a whopping $30!! And i live in NYC and have NEVER paid that much for a drink... i was shocked and appalled lol. I didn't get anything extra added.. so the sidecar extra charge definitely threw me for a loop, and that's when i realized it was time to go. Would i recommend, uhm... maybe. It's definitely not a must like they claim on socials. It's okay food and drinks. But they can definitely improve. 3/5. See pics below read more
Saint James was the first stop on the For the Culture: DMV Food Tour, and despite my feelings about the tour itself, this restaurant definitely made a good first impression. The décor is beautiful, the vibe is on point, and the Afrobeats had me ready to stay all night. The staff was friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even better. Now...if you're sitting by the windows, don't be surprised if you get a little free entertainment. There were some interesting characters outside banging on the glass, but hey...that's city life. As for the food, I know the tour menu was only a small sample, so I'm trying not to judge the restaurant too harshly. The brisket was good, the greens were good, but the mac and cheese just didn't do it for me. It had this delayed spice that caught me off guard, and I wasn't a fan. That said, I've heard their regular menu is much better than what we were served on the tour, so I'm absolutely willing to spin the block. Between the beautiful décor, good service, authentic Caribbean menu, and Afrobeats setting the mood, I can definitely see myself coming back for the full experience. read more
2 months ago
The restaurant interior is very nice, and the high top tables have very comfortable chairs. We started with the jerk wings and pork pow for apps. Jerk wings were tender! The pork pow was a bit over salted and didn't come out that hot. For mains we shared the paratha platter with 2 beef (instead of 1 beef 1 goat). I did appreciate the option to switch out the goat! This also didn't come out super hot. We liked the chickpea curry the most, and the beef was just a bit plain. We weren't huge fans of the pumpkin. Overall we weren't blown away, might prefer Cane over this! Service was very quick though and food came out fast. read more
2 months ago
I was excited to try St. James Modern Caribbean as part of the For the Culture DMV Food Tour, but unfortunately, this dish was a nope for me. We sampled the greens, mac & cheese, and brisket with gravy, served family-style. The greens were well-seasoned, but the texture was off and they lacked the flavorful finish I was hoping for. The mac & cheese was definitely cheesy, but the flavor just wasn't there for me. The brisket was the biggest disappointment--it was tough rather than tender, and the gravy didn't save it. Overall, the presentation and concept were nice, but the food didn't deliver on flavor or texture for me. Unfortunately, this one gets a NOPE. read more
3 months ago
My first time having Trinidad culture food & it was absolutely delicious.Lots of spices & flavors. The service was FIRST CLASS, make sure to ask for Pierre's section...thank you Pierre for the delicious recommendations & service.The Pepper Shrimp was "AMAZING" along with the rest of our dishes.They have bread that's good called Roti which is delicious.It reminded me of a tortilla but lighter & softer. It's a little loud but the vibe is nice.They play nice jazz & there is a full bar.Great place to meet friends & definitely a date.Parking is a challenge but definitely worth it & everything was clean. When I'm back in DC again I'll visit St James again, 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
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
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
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
7 months ago
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
5 months ago
18 days ago
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
11 months ago
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
11 months ago
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
2 months ago
I stopped in for the lunch special, and it was outstanding. The setting is small and intimate, making it a great place to enjoy a relaxed meal. The oxtail was incredibly tender, and every item on the plate complemented the others perfectly. The flavors came together beautifully. I'll definitely be back. read more
2 months ago
1 year ago
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
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
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
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
1 year ago
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
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
8 months ago
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
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
7 months ago
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
1 year ago
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
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
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
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2017 14th St NW
Washington, DC 20009
U Street Corridor
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(202) 695-8620
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https://stjames-dc.com
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How is the parking?
I believe it's regular street parking. I last went about 3 weeks ago on a Sunday afternoon, I ended up parking on a side street about 2 blocks away
I was trying to make a reservation for one on Resy but it wouldn't allow it. How do I make a reservation for one?
Hi, please make a reservation for 2 and make a note in the special request section that it will be one person. We’ll then update the party size accordingly.
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