James Place

Service was very slow. only 2 other patrons in restaurant. My husbands chicken pesto flat bread had no chicken. My four cheese flat bread had a terrible tasting cheese on it. Waited long time to just get water refilled. This was our 2^nd and last visit. Young blond waitress could care less about serving you and should be fired/

It’s such a quaint little place… Tucked away in an old century home. This is a place where to locals go to have a great glass of wine and some tasty appetizers. It’s the perfect place for couples after a date or movie. I wouldn’t recommend James’ for singles, as most of the people there are couples or in groups. Love the atmosphere. It’s a local gem.

Great Place to relax with a glass or bottle of vino. This is a place to enjoy a drink. There are food options which are for the most part great… but don’t roll through thinking it’s a drive thru with the food available at window #2. Take your time, and enjoy.
PS James is often present and onsite. Nice to see an owner-​operator in the mix of daily operations.

We ordered the house wine which was good. The atmosphere was great, our server was kind, but the kitchen seemed really slow. They said there was a large party, and full house which I understand however coming from the restaurant business there is now way a cheese board (that was missing the apples) should take more then ten mins to prepare. There is no excuse for our entrée taking almost an hour especially for pasta. I was also served the wrong dessert.

I visited James Place recently I have not been there since last year
The food was good but it seems like there was a change in the consistency and presentation of the food
I remember being here in fact the chef to come out to the table to see how everything was as we were very pleased back on my second or third visit last year
The place had a buzz back then about it and it seemed a lot more happening and interesting diners coming in to try the new approach of that menu when they first change from just doing small plates 204 menu
I could always count on the interesting special board that was up there and the food presentation was excellent then as well as the variety and freshness of the product
So I asked the server if there were any changes recently on the food
She explained to me yes that the chef who was there before is now gone and they have a new chef named Bill and walked away quickly as to avoid more on the subject
She didn’t seem too happy about telling me that as if the place had lost the drive that it seem to have started to pick up and have the potential to probably be one of the best restaurants in the area and most likely more profitable for her as well
She was pleasant but just seemed to want to get the night over with since it was slow
Our meal was just okay but it just did not have all the principles and dynamics of the plates when we were here when the past chef was here. It also took a lot longer to get the food even though the place was not busy .No visit to the table from the new chef and the place just seemed to be very lackluster as the food was as well
It seems whenever I see the owner here with drink in hand he’s not very focused on what’s going on in his restaurant more focused on drinking with his cronies
What a shame because it’s such a beautiful unique type of a place with the patio and a fire pit also
Not sure when we will return again

We went there with friends from the area — first time for all. First impression is «Quaint». Décor is somewhat haphazard. Noise level is quite high — had trouble understanding the reading of days specials. Service was VERY slow. Long wait for drinks, to order, receive appetizers, several minutes after finally ordering main course were told 2 of the days specials were sold out. If our order had been taken reasonably soon after we were seated, we probably would have been able to have the specials, but we were not able to order for almost 45 minutes after being seated. Delivery of all items was very slow — maybe they wanted us to drink up while waiting. When food did finally arrive, ribs were very good, salmon was ok, and the lamb ragu was mediocre at best. When the check came — much more rapidly than meal, i was really shocked at the price of a glass of single malt — neat. $ 19.95! I have had the same brand at several other places for no more than $ 13.50 — usually around $ 11 — 12.00.

Love this place!!! I had the four cheese flat bread and it was excellent. My husband had the spinach salad with salmon and it was great too!!! They have outdoor seating and let you have your dog with you if leashed of course. It was so quaint and romantic outdoors. Great place!!!

James place is such a warm welcoming place. Food is fantastic! Staff is very friendly and accommodating. Great place for dates, girls nights, or just to grab dinner. Will definitely keep returning.

This little house in Aurora not only has a nice wine selection and «neighborhood» bar, the food is usually very good. In the winter, it’s a warm atmosphere inside the small bar, that never feels too crowded despite the close quarters. Tables are available, for larger groups (8 – 10) the back room feels more intimate. There is also an additional private room available.
In the summer, the outdoor patio adds to the space, and service is still good even though you aren’t indoors. Later at night, there usually a roaring firepit that keeps the patio a feasible option even on chillier nights. My absolute favorite? The jalapeño poppers. Not deep fried, but cooked with chorizo, cheese and a creamy sauce w sour cream for dipping. My very favorite place in the area.

Can you clone this place? Please. I’d like one next door. I’d like one when I travel. I’m sort of worried about letting the secret out. The place is cozy and vibrant, but it’s not advertised as a restaurant, but I have to fill you in.
The food menu is top notch, 10/​10, A+, all those things.
So what’s good about it, you ask? Well, the selection, the execution, and the taste. The chicken pot pie had the best crust I’ve ever tasted. Additionally, the spare rib rocked my mouth. I was literally in shock that this place could exist and that it took me so long to find out about it. To top it off, the pricing is right in line with what I’d expect. It’s like a L’Albatros out in the country in Aurora.
In addition to the normal menu, they apparently have, during the week, $ 85 per person 6 or 7 course wine pairings with great food.

We had a wonderfully romantic evening at James Place. It looks so unassuming from the road but it is full of atmosphere and great food. While it is known for its variety of fine wines, their food is surprisingly good.
The menu is a little limited but there is something for everyone.
We loved the quite alcoves for seating inside the tavern and we have returned to sit outside in their courtyard.
The parking is limited but that is the only downside.
I rate it 4 ½ stars
BWH

Really friendly, intimate bar. Nice outdoor space. Friendly service. Had a great time here! Would definitely recommend a stop, if you’re looking for a nice bar in Aurora.

My husband and I are new to OH and stopped in to James place a couple of weeks ago. The service was friendly and attentive, they have a great wine selection (their house wine was a nice Spanish wine) and the pizza was good. Nice atmosphere, good mid week stop! We are looking forward to going back to hear live music sometime soon!

Yep, James Place is a blend of «Meh» and «A-​OK» — a 2.5 if you will.
As somebody who typically is a sucker for the classic or (even better) unexpected wine bar.. .well, James Place falls somewhere between predictable and average.
The service is complacent and ambivalent — do they have a Happy Hour or don’t they? Well, depending on who your server is, you’ll get a different answer. Nevermind that their website advertises $ 6 glasses of wine, $ 7 martinis, as well as a bottle of wine + pizza combo for only $ 25 until 7pm — you’ll have to point this information out (assertively) if you wish to receive.
It’s in my nature to look for a silver lining, so in James Place’s case.. .I’ll give their patio some credit — private and peaceful.
I must also admit, after requesting the white pizza to be extra garlic-​y (that was part of the Happy Hour special, umm, once I asked about it), I was fairly impressed.
Since I happen to live and work nearby James Place, I may continue to stop by from time to time — however, there needs to be some improvements made (especially to their waitstaff) before I ever become a regular.