James At The Mill

I don’t what what these bad reviews are all about. I come here on business several times a year. I live in Manhattan, and eat at fine restaurants all of the time. This is the best restaurant in the area, bar none. I’ve never had anything but delicious food and excellent service.

Everything about James at the Mill is excellent. Service is very good without being overly attentive, and as for the entrees, they were exceptional. Only comment, the fusilli is a bit rich with the andouille sausage and the portion is a little bit large. It is rare that a restaurant can make chicken breast into something spectacular.

The only reason I gave 1 star is because you have to.
The décor was beautiful the staff very friendly and quick to refill your glass but the food was pathetic.
Too artsy fartsy. The Caesar salad was the stupidest thing that was ever served to me.
The potato soup, well the 3 ounce bowl it was served in was a complete joke. It was good but it was done after the third spoonful.
After finishing my meal I needed to go to another restaurant so I could eat and fill up.
Not to mention expensive.
Very disappointing, would never recommend or return to this place.
If your hungry don’t go here. If want to see art and your anorexic then this is the place.

I went here the other night with a group of friends and I expected big things from it. Came out having the worse meals of my life. The burger was disgusting. I am suppose to eat a burger with my hands and it just all fell out. For a $ 16 burger, I couldn’t gotten something better at McDonalds or something. The service was slow in general too. I waited like 20 – 30 minutes after I ordered to get my food. I would never recommend this place to anyone. They’ve lost my interest. Best thing about the place was the strawberry shortcake. Can’t screw that up.

Gorgeous restaurant! I went during the day and it was beautiful. I can’t imagine the views during the evening when its a little dark outside. I could see tea lights decorating the garden area just outside the restaurant hidden amongst the flower beds– I’m sure when lit, they create a romantic atmosphere. The picture I’m including in my review is of a salad I ordered from the appetizer section of the menu. It was described as follows: «James’ Caesar salad in a potato cage with shaved Parmesan, garlic-​shallot croutons, cherry tomatoes and pink and black peppercorns». The salad was $ 10.00 which I thought was fairly priced for a unique and tasty starter. See more of my reviews on

Seemed nice at first but the service was terrible. Waiter only came by a total of three times the whole meal. My cocktail glass remained empty almost the whole stay. We ordered the Sea Bass and it was fishy so we sent them back and ordered the filet. It was good. Honestly Ruth’s Chris is way better for the same money. If you live in Rogers or Bentonville there is no need to drive to Johnson.

The food was deserving of four stars but they’ll lose one star each for 1) décor and 2) clientele.
1) Décor — nice but seemed a bit dated. In the modern upscale restaurant it is almost expected to have an intimate relation with the kitchen, unfortunately no views of the kitchen were afforded due to a row of otherwise pleasant looking teapots. They didn’t add much and I would recommend removal to another part of the restaurant to allow patrons the view that matters. Beyond this the general décor screams 1998, which is fine but getting on in years.
2) Clientele — I know there’s not much they can do about this but the gentleman sitting to my left put forth this gem: «I’m not being racist but most of these black athletes are raised by single mothers and grandmothers, they can’t help it if…» (I believe I tuned him out at this point). Word of advice to that gentleman, if you have to start a sentence with «I’m not being racist», you are. The comment was not fit for Burger King, let alone one of the purported finest dining establishments in NWA.
Other than these two things the meal was pleasant, food was overly complicated with respect to plating but I think that is to be expected.

We waited over 1 hour to receive our meal. I received my salmon and it was raw. Spoke with the Manager (Stuart) and he told me that our order had only been in for 30 min. Never came to table to apologize. Very indifferent. One of the worst restaurant experiences I have ever had!

I’m giving this place 2 stars only because the building is pretty cool and walking around the mill to take pictures is nice. Other than that, I probably will never go back. I took my fiancé here for his birthday thinking the food would be exceptionally good. I was wrong. Both of our dishes were nothing but mediocre and absolutely not worth the price. When we walked into the restaurant, the host hardly even greeted us for our dinner reservation… He was busy texting on his phone. The service seemed overall really slow for a place that had hardly any customers. I told the server it was my fiancé’s birthday and asked if she could bring out a chocolate dessert with a candle. She said of course! Once we were done with our meals, she brought out a pathetic melted chocolate chip cookie with vanilla ice cream on top and no candle. It was pretty sad, especially for how much they charged for the dessert in the first place. This place was a huge disappointment for us. We won’t be coming back.

3 stars for several reasons. The food was mediocre. I’ve eaten here several times over the years and felt it was enjoyable, yet each subsequent meal was slightly less pleasurable than the last. The wine suggestion was good, really good, yet the place seemed a bit tired. There was something off here and I will give them another try, although if still wobbly, I will spend my time and considerable money elsewhere.

«The food here is very tall» … is how someone described this restaurant to me. From that moment on, i was intrigued.
The place certainly has a a flair for the dramatics — ranging from the unique artwork around the dining area, all the way to the plating of the bread sticks — which was ‘very tall’…haha.
Coming here — you’ll quickly see that food isn’t plated in a boring way. The most unique was the Andouille Corndog appetizer. The thing was an erect phallic shaped masterpiece, propped up upon a mound of mashed potatoes, drizzled in a pool of some kind of tart brown mustard worth noting (but now forgetting) the origin. This thing was amazing — not only for its pseudo undertones, but for the flavor in general. Strange enough that the dish was an appetizer, when i think it would really shine as a main entrée (although i think they offer it).
An average $$$ rating of this establishment — sets the bar pretty high on all fronts; at leas for me. However, when the ribeye steak is not on point — brownie points are lost.
Wasn’t really too thrilled on the cut of steak. It was too fatty, and was not cooked well enough. Almost seemed as if the steak was allowed to ‘rest’ on my plate, consequently allowing the juices to spew all over the plate. Seemed messy, and needed to be careful not to splash around the juices onto the table.
Enter dessert round…
Overall not bad, but also not memorable enough — i originally wanted to order the banana bread pudding dessert thingy, but instead was served the apple tart thingy with the vanilla ice cream. Slight mix up — that i didn’t realize until way later when the damage was done — but didn’t mind — because i didn’t hate it.
Service was good.
Location was good.
Overall … A OK.

I have been here many times and the food is always amazing. Yes it is a formal restaurant, but that’s what’s so nice, a reason to actually have an experience while dining out. The staff is very attentive and the food is exceptional, never have had a mediocre meal here. Make sure to make a reservation.

I wasn’t impressed. The food was lackluster. The service, however, was great.
I’m not sure, perhaps I walked into the establishment with too high of hopes — especially since it was a significant event. Regardless, the location is amazing. The views, great. The food, however, made me beg for more… also, it made me sick. :(
I’m sorry. I really want to give this place a higher rating. I really do.

I’m not sure why the reviews were so great. I decided to go for my anniversary dinner and could not have been more disappointed. Paying 100 dollars per person I would have expected better food and establishment.
Don’t get me wrong the décor is very pretty, what is not pretty however was the spiderweb (egg sack included) right beside my head on the wall. .literally 5 inches from me. This was not the only sac of spiders in the restaurant that was visible either. We were seated by the kitchen and alli can say is don’t look up!
As far as food, we ordered the center cut tenderloin with Mac and cheese as well as the chicken breast and risotto. The beef was cooked wonderfully, the mac and cheese was mediocre at best, and the greens that accompanied it all were lack luster. The meat was definitely the star. The chicken breast was simply ok. A for effort C for execution. The risotto was a disappointment. Slightly under cooked and tasteless.
The only redeeming quality, and the reason 2 stars were given, was the service. Charlie was our waitress and she was great. You have to be to stick up for the food in this place.
Over all, do not waste your money. If you want a meal go to Theo’s or Greenhouse Grille for dinner. At least they can make a decent risotto.

Went to dinner for a nice night out with the hubby. The atmosphere is eclectic and nicely blends old and new… taking elements from the 124 yr old Inn at the Mill that it is partnered with and modern elements that represent the type of cuisine. We sat on the second floor which is actually the main level, feels like a loft and overlooks a large, 2 story glassed-​in wall and bottom floor seating area. Beautiful view of the outdoor gardens and water features.
The food was exquisite! My husband had the crab cake and I had the Caesar salad as apps. Both were very artfully presented and prepared perfectly. In the Caesar salad the chef includes peppercorns which adds a nice kick to the dressing. For entrees we enjoyed the center cut beef tenderloin with herb-​crusted mac and cheese and the beef short rib with knockie (sp?). Both dishes were cooked well and the sauces that accompanied them were outstanding! My mac and cheese was sooooo yummy! I’m not usually a mac and cheese fan but this was NOT blue box Kraft. The cheese was rich and flavorful and the herb crust added a beautiful texture as well as additional flavor. I would have licked the bowl if I wasn’t in such a fancy setting.
For dessert we had the crème brûlée and the pecan pie with bourbon chocolate chip ice cream. No words needed on these beauties, just YUM!
The only thing keeping me from making this is a 5 star review is that our server, while very friendly and efficient, didn’t seem credible when asked about recommended wine options. She shared which wines she liked vs what we asked about. I would recommend that if a server doesn’t feel confident recommending a wine that they either offer a few samples or bring over the bartender or manager to add their expertise. My husband was also not given the option of tasting the wine prior to the full pour to ensure it was an acceptable option. I know these are a bit nit-​picky things but 5 star service has to have it all.
In general, I definitely recommend this place for a special occasion or intimate dinner. Not cheap but soooo worth it!

Totally outstanding. Had the corn dogs (andouille) for starter. Really good and very creative starter. Large enough for two. Main dish the pork loin with the potato galette big portion and really well done. My fellow coworker had the risotto. Also really well done. This restaurant could be in Chicago. Service really good too.

This is the email I submitted to the owner/​contact person at James At The Mill. Two days later I had not received a response.
As indicated in my correspondence, my delicious meal was not cheap. As indicated, I wasn’t feeling well so I barely touched my food. As indicated, I also had additional items shared with me by one of my dinner companions.
When a person purchases an item, it becomes theirs. To not give them (back) all they purchase is akin to a ‘butcher placing their thumb on the scale.’ Hence – two stars despite outstanding ambiance, food, and service.
«Jimmy, James at the Mill,
I had the pleasure of being a guest to dine at your establishment two nights ago. My … have frequented your restaurant on multiple occasions over the past many years (since you opened) and they have always loved their experience.
The ambiance, as you very well know, is exceptional. The service as well, albeit the reason for my communication.
I am a Unilocaler, and a Foursquarer. I „checked in“ on both when I arrived. I eat out a lot and am a frequent traveler, though not a world traveler like other members of my family. I am of kinda modest financial means which allow me to spend my food monies on simple pleasures. And once I fork out those green bills, I expect my purchases to me mine.
Hence, after I concluded consuming my ‘Cuban» dinner I asked for a take out box for the remains so that I could continue to enjoy my hard earned money paid for meal at a later time. My plate included two pieces of one of my table mates bbq ribs which he graciously shared. I was not feeling well when we went to dinner (business meeting) so I had NOT eaten much of my meal. When I asked one of the industrious young persons who had been attentively addressing our needs that evening for a take out box he complied promptly… by reaching for my plate. I repeated earnestly, that I wanted a box. He firmly replied that he would ‘take care of my needs.’ With great trepidation and grim reluctance I admonished him to include EVERY SINGLE SCRAP AND DROP on my plate. He assured me he would. When he returned with the container it appeared too small to hold all the food I had left on my plate, and I questioned him. He again assured me that ‘every single scrap and drop’ had been included. As I said, I wasn’t feeling well so I relented.
The next day, yesterday, I opened my little treasure of expensive leftovers to savor and enjoy. Man oh man! I stirred my fork through all the meager remains sitting in the box. I had to ascertain with certainty that what I feared was indeed correct. «Yep» and (expletive) I said to myself with gritted teeth and pressed lips. I then had to start regulating my breathing as my pulse picked up, because the anger was coming, and… your food is not worthy of my wrath. I had to wait another day to talk to you about it, and before I decide to Unilocal or Foursquare my experience.
The ribs were not in the box (by the way, I have dogs and I was going to share the bones with them). So, since the ribs had not been included I could easily conclude that much of the beans and rice of my meal had not either – as I suspected when I questioned the gentleman when he brought to me a small box to store my unconsumed meal.
This is my story. I now await your response. Thank you very much.”

Very little could have disappointed me more. The good — the price. We ordered three courses for $ 55 a person, not too bad really. The dessert was exceptional. The bar drinks came out the same time as the non alcoholic. That is where the good ends.
The food was either WAY too greasy or WAY too sweet. Every bite of everything was either loaded with grease or loaded with sugar. All five of us agreed with this. Being able to cook steak, chicken, ribs and pork perfectly doesn’t matter when the flavor balance is horrible. The balance was quite disgusting actually.
If you are looking for really great & unusual cuisine, go to The Hive or Tusk and Trotter. I will never go back to James at the Mill… Unless it’s for dessert. The dessert is the only reason this isn’t a 1 star review.

I loved the atmosphere of this restaurant. It was a bit eclectic with odes to art deco and southern urban rustic décor (contemporary without being pretentious).
I’ve never been one to insist that my plate of food should look like something in the Guggenheim, but heck… I will have to admit that I was amazed at the food presentation. Amazed, bewildered and slightly tickled.
Ok…so if you order the Corn Dog appetizer — it looks like a Penis having a Happy Ending. No kidding. So I’m taking out my camera like a tourist nut job (pardon the pun) and snapping shots of my boyfriend staring in disbelief. Do we eat this or do we… well…I think we are supposed to eat this. So… I take the toothpick at the top of the corndog… which is attached to a crispy chip type thing (yummy yummy) and proceeded to consume said chorizo dog. We could have stopped there… really…but both had scrumptious meals of steak and fish.
I’ve seen some of the negative reviews of this place but in all honesty… it’s one of my best meal experiences… EVER. Loved it but it makes me wonder when I go again… will it hold up to my first experience. Humm… I wonder if they serve Clams ;-)

The reviews on Unilocal actually surprise me for this place. For such an expensive meal we would have hoped for much more than what we got. I ordered the cowboy ribeye which was not good at all. It felt like it had literally been marinated in charcoal, and rubbed around on the coals before being thrown on the grill for six minutes a side. My fiancé had a beef wellington which was very bland, and nothing to write home about. We shared starters which was not up to par.
The only redeeming thing about the restaurant were the desserts. I had the banana pudding with the plantain, which was really pretty good. Was the dinner worth 218 $? Absolutely not. Don’t waste your time here, just head to Ruth’s Chris.