The James, Essex — Restaurant in Essex

Well…….we went to The James (formerly The Village) on Main St in Essex and were not impressed at all. I had high hopes because The Village had been a family favorite for decades. The remodel was done tastefully, though with the most attention being made in the bar area. I guess that sets the tone for the new business …it’s a bar that also serves food. When we first arrived, just after noon, we were surprised to see only one or two cars in the parking lot. I just thought we were early, but even when we left at 2:00ish, there were still only a few cars. We were the only people in the greenhouse area, there was one couple inside and two couples outside, if I remember correctly. After eating, I realized it’s likely because the food just isn’t very good.

My hubby ordered Salt and Pepper Chicken wings. Easy enough one would think, except you couldn’t taste either salt or pepper! They were so bland! The Blue Cheese dip that came with them had been watered down so greatly, it also had no taste and there was only one small speck of blue cheese in the bottom of the dish. I tried one of the wings and it was undercooked! The chicken meat still had a little rawness to it. Just awful. He also ordered the Tuna tartar and it was actually good. It is the only reason I gave the food rating a 3 and not a 2. It’s hard to mess up raw tuna, so thankfully it was good. I ordered the special of the day, Jerk Salmon with pineapple salsa and put it on their Arugula Grilled Peach goat cheese salad. It sounded wonderful! In reality, the salmon (though it looked delicious) was the saltiest food I’ve ever been served in any restaurant EVER! I could only eat it if I put it with the pineapple salsa and took a big chug of water with each bite. It was AWFUL! When the waitress came to ask how the food was I told her it was the saltiest food I’d ever been served and she said “I order it all the time and I think it’s great!” Ummmm…. so I choked it down and then burped it up for the rest of the day. :(. Thank goodness for the pineapple salsa tho! The Gilled peach salad was all arugula, which I love, but there were only two tiny wedges of peach, barely enough to taste, and the cheese? I could hardly find it. There was the tiniest of sprinkle on top. There was also supposed to be candied walnuts but I only found a couple tiny pieces. It seems like maybe the restaurant is struggling financially, so they’re cutting back on anything that might cost money, like Thinning our dressings, cutting back on quality ingredients? I don’t know, just a guess. Maybe if you’re just going here to drink, it’s a nice place with a decent atmosphere, but if you’re looking for food, I can think of 10 other places to go to first that would be much better. They obviously don’t care about the product they’re putting out. I think Gordon Ramsey needs to go here and straighten them out. It’s a shame because it’s a great location. I hope they try tasting their recipes before serving them. Maybe they’ll get...

If you’re ever in Essex and looking for a memorable brunch experience, The James should definitely be on your list. My recent Sunday birthday brunch there was nothing short of spectacular, and I have to share the highlights!

We started with the brunch burger (though I can’t recall the exact name), and it was a true showstopper. The burger came perfectly cooked, with a rich, flavorful patty that paired beautifully with a freshly fried egg on top. The runny yolk was a delightful addition, creating a creamy texture that complemented the savory elements of the dish. The cheese was melted perfectly, adding a mild richness that rounded out the flavors. Served on a soft bun, this burger quickly became a favorite, with the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

To follow up the savory goodness, we were treated to a cheesecake as a birthday treat, and let me tell you—it was beyond amazing. The cheesecake was rich, creamy, and had just the right amount of sweetness. The texture was smooth, not too dense, and the crust had the perfect amount of crunch. Every bite was indulgent, and it was a wonderful end to the meal.

The drinks were top-notch as well. I had a mimosa to start, and it was perfectly bubbly with the right balance of champagne and juice. The refreshing flavors made it the ideal brunch companion, and the overall drink selection had something for everyone. I also noticed that the staff offered a variety of signature cocktails, which seemed to be very popular with other guests.

Speaking of the staff, the service was exceptional. Our server was friendly, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed without being overbearing. It was clear they wanted to ensure a great experience for everyone, and it truly made the meal feel even more special.

Overall, The James in Essex is a fantastic spot for a relaxed yet refined brunch. The food, drinks, and service all exceeded expectations, and I highly recommend it for a Sunday outing—whether it’s for a special occasion or just a well-deserved treat. I’ll...

I've been to The James twice now and both times the food and the service has been excellent. The first time I had the Halibut and it was wonderful. The second time I had the Short Rib and Ale pie and it was just perfect! Portions are generous, and service was friendly, attentive, and fast. My only complaint is the noise level. Yes I know it's a pub and there's music playing and people are there to eat, drink, and be merry (as is their right). But both times I've found myself having to lean half way across the table and practically shout in order to hear and be heard by the person I'm dining with. Again, understandable for a crowded pub, especially around St. Patty's Day, but it's borderline excessive. Last night we were seated next to a table of three women who SHREIKED, SQUAWKED, SCREECHED and SCREAM laughed so loud i found myself physically cringing and as I'm writing this the morning after, my left eardrum (they were sitting to our left) is still throbbing. The excessive noise level ruined what was otherwise a great dining experience. This is not necessarily the fault of the restaurant - people are going to be loud in a loud environment and going to a pub you know the noise is just going to be part of the atmosphere but I can't think of any other time I've been to a bar or restaurant where my ears are throbbing the day after.

I'd be willing to give it one last shot on a more "off" day and time, and maybe when the weather is warmer, outdoor seating will be a little less loud and I'd be willing to give it another try because the food is definitely worth going back for, but sadly I won't be going back Thursday - Sunday between the hours of 5pm and 8pm because a great meal just isn't worth damaging my...