The James

Located off Maybank Highway on James Island, The James serves traditional American fare in an inviting, family-friendly, “nice” casual setting.

Opened in July 2023 in the space formerly occupied by Zia Taqueria, The James is locally owned and operated by the Neighborhood Dining Group, which includes downtown Charleston staples Husk, Delaney Oyster House and Minero. The James’ personable staff delivers top-notch hospitality, with the goal of creating a community gathering spot that keeps guests coming back.

However, exceptional service can only take patrons so far; the food needs to shine as well. Executive Chef Mark Keiser, previously of The Dewberry and Oak Steakhouse, heads the kitchen, which specializes in contemporary and quality American cuisine. Keiser adds the chef’s kiss by bringing more than 20 years of restaurant and culinary chops to the table.

If hundreds of Google reviews are any indication, patrons are raving about the standard of meals coming out of Keiser’s kitchen, awarding high marks for preparation, flavor and presentation. Several dishes involve creative twists on the classics, with The James’ relaxed and welcoming atmosphere providing another major draw.

Signature menu items include starters and appetizers like the dippin’ shrimp, a fried shrimp appetizer served with a sauce trio of cocktail, remoulade and chili lime, or the spicy Caesar salad topped with crisp romaine, parmesan, lemon zest and spicy breadcrumbs. Other folks swear by the Parker House rolls served with honey butter.

Featured entrees entail the Maryland crab cakes, mouthwatering baby back ribs and tender pecan encrusted chicken with sweet potato puree, green beans and roasted cherry sauce. More than one happy diner described the crab cakes at The James as the “best I’ve ever had in my life.”

If you find yourself in more of a handheld-foods-mood, their standout sandwich selection is the prime rib melt, stacked with shaved prime rib, horseradish cream, melted cheese and crispy onions, served au jus for dipping.

You can also forego the bread part altogether and opt for the succulent, melt-in-your-mouth prime rib — another frequently highlighted item in customer reviews — on its own, paired with horseradish and au jus. Elevate the dish even further by adding lump crab or sauteed shrimp for an additional charge to marry your surf and turf together in one plate. Plenty of delectable sides, such as fries, sauteed green beans, mac & cheese, potato puree, a small green salad, grilled asparagus or grilled broccolini can accompany any dish.

While encompassing some of the same items as the dinner menu, the lunch menu offers a wider variety of sandwich and wrap choices from a buffalo chicken or Southern fried chicken sandwich (the latter layered with Duke’s mayo, pimento cheese and pickles) to a BLT or a Caesar salad wrap. You can also order the lunch combo of soup and salad, picking between French onion soup or the mushroom soup with its aesthetically pleasing puff pastry dome. You’ll choose your salad among spicy Caesar, Tuscan green, strawberry or green salad.

Perhaps you would rather treat yourself to the savory and decadent moules-frites, PEI mussels tossed in white wine, cream, garlic, lemon and herbs and served with French fries. At both lunch and dinner, you can enjoy the fresh catch of the day, either seared or blackened, which comes with potato puree and sauteed green beans. For dessert, the key lime pie received more than a few glowing mentions in the reviews.

The James didn’t forget about your little ones, either. They feature a kids’ menu full of childhood favorites like mac & cheese, buttered noodles, chicken tenders, cheeseburgers and grilled cheeses served with fries or green beans. The meal also comes with a kid’s fountain drink.

Prices are typical of the Charleston restaurant scene, however portions are on the generous side, so even if you bring your appetite, you still might end up toting some food home for a bonus second meal or a midnight snack.

While you await your order, why not wind down with a libation? The James boasts an extensive list of iconic martinis and innovative cocktails. Signature mixed drinks include the espresso martini, an indulgent blend of Ketel One vodka, cold brew, espresso liqueur and vanilla, and the pecan old fashioned, a Southern twist on the original, combining Evan Williams bib bourbon, pecan and a bitters blend.

If an espresso martini isn’t your thing, they have everything from chocolate and lemon drop to the French martini with vanilla vodka, pineapple and Chambord — a black raspberry liqueur. The junglebird, a frozen concoction of coconut liquor, spiced rum and Campari, provides a refreshing option to help you cool down during those sweltering summer evenings in the Lowcountry.   

A quality collection of wines featuring an array of reds, whites, sparkling and rosé selections from France, Italy, California and Oregon are available to pair with your meal as well. The James carries local craft beers from Coast, Low Tide, Palmetto and Edmund’s Oast in addition to other domestics and imports. A generous spirits selection, including a well-appointed whiskey list, rounds out the drink selections.

Have a furry sidekick who loves to accompany you around town on your adventures? Don’t forget to bring your four-legged companions to join you on the dog-friendly patio.

The James is open seven days a week, serving lunch Wednesday-Sunday and dinner daily. Happy hour is from 5-6 p.m. Monday through Tuesday and 4-6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. Visit thejameschs.com to get a better taste. ϒ

The James

1939A Maybank Hwy, Charleston

843-278-1066

info@thejameschs.com