James' Beachmothers day brunchThe mothers day brunch was good. You can walk to Venice Blvd in like 2 minutes after eating. We walked the blvd-got some sun and burned a few calories. :)5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMJames BeachA must go to Venice restaurant! James is the perfect host and runs this perfect eatery.
Every night is something new - a delightful place to be casual or romantic.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMMothers Day BrunchI am not a brunch person, period. Typical restaurants charge more for a "holiday" event and usually not as good as a regular day. James Beach is the exception. The food was great, very reasonable cost and our server was wonderful. My wife (who was the honoree, that being for Mother's Day) was also pleased. We viewed the regular menu and no doubt, will be back. Parking is easy
( a building lot next door and the restaurant validates ). The wine list is extensive and has something for everybody. There is also a full bar (with Mojitos, their specialty).5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMlocation is great. food is average.We went for brunch and the space was inviting and service was friendly and attentive. What was missing was great food to complete the experience. The food was average comparable to a decent diner. For the prices and location I expected a better menu of unique choices done right.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMMostly TerrificParking on Tuesday evening was easy. At 6:45 we had our choice of seating. Radiant heaters took the chill off perfectly. Choosing from the excellent menu was a challenge.
The mahi-mahi tacos would have benefited from corn tortillas. The garlic cream soup was a bit spicy.
I like my French fries thin, hot and crunchy. Theirs were merely acceptable.
I had the lasagna Bolognese, and the pasta was a bit mushy. I was I was not offered a garnish of freshly ground Parmesan cheese.
We lost count of the number of times we were asked if everything was satisfactory. Looking back I have to wonder what would have happened if I'd commented to them as I have above.
We will be back. I have to try the brisket pot roast and the filet Mignon sliders.5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMThose Magical Fish TacosThe fish tacos were had by everyone in my group - and no one was even slightly disappointed. I would recommend them highly.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMCan't beat the location andCan't beat the location and the sand dabs. Service by Jen was energetic and attentive.4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMI love this placeThis place has turned into my favorite neighborhood joint. The food is great and the bar always has interesting folks around4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMGinger martinis were perfecto!Monday night reservation at 6 pm. I arrived at 5:30 only to be turned away, but I went across the street to a bar (maybe the Canal Group?) that was having happy hour only to find out that both places were owned by same people. I was a bit annoyed at all but my $5.00 ginger martini helped me forget. At 6 pm I went back over to James Beach as was promptly sat in a booth along the wall. Immediately our server was by our side with drinks options and answering a lot of questions my dining partner had. Server Joshua (?) was fantastic & very knowledgable about the food/drink. OUr pacing was perfect and the food was tremendous. We had beef wellington app & tuna tartar app. Delish. Sand Dabs & Maki tacos for entrees. Also delish!4/15/2013 12:00:00 AMOur second visit to JamesOur second visit to James beach. Judt like the first time, the food was very good and the service as very good as well. Recommend the fish tacos!4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had an early dinner atWe had an early dinner at James Beach last night and it was excellent. I made reservations for 6:00 p.m. via OpenTable about 1 week ago. They called us around 5:00 p.m. to confirm our reservations. We showed up a few minutea fter 6:00 p.m. (it took a little bit longer than expected to walk there from our hotel) and they sat s immediately. The server came to our table right away and took our drink orders. After we had our drinks, we ordered appetizers.
My 14 year old tried the oysters and loved them. My 11 year old ordered the Mac and cheese as an "appetizer" He could not finish it so my husband I helped him a bit. It was the best Mac and cheese I've ever had. My husband had the ceviche and I had the tuna tartar. All, very good. He had the4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMEaster brunch was just asEaster brunch was just as we hoped. While the restaurant was full the waitstaff remained attentive and welcoming. We most appreciated the fact that our Open Table request for a booth was honored without any wait at all. It was a great brunch, and James himself was much in evidence, keeping things moving along. Well done.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMHad my first Angus Burger,Had my first Angus Burger, it was really good. The wait staff was wonderful, I would go again if I came to back to California.3/28/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was great and so wasFood was great and so was the service. I usually dine inside, but I really enjoyed being outside in the patio area.
They have a wonderful selection of cocktails.3/21/2013 12:00:00 AMBusy and loud. Food and serviceBusy and loud. Food and service were great. Watching servers was like ballet. Will return if back in the neighborhood.3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMBistro steak special and truffleBistro steak special and truffle mashed potatoes were very good.3/11/2013 12:00:00 AMFood is always dependableFood is always dependable and service is always good. I love their deconstructed tacos.11/16/2012 12:00:00 AM