James Opens at 19th and Arch

The gang from Mac's Tavern opens a much more chic endeavor.

Check out the cocktails and menus for James | Photo by HughE Dillon

Check out the cocktails and menus for James | Photo by HughE Dillon

James, the bar and restaurant owned by the same group as behind Mac’s Tavern in Old City, though this is a very different concept, opens today. Named after James Logan of Logan Circle fame and a former mayor of Philadelphia, James takes over the former Mission Grill location with 88 seats and 28 bar stools.

Aiming to have something for everyone, James houses private dining rooms in the back as well as in a vault, that speaks to the building’s former use as a bank. Though televisions dot the bar area, they double as mirrors when they’re not broadcasting sports, making the space more versatile.

The menu is being executed by chef Michael Suminski who has been at Mac’s Tavern since its opening. Starters begin at $12 and entrees range from $25 to $36. There’s also a bar menu with standards like wings, sliders, an andouille quesadilla and a burger of ground short rib and brisket.

The James Cocktail | Photo by HughE Dillon

The James Cocktail | Photo by HughE Dillon

The cocktail program is a collaborative effort of veteran mixologists Brian Kauffman, Jade Finn, Billy Bottles and Micha Jordan. All will be behind the bar at James.  The cocktails promise fresh ingredients including fresh-cut herbs and fresh-squeezed juices. Several of the cocktails are made local products like Stateside Vodka and Bluecoat Gin.

On the beer side there will be ten taps focusing on locals like Victory, Stoudts, Yards and Dogfish Head. Six wines will also be available on tap.

James will be open daily from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Lunch will be added in October.

James Cocktail List

The James Cocktail 10
Bulleit Bourbon, Simple Syrup, Fresh Blackberries

Liberty Martini 16
House Made Cucumber Infused Vodka, Simple Syrup, Cucumber Garnish

Old Fashioned 12
Rittenhouse Rye, Brown Sugar Simple Syrup, Tri-blend Bitters, Fresh Orange

Hendrick’s Clover Cocktail 10
Hendrick’s Gin, Raspberry Syrup, Fresh Lemon Juice, Egg White

Basil’s Sidecar 14
Basil Hayden, Fresh Lemon, Turbanada Syrup, Lemon Twist

Stateside Spritz 14
Stateside Vodka, Aperol, Honey, Champagne

Fall Daiquiri 12
Mt. Gay, Fresh Lime, Lime Twist

Boulevardier Treaty 16
Knob Creek Rye, Campari, Tri-blend Vermouths

James Dinner Menu

Starters

Grilled Romaine Salad. $12
grana padano crisp. grape tomato. roasted garlic parmesan dressing. rouille. polenta croutons

Beefsteak Tomato & Mozzarella. $13
crispy prosciutto. baby greens. citrus balsamic vinaigrette

Jumbo Lump Crab Cocktail. $18
avocado. pink grapefruit. cucumber tomato salad. champagne pink peppercorn vinaigrette

Charcuterie & Cheese Plate. $16 fresh fruit. crostini. seasonal garnish

Lobster & Crab Bisque. $13
brandy reduction. crème fraiche. garlic bread

Filet Carpaccio. $15
cornichon. shallot. shaved pecorino. brandy aioli

Steeped Cockles. $14
belgian cherry wheat beer broth. tasso ham. rosemary. grape tomato. crostini

Stuffed Oysters. $13
broiled. spinach. parma ham. pernod. brown butter hollandaise. caviar

Pork Tenderloin. $13
jerk marinade. grilled pineapple salsa. coconut cilantro cream

Entrees

Filet Mignon. $34
Creekstone Farms.
kona rub. roasted fingerlings. shaved brussels. lardons. black garlic glace

Crab Cakes. $33
jumbo lump. braised greens. saffron pilaf. charred tomato tartar

Skirt Steak Frites. $33
chimichurri. pommes frites. keylime chipotle béarnaise

Rack Of Lamb. $36
Colorado Raised
domestic lamb. herb crust. basmati rice. charred baby kale. mint tzatziki

Double Cut Pork Chop. $30 Hampshire. Iowa Farms.
achiote crust. pear compote. harissa. tostones

Braised Halibut. $31
olive oil poached shrimp. peas. morels. artichoke. lobster broth

Roast Half Chicken. $29
mushroom orzo. marsala demi glace. crispy black trumpets

Lobster Ravioli. $30
rock shrimp. cockles. braised greens. shrimp veloute

Filet Tip Pappardelle. $28
basil sage pasta. asparagus. charred pepper. espagnol. shaved pecorino

Seitan Risotto. $25
black pepper molasses marinade. sunchokes. morels. roasted tomato

James Bar Menu

Grilled Romaine Salad.
grana padano crisp. grape tomato. roasted garlic parmesan dressing. rouille. polenta croutons.

Jumbo Lump Crab Cake Sliders. charred tomato tartar. butter lettuce. brioche.

Bbq Beef Shortrib Tacos.
queso fresco. napa cabbage slaw. pickled radish. pepitas.

Moroccan Spiced Wings.
crispy. pickled carrot & cucumber. mint tzatziki.

The James Burger.
ground shortrib & brisket. double cut pepper bacon. vermont cheddar. frites.

Maple Glazed Pulled Pork Sliders. hawaiian bun. slaw. cornichon. brandy aioli.

Andouille Quesadilla.
smoked andouille. caramelized red onion. queso fresco. balsamic syrup.

Polenta Fries.
mango ketchup. baby arugula. citrus balsamic vinaigrette.

Lobster & Crab Bisque.
brandy reduction. crème fraiche. garlic knot.

Stuffed Oysters.
broiled. spinach. parma ham. pernod. brown butter hollandaise. caviar.

Pomme Frites. pecorino. roasted garlic aioli.

James [Foobooz]