St. James – Modern Caribbean Flavors Done Right
First off, Happy Black History Month!
This weekend, I made it a point to visit some incredible Black-owned restaurants, and my first stop was St. James – Modern Caribbean. I’ve been here before, but it had been a while since my last visit. With Black History Month in full swing, it felt like the perfect time to return and share my thoughts.
Location… St. James is located at 2017 14th St NW, right on the corner of 14th and U St. If it seems like I’ve been in this area a lot lately, it’s because I have. The U St. Corridor is home to some of the best restaurants in DC, making it a must-visit area if you’re looking for great food. Do yourself a favor and park in a garage—there’s one right across the street from St. James. Better yet, just Uber. Trust me on this one.
Vibes… St. James has a chill and cozy atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re walking into a family gathering. The space is thoughtfully laid out, with a large bar, high-top seating in the center, booths, and tables along the other side. There’s also a small upstairs area that provides extra seating.
Definitely make a reservation if you plan on dining here. The restaurant typically has decent availability, but booking ahead is always a good idea. The hostess was friendly and accommodating, even when we tried to add an extra person to our party at the last minute. Though she wasn’t able to adjust the seating, she made an effort to help us out, and we appreciated it.
The Drinks… You already know what I ordered—or maybe you don’t. Tito’s Dirty Martini, EXTRA dirty. And it was love. I haven’t had a bad dirty martini in a while, and this one kept my streak going strong. My friend stuck with her go-to Lemon Drop—and had a few of them. So yeah, 5/5 on the drinks. (Also, it was her birthday, so no judgment!)
The Food… Our server was attentive and friendly, and while the entrees took a little longer than expected to come out, we didn’t mind since we were caught up in conversation. Once the plates arrived, though, it was clear that the wait had been worth it.
Here’s what we ordered:
Jerk Wings – The smokiness of these wings really stood out. The seasoning was on point, and the wings had the perfect balance of spice and char. They came with a sweet sauce on the side that complemented them really well. This was my first time trying them, and I’d definitely order them again.
Oxtails – The flavor was rich and complex. I couldn’t quite pinpoint the seasoning, but I kept getting hints of nutmeg or cinnamon. Whatever it was, it worked. The oxtails were fall-off-the-bone tender, and the coconut rice paired beautifully.
Pepper Shrimp – This was my favorite entrée of the night. The shrimp were large, juicy, and perfectly cooked, which I always appreciate because overcooked shrimp can ruin a dish. The sauce had deep, bold flavors, and when paired with the Black Rice (jasmine rice with djon djon mushroom, shrimp stock, and coconut milk), it was even better.
Duck and Dhal – My friend ordered this, but let me be real—I’m not a duck person. To me, duck has a strong, gamey flavor that I don’t personally enjoy. However, my friend loved it and said it was one of the best duck dishes they’ve ever had—so if you’re into duck, this might be your thing.
For sides, we went with:
Collard Greens – The greens had a creamy texture with a Caribbean twist from the coconut milk, but they still kept that classic Southern flavor. This was an interesting take on collard greens, and I loved it.
Sweet Plantains – Perfectly cooked and coated in a light caramel glaze. Sweet, soft, and a great complement to the meal.
Final Thoughts… St. James is one of my favorite restaurants in DC. The food is consistently great, the service is welcoming, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. If you’re looking for a spot that delivers on all fronts, this is one to add to your list. You won’t regret it.
Cheers! 🥂
