James Place

I didn't know what to expect about James Place in Aurora, Ohio.  I am new to the area and had driven by for a few months before stopping in for a glass of wine afer work last week.  Wow.  The atmosphere is amazing.  I felt like I was a friend's home-cozy, warm.  The lighting is awesome and the colors are very calming and romantic.  I had only wished I had a date with me.  I have a thing about atmosphere and James Place certainly has what I enjoy- great lightening, romanticl colors and wonderful music.

The service was superb and very attentive.  I had a wonderful house wine and enjoyed one of the best pizzas I have had in a long time.  As a single woman I felt very comfortable sitting at the bar.  I will certainly be back and I can't wait until the patio is opened!

Yep, James Place is a blend of "Meh" and "A-OK" - a 2.5 if you will.

As somebody who typically is a sucker for the classic or (even better) unexpected wine bar. . .well, James Place falls somewhere between predictable and average.

The service is complacent and ambivalent - do they have a Happy Hour or don't they? Well, depending on who your server is, you'll get a different answer. Nevermind that their website advertises $6 glasses of wine, $7 martinis, as well as a bottle of wine + pizza combo for only $25 until 7pm - you'll have to point this information out (assertively) if you wish to receive.

It's in my nature to look for a silver lining, so in James Place's case. . .I'll give their patio some credit - private and peaceful.

I must also admit, after requesting the white pizza to be extra garlic-y (that was part of the Happy Hour special, umm, once I asked about it), I was fairly impressed.

Since I happen to live and work nearby James Place, I may continue to stop by from time to time - however, there needs to be some improvements made (especially to their waitstaff) before I ever become a regular.