This is a guest post by PJ Bumstead
St. James is a little off the beaten path, but it provides a nice, pleasant environment for good beer-drinking folk. Slightly more than half a mile north of I-670, St. James is found between East 3rd and East 4th avenues on the not-altogether-savory southwest corner of North 4th St. and Detroit Ave.
When entering, you will find the bar running down the majority of the right-hand side with enough barstools to seat 10-15 patrons. Additionally, there are about four or five two-person high-top tables on left-hand, interrupted only by the doorway leading to The James’ second room. Beyond the bar, there are two or three more four-person high-top tables nestled in a corner for the crowd wishing to have more privacy. The second room contains a pair of pool tables for those who fancy themselves a game of billiards while enjoying a beverage. It also has a number of high-top tables encircling the room, if you wish to distance yourself from the chatter at the bar.
Behind the bar on the immediate right is a fairly good-sized liquor selection, but what really matters (to me, at least) starts at the bar’s mid-point: beer. Admittedly, the selection is not as extensive compared to bars such as Bob’s or Bodega; however, as many people wax philosophically, “It’s not about quantity, it’s about quality.” With two three-beer taps and one four-beer tap, St. James has 10 rather good rotating beers featuring breweries in the past such breweries as Bell’s (MI), Founders (MI), Rogue (OR), New Holland (MI), Ommegang (NY), and Flying Dog (MD). The James also makes up for this with the atmosphere and its service.
St. James has a cozy feel to it with old-style wood used throughout the establishment and this appeals to me as a fan of history and architecture. You can find this on the walls, ceiling, behind the bar, and the bar itself making it feel much more authentic and free of the cold, sterile feel of a metal bar. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting The James’ owner, Michelle Hill. She displayed a combination rarely found this day and age, great service and a fantastic deportment. When she was not running around taking orders and providing them promptly, she took the time to mingle with her guests, showing a genuine interest in what everyone said, another rarity. Michelle boasted the jukebox was rated the best in Columbus, and based on what I heard that night, I agree.
