James on Main

This is one extraordinary restaurant ... contrarily to equivalent places in Europe which usually are very quiet with classical music playing in the background, this one is quite noisy : hearing your friends talking to you requires a real effort, but that is part of the local charm here. The evening we went, the restaurant was crammed, it made service very slow. We had to wait more than 45 minutes for the main dish. The staff realizing that, proposed to offer dessert, which was a good move on their part, really appreciated too. I really liked the place. I'll make sure to go back next time...

This is one of my favorite local restaurants! It is a hidden gem. The menu has excellent variety and everything I ordered was cooked perfectly. In the small setting you can see the chefs cooking and feeding the wood fire grill which I found interesting. If I had one request- I wish that cocktails were offered as well! They have a wine list but no other alcohol options currently. I was still pleased and plan to return.

Incredible!! One of the best dining experiences I have ever had. Highly recommend the chefs counter if there are only two of you to watch the action in the kitchen. The chefs are highly skilled, personable, and professional. Such an impressive display of their art and abilities! Everything from the appetizers, main courses, to desserts were outstanding.

Phenomenal!! Love this warm cozy place overall. The food and service is what keeps bringing us back. We come here every few weeks. Kevin is amazing he remembers us and welcomes us with a warm smile every time!
Two-course ($55) and three course Pre-fix ($70) have great options. Wood fired Shrimp, Salmon on sourdough were specials (mostly from the first course), Halibut for the main are a must try. We ordered warm baguette and oysters to begin with - (they are few extra $ and not included in the pre-fix.) good selection of wines ranging from $35 and above.

They made the top 30 list again! Congratulations!! They were super busy on a Thursday evening 9pm also that shows how popular and good they are! Definitely recommend calling in to make a reservation.

I had an exceptional dining experience at "James on Main." The 3-course meal exceeded all expectations. Each dish was prepared with precision and bursting with flavor. The chocolate chip cheesecake for dessert was the perfect ending – rich, creamy, and absolutely divine. The ambiance was cozy and inviting, and the service was impeccable. "James on Main" truly delivers a culinary masterpiece that I won't forget. Highly recommend for anyone seeking an unforgettable dining experience.

A truly delightful dining experience. Each dish is carefully and individually prepared with the utmost attention to detail using the best ingredients - often sourced directly from local farms. An intimate and eclectic dining space that makes you feel very comfortable and special. A friendly and attentive waitstaff - knowledgeable and helpful. A perfect restaurant for that special occasion that deserves only the best. Delicious.

A delightful restaurant and worth a trip (we drove 45 minutes). It’s not fancy, but the somewhat basic decor belies the quality of food and service. We started with the warm baguette and sweet potatoes, both excellent. The tuna poke and strawberry salad were both very good (but the salad was slightly overdressed, maybe get dressing on the side). Then we had the gnocchi and scallops, both delicious. We concluded with the profiteroles (good) and cheesecake (great). Highly recommended.

Love this place! It is BYOB or you can order a bottle of wine. They do not serve by the glass or have any other alcohol. They have a chefs tasting menu in addition to the 3 or 5 course meal. You may have to ask for it, but it's worth it! Food is always phenomenal.

It's was our first time here. Food was fantastic! Fresh, cooked over a wood fired grill, and they used cast irons too. The truffle fries are the best I've ever had! You must get them. There are 2 pre fix menus, 2 courses or 3 courses. They both had so many good options to choose from. The cheese cake was homemade from scratch. The best cheese cake I've ever had! Our entrees were perfectly cooked too. You could buy a bottle of wine if you like. The restaurant was clean and cozy. Our waitress was very nice and attentive. Definitely a wonderful experience!

I have been looking forward to going here for a long time and it did not disappoint. Food and service were spectacular. Street parking was easy on a Friday night. Limited wine list and BYOB. Ordered the three course prix fixe - Duck ravioli, pork belly and lamb chops... All amazing. Coconut cheesecake for dessert, incredible. Highly recommended for special occasions and memorable nights.

This restaurant is a hidden gem!!! The food is creative and delicious. My family ordered the 3 course option and everything was amazing. The shrimp are huge and perfectly prepared!! The french onion soup was cheesy and delicious. I would highly recommend leaving room for their chocolate cake or cheesecake!!! Nice atmosphere, very cozy. The staff are incredibly friendly and answer any questions about the menu. We will definitely be back soon!!

Our first time here and the beginning of many more to come. This is a Michelin type restaurant in Hackettstown- who would have known without the referral we got? Imaginative presentation, delicious food and fabulous experience. The 3 course price fix is enough food to barely leave room for the best panna cotta dessert ever! Oh, might I add that our young server Jimmy was so friendly and attentive, despite a busy night, that he added to the whole great experience. That's what every dinner experience should include.
Thanks to manager Kevin who watches every detail and introduced us to his talented chef who makes it all happen.

From the moment you step into James on Main in Hackettstown, NJ, you're embraced with a genuine, welcoming atmosphere that is truly representative of its setting. This restaurant is more than a place to eat; it's an experience, a place where memories are created, and meals are savored.

The establishment's dedication to fresh, local ingredients is clear in every plate served. The menu is a cornucopia of dishes curated from the bounty of New Jersey's farms, offering an exciting assortment of textures and flavors that perfectly cater to both adventurous eaters and comfort food seekers alike.

The staff at James on Main take service to another level. Their friendliness is surpassed only by their professionalism, creating a perfect balance that leaves you feeling both relaxed and pampered. Their knowledge about the menu and their suggestions can guide you through the wide array of options, ensuring a culinary journey that is tailored to your taste.

The restaurant atmosphere is another gem in this fantastic establishment. The blend of cozy, rustic charm and modern elegance creates an ambiance that is both warm and inviting. The decor is tastefully done, transporting you into a space that is comfortable and stylish.

It's rare to find a place that does everything right, but James on Main seems to have cracked the code. Every detail is considered and executed to perfection, making the dining experience unforgettable.

In conclusion, James on Main is a place where excellent food, great service, and a wonderful atmosphere come together to create a unique and gratifying dining experience. Whether you're a local or visiting Hackettstown, this place is a must-visit. I would definitely recommend it to friends and look forward to returning soon.
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My husband and I have wanted to dine at this restaurant for a few years and we finally made it happen. This IS a 5 star restaurant tucked in little old Hackettstown, NJ. We came to celebrate Valentines Day on Thursday instead of Wednesday and we had an absolutely lovely experience. We ordered the 5 course Chefs tasting. Every course was exquisitely presented and just has delicious. The staff is wonderfully attentive but we never felt watched over. The team work in this restaurant is what makes it a seamless experience. We sat near the kitchen and watched the beautiful dance between the 3 Chefs as they prepared the dishes almost silently. It was quite amazing to watch. It’s not a surprise that you need a reservation to dine here. They are busy for a reason. We will be back!
PS: It is a BYOB restaurant but they do sell bottles of wine for consumption. They are all reasonably priced and the Pinot Noir we chose was delicious and paired well with our dinner.

A private dining experience with the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs at James on Main that was stellar! Each course was meticulously prepared and the marriage of taste, texture, and presentation was absolutely 5 stars! I'll definitely be back for their regular menu. 😊

Under Covid restrictions they have limited capacity into the restaurant and now have a $95 Prix Fix menu for a 6 course meal, 2 provided by chef and 4 that you pick from the available options. To someone who has never been here it may seem expensive but when I say it's worth it, it is 100% without a doubt worth it!! The Chef is amazing and that's an understatement. I dined at James on Main on Friday, January 1, 2021 and the meal and service were phenomenal! The pictures attached are the courses me and my dining partner had. We had clean plates after every course and couldn't wait for the next one. Each course was just as amazing as the previous with such a balanced and unique flavor profile. Each course is perfectly crafted and plated. I cannot wait to come again and try more of the Chef's fabulous meals. It is BYOB but they do have a small selection of wines for bottle purchase at reasonable prices which pair well with the courses available. This place will not disappoint and exceed all expectations!!

I came here to meet up with old friends I have not seen in years, and when I stepped into the restaurant I was pleased by the cozy yet lively atmosphere. Not only was the atmosphere amazing, but I was blown away by the food. There were too many great offerings for just one review, so I will share two of my highlights. The octopus immediately caught my eye, and it defiantly did not disappoint. Along with the octopus, one of my other favorites from the night was the duck. It was cooked to perfection, and seasoned expertly. Despite the fact that my meal was one of the most delicious I've had, after seeing the bison strip steak my friend ordered made me hungry all over again. I look forward to coming back to indulge once again!

James On Main, what can I say about James On Main. Best food I've had. That being said this is my first venture into a more fine dining atmosphere because I never thought it would be worth the price but that just isn't true.

Beginning with the starters, the burrata dish that I ordered was fantastic, best burrata I've ever had. It was creamy and the persimmon and raisins was a great addition to the burrata. My wife had the mushroom bisque which was another home run. It wasn't just mixed together, they put thought I to this bisque and layered everything throughout the cup to give you a great experience with every spoonful.

I don't need to say a lot bout the second course because it will speak for it's self. The confit crispy duck that my wife has was amazing and so was so pork belly with soy that I had. Both perfectly done. If you know what those are you can just imagine.

Our entrees were also not there to disappoint. I had the duck breast and my wife had the ribs. The duck breast was so tender and juicy it's something that I couldn't ever cook the way they did, and I am pretty good in the kitchen. The ribs my wife had I didn't get to try but she said we're top notch.

At the end of the day would I eat there again, yes. I now have a better understanding of the more fine dining experience and will definitely say it was worth the money. The one downside I will say is they do not have any beer which seems like a missed opportunity with one of the better breweries around right across the street. Maybe a collaboration exclusive beer?

Absolutely amazing. James on Main is a dining experience from start to finish. The care that was taken in preparing and serving this meal was superb. From the Maitre De to the Wait Staff to Chef Bill himself, everyone was out to make this a memorable meal. Kudos, James on Main, we'll be back. The Lakes

Best dining experience since we moved from Philadelphia to Sussex County 4 years ago, and we've had a number of fantastic ones in this region - but James on Main was the best all around by far. Their cuisine choices and their execution were top notch quality and consistency. The team is small and tight, it's like watching a ballet. Shawn (sp?) has mastered the wood fired oven like my German mother-in-law, John I think was the sauté station, Kelly operated a cold station and expedited, she appeared to be the glue holding the timing together, and Kat (or Cat?) was our delightful and professional (and very knowledgeable) server. The menu changes with various numbers of Pre Fixe courses - we went with 3 and added a share, a dessert, and a bottle of wine. The pictures will have to tell the story because it would be too much to write about... suffice to say, you won't find better around here.