Indiana Culinary Trails
The History of St. James Restaurant
The Freeman Family's association with the St. James Restaurant started in 1948 when Bill and Evelyn Freeman purchased the St. James Hotel.
Jonathan James, a Pennsylvania farmer who moved to Indiana in 1860, built the St. James Hotel in 1878. By 1948 the once proud Hotel had turned into a deteriorating run down tavern until its purchase by the Freemans.
Over the years the St. James has continued to grow and expand. In 1979 a new dining room was added and in 1983 the second story that once housed the hotel rooms was remodeled into a lounge and banquet room. A new bar was built in 1991, as well as other remodeling.
The Freeman Family is still carrying on the tradition through Bill, Tom, Bob and his wife Beth, and grandson Todd.
Over the years the St. James Restaurant has received several awards such as the Oldest Restaurant in Northern Indiana by the Indiana Restaurant Association, the Centennial Business Award by the Indiana Historical Society, selected Best Restaurant in 4 County Area for American Cuisine, and voted by Readers of News-Sun in 4 County Area for Best Steaks, Best Chicken and Best Soups.
The Freeman Family invites you to experience their history of serving fine food and tradition.
Hours of Operation
Monday - Saturday
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Breakfast Monday - Saturday 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM
General Dining
Credit Cards: All major credit cards accepted
Meals Served: Breakfast Monday - Saturday 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM Dinner Monday - Saturday 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Dining Classification: Casual/Family
Cost:$$
Menu Style: American with a flair of German
Alcohol Served: All liquor served
Separate Bar Area: Yes
Largest Group Served: 80+
Meeting Room Capacity: 80+
Discounts: Daily Specials
Local / Organic: Uses local products when available
Exterior
Parking: Large Parking Lot
Visible Signage: On Building
Handicapped Accessible: YES
Interior
Seating: Tables and Chairs
Hostess on Duty: YES
Gift Shop / Products for Sale: Yes some products available
Recommended Dishes
Fried Chicken, Pork Tenderloin Sandwich, BBQ sandwich, Bean Soup, Homemade Sausage hand ground in-house.
Friday Fish Days
Restaurant Information:
Phone: 260-897-2114
Address:
204 E Albion St
Avilla, IN 46710