St. James Social

Anna Lisa and the rest of the crew made us feel right at home. The room was furnished exceptionally well, with thoughtful little touches that made it feel special and enjoyable. Breakfast had good quality and plenty of variety, and we really appreciated the coffee and tea bar, Noosa yogurt, and sparkling sodas. The sauna was great, too.

At first, the prices made me wonder if I’d be paying too much. Then we had the best meal I can remember, and it felt like an amazing deal for some of the best dishes I’ve enjoyed. The staff were lovely to me and my friends. You can tell the chef has worked hard to get where he is; his backstory is wonderful, and he clearly cares about what he does. You can taste that care.

The restaurant and bar were so good that we ate at the restaurant every day: dinner twice, then Sunday brunch before leaving. The menu makes thoughtful use of local ingredients, from crème brûlée with Wisconsin cranberries and Lake Superior whitefish étouffée to a perfectly cooked medium-rare burger with freshly sliced American fries. I also loved the cheese platter and had the best filet mignon I’ve ever had. The hotel design is gorgeous, service went beyond expectations, and saunas with Lake Superior views were a highlight. Shopping and downtown Bayfield were close by, and winter there feels truly magical. We had a blast choosing records to play in our room and admiring the carefully curated restaurant art. Rabbett Strickland masterpieces left us in awe. We loved every moment at St James Social and in Bayfield.

The St. James brings big-city offerings together with small-town comfort. Its cocktail lounge and food and drink options were unlike anything we’ve experienced in Wisconsin or the Midwest. We’ve traveled extensively, and it’s now one of our favorite destinations. For a weekend getaway and celebration with a dear friend, we had a five-star experience from check-in through our final hours. The furnishings and decor are unbelievable, with every detail considered, and the proprietors and staff gave us world-class personal service. We’ll be frequent visitors and can’t wait to book again. Once you arrive, you won’t want to leave.