The James Room Cafe Opens for Coffee and Lattes at SPX Alley

The cafe at The James Room opens Monday, March 4 with limited hours at SPX Alley on the Eastside Beltline. The Old Fourth Ward cafe and cocktail bar, owned by Missy and Kristin Koefod of 18.21 Bitters at Ponce City Market, is currently open from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m.

For now, people can stop into the cafe for coffee, lattes, and tea as well as pastries, breakfast, and lunch. The cocktail bar and lounge in the back of The James Room opens Thursday, March 7 for dinner and a full line-up of drinks.

Once fully operational on Thursday, the front cafe at The James Room operates seven days a week, starting at 7 a.m. (8 a.m. on Sundays.) The focus shifts to cocktails and wine, shared plates like charcuterie, and dinner after 4 p.m. in the bar and lounge. The plan is to serve pastries, breakfast, and lunch in the cafe throughout the morning and afternoon, with an aperitif hour to include beer and wine beginning in the early evening, followed by dinner and drinks in the cocktail lounge. The cocktail lounge plans to remain open until at least 11 p.m.

The bar and lounge offers draft cocktails, Champagne, wine, and a possible cognac flight. Cocktails already slated for the menu include Spanish gin and tonics, spritz drinks, and a gin-based drink called Stutter and Goose consisting of jalapeño lime syrup, aloe, lime, and bitters.

Last March, Missy Koefod told Eater Atlanta, The James Room takes its inspiration from cafes found in France and Italy. The Koefods describe The James Room as a “French cafe meets Italian Aperitivo bar up front. Cocktail lounge in the back.” A private “den” is also available for parties and events.

Eater Atlanta reached out to the Koefods for more details on the menu.

Rendering by RWDS

Rendering by RWDS

The James Room joins Gauc y Margys, Butter & Cream, Playa Bowls, and Nina & Rafi already open at the complex. Hawkers Asian Street Fare and Pour Taproom should open later this year.

661 Auburn Avenue Suite 280, Atlanta. thejamesroom.com.

• Cocktail Bar and Cafe The James Room Channeling France and London [EATL]