Sleepy Albion Street and the St. James Restaurant in Avilla. Photos by Lorn Shaum.

By Loren Shaum
Guest Columnist

Avilla is only a half-hour drive east of Lake Country. It was named from the French word for “villas.” Tucked off any main drag, there’s a single stop light at the intersection of old SR 3 and Albion Street. Not much happens here, but there is plenty of reasons for folks to come from afar.

St. James Restaurant

Jonathon James built St. James Hotel in 1878 in very rural setting between Fort Wayne and Kendallville. It thrived for years, but by 1948, the building had turned into a dilapidated tavern. Enter the Freeman family: They purchased the property started renovations to bring the building back to previous glory.

In 1979, they expanded the dining room, and in 1983, the upstairs hotel area was turned into an 80-seat banquet room. In 1991, a new bar was added — custom designed by a local wood carver and based on circa 1870’s architecture.

Bloody Marys are a specialty.

Today, this award-winning restaurant is recognized as the oldest restaurant in Northern Indiana, and the family-friendly atmosphere has become famous in those parts. It’s arguably the best restaurant in Noble Country. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner except Sunday and Monday, the restaurant features an extensive list of fresh-made items.

For breakfast, you can do ala carte, choose from eight omelets, pancakes (think oatmeal pancakes), French toast, any of six breakfast sandwiches or any of the five breakfast specials. So, they have something for everyone.

They make their own pork sausage, and it compares well with Mishler’s in Lagrange. On one visit I enjoyed the pork sausage sandwich for lunch. Served with sides of German mustard and horseradish-cream sauce and topped with sauerkraut, it’s definitely worth having again.

The menu is the same for both lunch and dinner and include a litany of ‘sharables.’ To start, there are 10 appetizers including some stellar, beer-battered onion rings. The Maryland crab cakes are also top-shelf and can be had as a dinner entrée.

The house-made soups are always popular — especially in colder months. The bean soup is one of the best. I’ve enjoyed it on a couple visits.

If you want a salad, there are five, and you can choose from 10 dressings, of which, three are house-made. The house salad with house-made vinegar and oil is special.

For dinner (served after 4 p.m.), St. James features steaks. There are five plus prime rib that’s always available. The special spice blend rubbed over the prime rib is a difference-maker.

Regardless, many come for the famous St. James broasted chicken. It’s been made the same way for generations.

Decadent strawberry pie at St. James Restaurant.

There are also several fish and seafood choices including lobster tails. On one visit, I had the cod sandwich from the list of 16 sandwiches. It was sautéed perfectly — very light and flakey. It was so tender, it was hard to keep the sandwich together.

They used to offer an interesting selection of German dishes but those are now only served as specials.

Many Come for Dessert Only

They make their own pies and often there are as many as seven varieties. When in season, the fresh strawberry pie is a must. When available, try the peach pie. Always order ala mode.

If that’s not enough, try one of the three cheesecakes, carrot cake or a slab of the massive four-layer chocolate cake

If you’re stopping-by to quaff a cold-one, park at the rustic bar and enjoy a craft beer. Some of these are made locally including from Guessworks Brewery in Albion.

Since COVID, St, James has come back strong and is well worth the short drive. It’s at 204 E. Albion St. They are closed on Sunday and Monday.

Other Options

Besides The Pizza Place, if you want an alternative for breakfast, try the Avilla Country Kitchen. For lunch and/or an ice cream option, check-out the Avilla Diner and Dairy.

Lastly, the locals hang-out at Hey’s Tap across the street from St. James. They also feature craft beers and wings are a staple.

There is definitely more than one reason for a road trip to Avilla.