The James in Babylon sets reopening date
The James in Babylon has set a reopening date. Credit: Newsday/Alejandra Villa Loarca
Online speculation had been rampant about the status of Babylon’s The James restaurant since its sudden closure on April 10 due to a paperwork error with the New York State Liquor Authority. Fans can rest easy — the popular restaurant returns to normal business hours on Monday.
Owner Steve Squitiro confirmed the news Thursday. "We got reinstated. Our full liquor license is back up and running, and we can put this whole episode behind us. It was brutal," he said of the three-week closure.
On Monday evening, the restaurant will reopen its doors for 5 p.m. happy hour, which will be extended by an hour for the entirety of the week, to 7 p.m.
"I’m so grateful for the support that we've gotten from the community and different members of the industry over the last few weeks," he continued, and most importantly, his "staff who held in there," the majority of which resume work on Monday.
As a way to show appreciation to their loyal customer base, additional specials will include the spot’s "Wind Down" special, 50% off all bottles of wine over $150, typically offered on Mondays, all week long, as well as a $59 three-course prix fixe for all six days. The James is closed on Tuesdays.
The restaurant abruptly closed with only a brief social media notice earlier this month. Squitiro had attributed the temporary closure to a "change in corporate structure," which led to a clerical inconsistency. The James continued to host all special events as scheduled during the stint, with permits from the liquor authority to execute for those gatherings.
Alongside partner Andrew Affa, Squitiro opened The James to great fanfare in 2024: It was named one of Newsday's Best New Spots that same year, described as having a "sweeping entry staircase, a massive brasserie-style bar, head-turning artwork, teetering seafood towers and iconic throwback dishes (lobster Thermidor, beef Wellington)."
The James, 21 Fire Island Ave., Babylon, 631-975-2637, thejamesli.com.
A global freelancer who has checked her suitcase to raise her young daughter on her native Long Island, Marie Elena will always make time for good mezcal, even better tacos and killer conversation. Preferably, in a corner bar seat. She can be found on Instagram at @mariesworldeats.
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