James Joyce Irish Pub & Eatery
| Address: | 1724 E 8th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, USA |
| Phone: | +1 813-247-1896 |
| Site: | jamesjoyceybor.com |
| Rating: | 4.3 |
| Working: | 11AM–3AM 11AM–3AM 11AM–3AM 11AM–3AM 11AM–3AM 11AM–3AM 11AM–3AM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 7
MI
Michael Hogue
My wife and I came for lunch - like it so much that after we were done touring Ybor City, we came back for supper prior to catching the trolley back to the Riverwalk! The owner spent some time talking - from NYNY if I remember; got tired of the big city & set up here . . . A great HUGE SELECTION OF BEER made my heart beat faster, and yes, samples are available .... yummm. :) We had a good time, the food was good - not fantastic, but as good or superior to most small mom & pop bar, and seemed to be made with fresh ingredients. I must admit that it took a LONG time to get our supper (lunch was quick and good), but the hostess was apologetic, and they were obviously very understaffed - one girl practically having to run all the chores, and the tables, plus take orders and serve them. We gave her a decent tip for being a hard worker anyway - not her fault there arent enough hands. Therefore the BEST time to visit is, IMO, mid-day for a great lunch with a nice hearty beer, when business is slow. When things ramp up you just go in with the knowledge that you might sit for a long time - a half hour up - before your food arrives. But then again, that leaves more time for conversation and beer! :D (P.S.: There is a trolley station not far to your left as you exit the bar . . . within walking and/or staggering distance if you are able after closing . . . but trolleys do NOT run all night - just till about 10 or so, so know before you go what time to get out of there and are using the trolley as a form of transportation.)
SY
Sydney Schramm
This used to be a good place to go to but after a terrible experience I certainly wouldnt recommend it. All I ordered was an Irish Fries appetizer. It has fries, cheese, and some basic toppings. Pretty simple. After 20 minutes, I got a call that a friend was going to the hospital and needed a babysitter. I told our bartender, Amanda, that I had to go and if the fries were ready, wed take them to-go, otherwise we didnt want them anymore. She walked off to the kitchen and came back to say theyre almost done. I asked for my check and paid it. 15 minutes later, I couldnt wait any longer and left. As I stood up to go, Amanda came over to me, looked at the bill I paid to see how much I tipped her, and walked off, without saying anything. My friend stayed back after I left to finish his drink. He texted me 10 minutes later to tell me that he finally got the fries. Granted, its not the worst situation ever experienced in a bar or restaurant. But, I can tell you that feeling a lack of hospitality, service, and plain decency left a bitter and disappointed taste. Next time, say its going to take 25 more minutes, cancel the order, offer another option, apologize, say SOMETHING? Anything wouldve been better than blatantly looking down to see how much money you did or didnt make from my terrible experience. 45 minutes for fried potatoes at an Irish establishment is nonsense.
TH
Thea Hulsey
We had been coming to James Joyce for years, it was our favorite bar in Ybor. We dealt with the over priced drinks and rude staff because we loved the atmosphere... The little person in their employ, Dave, is beyond rude and grumpy, he is never helpful and always acts snotty. The bouncers at the door are always making fun of patrons and rude for no reason (particularly the red headed, late 20s-ish guy). The drink prices are ridiculously expensive. Now that theyve moved to their new location, things are worse. They are ruder and more arrogant than before. Even though the bartenders know us by name, our dog was unallowed to sit on the patio becuase of his size (admittedly, hes 84 pounds... hes also 7 years old and not exactly in his prime..but whatever.) Needless to say, I am happy to give my money to other bars in Ybor. Hopefully, James Joyce will change their crappy attitude or go out of business. My advice: Go to Dogs Bollocks on 7th & 7th. The drink prices are WAY better, the staff is friendly, and pool & darts are free!
TH
thecathedraleffect
On vacation with my wife and we thought it be fun to check this place out as they were open late on a Sunday. Upon entering the building to what we thought was going to be a restaurant we were greeted by two bouncers with very uncomfortable hostility due to the fact I was wearing a tank top and told I had to leave due to their strict dress code policy. I sincerely thought they were kidding as I would have never expected this in a irish pub in 90 degree weather and when I asked if they were serious it got even more uncomfortable as one of the bouncers got in my face and told me "he wouldnt waste his breath if he wasnt". I am truly taken back by the experience and would strongly encourage anyone to avoid this place. No problem at all if there is a dress code but the manner in which it was handled was ridiculously uncalled for. Shame on these employees but shame on the managment to hire people with no decency or ethics and then to allow this kind of behavior.
KA
Katherine England
I have had the pleasure of eating at James Joyce on multiple occasions, all of which I have really enjoyed. The atmosphere is fun without being over the top, and the food is always delicious. On one occasion, I was eating at JJ with friends after a concert at Crowbar. On this evening, my then-boyfriend proposed, so we knew we wanted to incorporate them somehow into our wedding. We reached out to see if they had any catering options available, and lucky for us, they did. The prices were very reasonable, and Kelly and Janice were so easy to work with, accommodating our requests for new food additions, rentals, staff and an updated headcount. They made it so we didnt have to worry for one second about food during our big day, though we did have many guests tell me how much they enjoyed the food! Whether its for a quick bite of good food while youre in Ybor or for catering service for 120, we absolutely recommend you check out James Joyce!
LE
Leon Hurtado
Ive been several times and have not had the problems that many of the other reviewers have had with the staff. They have always been friendly to me, though I can see how one in particular could be seen as quite the opposite. The times Ive been where I would call the service bad would be when they had been slammed on weekends. It takes the staff a bit longer than I would like to get a pint then, but I understand that there are lots of people there besides me. The food has always been good and the atmosphere has always been great. Yes, It is pricier than buying beers at a shop but the place is worth the cost. I will continue to go to James Joyce.
KE
Ken Bednarcik
Was in the Tampa area with friends for spring training and decided to stop in for lunch. Had the Brie and bacon grilled cheese with their homemade chips and a pint of Guinness. The food was delicious and the beer was cold. Our waitress, Katie, was pleasant and helpful. She knew her way around their tap menu and offered suggestions and samples for our group. The only thing that kept me from rating them 5 stars was a screw up with one of our orders. We will probably go back and be part of the insanity on St Patricks day.
