James Joyce Irish Pub and Restaurant
| Address: | 912 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701, USA |
| Phone: | +1 919-683-3022 |
| Site: | jamesjoyceirishpub.com |
| Rating: | 4.1 |
| Working: | 11:30AM–2AM 11:30AM–2AM 11:30AM–2AM 11:30AM–2AM 11:30AM–2AM 11:30AM–2AM 12PM–2AM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 18
MA
Matt Torcasso
Okay bar, terrible food. We came on St. Pattys looking for an authentic Irish experience for the holiday. The vibe was good from the outside. Live music, lots of people. We walked in and were told to find a seat anywhere we could. That was fine since it was a busy day. We found a few seats and there were some freebies spread around (beads, bottle openers, buttons, etc.) That was neat. Someone came by and asked if we wanted drinks. We ordered drinks, but then they never came back to take a food order until we flagged them down. My water cup also had beer spilled down the side of it. I ordered the $15 corned beef and cabbage and my wife got a Guinness potato soup and a salad. The soup was too peppery for her to eat, and my plate was a poor excuse for a restaurant meal. Ive had better meals at the hospital cafeteria. Potatoes were thick and dry - they tasted like boxed potatoes. The "corned beef" was dried out slices that looked and tasted more like country ham. Under the meat was about 1/4 cup of cabbage and there was a glob of some kind of horseradish sauce and a stick of soda bread with raisins in it. It was all served on a paper plate. I couldnt believe that I had paid $15 for this mess. We finished our food quickly and promptly paid and left. It seems like an okay bar, but I would never come back for the food.
TR
Trevor Chenoweth
Small, cozy place with Guinness on tap and so-so food. Jimmy Joyce is constantly changing its formula. You could say its almost stream of consciousness style bar management. Prices go up and down, new menus emerge (it used to be a set menu with a few specials on a chalkboard, now its a different menu every night), and the decor changes (hello new chalkboards with beers everywhere). Tuesday night trivia is well-attended and fun, although perhaps lacking the literary wit of the bars namesake. Often they are out of some of the beers listed on the chalkboards so your choices arent as extensive as you would at first think. That said, there are still a lot of draft beers available and the bartenders know what they are doing and are generally really nice. They are probably a bit understaffed but do a good job with prompt and friendly service. The food is just okay. Mostly standard pub fair. Now that they have a special menu every day you cant really on them for Irish specialties, but they werent superb before anyways. Fish and chips are enjoyable but not memorable. In the warmer months check out the back patio. Theres no view or anything, but its secluded from the street which is nice. Overall, its a place to go if theyre having an event but I wouldnt put it in my regular rotation for anything but the trivia game.
A
A Private User
I have been here to enjoy beers on several occasions and on that side I have no complaints. Tonight my friend and I had dinner as well, and honestly it has been a long time since I was that disappointed in the quality of a meal. All of the food was lukewarm, the shepherds pie must have come from a can, the chowder was watery and tasted old, the fish and chips...the fish was bland and batter burned in the fryer, the chips tasted like mold was growing on them, and the iced tea tasted old as well. Seriously avoid the food!!!
GU
Gus Kroustalis
Stopped in for lunch after a client meeting. Not too familiar with Durham lunch spots, and this was within walking distance of the meeting. It was a middle of the road experience, nothing bad and nothing spectacular. I had the house black bean sandwich. Two of my coworkers ordered sandwiches, and another ordered a salad. My sandwich was tasty. Everyone else seemed to like their choices. Id eat here again, but would also like to try other places in the area.
A
A Private User
The James Joyce has been my favorite watering hole for a long time. Mainly because of the friendly atmosphere. Seems like the entire clientele has never met a stranger. But recently the revamped menu, which is really the old favorites done to a higher standard, has raised the bar for pub food. The fish & chips in parti...cular are amazing. I wouldnt advise trying to eat the entire meal by yourself, but I do it all the time.
MA
Mark Diehl
Ordered fish & chips today for lunch, which I tried back in October and they were good then. Today they came out soggy and undercooked. After two bites, I sent them back. JJs fix was to throw them back in the fryer to absorb more grease and heat them up a bit instead of starting over with a fresh batch. Bad flavor, bad experience.
A
A Private User
OK... I *love* James Joyce, but Ill admit it is not for everyone. Its a pub. A dark, small space with some tables and bar. Pub food (tasty, tasty pub food). Good beers on tap. A noisy neighborhood pub vibe with lots of regulars greeting one another. If that sort of thing sounds good to you, James Joyce wont disappoint.
RA
Raccoon
Came here for a wake with about 20+ people and no reservation or notice. They only had one bartender and looked like one cook and they handled us really well. Food was way above "bar food" standard and very good. Fries are well seasoned and drinks are reasonably priced. The decor is really nice, enjoyed the atmosphere
DA
David Artman
Good food and fun atmosphere. New chef has a classic Irish menu with unique weekly specials. Staff are 100% pros, committed to making the pub a home away from home. A true pub, in the sense that its a community of patrons, where you can find conversation and cheer or privacy as you choose.
KE
Kenny Tao
Irish dive with outdoor seating out back and occasional live music. Popular with the Duke crowd and a decent selection of beers on tap. Can be crowded and youll meet some interesting people late-night. Food trucks are out front late sometimes.
JO
Joshua Harris
A good place to get a pint but not a place to come have dinner at. The service aside from the bar itself is slow and rude. Portions are mediocre on everything but the fish and chips which is the menus only saving grace.
GA
Gabriela Allen
LOVE TRIVIA NIGHT! Great way to nerd-out with your friends. Order the fries! It shares a kitchen with the Federal next door, so if you ever get a craving from the other menu....it CAN be worked out.
A
A Private User
Im a long time Joyce patron but only recently discovered their Brunch. Wow. Its amazing and left me full until dinner. Washed it all down with some Irish Coffee. Love this place!
ER
Eric Richardson
I was a fan of the great beer and my bangers and mash. Server was friendly and helpful and had a great experience. It definitely feels like an Irish pub, and Id definitely go back.
A
A Private User
Fast friendly service. Was looking for a spot to watch the US Mens Soccer team play a match and there it was on the widescreen. Authentic Irish flair and soccer friendly to boot!
SH
Sherry Mancini
1. Terrible food 2. Bar tender give me tiny plastic water cups for my beer thanks I gave u decent tips 3. I had sware not to come back 4 years ago apparently this is not for me
JA
James Kempski Your Triangle REALTOR 919-308-7597
Great place to relax and grab a drink and get together with friends and colleagues.Update, super hot and ordered a Moscow mule. Great
BE
Ben Pressley
Bartenders top notch. Great craft and local beer selection, and the James Joyce burger is amazing. I highly recommend this joint
