James Joyce Irish Pub and Restaurant

Never disappoints!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Came in here on January 17th at about 10:20 pm…friend suggested we stop in there…got the wings(devils blood) and fries…friend got the fish and chips…food was great…drinks were good and atmosphere was lively…they even put the nfl playoff game on the tv when requested…good time overall…will return.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

I am a long time customer of James Joyce and am sad to give a bad review but I’ve had enough of the abysmal service and rude bartenders. It seems like every time I go there’s a new bartender and each one is as rude as the next. Tonight we sat at a table, and the bartender came over to wipe it for us, acknowledged us and we said thank you. Then we sat there for 15 plus minutes as he passed by us literally five times waiting on other tables and ignoring us. Finally I approached him at the bar and asked if we needed to order at the bar. He said yes, and I said okay, I wish you could’ve told us that. His response was “well I didn’t talk to you.” Yeah that’s the problem! It would take one second to ask us to order at the bar while he was wiping our table or one of the many times he passed by us. I love the place, and LOVE the food, but unfortunately the rotating door of rude bartenders has driven me away.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 1

Great pub, fantastic atmosphere!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Outstanding food. One of the best burgers in town. Fries were good in the atmosphere is exactly what it should be. It's a solid pub to sit and hang out with some friends.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Main Street Fries, James Joyce Burger with Egg, Wings, Chicken Wings, Shepherd's Pie

Went here for a first date and it was a cute little spot. Probably fun to go here when Duke plays games. I didn’t get any food, but my LIT was great. Not really my scene.

Atmosphere: 3

Service: 5

I have been visiting James Joyce for at least 15 years when I pass through. I have always totally enjoyed the flavor and authenticity of the pub. But last night was the worst experience I have had recently in a public house starting with very vulgar rap music as soon as I walked in. When I asked the bartender what kind of music is this for Joyce, she replied it was her kind of. I should have left immediately but I can only come by about two or three times a year. Hardly anyone was there I believe because of this disgusting playlist and the smartass bartender. Who needs it? Joyce seems to have deteriorated since the last time I was there. The young lady bartender was very rude and nasty… should be fired immediately before she ruins the place.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 3

Service: 1

I stopped by James Joyce Irish Pub in Durham and had the best club sandwich and tomato soup I’ve ever had in my life! The sandwich was perfectly layered and full of flavor, and that soup… wow. I was honestly a little jealous they made tomato soup better than me — and I pride myself on my soup! Cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and food that completely exceeded my expectations. I’ll definitely be

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 3

Fancy your barman blowing ciggy smoke into your face on the terrace? You've come to the right place.

Service: 1

Far more authentic than it looks from the outside! Lovely atmosphere.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

They pour a great pint of Guinness

Wife and I love the Joyce. We always get wings and then split something else - food has always been very very good. Drinks are good too!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I've never had something disappointing here. Everything has been superb. My favorites are the prime rib sandwich and mac and gouda bites.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food was great and worth the wait, though it did take a little bit to come out. If you go on Tuesday nights, there is trivia starting at 8pm and the winner wins a giftcard. The atmosphere is retains the older 2000s feel of Durham amid the modern restaurants that are spreading throughout downtown.

Great pub, great food, great staff. I’d absolutely come back here. The bartender (Emily) was awesome. The fish and chips were among the best I’ve ever had. The beer was cold. Hard to be disappointed.