I like the James Joyce. It has a nice Irish pub feel. There is always soccer on, which makes me happy. I will definitely be there during the World Cup next year. They have a decent selection of craft beer and pub favorites (Guinness). The only serious downside is that its a little dirty... read more

James Joyce is the Irish bar that shares a wall with Federal. I'm giving it 3 stars because it doesn't really do anything outside of the usual Irish bar thing. It's dark inside, lots of hardwood, with typical burger fare. The positives are that the staff is super nice, the food is average but does the job, and the prices are reasonable with the rest of durham. There is also this kinda nifty back deck area that is decorated like a back alley you'd see in the movies. There's nothing inherently wrong with Double J, it just doesn't call my name or food or beer like other places in Durm. read more

As a Duke grad, the Joyce was my fallback place to meet up with friends casually for drinks when I was a senior. Conveniently located on Main St, the Joyce is great when you want to sit down with people and catch up because it generally wasn't full of other Duke students. I love that it's called the Joyce, because the dark, wooded interior seems just the place for a depressed Irish novelist to brood over his whiskey. The staff here is great-- they're always friendly and I'm always served quickly. Also, usually soccer is on TV and they play good music. Somehow I've never had the food here, so I can't comment on it. The fire pits outside are pretty sweet too! read more

Went for st patty day bar was packed music was greatest they even had crispin cider in a can. Bartenders were very attentive even with the packed place will def be going back Update I finally have gotten to try the food and this is my new quick meal spot for what you would pay at McDonald's for a meal but its fresh and tasty and speedy service! I go for the Gaelic burger (well seasoned meat aged cheddar toasted bun with tomato, red onions and a salad mix as the lettuce) it also has a side I always get the garlic fries (fresh cut to order and covered in garlic, there is even a bunch of garlic on top of the fries) the staff is attentive the food is great and the staff and their service is excellent def my fave place to go and eat in Durham read more

This place is freaking awesome. The chowder is incredibly flavorful and fresh. I come here every time I have to go to the VA in Durham and I have never been disappointed. Please go check this place out. read more

The best place to catch a couple of Guinness amongst friends before you embark on painting the town red! Their chips and curry is something to cherish! I was particularly overwhelmed by the stacks of old books on their shelves, which also make this place suitable for enjoying a drink or two by just oneself. read more

James Joyce Irish Pub - Irish Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

I've been going to this pub weekly for 15 to 20 years with friends for beer and a light dinner after soccer. Lately, there have been loud, and sometimes foul-mouthed groups who ruin the time for others. Sadly, the management has permitted this type of behavior. If it doesn't change, we will be going someplace else. read more

The James Joyce is a fitting subject for my first review. This is the first establishment at which I've ever been a "regular." The draw of the Joyce, oddly, has little to do with the drink specials or the food (although $1 PBR Mondays are pretty sweet). The ambiance and the crowd it draws make drinking there a pleasure. The whole bar is cool and dark, with heated seating both out front and out back. The back patio is great for smokers who want to be able to enjoy their beer away from the noise of the street. The heat lamps (and fire out front) keep the outdoor seating pretty comfortable in every season. This plain, comfy atmosphere attracts the sort of people with whom you (presumably a young or middle aged professional or intellectual college student) would like to have a drink. The bartenders/servers are sharp and friendly, and there's always someone new and interesting to meet. The food specials are usually pretty creative and not too pricey. They cook shrimp especially well for some reason. I was suspicious about "Shrimp Quesadilla" at an Irish pub, but it was delicious and the soup is always well seasoned. If this review prompts you to give it a try, feel free to come and chat with me out back on a Tuesday. I'll be sitting on a picnic table, drinking a PBR, playing pub quiz. read more

Having actually just come back from Ireland the week before, I was out walking Main St in Durham with a friend on Saturday afternoon. The small little patio out front was packed with people, but we still wanted to give them a try. The people out front were great and chatted us up before we even walked in. Once I stepped in it was like I was back in Ireland, as the pub looked like many of the pubs I had just been to. Their beer selection was great, they had most of the usual Irish beer plus a few craft beers as well. I had a Brooklyn Dry Irish Stout, the first time trying it, and it tasted great. We only stayed a little while, but I will certainly be dropping in to try the food, as well as the company sometime soon. read more

Probably the worst service I've ever had. I have never left zero tip, but I did on Saturday. I understand there was an event going on, but ONE bartender and ONE waitress? Apparently the owner doesn't care about making money or earning repeat customers. And I use the term "waitress" loosely. I would have understood having to wait if they were packed, but they weren't. There were a few tables occupied when we first went in. We sat down and no one came over. After about 10 min, I went to the bar and asked the bartender if there was a waitress or if we needed to order from the bar or what. She sent her over. Oh man. I felt like we were on Punk'd or that show where you win money if you don't flip out. Drink order? Incorrect and slow as molasses in the winter. Menus? "Uhhhh oh yeah. I can only find 4 though." Taking your order? "Uhhhh I gotta find a pen, whoops (I let her borrow mine, she kept it)." In a now empty restaurant it took an hour and a half to get food and drinks, all because of the server. I don't know if she had a mental or physical problem, or if she was drunk or high, but she shouldn't have been doing anything outside of her house. I am talking barely functional. Split the checks? Total breakdown, can't do it, blames us for not telling her first (there were 8 of us, 2 couples and 4 singles, what are the odds we'd take ONE check), then she ignores one of our party who is complaining about the crappy service and just walks out of the building. I had to ask for the manager (the bartender) to split the checks so we could pay and leave. She even said the waitress "sucked." How that broad has a job, I will never know. We're all 25-30% tippers and the tab was over $100. She got nothing from any of us. Oh yeah, and it was the worst muffaletta I've ever had. So salty I didn't even finish it. Save your money and go down to Bull McCabe's if you're looking for Irish fare. read more

We thoroughly enjoy the Joyce whenever our plans bring us to the 'Ham. Owner Fergus went above and beyond one rainy night and made sure we had something to eat even as the kitchen was closing. A great staff, very pleasant people and the best poured pint of Guinness in the Triangle. A very welcoming place! read more

The fish and chips are not bad, and the vibe is fun for hanging with friends, but last time I got the burger, I ordered it medium well and I came completely rare on the inside. But the thing that's put me off of them is that I just called to order for pickup and the hostess was incredibly rude and curt. She actually scoffed at me for even asking and then hung up the phone. I mean if you can't be of service don't be in customer service. Putting on a decent face is literally your job. read more

The best Irish Pub I have been to in the triangle thus far. Very good burgers, salads, and fries. They also have potato skins and shephards pie, which I love. Mondays are $1 PBRs. It is a great place to watch the World Cup because they have several tvs, and there will most likely be people there that really care about soccer. read more

God, I'm a fool for a few things in life: items in miniature sizes, cute packaging, and bars with writer's names (:sob: how I miss you, WB Yeats!). Luckily, James Joyce is still around to fulfill my third yearning. Great hang-out in Durham that somehow manages to assert hole-in-the-wall appeal even though it's a pretty popular pub. Grab a seat at the bar or get some friends together and do a table. They typically have late cocktail service, so you can kick back and enjoy. Pretty good food and above-par beer offerings. Plus they do a trivia night that's killer entertainment. read more

UPDATE 1/14/2015 It's been 5 years since I originally posted the review below and I figured it deserved a little refresher. In recent months they've done quite a bit to revitalize this Durham mainstay. The 'new' chef, RJ, has been providing a continuous revolving and adventurous menu displayed on large chalkboards while brightening up the old standards with fresher ingredients that has really renewed my enthusiasm to eat here more. Also, they've done a good deal of (much needed) renovation to the bathrooms. They update their FB regularly with their offerings and specials, so if you might have had a less than stellar experience in years past, you might want to give it another shot. ___________________________________ I'll qualify this review by saying this was the first bar I entered upon arriving in Durham and the bartenders will readily share that this has been my second home for the last 3 years. Having said that, this is not your typical 'drink til you sink', fratboy screaming, underclassman barfatorium. At their best, the patrons are mostly a mix of local professionals and service industry people with a smattering of students. At their worst? Well see above... The beer and booze isn't cheap but the pour might be a bit more liberal at times. The service can be spotty for newcomers but, as it is with some bars, is commensurate with gratuity and familiarity. $1 PBR Mondays might make up the difference though. The menu is what you would expect for an Irish Pub, there are no 'must haves', but I'm more likely to have a hamburger or wings than the more traditional Banger's and Mash or Shepard's Pie, the exception is the Fish and Chips which is better than most. Weekends are hit or miss with the crowd but the Open Mic on Sunday has been managed almost comically and has to be seen to be appreciated. read more

Beer is expensive here but large draft selection. I would say about five dollars a piece. Trivia night is fun on Tuesday night! Good Irish food as well. For those who like foreign sports, they have access to setana (aussie rules footballs, cricket, rugby, etc.). read more

I liked the feel of James Joyce. I haven't eaten here so I can't review the food, but reviewing the atmosphere, drink selection, bartenders and live music... THAT I can do. The bartenders were extremely friendly and knowledgeable about their drinks and beers. Their beer selection was ok, but not the best I've seen, although I guess I am kind of picky about beer selections since I'm a bit of a beer snob :P. Their live music area is cute, but a little intense for me, small and extremely extremely loud. I like the feel of the bar inside, really enjoyed the setting and decor for the type of bar it is. I've only been 2x but I have to say I would probably go back again and enjoy myself. They made my Cape Cod perfectly... although it's not a hard drink to make :P I like bars like this for entertaining Friday nights, I just worry about how packed a place like this might get. read more

Wow! My sister and I came here with no expectations and left completely satisfied! My sister got the James Joyce burger and I got the wings. Both were amazing and the fries were unbelievable! I recommend this place to anyone who stops in. And the service was awesome too! read more

James Joyce gets a solid 5 for drinks and craic but a measly 1.5 for the food. My date and I shared the fish and chips on Election Night and it was appalling. Not sure why they don't take their food more seriously, but they don't, so I can't recommend eating here. But they have great beers on tap (Oskar Blues, etc.) and the clientele is a really diverse mix, which I like. Watch out for the crazy Colombian guy though. read more

Jesus comes back like a Thief in the Night. He ends up at James Joyce Irish Pub. He leads with his military ID because he is Psalms 118:22 and ended up an Army of One. Apparently, a military ID isn't good enough for the bartenders at James Joyce. Jesus goes to many bars. (Matthew 11:19) The way he is treated at James Joyce, he would hit everyone in there with his Rod of Misery. read more

Duke's senior and grad hangout. Make sure to go for trivia night... and the guinness beef stew. yum.

Favorite pub, a true slice of Temple Bar in Durham. Love the new menu, love the Strongbow on draft, love the dusty books above the booths. A great place to waste hours discussing life's big questions or the latest movie. read more

Food is adequate. Bar clientele is obnoxious for the most part. Lots of undergrads giving 100% on trivia nights (aka it's too hard). Bartenders are good, but inconsistent. But it beats the smell of The Fed (no offense, garlic fries). read more

I ordered the Smoked Salmon Plate and it was incredible ! Plenty of smoked salmon, pickled vegetables, cheese and crostini to feed two ! Service there is impeccable ! Will go back again read more

This place has some good things going for it -- outdoor seating in the front and the back, and the food was overall pretty good for pub food (I had the portabella sandwich and the spinach artichoke dip, both quite tasty.) I don't know whether they have real restrooms, but they had port-a-potties on the back patio, which I thought was sort-of gross. Better than not having a place to piss, though. I had to take off three stars for the horrible service we received, even though this might not be the norm. The entire place seemed like it had only one server, and the poor girl looked like she was about to cry. I want to be clear that the bad service was not her fault -- she seriously needed backup. That said, I hate waiting for 15 minutes to get a menu, and then another 20 minutes before the beer (not the food - just the beer!) gets brought out. Once the food came (in installments - one person in our party had to wait 10 minutes longer to get her meal), the server never checked in on us. Trying to get the server's attention to get our check (and then pick it up and get change) was likewise insane. In total, it took 2 hours from when we sat down to order, get our beer and sandwiches, pay, and get out of there. If I do go back to the Joyce, I'll make sure that there's more than one server working. read more

Been here a few times, and its a pretty solid bar. I have never tried their food, (somehow I always forget they serve food???) but I've heard good things from friends. Most recently stopped in this past weekend with a friend and my husband. We ordered a couple of drinks, and found a table. As far as I can tell there's no wait staff, so if you want another round, you go to the bar. I like this place, but since I prefer games and whatnot with my drinks I'm not really a regular, but on a low key night, its a good spot. read more

On my recent vacation to NC my sister's sister-in-law treated me to an adult night out at this lovely Irish Pub. It happened to be their 10th anniversary and they had 4 bands that night. The first was outside in the 20 degree weather and we huddled near a heatlamp with our beers in hand. I was glad when the set was through and we could go inside for the second act to warm up. By the third band, also outside, we decided to keep our spots inside and not refreeze. read more

James Joyce is a classic Irish Pub and is great when it isn't that crowded, unfortunately it's almost always crowded. The space is really small so it doesn't allow for that many people to enter. The outdoor patio out back is nice though, and sometimes there is live music. The bar tenders here tend to be stressed, so don't take offense if they appear to be rude. read more

Maybe it's because I've usually visited earlier on weeknights, but I've always been pleased with the service and atmosphere at the James Joyce. It's one of the only places in downtown Durham I actually enjoy, and the patio in the back is my favorite spot if it's warm outside. The interior is pretty small and usually quite smoky (doesn't matter what time it is). Prices are reasonable and they pour a decent Guiness. Actually, the beer selection is pretty good all around. I probably wouldn't recommend this bar on a weekend unless you just thrive on crowds of drunk students, but it's a lot of fun at off-peak times. read more

Good trivia on Tuesdays. Food is only standard (try food at The Fed if you need a bite--it also has a better beer selection.)

I will give this place 4 stars because I used to spend a lot of time here. This was the only place I ever came when I lived in the area, primarily because I knew the people who worked there and they let me drink underage. That said, it's still a pretty great bar if you just like to sit around and drink. If you go during an off-night than than there is a great crowd of regulars there, but if you go on the weekends then be prepared for the mass of (mainly) asshole Duke students that flock there to use their fake id's and/or spend massive amounts of their parent's money. I am sad to hear that they no longer offer Red Oak, it was one of my faves... read more

Pub of choice in Durham. Outdoor seating. Pulls a good crowd of young and old. Great location.

For all the hype this place gets, I was wholly underwhelmed. Marginal service and quite the sausage fest. Feel free to skip the Joyce.

I've always had a good time here. Prices are reasonable, food is good, and staff is friendly...most of the time. Its a small place. Typical Irish Pub. No frills no thrills but it satisfies. read more

My once a month escape from reality. James Joyce is a great place to try new things. Proximity to Brightleaf is a plus as well.

The Gaelic burger was awesome and the pub had a great, small feel. Highly recommend for a quick bite.

Always the best spot in town to meet up with TRUE Durham locals. Not that I can put myself anywhere near this category, I have been lucky enough to be an occasional happy hour attender. This is the best time, for me, to come in and meet all the interesting and genuine people of our great little city. Bartenders are always beyond friendly, and tuned into what you may enjoy. Rotating taps are always in play, with excellent selections. Not sure of the timeline here and when he arrived, but the new chef (RJ), is out of this world! Get in and eat, ASAP. The menu is farm to fork and always offering new daily specials, along with the true Irish pub staples. Back patio (super spacious and more private) has loads of seating and tables. The front patio (with ample bench seating) is contained, but puts you right into the W. Main St buzz. If bringing any large groups, just be sure to give them a solid heads up. They can sometimes have just one bartender read more

I recently went to this Irish Pub with two of my close friends. We all ordered a beer and one shot of Crown Royal. After taking the shot, it is my belief that it was not Crown Royal. It made me and my friend feel very sick and it tasted different then a normal crown royal shot, in my opinion. read more

Have been there several times for Open Mic on Sunday nights. Honestly, had it not been to go see some talented nice friends play, I wouldn't frequent there. Every time I encounter a staff person it's not good. The staff come across rude and like they could care less. The Sunday night lady bartender is not friendly. We went on a Friday night to see a friend play and they were being hard ass about not letting my friend in to see them because he lost his ID (he thinks there). My friend knew the musician and has played with him. read more

I have never eaten here, but I certainly love to drink here. This place fits the stereotype of the Irish American Pub but the bartenders are usually cool and quick and the beer is cold. The back patio is a great hidden place to hang out and they have fire pits on the porch for when the cold weather hits. read more