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    The James

    4.4 (127 reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 11:00 pm

    The James Photos

    THE JAMES ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Live music
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - The James

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    Reviews With Photos - The James

    Sunday roast with beef
    Anthea G.

    My husband and I along with our two boys dined at the James Pub in Needham for our wedding anniversary lunch. We specifically picked it for the Sunday roast they offer in the fall and winter. The food was delicious! Our appetizers (sausage rolls and chips with curry sauce) were tasty and our mains - Sunday roast with chicken for me, Roast beef for my husband and older son, and a burger for the younger son were cooked to perfection! Portions are very generous and we were quite stuffed! We were also surprised with two complimentary desserts - really very kind and thoughtful of them. From the moment we sat down at our table to the time we walked out the door, the service was friendly and kind. We will definitely be back and highly recommend the James pub for a wonderful dining experience.

    A good Irish Whiskey, water, hand sanitizer, QR codes for the menu...  such are the times.
    Dave R.

    To others, I describe The James as "a cozy, friendly, smallish, Irish-inspired restaurant *with* great food. In downtown Needham, walking distance from the commuter rail in/out of Boston, The James has long been one of my favorite spots. While the menu is limited, I have found everything on it is delicious. That staff is super friendly. And they have a great selection of Irish Whiskey! The only thing I don't like about The James is that it's a small place. I can be tough to get a table or a seat at the bar. (The COVID-era addition of outdoor seating helps in nicer weather.) But that's just me being sad that I can't get always get a table here. If you haven't tried it yet, you should.

    Sausage roll

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    9 days ago

    Charming, wonderful. I've been the many times. Great food and staff. You really feel like you're in ireland.

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    Business owner information

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    Stuart H.

    Thank you Anthea so much for the kind words. See you next time.

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    2 years ago

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    Stuart H.

    Thank you Chris, glad you enjoyed everything especially the roasties!!

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    7 months ago

    Don't expect them to say they're open to the posted hours. I would suggest calling first, but even then don't expect them to honor it.

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    2 years ago

    Cozy, yummy food. Try the soda bread! Staff are very friendly. The gin and tonic is excellent.

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    7 months ago

    small bar with a great atmosphere. tried the kiss of fire which was tasty. pretty good cocktail selection

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    2 years ago

    The burger was not good. Even the bun was not good. The fries were mediocre at best. 20 dollars, waste of money. Service was good.

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    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - The James

    What's the outdoor patio table situation? Any heaters?

    Hey, we have a heater for every table. Come join us, everything is well spaced out.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - The James

    Best burger I've ever had (and let's not forget about the fries, soda bread, and short rib and ale pie...

    Mentioned in 15 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Dunn-Gaherin’s Food and Spirits

    Dunn-Gaherin’s Food and Spirits

    4.4
    (446 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$

    Gotta take out a fish sandwich and the Wednesday night turkey special fish sandwich was good. The…read moreturkey special was great. Three big pieces of turkey container of gravy mashed potatoes, squash, stuffing cranberry sauce very good. It was takeout. So i Didn't spend much time in the restaurant, but it looked pretty nice as well as they had a very nice outside seating waitress that took my order was quite pleasant actually got to meet one of the owners lived in the same area in Connecticut that I lived when I grew up.

    Dunn-Gaherin's Food and Spirits is a neighborhood Irish pub that feels warm and welcoming from the…read moremoment we walked in. The wood interior, historic décor, and cozy atmosphere gave it the feel of a longtime local favorite without feeling outdated. The dining room had a comfortable, lived-in energy with a layout that accommodated both small groups and larger parties, and the warm lighting and traditional furnishings made it easy to settle in for a casual dinner or drinks with friends. It was the kind of place where the relaxed setting encouraged lingering over a meal rather than rushing through it. The menu focuses on elevated pub classics with several house specialties that are worth ordering. We started with the eggplant fries, one of the signature appetizers, and found them having a light, crispy coating that made them surprisingly addictive. The steak tips were another standout, cooked tender and packed with flavor, and the steak frites were a great choice if you are looking for something more substantial. There were also plenty of comfort food options throughout the menu, including seafood cakes, meatloaf, and seasonal specials that gave us a reason to come back and try something different. The food arrived hot and well assembled, and the portions were generous without being excessive. The service was one of the highlights of our visit. Everyone was friendly and welcoming, and the restaurant had the kind of hospitality that made us feel like regulars even on a first visit. The atmosphere stayed comfortable throughout the meal, making it just as suitable for a family dinner as it is for a casual night out. There is a small parking lot along with some nearby street parking, though it could fill up quickly during busy dinner hours. The staff moved through the room with ease, checking in at the right moments and keeping the pacing of the meal steady without making us feel rushed. Overall, Dunn-Gaherin's Food and Spirits is the kind of neighborhood restaurant that consistently delivers a comfortable atmosphere, friendly service, and well-executed pub food. The combination of classic Irish pub charm and quality comfort dishes makes it an easy place to return to, whether we were stopping in for one of their signature appetizers or a full dinner.

    Photos
    Bar interior
    Bar interior
    Great place - what a find
    Great place - what a find
    Patio

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    Patio
    C.F. McCarthy’s

    C.F. McCarthy’s

    4.1
    (168 reviews)
    9.9 mi
    $$
    Family-owned & operated
    Hipster vibe

    I need other establishments with LESS stars to pay attention. You see, it's been 2 years since I've…read morestepped foot inside CF simply because life got busy. But I'm going to just say it They haven't missed a beat, period. Service with a smile from door to the bar Drinks were....for lack of a better word, PERFECT! Umaka and Amy, 5 stars!!!!! Just disappointed they no longer serve Sangria. My wife had the last of it. Guys put it back on the menu. Please and thank you. I believe your customers will appreciate it. My wife and I included. I'll say it again Umaka and Amy....I swear they should do a training video on how it should be done. Food insanely fresh and tasty ( dry rub wings and turkey wrap - don't hesitate, just order it. You WILL NOT be disappointed. Would've taken pics but got it to go after our drinks and demolished it all when my wife and I got home......sorry not sorry sooooo good!!! CF McCarthy, Umaka, Amy....Thank you. "We'll be back!"

    Found this place in Yelp while visiting nearby Sharon, MA. We wanted a place for my daughter to…read morehave her 21st birthday drink and some good food. This place was a great find! Friendly service in a cute little pub style bar/restaurant. Lots of TVs so we could watch the FIFA game and there was live music. Nice menu with variety and a full bar. We got the fried pickles appetizer which was pickle stackers, different from most fried pickles but delicious! Then we had the poutine with brisket and I had the special, a seafood stuffed sole with fingerling potatoes and asparagus. Absolutely delicious!

    Photos
    C.F. McCarthy’s
    Short Rib Grilled Cheese Sandwich
    Short Rib Grilled Cheese Sandwich
    Drinks

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    Drinks
    McGonagle’s

    McGonagle’s

    3.8
    (68 reviews)
    9.9 mi

    Came to McGonagles on a Friday evening before we had to attend a wedding. We wanted to grab a bite…read moreto eat and a drink as we weren't sure what the spread was at the wedding. We were advised light snacks so figured we should probably get a base before heading that way. We walked in to the coolest Irish pub that opened up in the back. It was way bigger than I expected. We quickly ordered drinks and I ordered a Moscow mule (my go to). It was in a copper mug and absolutely delicious. My husband ordered a beer, which he enjoyed too. We ordered some oysters and corn ribs for an appetizer. I had never had corn ribs before and was pleasantly surprised. My husband and I split the fish and chips and I'm really glad we did. The fish was extremely large and almost filled the plate. It was crispy and delicious. It was definitely well made. The sauce on the side was even better, too. Highly recommend this place for a quick bite and a pint.

    I'm not in this neighborhood often at all. McGonagle's is located in the Port Norfolk area on…read moreNeponset Avenue in Dorchester. This is a great spot to have a drink and a bite to eat. Super relaxed atmosphere and tv's, so it would be a great place to watch a game. Friendly bartender and the fish and chips was good. They also have pizzas that looked great. My friend had a pesto with burrata and she said it was awesome. They also have gluten-free pizza, whihc is good to know. Our table neighbor had the pork chop, which also looked great. They have a small parking lot, which would fill up quickly. We went on a very "off" time, so we were able to park in that lot. Otherwise, you'd need to find street parking.

    Photos
    McGonagle’s
    McGonagle’s
    McGonagle’s

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    Lockheart

    Lockheart

    3.9
    (91 reviews)
    3.3 mi

    Lockheart is a Latin inspired restaurant in Boston with a creative menu and a relaxed atmosphere…read morethat makes it work equally well for a casual lunch or a longer dinner with a group. We walked into a space that is comfortable and notably quiet for its size, which made it a good option for larger parties or anyone who wants to actually have a conversation without competing with the room. Live music downstairs adds a different dimension to evening visits, and the kitchen stays open until midnight, which makes it a reliable option when other spots have already closed. The nachos are the standout order and the dish most worth building your visit around. They came out loaded and well constructed without collapsing into the pile of soggy chips that ruins most nacho plates. The smash tacos are worth ordering across a few different fillings to get a sense of what the kitchen does well, and the birria tacos in particular have built a following for the depth of flavor in the braised meat and the accompanying consommé for dipping. We tried a few of the other taco options, and they landed on the milder side in terms of seasoning, which was a bit of a letdown compared to the birria. The portion size relative to price also felt a little small on some plates. The ceviche was decent but benefited from some additional flavor, so adjusting expectations on that particular order makes sense. Service was attentive and the pacing of the meal matched the relaxed atmosphere of the room. The staff knew the menu well and offered thoughtful recommendations without being pushy. For a Latin restaurant in Boston that delivers on atmosphere, late hours, and a few standout dishes like the nachos and birria tacos, Lockheart is a solid option worth keeping in mind for a group dinner or a late night meal.

    Was looking for a casual night at the bar with my husband and Lockheart was the place. The…read morebartender made a delicious skinny margarita and my husband had the spicy one. We started with the lobster guacamole, it was ok a little mushier and bland for my liking. My husband had the quesadilla and I had two street tacos, they were delicious! Recommend if looking for Mexican fair.

    Photos
    Lockheart
    Rib eye steak, pblt, and baja fish tacos
    Rib eye steak, pblt, and baja fish tacos
    Lockheart

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    The James - irish_pubs - Updated July 2026

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