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    The James

    4.3 (129 reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)

    The James Photos

    THE JAMES ATMOSPHERE

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

    Recommended Reviews - The James

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    Reviews With Photos

    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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    8 years ago

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    8 years ago

    Great Drinks! the best bartender in Needham. They take pride in the quality of their product they serve

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    8 years ago

    Wonderful atmosphere, feels like an authentic Irish pub. Staff is very friendly and helpful.

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    7 years ago

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    Page 4 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

    The Dooliner Irish Pub & Restaurant - Wings - Buffalo and garlic Parmesan flavor

    The Dooliner Irish Pub & Restaurant

    4.5(47 reviews)
    5.8 mi

    Went for lunch. the service was awesome! had a perfectly…read moremade bloody mary. we split a Caesar and burger. the fries were hand cut, they called the burger their signature and it was really delicious and juicy and very flavorful what a gem!

    We came here on a VERY busy day as people were coming in to watch the US play in the World Cup…read more Luckily they had a table for 2 available and we were able to quickly get seated. To begin with we had a server and another girl who brought the food out. They were all incredibly friendly and attentive. And although it was busy we never felt rushed so they could turn over the table. Service was A+. I did order a Guinness and it was perfectly poured and a perfect temperature. We also shared a craft cocktail from their bar list and it too was delicious - they have a tea great bar and beer selection. We ordered fish and chips and the chicken dinner. Both were fantastic and tasty and perfectly cooked. The fish was huge chunks which I love and the chicken was tender and came with delicious sides. Also the prices in my opinion was super reasonable and lower than I actually anticipated. We did have to park in a neighborhood (their parking lot was full) and it was a couple blocks of a walk but it's a super safe neighborhood and on a nice day the walk was quite enjoyable! Highly Recommend!

    Photos
    The Dooliner Irish Pub & Restaurant - Bar

    Bar

    The Dooliner Irish Pub & Restaurant - Sooooo juicy good!

    Sooooo juicy good!

    The Dooliner Irish Pub & Restaurant - No Fiddlehead on tap . Replaced with Cloud candy

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    No Fiddlehead on tap . Replaced with Cloud candy

    Dunn-Gaherin’s Food and Spirits - French onion soup

    Dunn-Gaherin’s Food and Spirits

    4.4(447 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$

    One of the great Irish pubs in the Boston area. Over the last 30 years, we have seen this evolve…read moreinto a classic pub. Inside, there is Boston memorabilia and distinctly Irish feel with sports, street signs, pictures and references to Ireland. The service is friendly. The food has been consistent and good. The bar is wonderful and quaint. A pint of Guinness never disappoints. I so wanted this to be 5. We Iived in the neighborhood years ago, and would walk to Dunn's especially when we thought I could remodel the kitchen and were without it for six months. The place and service is a 5. The cheesy potato wedges as an app was awesome. The seafood cakes are excellent and a good value. The meatloaf is a little bland and the accompanying broccoli was tough and I didn't finish it. The mash potatoes and gravy are always excellent. The food doesn't seem to be as differentiated as in the past. Overall, Dunn's is a wonderful experience!

    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.

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    Dunn-Gaherin’s Food and Spirits - Bar interior

    Bar interior

    Dunn-Gaherin’s Food and Spirits - Great place - what a find

    Great place - what a find

    Dunn-Gaherin’s Food and Spirits - Patio

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    Patio

    C.F. McCarthy’s - Short Rib Grilled Cheese Sandwich

    C.F. McCarthy’s

    4.1(168 reviews)
    9.9 mi
    $$

    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!

    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!"

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    C.F. McCarthy’s
    C.F. McCarthy’s - Short Rib Grilled Cheese Sandwich

    Short Rib Grilled Cheese Sandwich

    C.F. McCarthy’s - Drinks

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    Drinks

    McGonagle’s - Steak Sandwich

    McGonagle’s

    3.8(72 reviews)
    9.9 miDorchester

    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.

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    McGonagle’s
    McGonagle’s
    McGonagle’s

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    Lockheart

    Lockheart

    3.9(92 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
    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 August 2026

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