The James Joyce — Restaurant in Prague

Irish pub in Prague” ? Yes, if it is this one, a thousand times yes.

Our friends are staying in the airbnb just above the James Joyce Irish Pub so they suggested we end our day with dinner and a round of drinks here. We told ourselves the popular Czech lie/motto, “we will just go for one drink”. But instead we were won over by the delicious food and the charm of the place and the people at this cozy pub and spent the evening in its welcoming cheer.

The James Joyce Pub (the first of the Irish Pub’s in Prague) is located just far enough from the crush of the crowds but just close enough to be a proximal sanctuary. And even better than its location is the FOOD!

After our meal, we were raving. The Owner’s daughter-in-law Fiona visiting with her husband Darren, were seated just behind us and over heard my praise of “the best Shepard’s pie I have ever tasted”. Fiona enthusiastically concurred and said she gets the same dish every time they visit. As I gushed additionally about the salad dressing, Fiona said, “tell him, he’s the owner” and she pointed to the charismatic and fun loving man seated across her table, Gordon.

So began the night of fun. I tried to get Gordon to tell us the recipe for his salad dressing but this secret he is protecting is a gosh darn culinary revelation he refuses to reveal. The greens served along a main at most places are a dismal garnish or an afterthought of a side dish. But here, it is an intentional achievement. Lamb’s leaf mixed greens with colorful veggies and a light tangy, summer salad dressing with just the right amount of brightness and freshness to cut through the warm heartiness of the Shepherd's pie was a perfect accompaniment. This salad was such a star of its own, my friend ordered more of the salad to finish her meal. (For the Shepard’s pie, make sure to do as another smart friend did for his order - have it topped with Cheddar Cheese.) You will not be disappointed.

Before he became its proprietor, Gordon, fell in love with this charming establishment as a customer. Now as its steward he is as much a customer still and loving his people (staff and customers). Like all the best pubs this place is full of great story tellers and Gordon is the resident tale teller. He gave us colorful history of the surrounding areas you won’t get on a tourist’s walking tour (but he will be able to tell you the error’s in the stories the tourist walks tell). He also introduced us to other patrons to hear their lively tales. Gordon takes great pride in his place and his people and the food offered. Also when you visit, see if Roman will sing you a song. He has a wonderful voice, and at least one great voice is essential in an Irish pub. Thank you Roman for the stories and songs. Merriment ensued and after a truly inspired dinner, we drank the night away, with the tales, and songs and drinks offered.

On a Thursday evening, this Pub was everything a pub should be, whatever each patron wanted it to be. Some locals having a pint and a chat, neighbors stopping in for dinner and a visit and a welcoming place to travelers wanting good times and lasting memories. All of this with a level of food that is a stand out. This pub also offers great beers and drinks and I will leave those aspects to my friends to review as some of them are beer connoisseurs who will have insights to offer. Beer number ten became their favorite (and believe they sampled all of them to make this judicious rating after the proper due diligence).

As Stefan on Saturday Night Live use to say “This place has everything”. So my recommendation of this place - hearty as the food and as enthusiastic as the charms . Go give them a visit, for the food, service and the characters and character of this place. It provided a night of drinks with the kind of memories which fill a travel log of smiles for years to come.

Your best meal in Prague and a night to remember are waiting for you here, just a few steps away from all the crowds.

“They lived and laughed and loved and left.” ― James Joyce,...

We just arrived in Prague 4 hours ago. We decided to get a drink and some food. We came here and Luke greeted us. We had drinks and had gotten food and it was a great time. The food was delicious. Luke was phenomenal. He was welcoming, funny, and kind. He made sure we had everything we needed and were taken care of.

Would recommend this place for sure!

About an hour and a half into our time here, 2 women and 5 men walk in. They were about in there 50’s. Luke served all of them and one guy asks him for another gin a Tonic (it was the girls) and as he takes it (there was half in there still) he asked if she was done and the guy says to him, don’t talk to the girl you talk to me. You don’t talk to the girl when a guy asks you for a drink. Luke tried to explain he just wanted to make sure she was done and the guy got really rude , saying don’t be stupid. He was telling him to serve the guys and not the girls which is super sexist. It’s funny in 2024 we still have to deal with that. Me and three friends chimed in, trying to defend Luke and saying he wasn’t in the wrong etc. he had nothing to say to us and kept harassing Luke instead. He then brought up that he wasn’t Going to tip. But then when we said something to him he said “ oh no I’ll leave a review” in a condescending tone to us. He then, after causing problems, decided to leave. Apparently he comes here often.

Our time was great until this moment. I felt so hurt for Luke and I was so upset as a woman watching this happen and hearing it happen. It is so disrespectful. I will never forget Luke. He truly made this trip great just by his kindness and his service. I also want to mention Nati. She was so kind, and made sure we enjoyed the food. They both did such a great job and I commend them for having to deal with what they have to deal with when...

Typical Irish pub but has something a lot others don't have: poitín! By the selection of spirits and beers, this place is legit.

While it didn't appear to have many Irish people in it when I was there, it was still packed and everyone seemed happy. The patrons were a mix of Czech, American/Canadian, English, and maybe some others. Almost every table around us was Czech men.

Service was quite slow at the beginning, but it was pub quiz time and there was only one woman working the floor it seemed, and she was doing her best. She was also really, really friendly, full of smiles and kind words! A true anomaly in a lot of service experiences we had in Prague. She's a star.

I had been craving proper fish and chips for a really long time, and I'm somewhat surprised that Czech Republic is where I found the best ones in a very long time. Better than many of the pubs in the UK, and certainly better than Portugal or Spain.

Fish was perfectly fried, and chips were handcut and the exact mix of crisp and soggy that I love and look for in chips. The portion size of the chips was rather small however. Fish was a good size. Mushy peas were done nicely.

Guinness was a great pour and excellent temperature. All in all, a very solid Irish pub. Doesn't seem as kitschy or touristy as so many...