The James Joyce Irish Pub — Restaurant in Athens

The James Joyce Irish Pub – A Home Away From Home in the Heart of Athens

Nestled in a prime spot right in the middle between Monastiraki Square and Thiseio, The James Joyce is more than just a pub – it’s a little slice of home for anyone hailing from the UK or Ireland. I’ve been a regular since 2022, and it’s become my go-to place whenever I need a familiar vibe in the middle of bustling Athens.

From the moment you walk in, there’s a warm, welcoming atmosphere that genuinely feels like stepping into a proper pub. The interior strikes the perfect balance between cozy and lively, with great music setting the tone without overpowering conversations.

The beer selection is top-tier, offering a wide range of imported brews that you won’t find in other places around, and – a huge bonus – it’s one of the very few spots in Athens that consistently offers solid vegan food. As a vegan, that’s a game-changer, and it makes this place stand out even more for those of us who appreciate great plant-based options with our pints.

The staff? Always friendly, attentive, and ready with a recommendation even if you’re not sure what to order. You get the sense that they actually care about the people coming through the door – not just the service.

Whether you’re passing through Athens or staying for a while, I can’t recommend The James Joyce enough – especially to fellow vegan travelers from the UK and Ireland. It’s the kind of place you end up coming back to...

Our first time in Athens and we came across this bar whilst wandering around. Not far from acropolis for anyone making the trip up there and needing a drink afterwards! The Guinness is great and the staff are even better. 8 draught taps, a cocktail menu, a good choice of spirits and a great food menu. The prices are lower than other places we've visited during our trip to Athens however the quality is far higher. 3 screens showing sports throughout the day attracts guests from all over the world. This isn't a tipical Brits abroad pub, it's got character and you feel like it's your local. Outside seating available with a view of the acropolis. Good music and good vibes, a true hidden gem. You can order at the bar in the day but as the night goes on and the place gets busier it swaps to table service, however the wait time for food and drinks is very minimal as all of the staff are very attentive. Would highly recommend to anyone...

After a quite touristic day including a “traditional” local lunch in Athens, I was looking for something different and not just another trap for strangers (yet alone, I do not count myself much of one, since I am coming from just the opposite side of the Sea). I had already stopped here during the day for a few pints that I had enjoyed with the view of ancient excavation site and the busy street with people full of vibes - however I refuged back to try my chance with a dinner and I just ate one of the best “steak and guinness pie”s of my life! Such a tender beef meat, surely cooked slowly as it certainly took time to arrive (all worth it) accompanied by perfectly prepared mashed potatoes and a delicious gravy souce - It was still piping hot until the last bite! And the house beer is, in my opinion, much better than the commercial ones on tap.. Do not miss this lovely Irish pub if you ever come to...