James Joyce Irish Pub and Restaurant — Restaurant in Durham

*Edit Review 12/29/24

I am updating my 1 star to a 5 as it is justified; everyone deserves a second chance. I have actually gone twice since that one star experience on 11/22/24 and not once was there a drunk woman not doing her job.

The gentleman there with the glasses is outstanding. He took care of me both times and he went above and beyond. When I gave them another chance, I called in, he was busy and asked to have me call back in five minutes. I definitely understood because it was like 6 at night during dinner rush. He actually ended up calling me back sooner which was a very nice gesture and took my order like a pro.

Both times the food was absolutely delicious and the service was on point. I highly reccomend this place especially if you're in the mood for some shepherds pie 🥧

*Edit Review 11/22/24

-I am editing my original review which is sad because I wanted to like this place. I called at 6:05 PM on Friday 11/22/24 and the lady who answered was extremely drunk. I asked if I could put in for a pickup order and she slurred "can't you just order it onlineah?" I asked if their system was down and if she wasn't able to take my order over the phone. She slurred again and said hold on. I heard her in the background confused and slurring telling someone "this guy wants to order a pickup" then proceeds to sit there in silence with whoever it was for 2 minutes. She comes back and again slurrs very obviously drunk "Thank you calling James Joyce Pub how can help you". I could even hear her swaying from being so inebriated; I hung up and went to different pub.

I do not recommend this place especially if their employees are plastered by 6PM. They'll probably end up messing up your order and may even cause you to be sick.

Original Review 11/16/24:

My wife got the Sheppards pie and potato skins which I tried a bit of both and they're phenomenal.

I got the avocado BLT with a side spicy Cesar salad which was absolutely bangin. I highly recommend this pub if you're interested just...

Small, cozy place with Guinness on tap and so-so food.

Jimmy Joyce is constantly changing its formula. You could say it's almost stream of consciousness style bar management. Prices go up and down, new menus emerge (it used to be a set menu with a few specials on a chalkboard, now it's a different menu every night), and the decor changes (hello new chalkboards with beers everywhere).

Tuesday night trivia is well-attended and fun, although perhaps lacking the literary wit of the bar's namesake.

Often they are out of some of the beers listed on the chalkboards so your choices aren't as extensive as you would at first think. That said, there are still a lot of draft beers available and the bartenders know what they are doing and are generally really nice. They are probably a bit understaffed but do a good job with prompt and friendly service.

The food is just okay. Mostly standard pub fair. Now that they have a special menu every day you can't really on them for Irish specialties, but they weren't superb before anyways. Fish and chips are enjoyable but not memorable.

In the warmer months check out the back patio. There's no view or anything, but it's secluded from the street which is nice.

Overall, it's a place to go if they're having an event but I wouldn't put it in my regular rotation for anything but the...

Okay bar, terrible food.

We came on St. Patty's looking for an authentic Irish experience for the holiday. The vibe was good from the outside. Live music, lots of people. We walked in and were told to find a seat anywhere we could. That was fine since it was a busy day. We found a few seats and there were some freebies spread around (beads, bottle openers, buttons, etc.) That was neat.

Someone came by and asked if we wanted drinks. We ordered drinks, but then they never came back to take a food order until we flagged them down. My water cup also had beer spilled down the side of it. I ordered the $15 corned beef and cabbage and my wife got a Guinness potato soup and a salad.

The soup was too peppery for her to eat, and my plate was a poor excuse for a restaurant meal. I've had better meals at the hospital cafeteria. Potatoes were thick and dry - they tasted like boxed potatoes. The "corned beef" was dried out slices that looked and tasted more like country ham. Under the meat was about 1/4 cup of cabbage and there was a glob of some kind of horseradish sauce and a stick of soda bread with raisins in it. It was all served on a paper plate. I couldn't believe that I had paid $15 for this mess.

We finished our food quickly and promptly paid and left. It seems like an okay bar, but I would never come back...