James Joyce Irish Pub & Eatery — Restaurant in Tampa

My husband and I came for a late lunch in the afternoon we parked across the street at one of the paid parking lots because unfortunately the parking lot dedicated for the restaurant was blocked off by a gate so no one could park there .

When we came in the bartender said we could sit where we liked so we chose a spot by the back of the restaurant near the kitchen and a nice looking electrical fireplace the Irish music and atmosphere was pleasant and I liked the decorations . My husband ordered a beer called 3 daughters on draft and I got a sweet tea and a water . We split boneless wings that were Parmesan garlic flavor a half order which I regretted getting a half order and wish I would have gotten the full instead since they were so flavorful and well cooked

I got the shepherds pie that is made with beef pot roast that just falls apart instead of ground beef wonderful gravy and mashed potatoes covered with cheddar cheese it was so good . My husband got the fish and chips which was really good and the fries were well seasoned hand cut fries that still had a little bit of skin on them .

We had an enjoyable experience there were only two staff when we first arrived and there was a large Meetup app group that kept growing changing seats and asking for a million different things, our waiter who was their waiter too and had other tables handled it well and the bartender jumped in to help with the table .

As it got later in the day when we were leaving more staff came in to handle the dinner rush . We will be back we had an enjoyable anniversary lunch we have been together for 10 years and married for a little over a year so thank you for making it a memorable day . Hope to come back when there is...

Okay so I want to preface this by APOLOGIZING to Sadie by not leaving my review last night because I was just a little tipsy LOL but I'm keeping my word!! This is my favorite pub, not just because it's like 5 minutes from my house but because our first experience kept us coming back and the staff is literally so nice and we love the vibes here so much. Our first time here was about a year ago and our cat had to go to the emergency vet, we came in at like 1am after crying in the emergency vet and just needing to eat something and it was the only place open near our house. When we came in, we were still friendly but I think the staff could see we were super sad and they were SO sweet and nice and that just really made us feel really good and it's like our regular spot. SADIE IS MY FAVORITE

My wife and I came for lunch - like it so much that after we were done touring Ybor City, we came back for supper prior to catching the trolley back to the Riverwalk! The owner spent some time talking - from NYNY if I remember; got tired of the big city & set up here . . .

A great HUGE SELECTION OF BEER made my heart beat faster, and yes, samples are available .... yummm. :) We had a good time, the food was good - not fantastic, but as good or superior to most small mom & pop bar, and seemed to be made with fresh ingredients.

I must admit that it took a LONG time to get our supper (lunch was quick and good), but the hostess was apologetic, and they were obviously very understaffed - one girl practically having to run all the chores, and the tables, plus take orders and serve them. We gave her a decent tip for being a hard worker anyway - not her fault there aren't enough hands.

Therefore the BEST time to visit is, IMO, mid-day for a great lunch with a nice hearty beer, when business is slow. When things ramp up you just go in with the knowledge that you might sit for a long time - a half hour up - before your food arrives. But then again, that leaves more time for conversation and beer! :D

(P.S.: There is a trolley station not far to your left as you exit the bar . . . within walking and/or staggering distance if you are able after closing . . . but trolleys do NOT run all night - just till about 10 or so, so know before you go what time to get out of there and are using the trolley as a form of...