Social Profile: 
… View more
Intimate cozy Irish Pub serving lunch, dinner, late-night, and brunch. Join us for fun Trivia Tuesdays. Enjoy our tucked-away heated back patio beer garden or sip on a Guinness and watch the town walk by from our front porch tables. Often described as, My favorite living room, come meet your new pub friends.
Intimate haunt featuring Guinness, Celtic pub chow & 2 patios, plus trivia & open-mike nights.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 912 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701
Phone: (919) 683-3022
Website: http://www.jamesjoyceirishpub.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
James Joyce Irish Pub and Restaurant – Durham, NC
Our menu is filled with traditional Irish dishes that will transport your taste buds to the Emerald Isle. Join us for a night you won’t forget!
James Joyce Irish Pub | Durham NC – Facebook
James Joyce Irish Pub is Durham’s original Irish pub, open for more than 24 years on Main Street in the Brightleaf District of Downtown Durham, NC.
James Joyce Irish Pub (@jamesjoyceirishpub) – Instagram
Photo by Tea Cup Gin in James Joyce Irish Pub with @downtowndurham, @trianglemusic … Photo shared by IAFF LOCAL 668 – Durham, NC on March 10, 2026 tagging …
Reviews
Jay Miller
We walked from our hotel and had a nice dinner. The chicken cury was a delight, and the Gaelic Burger was outstanding. The muscles and fries were cooked to perfection. We sat outside, it was a nice day and all around a great experience. I would recommend this to anyone in the area, and the service was top notch. If you found this review helpful, please drop a
… moreR H
Really lovely restaurant and the hero of the evening. A previous plan fell apart so we had to pivot. My suspicion now is this might be a better choice in any case. I got a James Joyce burger with a fried egg added. I also had fries which were good but powerfully seasoned with salt and garlic. Vampires beware. Also the egg was runny so if that is not your thing say so upfront.i liked it fine and it struck me as the conventional burger egg. So if you have done it before it will be very over easy and make it tricky to hold. Especially when the yolk eventually bursts.
Our server was prompt and very helpful. He also appeared to split his attention between hosting, serving, and bar tending. He might have also done a little of the cooking himself. Either way he balanced many hats and a lot of people seemed to recognize him as they came in.
Also dogs, both service and possibly otherwise, seem to make their way in. I would check with the host what the rules are if you have the intention of bringing a pet here casually and be aware that two guide dogs were here as a certainty while we ate.
… moreOur server was prompt and very helpful. He also appeared to split his attention between hosting, serving, and bar tending. He might have also done a little of the cooking himself. Either way he balanced many hats and a lot of people seemed to recognize him as they came in.
Also dogs, both service and possibly otherwise, seem to make their way in. I would check with the host what the rules are if you have the intention of bringing a pet here casually and be aware that two guide dogs were here as a certainty while we ate.
Melinda Cotter
Lovely service – our bartender/waitress was so sweet and fast! Guinness and Smithwicks on point as it should be. Decor was authentic. Reminded me a of side street pub in Kilkenny. Food was a bit salty (but that’s a personal dislike of mine – may be spot on to others). Love that there was malt vinegar already on the table. Would return!
… moreEva Lie-Nielsen
I am a long time customer of James Joyce and am sad to give a bad review but I’ve had enough of the abysmal service and rude bartenders. It seems like every time I go there’s a new bartender and each one is as rude as the next. Tonight we sat at a table, and the bartender came over to wipe it for us, acknowledged us and we said thank you. Then we sat there for 15 plus minutes as he passed by us literally five times waiting on other tables and ignoring us. Finally I approached him at the bar and asked if we needed to order at the bar. He said yes, and I said okay, I wish you could’ve told us that. His response was “well I didn’t talk to you.” Yeah that’s the problem! It would take one second to ask us to order at the bar while he was wiping our table or one of the many times he passed by us. I love the place, and LOVE the food, but unfortunately the rotating door of rude bartenders has driven me away.
… moreLisa Miller
Had a great round of drinks and dinner here on a Thursday night. Able to walk in around 6 pm and seated right away. The Shepard pie, Irish stew, and fish and chips were all excellent! Highly recommend if you are staying in the area.
… moreAngelica Vasquez
I stopped by James Joyce Irish Pub in Durham and had the best club sandwich and tomato soup I’ve ever had in my life! The sandwich was perfectly layered and full of flavor, and that soup… wow. I was honestly a little jealous they made tomato soup better than me — and I pride myself on my soup! Cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and food that completely exceeded my expectations. I’ll definitely be
… moreCarl B Locklear
I have been visiting James Joyce for at least 15 years when I pass through. I have always totally enjoyed the flavor and authenticity of the pub. But last night was the worst experience I have had recently in a public house starting with very vulgar rap music as soon as I walked in. When I asked the bartender what kind of music is this for Joyce, she replied it was her kind of. I should have left immediately but I can only come by about two or three times a year. Hardly anyone was there I believe because of this disgusting playlist and the smartass bartender. Who needs it? Joyce seems to have deteriorated since the last time I was there. The young lady bartender was very rude and nasty… should be fired immediately before she ruins the place.
… moreCurtis Gumbs
Came in here on January 17th at about 10:20 pm…friend suggested we stop in there…got the wings(devils blood) and fries…friend got the fish and chips…food was great…drinks were good and atmosphere was lively…they even put the nfl playoff game on the tv when requested…good time overall…will return.
… moreKory
Went here for a first date and it was a cute little spot. Probably fun to go here when Duke plays games. I didn’t get any food, but my LIT was great. Not really my scene.
… moreRobin Bond
Love the cozy atmosphere. Bee makes the best margaritas on Main Street. Got the club sandwich and Thai chili wings. Both delicious and I will be back.
… more