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James Joyce Irish Pub and Restaurant

4.4

912 W Main St
Durham, NC 27701
Phone: (919) 683-3022
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Next door to The Federal, James Joyce lives up to its name. It's a classic Irish pub with bar food like wings, fried soft pretzel bites with beer queso, steak and cheese sandwiches, and numerous burger options. Step into the backyard for a laid-back outdoor area and enjoy the good eats and atmosphere.


Hours:

Monday: 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday: 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Thursday: 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM
Sunday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM

Price Range
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James Joyce Irish Pub and Restaurant
Mapped location of James Joyce Irish Pub and Restaurant

Google Reviews

4.4
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Photo of Angelica Vasquez Angelica Vasquez
Nov 7, 2025 5

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

Photo of Elijah Gadol Elijah Gadol
Jun 9, 2025 5

The food was great and worth the wait, though it did take a little bit to come out. If you go on Tuesday nights, there is trivia starting at 8pm and the winner wins a giftcard. The atmosphere is retains the older 2000s feel of Durham amid the modern restaurants that are spreading throughout downtown.

Photo of Mackenzie A. Shepard Mackenzie A. Shepard
Apr 20, 2025 5

Delicious burger and cheesesteak! The service was great. We had a stroller with us so we sat outside. The location is great since it’s just outside downtown so parking was not difficult. The food was a great portion and all family members were pleased with their dishes. Fish and chips was really tasty and the Tartar sauce was unlike store sauce. We’d go again.

Photo of Ashley S. Ashley S.
Mar 18, 2025 5

We went on St. Patty's day, and other than there really not being a table other than by the bathrooms, it was not too bad. I had the fish and chips, which were really good, and he had the corned beef(slightly tough) and cabbage. The atmosphere is great. The service was great considering how busy it was. If you have never been, you order at the bar, and they give you a number and your drinks. The hunt is on after that for the servers. I will visit again when they are not slammed packed.

Photo of Hadley Barth Hadley Barth
Feb 28, 2025 4

The food was pretty tasty and we liked the menu. Drinks were hit or miss: the same margarita mixed wonderfully the first time was basically soda water the next. Service was great when it was quiet, but once it filled up we couldn't get anything without walking up the bar and waiting a long time. Tuesday night trivia is very well done, the questions are fun and varied, and it moves at a good pace.