James Joyce Irish Pub

During college, after I turned 21, I certainly came out to the Joyce a fair bit with my roommates. Generally, they have a decent selection of beers on tap (Typical Pub Beers like Guinness, Local Brews Like Fullsteam and Aviator, and Some Exceptional Random Ones Like Dale's Pale Ale).  In spite of this, the place does have some downsides. Sometimes, especially during busy periods such as the weekend, it can become almost impossible to find seating or even standing room. The place is a bit dingier and less "fancy" than say The Federal or its competitor, Bull Maccabes, but ironically makes up for it with its cramped quarters, which, if you are actually able to get a seat, I feel facilitates having closer conversations with the people you are with. I do like the fire setup that is right outside the door, and the patio area in the back is nice, though it wouldn't be the first place where I would want to go. One thing that I will note is the mixed feelings I have about the Joyce's service. Though generally, the bartenders are fairly knowledgable and friendly, there have been times when I went up to order and felt ignored without any reasonable explanation and there certainly have been instances when my mixed drinks weren't made well. However, perhaps the greatest selling points for me though about the Joyce are the trivia night and the diversity of people who come to the Joyce. Though extremely challenging in terms of the actual questions, Trivia night (Every Tuesday) at the Joyce brings together people from all walks of life in Durham (Duke Students, Local Businessmen) and the diversity of the Joyce's cliente is one thing that the establishment definitely has over its competitors. All in all, this place would probably merit 3 stars if it were located in a bigger city, but I will round it up to four, especially given the lack of other pub options in Durham.

I come here often despite a 45 minute drive from home because this is the first bar I've been to that reminds me of some of my favorite haunts back in Cambridge.

The laid back atmosphere, good food, and beer selection make this a great place to hang with friends or catch a game. While you'll occasionally get a few younger patrons, it's a nice place for the 30-somethings without the feel of a meat market. There have been some interesting characters here, but at times we can be the interesting characters so it all evens out.

The staff I've encountered is great. Friendly and engaging, they do what they can to make your trip worthwhile. We are never in a rush for anything other than a refill, but bartenders are as quick as they can be given the crowds; if there's only one person behind the bar and it's mobbed, it might take a little longer than if the place is empty. That being said, I've found the bartenders to be efficient and attentive, and I don't think it's just because they know my face.

Overall, the only drawback is that it is so far from home. This is a great place to relax and grab a drink.

Definitely a real "Irish pub" feel to the place - from the overall layout, wall decorations, O'Connell Street signs, and "Irish castles" posters in the restrooms.  Doesn't seem like they bought one of the "Irish pub in a box kits."  It is a very small area, though and the inside can become overwhelmingly crowded pretty quickly.  There's a back patio with could use a little more care and upkeep, but it can be nice to sit at one of the big picnic tables out back to have a beer in the spring or fall.  There's also a front patio that is right next to the one at the Federal.

I've ordered appetizers there a few times, and the fries are good, the spinach dip disappointing.  But I mainly come for the bar, and it's one of my favorites in downtown Durham.  They have great beer pitcher specials.  

They also have a wonderful trivia night on Tuesdays at 9:30.  The place is usually packed, and different brewery/beer representatives come and give away prizes in between the rounds.  Recents have been Stella, Sweetwater, and Goose Island.