Digging into Durham: the James Joyce

Nov 12 2011, Written by Ibe Alozie in Digging into Durham,News, 0 Comments

When looking for a slightly classier night-time venue than Shooters, some Dukies opt to frequent the James Joyce.

One of the best restaurants in Durham, the James Joyce is aptly named after arguably one of the best Irish writers in history. Situated a short walk away from the walls of East Campus and within seconds of Shooters, the James Joyce provides a quick get-away from the Southern cuisine of Brightleaf and the tiresome, American cuisine of Duke.

According to the James Joyce website, Owner Fergus Bradley came to the United States from the small town Ennis, in County Clare, Ireland. After a brief stay in Boston, Bradley came to Durham, and set up an Irish pub.

Adele Williams, co-manager of the James Joyce, recounted the history of the James Joyce.

“As you can tell, this is the original James Joyce,” she said. “It was just a bar, and the restaurant came along later. The street signs from Ireland and Joyce family pictures attest to the authentic Irish roots of the James Joyce.”

Much like many restaurants in Brightleaf, the James Joyce has outdoor seating with heaters, which makes eating outside a viable option in any temperature.

But it is inside that the real James Joyce experience begins.

Candlelit tables are set up around the bar, which has about 10 stools under it. Posters of different types of Irish brews and Irish street signs are only interrupted by televisions, mounted on the walls. Almost immediately upon choosing your seat, a waiter or waitress (rarely holding a pen or pad) comes by to take your order.

The menu features American staples like salads, grilled cheese sandwiches and hot wings, but the Irish cuisine of meat and potatoes prevails. Delicious options like Irish smoked salmon, clam chowder, sirloin tips with mashed potatoes, shepherd’s pie and fish and chips highlight the distinctly Irish menu.

The great food and experience has not been lost on one portion of the Duke population however. The spot has become a favorite of graduate students according to Williams.

“About 85 percent of the Duke students we get here are graduate students,” he said. “Lots of graduate students.”

On Fridays and Saturdays the James Joyce features live music at 10 PM. Directed towards college students bored of the club scene, the pub features Tuesday night Trivia at 9:30 p.m., which generally gathers a crowd, Williams said. Friday nights also boast All You Can Eat Fish&Chips from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.—an ever-appealing concept to the starving college student. Finally, one of the pub’s most popular features is its Sunday night Open Mic Night starting at 9 p.m.