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James Joyce Irish Pub
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Late Night, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
40 reviews for James Joyce Irish Pub
Review Highlights
"Best fish and chips in Atlanta."
(in 3 reviews)
"I highly recommend the Bangers and Mash."
(in 5 reviews)
"I particularly enjoy the patio in summer."
(in 11 reviews)
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40 reviews in English
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Review from Jeremy A.
10/18/2010 1 Check-in Here
We came in here while checking out the Avondale neighborhood for some dinner, and its definitely a cool place with an Irish feel. They even had BBC and Fox Soccer Plus playing on the tvs for a regular night.
Our waiter was awesome and the food came out relatively quickly. Everything was pretty solid as we had the fried green tomatoes, the salmon salad and the beef tenderloins.
The menu is a bit pricey, but if youre going for value the burgers looked pretty huge here.
Ill be coming back again to try the wings and maybe even check out an Arsenal game here.
I came back, I liked the wings :) 4 stars. Came during the Arsenal game though and only one other guy there watching it so not a crazy place for EPL. -
Review from Bill S.
Atlanta, GA
5/6/2011
Sometimes it's good, sometimes it's so-so. But we've never had a bad beer -- the Guinness tastes fresh -- and there's lots to choose from, and they make a big, spicy Bloody Mary. And did we mention a nice selection of Irish whiskeys? Sitting outside on their patio is a comfortable way to spend a few hours. At least as long as you're drinking and not eating.
Ok, that last remark wasn't quite fair. They make some decent sandwiches, but too often the food comes out, well, kind of mediocre. Sort of three stars, like. Or maybe two stars. The Shepherds Pie has been both good and mysterious (what is that meat lurking below the crust? What is that gravy?). Bangers and Mash pretty good, plain ol' cheeseburger pretty good ... you getting the message? We like it here, honestly, but we don't come expecting a delicious meal. And we're seldom disappointed -- or surprised. -
Review from Todd P.
3/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been here to James Joyce a few times. I really like their nice, big patio. The food is okay and the service is friendly but can be slow at times. But if you're camped out with friends on a warm Spring evening, sitting on the patio while drinking Guinness on tap and discussing the price of tea in China, you don't really notice the service gaps.
The last time I was here I was in a comfort food mood, so I ordered their Shepherd's Pie. It was warm and somewhat comforting, mostly mashed potatoes with a scattering of cheese on top and some meat and gravy beneath. Not horrible, not fantastic. About as expected. The Guinness was cold and tasty, as usual.
Now why the hell is tea so cheap in China, anyway? (wink) -
Review from Melissa T.
Decatur, GA
11/1/2010
The reviews mimic my experiences here - the service and food are either spot on or horribly off depending on the night. I recommend going on a weekend night when they are busier as it seems when they are slow the service is waining.
Given that, I had my wedding rehearsal lunch here and the service was great. -
Review from Ryan S.
Atlanta, GA
8/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Its a "meh" Irish pub thing with mediocre food and a weak beer menu. We were just there for the band.
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Review from Ivan S.
6/16/2008 4 photos
Mr. Ivan S. ate with relish the eggs and sausage made of beasts and fowls. He liked the potatoes and the soda bread. Most of all, he liked the bacon, which gave his palate a taste of smokiness and the scent of cooked pork. The baked beans, however, tasted as from a can.
Beer was in his mind as he moved about the pub softly, righting his brunch things on the humpy table. He toyed with Smithwicks, but followed the traditional path of Guinness as the air swirled out of doors gentle summer afternoon everywhere. Made him feel a bit peckish.
Another slice of bread and butter: three, four: right. Another pull from his pint and his head set sideways watching the soccer match on the flatscreen. A young lady nearby purred mewed softly. Mr. S. watched curiously, kindly at the lithe form. He moved to buy her a drink. "Milk for pussens," he thought, but then thought twice. Mr. S. examined the space surrounding him. Dark woods, pictures of a peculiar fellow named Joyce, and a Golden Tee machine rounded out the authenticity of this Irish pub. Well done space, Mr. S. thought. Where was the dart board? He glanced round him. No.
He sought to pay the man with the trays. He had eaten and drank with his friends and enjoyed their conversation:
-A good day to you!
-Lovely weather sir!
-Tis all that.
He dug into his pocket, ten, fifteen pence perhaps, instead drawing out his credit card. The man with the trays tendered his card, smiling broadly. And Mr. S took his card from the man and, fingering his car keys, proceeded to the remainder of his day. The day had bloomed forth and he stepped forward into the sun. -
Review from Leeanna L.
Atlanta, GA
3/15/2010
James Joyce is a good local pub with pretty decent food. I love their "big salads" but recently, I ordered the steak tenderloin, rare. It was actually served as 3 small rounds which were disappointingly chewy and covered in an equally disappointing brown sauce.
Stick with their pub food and you'll be much happier. That being said, the service is always friendly and parking is relatively easy so I bumped this review up to 3-stars.
Be warned tho, the real estate business to the right of James Joyce was towing cars from the parking lot the night we were there (totally lame since they're not even open). Park in the lot to the left of the restaurant. -
Review from Meg S.
Decatur, GA
3/3/2010
The James Joyce is NOT a gastropub!!! I don't know how the foodies found this place, but they obviously haven't frequented it. Does anyone remember what a good old Irish pub is? No? Go to the James Joyce, and for once, don't over think the food.
The Joyce is a local pub, and everything that implies - their S-shaped bar contains every alcohol imaginable (ok, don't get too fancy), including PBR's famous 24oz tallboy and Jaegermeister shot freezers. Their 20 barstools hold many Avondale and Decatur locals.
If you drop in after 9pm you'll discover it for what it really is - the neighborhood bar. Smoking is permitted indoors and out from 9pm-close, while during the daytime only the uncovered patio area is available for smokers.
You'll be hard-pressed to find a parking spot in either of their two lots on Friday and Saturday nights, which are easily packed. Weekends are hopping between Saturday night karaoke and Sunday brunch, which is to die for, but you'll hear all that from the other reviews. The rest of the food is either good or not good, which you'll also read. I haven't been back to the Encounter since a bag Jaeger night, which should say enough right there.
The weekend crowd is hugely diverse, from Emory frat boys+dates to urban young professionals to the wait staff of many of the area's other bars and restaurants. It is truly a neighborhood pub in that many regulars live within walking distance and know each other.
Despite all this, I first fell in love with the Joyce for the desserts, which come from Southern Sweets Bakery. I have since discovered the bakery itself, so I now appreciate the Joyce for what it really is - the neighborhood bar I call home. -
Review from duane m.
Atlanta, GA
6/18/2009
One of the best brunches in Atlanta! This place is awesome.
Their pancakes with pistachio cream cheese are to die for, and the special of two breakfasts and a pitcher of mimosas or bloody Mary's for $25 is just too awesome to resist.
The waiter was awesome, fast, and extremely nice.
I will DEFINITELY be going back here for brunch in the future. -
Review from Henry L.
Decatur, GA
10/12/2011
James Joyce has closed! No wonder. Service and food quality showed. Since ownership hasn't changed, expect the same from The Hail Mary Sports Bar
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Review from Sadie U.
Avondale Estates, GA
2/22/2008
I love to grab a pint of Strongbow at James Joyce. I can walk there, so we go there all the time.
Can't hardly eat there, though. I keep forgetting that, and each time I wish I hadn't.
BUT the service is great: personable and great at remembering regulars' preferences. Fireplaces outside rock. -
Review from Yvette J.
Decatur, GA
2/11/2008
James Joyce Pub is a quaint little pub in Avondale Estates. They have a fantastic patio which is great during the Spring and Fall.
Service is attentive. The menu offers good pub fare and even some higher end choices (grilled salmon and risotto). I love a place that offers tots (tater not children) and JJ offers this as a side instead of fries. Their tap menu is excellent.
This is a great place for brunch, trivia, lunch, dinner - anytime. -
Review from Jason P.
Decatur, GA
1/26/2010
James Joyce is an excellent destination for any occasion. The ambience is classy, but casual, making it appropriate for a casual dinner, quiet date, group of friends, or a family meal. The service is attentive, the food is quite good, and the drinks complete the trifecta.
Have a Painkiller while you wait for your appetizer, which should be the Encounter (menu item). Any restaurant that is not afraid to serve roasted garlic cloves deserves a heaping pile of respect, at least in my world.
For the main course, I'm always torn between two items that I would rarely seek out in most irish pubs: the ribs and the gyro. The ribs are tender, flavorful, and served in generous portions. The gyro is just what you're looking for in a gyro.
Get the tots.
And, if you're in the mood for crab legs on a Sunday, this is the place to be. Roll up your sleeves and starve yourself for a day or so before going in. All you can for a reasonable price, and the quality easily rivals Spondivits or Six Feet Under.
Long story short, you can't go wrong at James Joyce. The menu is comprehensive, the food is fantastic, and the patio is a great place to sip (or pound) some drinks on a nice day. -
Review from Lionel L.
Decatur, GA
12/21/2008
I am a fan of Irish pubs and this one is pretty good. Of course, there was Guinness on tap. However, being new to the area and not knowing anyone, it is sometimes intimidating to go into a place that you are unfamiliar with. I'm happy to say that the bartender introduced himself and I got into a conversation with a couple of the patrons there. Oh, and the wings were good, too.
It is a nice unpretentious and friendly place with a decent menu. I will be going back. -
Review from Gwen G.
Decatur, GA
4/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Love eating here! Their potato skins and tots are amazing. I love their blfgt (bacon letuce fried green tomato) sandwich here! They have Karaoke night every Saturday from 10pm-2am...I love it!
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Review from Nick K.
Scottdale, GA
4/2/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Good beer and good food. I went there for the St Patrick's day celebration and you really could not get the good sense of the place. Pick a nice day to go or even a stop by for an after work drink. Nice people at the bar and nice vibe.
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Review from Rachel R.
Portland, OR
9/20/2011
Friendly people. OK food. Cheap lunch deals. Yay.
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Review from Mona P.
Atlanta, GA
4/25/2010
This was my third time going to James Joyce, and every time I go I try to order something new in the hopes that it will taste better than the previous time. Sadly, I was proven wrong again. I went with 3 other people, and we shared the wings (garlic hot and lemon pepper), grilled chicken dinner, and the shrimp and chips. Surprisingly, the beer-battered crust on the shrimp was crispy and light, although the flavor in the batter could have been kicked up a notch. The wings and chicken breast were definitely lacking in flavor and left me wishing for BW3. The word "garlic" should be left out of the flavor "garlic hot" as the garlic flavor was definitely absent, and hotness was more vinegary than actual spice.
The server was meh. She seemed a bit impatient and really annoyed when we moved tables due to a leaky roof on the patio. All in all, I may go back for a beer but will plan to skip out on the food. -
Review from Ben H.
Atlanta, GA
2/4/2009
I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure this is a sister restaurant/bar of Brewhouse Café in L5P. If that is true, then it is a homely Irish stepsister. The places have kind of a similar feel, but Brewhouse is better. Not bad, but I would never go here unless I was already right in Avondale.
2.5 -
Review from Courtney R.
Decatur, GA
10/23/2009
It has been a while since my last review (wow, I feel like I'm at saying confession) and since today was the first day I've made a ROTD I felt obligated to write another review. I'm shocked I haven't reviewed James Joyce since I've been to this local pub more times than I can count.
What continues to surprise me about J.J. is the excellent menu options that range from your traditional Irish pub fare...fish and chips to healthier options like salmon and salads.
The beer selection is decent. The waitstaff has been consistently nice. Even better, they have all you can eat crab legs on Sundays, and really how can you go wrong with that.
Overall, I'm a fan of James Joyce and recommend others stop by if you've never been. -
Review from Bri C.
Tucker, GA
6/10/2008
Nice joint. Seemed to have a great selection of wines and beers. Some TV's, but not in your face.
Just hung out with some friends, and had a good time. The wait staff was nice and took care of us well. -
Review from Rachel B.
Roswell, GA
2/19/2009 1 Check-in Here
Naturally, the James Joyce was my first stop after I became settled into my new place. A sign advertising trivia gets me every time...
I enjoy the atmosphere - the interior is handsome, and while I have seen children there they've never outnumbered even the group I was with.
The service is only speedy if the pub itself is hopping, and that was on Thursday trivia night.
I've been four other times and the service was unnecessarily slow.
I'm a fan of most of their food. I was a jerk I suppose and ordered a grilled cheese sandwich off the kids menu one night and it was terrible. I feel it is kind of hard to screw up a grilled cheese sandwich - but they didn't even melt the cheese...
Overall it is so close & the atmosphere is nice for catching up. -
Review from Jason W.
Atlanta, GA
10/7/2009
I'm always impressed with my experience at the James Joyce Pub. While it's a trek to it's location in Avondale Estates from my midtown abode, I'm always ready and willing. The bar tenders are great, and always remember me and my usual guest. The food is good and comes out quickly, and they have great drink prices and a decent selection of beers and booze. It's never really busy, and the crowd is mixed, with college kids, elderly people, and those that you'd find off the street.
I highly recommend the James Joyce Pub in Avondale Estates! Get a beer and some food and enjoy good friends and fun! -
Review from Jim S.
Atlanta, GA
5/11/2009
Very refreshing! After a bad experience at another restaurant earlier that evening, we decided to drive out to Avondale to try this place that we've seen advertised. We couldn't remember the name, but remember the Irish theme and location.
It was easy to find and very welcoming.
The service (we sat in the bar area) was very attentive and warming. Like most pubs, it was not smoky or nasty mop-water smellling. It was cozy, cool, and roomy.
The food was adequate. For bar fare, it was a step up. Nice menu, decent prices, and great beer selection.
Thanks! -
Review from Alaina I.
San Francisco, CA
1/26/2011
Great locals Irish Pub in Avondale Estates.
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Review from Robley R.
Chamblee, GA
Updated - 10/3/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Best fish and chips in Atlanta .
Listed in: Top Restaurants
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/8/2009
Food is pretty good for pub grub. I grew up on English food and probably have the best Fish and… Read more »
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Review from lee y.
2/4/2009
In the wake of all the newly sprouted "gastro pubs' , I would like to clarify that this is just a pub. Pubs are fantastic little watering holes with a variety of drinks and food. Hopefully with a nice comfortable place to enjoy both.
JJ's is exactly that. The menu offers a variety of tasty morsels to fill your gullet and a surprising array of unexpected libations.
I particularly enjoy the patio in summer. It is usually the least crowded outdoor grub spot in the ITP. Now that I've said that it won't be for long.
I've tried most of the dining options. And thoroughly enjoyed everything that I've tried so far. I recommend the fish and chips, it is an Irish pub after all. And for a lighter option, the salmon salad is outstanding.
Surprisingly they offer Tiki drinks as well. I am a huge fan of umbrella topped girlie drinks. And they even have a Scorpion Bowl. A half gallon of frothy pink flaming booze, is my idea of fun. So these buggers disappear with me around.
The only downside is that the patio attracts a varied crowd. Including those who drag their kids everywhere they go. So, some days there is a contingent of crumb snatchers on hand. With their parents giving the stink eye to anyone smoking or being raucous. It's a bar, don't bring your ankle biters. Adults go to bars to drink, smoke and cuss. Just saying.
Overall JJ's is easy going , cool place to grab a bite or just hang on the patio and catch a buzz. Good times. -
Review from Tulie L.
2/2/2008
Nice light smokey Pub.. the place had descent music, ample seating, and some loud boysterous locals. waiter service was descent.. but it's not a very memorable place.. The inside looks like a chain restaurant..
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Review from Bill B.
Decatur, GA
5/14/2010
Service: snooty if at all. Food: okay, but nothing special (and pricey). Atmosphere: the patio is in the shadow of an enormous billboard for goodness sake. Nope, won't be going back here anytime soon.
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Review from Stephen M.
Decatur, GA
12/8/2008
I don't like the word "gastropub", but I can't think of anything better to call it. The corned beef is usually good, and the shepherd's pie is tasty as well. Other favorites: bangers & mash and fish & chips. They have trivia nights and occaisional music if you're looking for more than dinner. Service is typically good, but is sometimes lacking.
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Review from Three M.
Atlanta, GA
12/31/2005
Friendly service, a fantastic beer selection, good hearty pub fare and a nice atmosphere. I love that they have an outside patio with a fireplace. It's an easy, go-to place if you're in the mood for all of the above.
Listed in: Super Hero Food
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Review from Sarah P.
Bowling Green, OH
Updated - 12/20/2009
So I've been back a few times since my first review. Once for karaoke, once for Sunday brunch. The service was amazing both times--we had quick, friendly waiters who knew how to do their job.
There was a fun crowd at karaoke, very supportive (when the music cut out during my Billy Joel solo, everyone joined in to help me finish the song). Also, this was when I learned they serve half pints. Awesome.
Brunch was dee-licious plus we took advantage of their $25 for a pitcher of mimosas and any 2 entrees deal (and it was a big pitcher, enough for us to have 2 pint glass-sized mimosas each). I had french toast topped with Bailey's and raspberry coulis, my sister had the sausage and sundried tomato scramble, and my other sister (vegetarian) had the crab cake eggs benedict with the crab cake on the side (they listened to her request and made sure it wasn't touching her food at all). We got sides of grits and rosemary home fries and shared everything so I got to try it all. And everything impressed me except the crab cake, which was unlike any crab cake I've ever had and just weirded me out a little bit. I couldn't see the flaky crab meat without cutting into it; it looked more like a little cylinder of grilled chicken to me from the outside, like smooth instead of flaky. I could taste shrimp flavor when I took a bite. It wasn't necessarily bad, just weird. I asked the waiter what was in it and he said it was held together by a shrimp, egg, and mayo mousse, which explained the shrimp flavor, but not really the smooth outer layer. My sister (non-vegetarian) liked it though.
Anyway, I may have been a bit harsh about the inadequacy of this place as an homage to James Joyce in my previous review. But for what it is, a Decatur (not Irish) pub and townie hangout, and when it's not being taken over by pirates and wenches, it certainly does the job.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/19/2009
"We couldn't remember the name, but remember the Irish theme and location." --Jim S.
It's because of… Read more »
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Review from Katherine N.
Avondale Estates, GA
6/23/2009
I love the James Joyce! 99 times out of 100 the service is awesome and the food is great. I highly recommend the Bangers and Mash. The Sheapherd's Pie isn't what most people would expect so it's disappointing if you don't know that...but if you're not expecting baked mashed potatoes over Irish Stew then it's pretty tastey. Fish and Chip are awesome as are their burgers. We have our Burlesque Meet-up there the first Wed of the month and they're very accomidating and willing to seperate checks wish is awesome! I do not recommend this place for kids even though people bring their kids there all the time. Maybe during lunch, but at the end of the day it's a full bar that allows smoking after 9pm, it's for adults in the evenings.
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Review from Tressi J.
4/25/2008
Better than average bar food! And if you are hungry at midnight, this is a good choice, since Atlanta seems to be limited on late night eateries..... I love their soysage bangers and mash!
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Review from Julie C.
Avondale Estates, GA
6/27/2010
We had the Sunday "Brunch for Two" (crab cakes and breakfast bowl entrees) with a very spicy and tasty pitcher of Bloody Marys: the food, drink and service were great. An excellent value.
Regarding the parking issue in the east lot, direct your constructive criticism and advice on the value of taking a progressive stance on shared parking to the pub's neighbor, Tracy @ ReMax. -
Review from Barbara N.
Decatur, GA
9/12/2009
This place has kind of gone downhill in the past year or so -- especially when it comes to service. We tried to have lunch there today... after getting menus and silverware, we sat for about 10 minutes waiting for someone to take a drink order and finally just left. Past two times I've been there I've had similar experiences. A friend of mine went recently and everyone in her group ended up with a random $100 charge on their credit cards. Too bad, because the food is decent -- I particularly like the pistachio-crusted salmon and the "Encounter" appetizer. Not sure we'll be back anytime soon.
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Review from Angela U.
Avondale Estates, GA
1/15/2010 1 Check-in Here
Great fish and chips! I love the people and the design of the place. This place is hopping on St. Patty's day! I couldn't even get in the door.
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Review from Denise C.
Decatur, GA
10/27/2010
The atmosphere is always 'pub' like. Best fish and chips in town. Authentic bangers and mash. Service has been very good also. We eat here at least once a month.
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Review from Russ G.
Smyrna, GA
4/10/2010
Finally had a chance to eat here tonight, heard good things for a while and passed it a few times, but it never worked out. So, the place has a real good vibe, it's big inside and out, lots of covered and outdoor patio space, complete with fans, skylights, and TVs. Nice. The bar is plenty large enough with enough room to move around it, nice decor and feel but not really Irish due to it's size. Irish pubs are supposed to be small. Good selection of beers on draft and bottle and a nice sampling of whiskeys, this is key. Service was a bit slow based on the attendance (it wasn't that crowded), but nothing to get upset over. I had a burger and tots and the tots were awesome, the burger, meh. I asked for it medium and it was well past well, and the meat was packed in a tight, thick ball, too big to eat and not spread out enough to fill the bun. I didn't like that, and it being so overcooked I kind of just ate around it. Though there were other things that looked appetizing I always try the burger first anywhere I go, so now I a reason to go back and try again. Hopefully the next trip will bring it up a star.
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Review from Regina F.
Atlanta, GA
Updated - 6/23/2010
James Joyce what are you doing??? In the past you never knew what you'd get here, good food, bad food, no food, same with service. Finally, it seemed like they had changed that, brought in new management, new kitchen staff and things were great. I went to the JJ in April and had a great experience, fantastic service, food was great, atmosphere was fun. I went again last Saturday and it was the exact opposite. It seems they have changed the management AGAIN and made a terrible mistake. The service was once again non-existant, when our server actually made an appearance at our table, she seemed flustered and unhappy. Our order, both food and drinks was, completely wrong and both took an incredible amount of time to reach our table. The atmosphere was dull and sullen, I looked around at the entire staff and they all looked like they would rather have hot pokers stuck in their eyes than be working there.
I choose the places I go based on 3 things, good food & Drinks, good service and fun. The JJ is none of those anymore. The old red headed manager looks like he's going to stroke out any minute and the new guy is weird and bothersome. What happened to the girl that was there? She was fun, nice and unobtrusive. Apparently the staff misses her too. I will not be going here again, they are turning into their sister bar, only without the good local.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/21/2009
James Joyce Irish Pub in Avondale Estates is awesome!! The service is on point, food is great. In… Read more »
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