James Joyce Irish Pub & Restaurant – Baltimore Magazine

Review: Despite New Ownership, James Joyce is Still a Classic

Mike Unger — Wed, 03 May 2023 21:28:07 +0000

The signature Heaventree cocktail with chartreuse at James Joyce. —Photography by Scott Suchman

The most remarkable thing about the new James Joyce is how similar it is to the old one. And for that, we raise a pint.

When the bar opened in 2002, it was among Harbor East’s first tenants. As the area around it developed, many of the retail neighbors who moved in were national chains, yet the Irish pub managed to keep its old-world authenticity. That’s among the reasons it stung when it closed its doors in 2020. When word came last year that the Atlas Restaurant Group planned to reopen it, some were skeptical. The company has a reputation for flash, and nothing at James Joyce is particularly shiny. After all, it’s an authentic pub.

Dark wood is the material of choice here. The long, winding bar was built in a warehouse in Ireland and shipped to Baltimore. As were the original tables and chairs, many of which remain, says general manager Seamus Kelly. He worked at the old iteration from 2005 to 2017 and returned to run the place for its new owners, who kept the original design—and that magnificent wooden bar—intact.

“It captures everything that a true Irish bar would back home,” says Kelly, who should know. He’s from Cavan, about 90 minutes northwest of Dublin. “You have that sense of warmth and calm and comfort. A lot of the times bars nowadays are more modern and chic,
shall we say. An Irish bar is supposed to be the opposite. It’s not supposed to be in your face, it’s supposed to be more subtle and have a more relaxed aesthetic.”

James Joyce always had—and thankfully maintains—that feel. Atlas did make some needed upgrades, like painting, replacing some fixtures, and updating the bathrooms. But almost everything else stayed as it was. The clientele remains a mixture of locals and tourists from the nearby hotels. Live music echoes throughout the pub a few days a week.

An extensive drink list is highlighted by dozens of Irish whiskies, as well as Scotches, bourbons, ryes, and other varieties from around the world. Draught beer includes Irish staples like Guinness, Harp, Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale, Smithwick’s Red, and Magners cider. Locals include Diamondback and Union. The signature cocktail is the Heaventree, made with Jameson, green chartreuse, apple, honey, and ginger. Tangy and refreshing, it’s available on the happy hour menu for $7.

The menu is a mixture of traditional favorites and this-side-of-the-pond bar food. Appetizers range from a Scotch egg to fried cheese curds to steamed shellfish, and sandwiches include burgers, a roast beef dip, and, curiously, a foot-long chili dog. For true Irish classics look to the entrees, which include Irish bacon and cabbage, bangers and mash, fish and chips, along with the requisite crab cakes. The best bet is the shepherd’s pie, made with lamb shoulder and packed with carrots, peas, and topped with potatoes.

“It’s definitely the most traditional thing on the menu,” Kelly says.

When Kelly came to America to work at James Joyce, he only planned to stay a year. But once he got to Baltimore—and the bar—he didn’t want to leave.

We know just how he feels.

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Fourth of July Drink Specials

Jess Mayhugh — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Looking for something to do on America’s birthday? Look no further. Bars and restaurants around Baltimore are offering special Fourth of July drink specials. Here are just a few places to grab a drink and celebrate the holiday in patriotic fashion.

Wit & Wisdom: The waterfront restaurant in the Four Seasons is throwing a culinary bash from 6-9:30 p.m. on the Fourth. Executive chef Zack Mills and Bluegrass executive chef Tim Dyson will be cooking up regional favorites like Chesapeake fried chicken, pit beef sandwiches topped with tiger sauce, and bratwurst drizzled with beer mustard and sauerkraut. There will also be an oyster shucking station and beers provided by Union Craft Brewing, as well as cocktails crafted by lead bartender Aaron Joseph. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased here.

Howl at the Moon’s Red, White, and Brew Bash: The Fourth of July party kicks off at 5 p.m. Drink specials include $3 Sam Adams, $5 Washington Apple shots, and $20 Bomb Pop Buckets. Guests must be 21 or older to enter.

James Joyce Irish Pub & Restaurant: The quarterfinals of the World Cup begin on July 4 and this is a great place to watch the matches. The restaurant’s Friday happy hour is from 4-7 p.m. and includes $5.50 Irish pints, $4.50 craft and domestic draught pints, and half-price appetizers.

Mahaffeys’s Pub: This Canton bar is open from noon-2 a.m. on the Fourth of July. However, from noon-7 p.m. you can get three micro-brewed 10-ounce beers for $6.

Ottobar: For more of a club scene, the Ottobar is having Fourth of July events on July 3 and July 4. DJs Simon Phoenix, Craig Boarman, James Nasty, and guests will spin tunes. Both events go from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. On July 3, the bar is offering two-for-one drinks all night. For July 4, Pabst Blue Ribbon tall boys will be $2 from 9-11 p.m.

RA Sushi Bar Restaurant: RA offers a great selection of bomb shots. For the Fourth of July, the bombpop is a must. The $8 drink consists of Three Olives Cherry vodka, Blue Curacao, and grenadine dropped into Smirnoff Ice to give it a patriotic red, white, and blue look.

Rusty Scupper Restaurant and Bar: The restaurant is hosting its annual Fourth of July Extravaganza on its topside lounge and decks from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on July 4. The event includes giveaways, drink specials, and an all-you-can-eat crab feast. You also get a great view of the Inner Harbor’s fireworks display. The restaurant is offering $3 Miller Lite drafts, 16-ounce Natty Bohs for $3, and Sangria and Malibu buckets for $5 each. Tickets for the event are $95 per adult and $39 per child. Make your reservations now by calling (410) 727-3678 or visiting Rusty Scupper’s website.

Talara: The Latin bistro will be open from 2 p.m.-midnight on July 4 and it will offer some great drink specials. The specials include $3 domestic beers, red, white, and blue sangria for $4, and $4 red and white wine specials.

The Point in Fells: Open from 11-2 a.m. on July 4, The Point in Fells is offering $12 bottomless screwdrivers, sangria, Bloody Marys, and mimosas until 4 p.m. Also, the restaurant is offering $3 rail drinks, $4 drafts, $2 domestic beer bottles, and $5 crushes until 7 p.m.

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Father’s Day Specials

Jess Mayhugh — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 00:00:00 +0000

With Father’s Day right around the corner, it’s a fact that a man’s love of food is ingrained in his DNA, so why not go out and treat your dad to some great food. Here are some restaurants that are sure to please him on his special day.

The Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse will be offering 16 different cuts of meats and authentic Brazilian side dishes for $51.50 per person. What’s even better is that dads who come in on Father’s day will receive a Father’s Day Card, which is good for a complimentary lunch or dinner on their next visit. It just so happens that the 2014 World Cup, which begins on June 12, is being held in Brazil, so it’s the perfect time for the family to indulge in Brazilian cuisine. Restaurant hours: 11:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m. Reservations: (410) 528-9292 or online.

Watch the World Cup at the James Joyce Irish Pub & Restaurant. This restaurant offers quality comfort food at a decent price. It’s the perfect place for dads to sit back, throw a couple back, and enjoy a hearty meal. Restaurant hours: 10-2 a.m. Reservations: (410) 727-5107 or online.

Ten Ten American Bistro is a great place to bring your dad for brunch. Enjoy Ten Ten’s three-course Father’s Day Brunch for $29 per person. The Father’s Day brunch menu features steak and eggs, huevos rancheros, bottomless Bloody Marys, and much more. Brunch is served from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Reservations: (410) 244-6867 or online.

If dad is in the mood for French cuisine, Le Garage Beer Bar & Frites is the place to go. Opened in April, Le Garage prides itself on being “approachable French cuisine.” For Father’s Day, Le Garage is offering a three-course, prix fixe menu for $36. The regular menu will also be available a la carte along with a selection of 14 hand-selected draft beers. Le Garage will also be selling its growlers at 20 percent off. Restaurant hours: 5 p.m.-midnight. Reservations: (410) 243-6300 or online.

It’s a holiday so why not make a day of it? Bring dad and the family down to beautiful Annapolis and enjoy an affordable meal at the Annapolis Smokehouse. The brunch menu includes $3 mimosas and Bloody Marys and an array of a la carte options. If you’re coming for dinner, grab the New York strip steak. Restaurant hours: 10 a.m.-midnight. Reservations: (410) 571-5073 or online.

Cunningham’s is sure to please dad’s appetite. This Towson gem is offering a three-course, prix fixe Father’s Day brunch for $30. The brunch menu includes items such as steak frites or its Creekstone Farms burger. Brunch will be served from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner will be served from 5-9 p.m. Reservations: (410) 339-7730 or online.

Fleet Street Kitchen is serving a three-course Father’s Day Brunch for $42 per person. The Father’s Day brunch menu includes dishes such as seared sea scallops or shrimp and grits. Dessert options include a lemon-curd tart and frozen carrot cake parfait. Brunch is served from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Reservations: (410) 244-5830 or online.

Cafe Troia provides authentic and innovative Italian cooking. Dads will love it. With dinner, all bottles of wine under $140 are half price. Dads can enjoy Cafe Troia’s fish of the day or homemade ravioli specials. Restaurant hours: 5-9 p.m. Reservations: (410) 337-0133 or online.

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