By: For well over a decade, Ybor City has been proud to be home to one of the most popular Irish pubs in Tampa. Although many tourists have walked right by this venue, whose address is a ½ street, there are plenty of locals to point out this must see Irish establishment. The eclectic crowd of people that frequent James Joyce Irish Pub to the outlandish entertainment that can be found here, there is no doubt that anyone who attends here will leave with a face full of smiles and belly full of laughs, and brew of course.
What makes James Joyce Irish Pub in Ybor so special is that they just don’t seem to care about money and being the next Irish franchise in the country. The priorities at James Joyce stem from more of an authentic tradition in Ireland that pertains to fun, friends, beer and more fun! This place has been a success for so many years because of their passion to make sure everyone who visits is having a great time, nothing less will be tolerated.
Every time I have frequented James Joyce Irish Pub in Ybor, I have had an absolute ball. Whether I have been hitting the town in casual attire, or headed for a night cap after a classy sushi and wine dinner with the girls, I have always been welcomed with open arms to this Irish pub in Tampa. The crowd ranges from all sorts, college, middle aged, dressed up, dressed down, truly everyone is welcome here and the crowd is as happy to see everyone as the James Joyce team is.
You would think that would be enough for a good time, as it is, however there is much more to this story that makes James Joyce Irish Pub a personal favorite. It was a Monday night when it happened. I headed up the stairs with a girlfriend of mine and into the cozy pub, towards the bar. At that moment, my night changed. The 4’6” popular midget, David Diggler, ran across the bar with a bottle of liquor pouring shots into the crowds’ mouths. This was going to be a great night. Another evening there was live music, the discovery that they server legal absinthe cocktails, free beer bongs with the bartender putting me to the front of the crowd because he did not believe I could do it. I did.
I have never had a disappointing evening at James Joyce Irish Pub in Ybor. Every night is a new experience, and both the staff and crowd are so friendly that they seem to take my worries of the world right away. If you haven’t visited this small upstairs Irish world in Ybor yet, I suggest you check out the James Joyce weekly specials and pick a night to attend! It will be a hard decision, but I have faith you will be quite satisfied. Cheers!
