What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
James Joyce Irish Pub
Review
About
Travellers' Choice
2024
We are an Irish-owned and run pub located in central Madrid, a stone's throw away from Plaza de las Cibeles. We serve food all day, show live sports, including, rugby, soccer, American football, tennis and golf, as well as having live music. We have an outdoor terrace throughout the year. Our bartenders speak several languages, including English, Spanish, Italian and French. We also have a private room for parties and celebrations. We hope you can come by to experience a little bit of Ireland in Spain!
Features
CUISINES
Irish, Bar, International, European, Pub
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours, Drinks
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Free Wifi
Full Bar
Highchairs Available
Live Music
Outdoor Seating
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Television
Wheelchair Accessible
Location
Barrio de Salamanca
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 12:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 - 1:0012:00 - 23:30
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
12:00 - 0:00
Wednesday
12:00 - 0:00
Thursday
12:00 - 1:00
Friday
12:00 - 2:00
Saturday
12:00 - 2:00
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4.1
668 reviews
Excellent
327
Very good
199
Average
82
Poor
23
Terrible
37
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Westhoughton1
Westhoughton42 contributions
Jun 2024 • couples
Two years since our last trip to Madrid and this pub was a favourite of ours then, and we just had to return.
If you like sport and you like quality home cooking and friendly efficient staff, plus quality beers and alcoholic beverages then this is a must, plus it’s location near Fuente de Cibeles makes it perfect for a stop off.
We both had their Chilli Nachos again but beware the portions are huge and one will easily feed two.
Prices are very reasonable for the size of the meals and the food is amazing with the quality matching the size of the portions!
Atmosphere on football days is unbelievable but be warned, you really need to book well in advance for the big matches.
Written 3 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew Loughney
Thanks a million to you both for your continued support and hope the trip to Madrid didn´t disappoint this time. I really appreciate your kind words of support for the team. And let us know when you are over again, so we can hopefully give you new ideas and things to see in Madrid. Enjoy the weekend ahead. Happy Friday. Matthew
Written 6 June 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ellensmum55
47 contributions
Oct 2024 • friends
What a great surprise to walk past James Joyce Pub in Madrid. We walked in and were shown to a quiet little snug area. As soon as we opened the menu we knew what we wanted. We ordered two steak and Guinness pies with creamy mash potato and fish and chips. Our drink order arrived as well as complimentary crisps. Matthew the owner came over and started to chat to us. He was great company and when our food arrived he left us to enjoy our meal not before making sure we had all that we needed. Matthew was very friendly and kindly gave us directions to where we were headed to next. Great meal, we didn’t need to eat for the rest of the day plus a great Guinness ! Highly recommend a visit
Written 30 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew Loughney
Thank you so much Karen and my apologies for not getting back to you until now. I hope the city didn´t disappoint and you have good memories of Madrid. Thank you again for thinking of the pub and your support.
Written 4 February 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chantal B
2 contributions
Feb 2024 • couples
The food here is truly amazing. We ordered the Beef in Guinness Sauce and it was so well cooked that the meat almost melts in your mouth. The dish was full of flavor. We also ordered the sausages with chips which were perfect. The food was so good that we kept eating whilst completely full. Even the side bread was fresh, warm and soft.
The service was impeccable. Our waitress Lisa was efficient, kind and took care of us by always making sure we were okay and did not need anything. She was quick in serving us even though the restaurant was busy and made the dining experience even more wonderful.
Will definitely visit again if I travel to Madrid, and I most definitely recommend it to anyone and everyone.
Written 12 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew Loughney
Hi Chantal, thanks a million for your kind words of support for Lisa and the team as a whole. We truly appreciate your enthusiasm and the time you have taken to share your experience. We hope you have a great weekend ahead.
Thank you so much again for your support.
Written 24 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alba L
Bilbao799 contributions
Nov 2023 • couples
They attended us without a reservation on a Saturday at noon, we sat down to eat and it took them a long time to take our order and even longer to serve us. The waiter was very nice and advised us very well about the quantities of food and so on. The atmosphere was very lively and very crowded. The food is acceptable without being much and the beers are well drafted. We could say that the quality-price ratio is sufficient and the place is very well located. Too many stairs to get to and from the toilets.
Written 14 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew Loughney
Muchas gracias por tus palabras de apoyo, en concreto hacia el equipo. Un abrazo e esperamos verte, al volver a Madrid.
Felices Fiestas o como se dice en irlandés, Nollaig Shona Duit".
Written 14 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sampa Picnic
Alicante1 contribution
Jan 2024 • family
Disappointment and lack of respect with the client. We arrived at 2:30 p.m. to eat, and we had to cancel the food order because after 1 hour and a half no one told us that the food would be late. The only thing they told us was that the kitchen was busy and that all the orders were going to arrive together. We asked them to advance the child's food, but they didn't pay attention. It is a big disappointment and they will lose a customer, because every time I come to Madrid I like to stop by to have a beer.
Written 3 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew Loughney
Muchas gracias por su opinón de la experiencia. Nos ayuda a mejorar. Esperamos que haya pasado unos buenos días en Madrid. Feliz Año Nuevo. Matthew
Written 3 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
guapo59
77 contributions
Feb 2021 • none
i went for a sunday lunch and chose the roast beef, which was served with yorkshire pudding, and some veg. i was expecting a lot more veg for what they charged.
A solution might be to offer a bigger plate of food for say 5 euros extra.
Now on the plus side the meal was very tasty.
My wife was more than satified with her huge fish +chips.
Written 21 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew L
Firstly, thank you to you and your wife´s support and appreciate your observations and we will certainly look into it. We value all feedback and use it to try and learn and improve.
We hope we will see you again soon.
Written 20 March 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steven Donoghue
Andover2 contributions
Apr 2022 • none
From the first step into the bar the owner made us feel welcome & even took 10 minutes of his time to stop & chat with us. Probably the cheapest pint in the city with the spirits on par! A great place to watch football, drink & eat. I read lots of reviews about the food & the meal everyone seemed to rave about was the fish & chips! Trust me it really is that good!! I'm not a natural fish eater & would never touch tartar sauce at home! The fish is deep, cripy & very tasty, & the addition or red onion to the tartar sauce really does complement the fish! I urge tourists to give this bar a go & prove me wrong!
Written 20 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew L
We all want visitors to the city to enjoy the city as a whole. This is really important to us and love giving people ideas about things to do and places to visit. And don't forget when the weather is decent, lots of water! Thanks a million, we really do appreciate your support and acknowledgment. Matt
Written 30 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andrés Vargas Beato
Madrid64 contributions
Feb 2021 • solo
I went there craving a nice Irish meal and ordered the shepherd’s pie (my favorite irsh dish with lamb stew) and was pleasently surprised by it. Great presentation and strong flavour. I finished my lunch with a coulant. I normally do not enjoy too chocolaty desserts but i was greedy. Again, surprised, specially by how soft it was, it broke apart easily.
The place itself is.... well, irish, nice music, wooden everything and a chatty and amicable host. All in all, glad i made the effort of going there on my lunch hour.
Written 24 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew L
Thank you, Andrés. You have been a great support to the pub, especially in this time of such difficulty for so many. We truly appreciate your support and your kind words. A very big thank you.
Written 20 March 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Laurie B
6 contributions
Jul 2022 • friends
One of my favourite places in the world. I began going to the James Joyce as I was new to Madrid and wanted somewhere to watch the football on the weekends. What I found was not only a brilliant and lively place to watch sport with my friends, but a pub with a great selection of beers and cocktails, really tasty food across the menu and friendly staff who I am now lucky enough to call my mates. The owner, Matt, is one of the soundest people I have ever met and is always happy to help. I recommend booking a table on their website if you are looking to watch a popular sporting event.
Written 6 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew L
Dear Laurie & All The Gang,
We have such happy memories of you at the pub. And still think of you when making a mojito. You were all such a pleasure to take of when you would come in and were always so respectful and polite to the team of the pub. We hope you all will remember Madrid with the fondest of memories.
On a personal note, can I say you are a true gent Laurie and such a kind considerate man. look forward to meeting up with you in the future.
Un abrazo muy fuerte.
Matt xxxxx
Written 2 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lola
London63 contributions
Oct 2021 • friends
I used to love this place until one day I was served by the owner who happened to be inadequate person. That day he had a lack of staff and was rushing from one table to another. I asked for the bill and waited quietly for 20 min. at the end I approached the bar with my mask worn to pay there. The owner began to yell that I need to seat down and it’s forbidden to stay by the bar. When I tried to explain that I have been waiting for the bill for almost half an hour but now I have no time to wait anymore he pretended he is not hearing me and continued to yell so that the whole pub was involved in the incident!
I had to take a seat and wait some more minutes until I finally paid and escaped from this ride unprofessional inadequate person! I really loved all the waiters there and they knew me in face and I have never experienced any miserable situation like this before.
If you have insufficient number of the staff it’s not my problem, if you can’t cope with all the tables it’s not my problem. But the worst thing it’s unacceptable to yell and disrespect clients in such a way only because you are too busy because of the lack of the personnel. You are a shame!
Written 26 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew L
Nightmare, a perfect word to describe you. You were repeatedly walking around the pub without your mask. This upset other clients and made people uneasy. Do you think rules do not apply to you? And interesting that you omit when this took place. Last year, at the peak of the pandemic. You really are showing your true colours!
However, I don't blame you for your lack of respect for others, the blame lies with your upbringing!
You don't like being "told off", something that should have happened more in your youth.
Think of others and those who have suffered deeply during this pandemic.
Stay safe.
Matthew
Written 27 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
benny o'connor
1 contribution
Sept 2021 • couples
as a wary traveller I normally avoid Irish bars when abroad, BUT I am glad to say I got the shock of my life whilst visiting the James Joyce pub in Madrid( as the wife wanted FOOD!!) I had the best 3 pints of guinness I've had in a long time, I had a beef and guinness stew topped with beautiful pastry and creamy mashed potatoes while the wife had beer battered cod and chips, both I may add beautifully presented..I can highly recommend this place and look forward to my return..Benny
Written 2 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew L
Dear Benny and Liz, thank you for your very kind words and support. I really also appreciate the time you took to message me directly. Feedback, such as yours, is truly appreciated and taken on board. Please let me know when you are coming to Madrid next. Matt
Written 16 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
brucetaylortravels
Madrid485 contributions
Mar 2021 • none
This was our first visit to the James Joyce attacted by the idea of the new Saturday roast. We were served a large 'plato combinado' with tender beef, Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, lashings of gravy, a variety of al dente veg (carrots, peas, broccoli, cabbage) and nose & heartwarming horseraddish sauce...All accompanied by an excellent pint of Murphys Red. We finished off with another traditional favourite: sticky toffee pudding with icecream.
Great atmosphere, backround music and décor. Really good value.
We shall be back for the stuffed roast chicken and more beef....
Written 1 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew L
Hi Bruce,
Thank you for your support, we really do appreciate it. We look forward to welcoming you again and it is a team effort both front and back of house.
We hope you are keeping safe and see you again.
JJ Team
Written 21 April 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tilomoz
Madrid87 contributions
Jan 2024 • couples
Wow, great fish and chips. We visited for lunch and the food was excellent. For dessert we had stickey toffee pudding, with a scoop of Ice cream. It was excellent. Definitely a place to come back to.
Written 6 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew Loughney
Thank you for the words of encouragement for the team who are the essence of the pub. We hope you will come by again in the future. Have a great rest of the month, of January.
Written 22 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tay cameron
Cheshire1 contribution
Feb 2023 • none
The atmosphere here was outstanding, we went for the six nations France vs Italy and you struggled to get a table. We also went in February so really struggled in Madrid with no one speaking English. The staff here went above and beyond to give us local recommendations and answered any and all of our questions and made us feel generally welcome. The Guinness was also outstanding very similar to the quality in Ireland and better than most English pubs. The food was fairly priced but nothing to rave about, however this was made up by everything above.
Written 9 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew Loughney
Thank you so very much for your incredibly supports words, particularly about the team who, as you highlighted, are always happy to help people out with ideas of what to do and see in this amazing city. We really hope you enjoyed Madrid too. Thank you again for your such kind words.
Written 13 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Judith B
12 contributions
Oct 2021 • solo
I made several visits to the James Joyce Irish Pub on my recent visit to Madrid. I felt very comfortable and safe there. The covid guidelines were being observed. The tables had lots of space between them and were sanitised between customers. The staff we courteous and friendly. The food was delicious. The fish and chips were so good that I ordered them a second day and they did not disappoint. I look forward to visiting this pub again when I am next in Madrid.
Written 28 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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