We just wandered into this charming, vintage bar on State Street & ordered Irish coffees! They were the BEST Irish Coffees we have ever had...even surpassed the Buena Vista, purported home of Irish Coffees. Patrick (1st day here Bartending!) was a standout & added Gaetano Coffee Liqueur to the cold brew coffee. Excellent & highly recommend! read more

Great time everytime! Such a vibe with peanut shells on the floor to really get you in the bar mood! They have a pool table and darts and on some nights they even have karyoke!! Great outdoor area both on state street and in the back. read more

The James Joyce in Santa Barbara is a lively, casual Irish pub on State Street known for its authentic, cozy atmosphere, featuring peanut shells on the floor and eclectic decor. It is popular for live music--particularly New Orleans-style jazz on Saturdays--karaoke, and a good selection of beer and cocktails. read more

The James Joyce - Irish coffee. - Irish Pub Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

What an awesome bar and the service cannot be beat! My husband and I were visiting Santa Barbara to celebrate our 22nd wedding anniversary and came across this Irish Pub. We got to chatting with the bartender named Patrick and we asked him to make us something refreshing and fun. If you like Gin, ask Patrick to make you a Lonely Postman cocktail! It's amazing and so is Patrick. read more

Great karaoke bar! I went here with a wedding party after the festivities wrapped up at the reception venue. Didn't matter if the person singing was good or bad. The whole bar was joining in. Long waits for drinks but generous pours. The bartenders did a good job with the heavy Saturday night traffic. Good times to be had here. read more

I have traveled far and wide throughout California searching for the best Guinness pour. Patrick here just poured me maybe the prettiest one I've ever seen. read more

My girlfriend and I took a day trip from Santa Clarita and our first and last stop was the James Joyce pub!! Bartender Patrick was great. He recommended an Irish beer Smith Wiches which was wonderful and the proper Irish pronunciation as "Swiddies" great atmosphere, be sure to check the photos on the wall. read more

Nice little spot on State St. walked in and even with just a couple of folks in the bar you got the pub vibe. Nice selection of Irish whiskey and they pour a proper pint. $9 Tulemore Dew Irish coffees too! read more

Dan the MAN!!! Seriously, his energy is worth coming back for. Love a karaoke facilitator that takes it seriously. Returning customer over here :) read more

What a fun little bar on State Street!! Patrick was our bartender and he was so awesome! He makes the best Irish Coffee I have ever had!!!

ooh weee! after a super fun day in Santa Barbara we stumbled across a sign for irish coffee's that drew us into the James Joyce. the floor was sprinkled with sawdust and it was not crowded at all. Felt very local. Turns out it is a local spot. The guy next to me was my waiter at another restaurant the previous night. My sis and i each got an Irish coffee. They gave us the sugar on the side so we could sweeten it to our liking (that's pretty darn cool!) Boys went with Guinness draft. love my irish coffee (i was going to have one at the hotel for a nightacap but i'm sure this was much better). i would 100% return here! it is my favorite SB bar so far. read more

See all

Stopped by this bar midweek for a nightcap and was pleasantly surprised. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and the bartender was fantastic--friendly, attentive, and genuinely cool. He even made great drink recommendations for my wife, which she loved. The vibe was relaxed and chill, and what stood out most was how the bartender checked in on everyone and took time to chat with guests. Overall, a great spot to unwind. Highly recommend! read more

Found a great bar with a classic atmosphere and a super bartender who kept the conversation interesting and fun. Thanks, Patrick for your superb service! read more

Just awful. So sad to see an Irish pub in this kind of condition. There are no tables or chairs inside the bar. I'm guessing it's a nightclub for the college kids. Again, just awful on every level. read more

DANGER!!! Do not enter this bar if you have a peanut allergy. There is peanut dust all over the floor and in the air, and there is no signage on the entrance door or the front windows to make that clear to unsuspecting visitors. 20 minutes after entering the bar, we had to rush my son to the hospital where he was given oxygen and intravenous drugs to save his life. And when I talked to the manager the next day about it, his only response was I'm sorry but we've been running this place for 30 years that way, so maybe you shouldn't come in. My next step will be to contact the local health department to see how they can allow this place to operate that way in this day and age. read more

James Joyce on Friday is wonderful. Love the DJ. He lets you play multiple songs in a row, stays on stage and is very professional. A bit different from Thursday night DJ. read more

Guy running the karaoke sang multiple times making which was weird. I go to karaoke all the time and it's not normal to take away from paying people to sing for yourself let alone twice in 2 hours. read more

I love this place. Their food is pretty good. Happy Hour deal is good, too. They also have live music. The staff is nice and quick service!

Nice vibe but don't go here if you have a peanut allergy like me! Found out the hard way that they serve peanuts here. Wish they'd post a sign somewhere disclosing that. read more

My go-to spot for karaoke on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The staff are so friendly and kind, they take care of you well. Besides having karaoke, they also have darts and a pool table in the back and an outdoor patio. The bartenders are quick and make great drinks, and they have a good selection of beer on tap. If you want to get to know SB locals well, this is a great bar to be at. read more

the James Joyce.... of course this bar is so far one of the best ...No mater what .... you meet very interesting people here, and yes we have stupid people ... and assholes too But since 2006 been here I never ever see a fight for Reals ..... good bands, good people, good Karaoke good dancing , GREAT PLACE period . like Toby Keith sing (i love this bar ) totally read more

The James Joyce - Kinsella Band back to the Joyce heck yes like old times - Irish Pub Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

The third bar stop this evening towards earning the Soused badge. By now we are feeling like a party so we stopped here because of the music coming from the live band as we approached the door. I was a little taken aback once inside this bar because it felt " old school" for lack of a better phrase. The decor looked like antiques to me, the lighting was low and the entire floor was covered with peanut shells. To my surprise this was a pretty large bar. In the front corner of the bar was a live band jamming out old school beats, as you walk through the main area it's an open space for dancing and through the next door way was a pool table and another smaller bar. The drinks here were just okay but by this time (3 bars in one night) the peanuts stole the show. This was by far the most fun bar because you could dance (old school dances), eat your peanuts and throw your shells on the floor all while listening to cool beats. read more

See all

Bartender was great. Bus boy actually refused to wipe my table. Bartender gave me a towel for diy.

I hadn't been here in many years and had fun the other night. You go in to order and drink in the back or the front. Tried a vodka I LOVED and was pleasantly surprised to find it was not expensive. EFFEN cucumber is only 25 a bottle at Bevmo! Great service. Bartenders are really friendly. I had forgotten how large it was. And I didn't remember that there was a parking lot in the back. There's a reason this place has survived so long in a town so many places come and go. I'm a fan. The crowd is really young so it's not a place I'd go to drink by myself at the advanced age of 49. I could be the mother of everyone who works there, without even having gotten knocked up in my teens. Oy. read more

This will be a short review because, well, it's a bar. Haha. If you like HEAVY poured drinks at cheap prices, then this is your place. It is very much a dive bar feel in the middle of a bunch of other very trendy spots. We had a good time here. I will visit again next time I'm in the area. read more

"Maybe this isn't the bar for you" - the bartender "That's funny.. you're playing Lindy Hop & Swing music so I assumed this was a place with courtesy and class.. did I get that wrong?" - me "Can I get a straw?" - me "Straws are illegal in California." - the bartender "That's funny because every other place in California you can give me a straw if I ask for it." - me "Yeah well that's what it is." - bartender The Bartender here on Saturday night was surprisingly rude. Doesn't deserve any tips and apparently doesn't like repeat business. read more

on a bar crawl for a friends birthday. Bartender was very unprofessional. Refusing to make shots. Being rude to person asking for the shots. Telling him this isn't high school. If you want those shots go to another bar. Bartender was non-Caucasian, balding male in a black and white bowling type shirt. When inquired about who the manager was, I was told he was management. Very disappointing. If you don't want to make drinks, don't be a bartender. Owners should know attitude matters. won't ever recommend coming back here. read more

Spoken in an Irish brogue: I stumbled upon this pub of sorts It's focus drink and darkened wood Sitting here amongst the snobby cohorts In a Santa Barbara neighborhood The barkeep was amiable In an offhand way And served the drinks That quelled my stay I spoke to her of the namesake drink Expecting it a frequent choice But visitors may not highly think And order in their lowly voice And so it was I had me drinks And stumbled on me rambling way Into the salty air To stumble 'round another day FYI, here is The James Joyce Cocktail, order it up: * 1 1/2 ounces Irish whiskey * 3/4 ounce sweet vermouth * 3/4 ounce Cointreau * 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice And now to close with an actual poem by Joyce himself which is fitting for the central coast: All Day I Hear the Noise of Waters All day I hear the noise of waters Making moan, Sad as the sea-bird is when, going Forth alone, He hears the winds cry to the water's Monotone. The grey winds, the cold winds are blowing Where I go. I hear the noise of many waters Far below. All day, all night, I hear them flowing To and fro. James Joyce @SBJamesJoyce read more

The James Joyce - Irish Pub Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Best Irish coffee and live music Saturday morning experience! I think the music is just an impromptu trip that practices Saturdays so it might not be every week but we were lucky. Love this peanut bar, great local vibe and I always get great service! read more

The James Joyce - Irish Pub Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

First time at James Joyce and everyone treats you like you've known each other for years. Everyone is super friendly. I wished I live here. Love the small town vibe. Everyone knows each other. Would move hear in a heart beat. The irish coffee is amazing. You buy one and they give you 3 more for free. read more

So this bar has been sold to a owner who has changed everything around. Came tonight and I'm having a hard time dealing with all the drinks. He wants to make this place into a club feel. Dumb. Place is literally Old and looks like a bar. The Irish car bombs are sold in super small cups and you can't even enjoy them like real car combs. My girlfriend ordered vodka crans and they only do half vodka crans now. So half a shot. What a joke. Born and raised in Santa Barbara and never thought this place would ever change. Gonna miss this place. Peace James Joyce. Awesome staff. Changes.. wack... this place is a bar! Not a club. Owner is way out of touch with its clientele. read more

Used to be such a great spot. Now they are changing it up??? WHAT?? I loved james Joyce growing up but now after my visit tonight I will not be coming back. Apparently they are under new management. I used to get vodka cranberry's and they use to be of good liquor amount. Now they are maybe half a shot of vodka. STEER CLEAR OF THIS PLACE. It used to be a gem but now it's turned into somewhere you DO NOT WANT TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

The James Joyce - A vodka crab with HALF A SHOT OF VODKA. upsetting and not ok. - Irish Pub Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to every single Patriot that was there that evening that I showed up as in complete stranger and an outsider. I went to Santa Barbara looking for my dog yes I know. My dog was stolen from San Fernando valley. I went to Santa Barbara not knowing anybody, not knowing anything about Santa Barbara! I had only been there once with the individual that stole my emotional therapy dog. I walked in to James and Joyce passing out flyers looking for my golden color fawn long hair emotional support dog, Mimi me. The people the Patriots so I just started was and completely a mess emotionally. They immediately embrace me everyone there at this pub took me in as family as I already known them for years. I'm grateful to say that they did help out and Mini me successfully have been reunited by the grace of God! Thank you thank you to all the staff thank you to all the locals and thank you to those that embrace me and took me and his family! I had to give this testimony I had a great time although my mind was a mini the whole time. It was the bartender who by the way make the most amazing drinks! And everyone else that embraced me and took me in and comfort me at the time when I needed the most I'll be back soon! I made a promise too just send James bar pub to come back with her and we're coming back people to celebrate so bartender keep them coming! read more

The James Joyce - Irish Pub Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Even better than his cousins' bar in Salthill.....No Darts or billiards in there. Good craic and open until 2:00 am in SB! Yay! Love you Tommy Byrne!!! read more

Your security guard allowed me to almost be sexually assaulted. I was drinking here this past Friday and the line for the female one stall bathroom was overwhelmingly full and there was zero people waiting for the men's ONE STALL BATHROOM. I nearly soiled my pants so I ran into the men's bathroom as I was scared to make an accident and felt safe under the prospect that it was a singular ROOM. These men walked in on me and i apologized as i was finishing up. They proceeded to call security since I was a female in the men's bathroom, security guard comes over referring to me as a "stup*d b*tch" over and over with the other men outside the door as i'm washing my hands. THE SECURITY GUARD THEN ALLOWED THE MEN INTO THE BATHROOM AS THEY EXPOSE THEMSELVES TO ME WHILE THE DOOR SHUTS BEHIND. Someone had to put their foot in between the door so it wouldn't close fully so i could get around the group of exposed men in this SINGLE ROOM. If that door closed i could have been assaulted under the PERMISSION of ur security guard who for whatever reason felt so physically offended by my use of an empty bathroom with no line outside since i was going to have a literal accident that he verbally assaulted me and allowed these men to come inside as if it was an open invite as my "punishment" for being in there. Absolutely vile i can not believe i experienced such horrific treatment that had potential to be a horrific moment over just having to use the restroom. Fire him please. read more

Excellent hybrid: part dive bar and part Irish pub with a fun, diverse mix of people. When I went there was a live jazz/swing band playing. It was very cool to see college students dancing with "Greatest Generation" guys who still know all the steps. If you are a Guinness fan, then you will love the pour this place does. It is expertly slow-poured, angled just right and the foam is optimum. (run off nitrogen as it should be!) Also, they don't put a shamrock on the foam and will probably hit you if you ask for Chambord to drizzle on top. Big barrel of peanuts to make you thirstier and thirstier as the night wears on. Fun place if you keep things in perspective. read more

Great pub with a lively atmosphere with various bands playing on certain nights and free peanuts in a big ass barrel by the front entrance :) The scene here is not really a college clubbing atmosphere at all but a mature bar-hopping experience and a great place to start a Friday night. It can get crowded at times but everyone is pretty sociable and they have cool games like darts lol Just don't wear flip flops because the peanut shells and whatnot get all up in your feet :( read more

Good on a weeknight when it's more mellow. Does not suffer from ghastly lighting. Long bar to reduce bottleneck, horizontally and vertically. Let me tell you about vertical bottleneck sometime. It's a short person thing. Those big barrels of peanuts help stave off hunger, and thankfully with shells on, help stave off bar hand contamination (guys, seriously, wash your damn hands after your visit the bar restroom, okay?). YOU get to shell your peanuts and throw the shells on the ground. *I* get to stomp on them and get that satisfying crunch underfoot. Weekends can be a scene. Otherwise, A--OK! Definitely better than the other bars along those blocks. read more

The James Joyce - the bar on a weekday night - Irish Pub Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

If I could give 0 I would. Do not come here if you respect women or care for customer emotional/physical safety. The staff does not and never have had respect. if you have an ounce of empathy for those wronged by drunk bar workers do not come here. Touching a heater as a customer should not be a reason for the security to kick people out and cuss at customers. Rusty maybe is his name ? White hair, older man that told my partner he was rude, had attitude, called him fucking dick etc. all because he wanted to turn the heater on for me. Rusty, the security was talking/flirting with a woman customer and didn't ask if we needed help or let us know that the heater wasn't in fact working. This is not the first time we had a problem with the occasional angry drunk security guard here. He said "You probably don't go out often, do you think it's ok to touch a heater that's not yours? If you wanna catch attitude with me you can just leave". Mind you we just sat down with fresh drinks and we said we were sorry for touching the property. My bf tried to take responsibility while requesting him to please calm down. Him "it's not fucking cold out anyways, don't tell me how to do my job..." As a server, I don't care if customers adjust the heater especially if im not giving adequate service. He was wrong to asume anything and talk the way he did. But for him talking with the customer and talking bad to us was his priority. Another male worker came settled rusty down and only listened to my bf not me. He only listened to my bf because he said he did jujitsu. Where he has learned about respect and managing your temper. It felt demeaning for everyone involved. "Oh I noticed your swollen ear from a far while you ordered your drink". Only giving respect to those who he thought fit the description of who he thought deserved it, shook his hand even. Out of 4 people my bf was the only man. We did not feel safe here. We just wanted to be heard out in the beginning. Not monitored until we finished our drinks. We have gone here only twice in the passed, this was our third chance, as we have lived in sb for over 4 generations. The front guard said "why come back then?" We we're trying to give it a chance as rusty shouldn't be the face of James Joyce. But he totally is. It wasn't a spot to go out of the way for and certainly will never be again. I appreciated the front guard for finally saying "sorry don't mind him on the way out" but it took my bf to explain all these things first. Ps bar tenders seemed like the only ones working hard to provide good service. Date: 7/27/23 read more

Had a few Ice cold Black and Tan's on one of the hottest days in Santa Barbara this afternoon. They play great music like The Jam, and The Clash. Very nice Irish lady bartender. Well done James Joyce Pub. Cheers! read more

The James Joyce - Black and Tan. Cheers! - Irish Pub Near Me - Santa Barbara, California