A truly wonderful place. A remake of a Needham train station, this place has plenty of atmosphere. No reservations, just drop in and hope it's not a long wait. The menu is full of dishes that sound good and actually are good. We have loved the pork chops grilled to perfection on a bed of well seasoned mashed potatoes with a stripe of broccoli rob edging the plate. Along with Jacks Abby on draft you are in a very good pl read more

Bartender july 2nd.. awful experience.. poor service.. poor quality drink.. watched her may an abomination of clients drinks for dinner... used to love this bar for its bartenders.. she is a disaster read more

They stepped up during the pandemic - and seemd to have made a small fortune too - but since then they seem to have lost interest in customer service or quality food. Such a shame. read more

I wish I could give this restaurant 6 *! Everything was tip top! Best fried oysters ever! Light, soft, and not at all greasy. The brioche bun was perfectly toasted and flavorful. Loved the buttermilk dressing that lightly coated the lettuce leaves on my salad, and the crunchy croutons were scrumptious. The fries were also not greasy and very good. The pumpkin cheese cake tasted homemade and was beautifully plated. The coffee came in a French press. Every detail of this dinner was expertly done. I hope to come back and try more dishes on the menu. Our waitress was efficient and friendly. I very much like the charming decor. It feels like you're in Ireland. So very happy that Needham has this wonderful addition and sorry I didn't discover it sooner. I notice that when I search for restaurants in Needham, The James does not appear on the list, because it is considered a pub. read more

The James - Great food at The James.   Needham is becoming a foodie destination. - Irish Pub Near Me - Needham, Massachusetts

Great food. Great drinks. Friendly and accommodating staff. Really enjoyed their cod dish and soda bread. Every time I come here there's something new. read more

Can't believe I live the next town over and have never been here before. Stopped by for a quick bite & drink after work while staying at a friends for the weekend. The flatbread special with Gruyere, Goat Cheese and Italian Sausage over Arugula was delicious. There Kettle one cosmo was one of the best I've ever had. The Atmosphere is very cozy and the staff is super friendly. I only wish I had Found this hidden gem sooner. I will definitely be returning soon. read more

The James - Irish Pub Near Me - Needham, Massachusetts

Small and mighty! Love to sit at the bar for drinks and those mussels! The size means it is always packed and lively.

One of my favorite restaurants EVER! And that is not an exaggeration. The service is so genuine and even on a night lIke last night when they're slammed they still kill it. We tried the gin cocktails and loved them, but we especially loved that $2 from every cocktail was donated to the food pantry. Now THE FOOD. Order the soda bread and dates with blue cheese to start, the steak & ale pie and the salmon with couscous and cucumber salad for entrees and literally anything for dessert and you can thank me later!! Can't wait to come back :) read more

Went here tonight for the first time and it was busy, which it has had a lot of press lately. It was a disappointment. The leek soup was good. The beer selection was great. The main meal was bad. I ordered the flank steak special and it was served stone cold, which they didn't seem to have enough staff and it probably sat a while. Secondly, it was chewy--just a nasty ligament laden cut. And lastly, it wasn't even a "flank cut" but some cheap cut they sliced at an angle and spread out to pretend to be flank! I told them this and they sent it back but they just re-heated my med-rare to well done and gave me a free beer to wash down my hot chewy over-cooked steak. Bar food at luxury prices. read more

Fantastic in every way except SMALL and limited seating. The server was very nice and put together a small table for me and two friends when there was no other seating. I would have given them 5 stars because everything else was great! read more

Good and drinks are wonderful. Ambience is comfortable and inclusive. Love the live music nights.

Usually stellar, however we went on a Thursday evening when it wasn't that busy. Our waitress forgot to put our order in and didn't even figure it out until we asked her to check on our food (despite other people around us getting theirs first even though they sat down after us). The food came and the bacon on both burgers was way under cooked and the salad was WAY over dressed; like someone spilled the whole bottle on it. Then it was long periods of waiting for the waitress to come back to the table followed by a comped dessert we didn't really want. That was their only concession. We'll definitely think twice before coming back again. read more

The following represents my experience with The James in Needham. Your experience may differ but I doubt it will. Food = 5 Stars Drinks = 5 Stars Service = 5 Stars Staff = 5 stars Overall = 5 Stars The James is such an amazing place to dine it has quickly become one of my families top choices to dine at. The ambiance here is fabulous to go with the amazing food and service. This is definitely a place to come after work for drinks and dinner and you will soon find yourself totally relaxed and not wanting to ever leave. I have never had a bad meal or experience here and the staff is all super friendly and wonderful. You will quickly feel like family at The James. I would say everyone should try The James at least once. I'm confident if you do you will add this place on your regular list of places you go to. read more

We had a great night out at the James! Cocktails are creative and food was excellent. We sat outside in the patio area - felt safe, warm and it was beautifully decorated! Will definitely be back. read more

The James - Short rib ale pie and burger - Irish Pub Near Me - Needham, Massachusetts

I absolutely adore this local Gastro pub, and their servers always help me choose something that is delicious. Whether it's cocktails or something interesting from the menu, I always leave here very, very happy. Meeting friends here is always the right idea! Highly recommend. read more

The best drinks and such beautiful food with amazing flavor. Love the vibe at this place and the awesome staff.

Cocktails and food are phenomenal! I could watch the bartender make drinks all day! Love the environment inside and out, has a sweet speakeasy vibe being tucked off the main road. A gem! read more

The outdoor patio is so nice! The staff are super kind and accommodating. The service: excellent. The atmosphere is very relaxed and welcoming. It is the perfect little oasis for drinks and snacks. I will definitely be back! read more

Outstanding! Father's Day dinner for our first visit, and we will definitely be back! We had the Irish Soda bread to start, which was great, then beef tartare, fries, and the burrata salad with tarragon pesto and picked white asparagus... sooooo good!! My better half had the 12 oz sirloin special, which was cooked to perfection. We honestly haven't had a better dinner in a very long time. Drinks were fabulous too! So glad we came, and we'll be regulars!! Note: It was busy and loud... not an atmosphere everyone would enjoy. I also wish their menu was updated and accurate online; their website has a sample menu, but it's not 100% correct 100% of the time. It would also be nice to see their specials posted to their website. But the food was so mouthwateringly good, it really doesn't matter!! Definitely saving room for dessert next time :) read more

I had not been to The James since before the pandemic. I went recently and sat in their outdoor seating and was impressed with what they had done to manage a crowd outdoors. The seats were lovely, spread apart and as cozy as you can get considering it was on asphalt/parking lot. The food and drink was just was I remembered, upscale pub food with really great touches to make the food special. We had several of their cocktails, Trainspotting and I carried a Watermelon, both were solid, although the Trainspotting was not to my husband's taste. We sampled a variety of bits and bobs including salt and pepper chicken wings, whiskey barbecue ribs, and the fresh baked soda break. The soda bread was not as good as I remembered (it was a long pandemic) but still very tasty. My husband got the fishermans pie and really loved it. Service was very quick and always very friendly. I appreciate how the service is always a group effort, rather than one just individual server. I am glad to be back eating at The James! read more

My 12 year old said it best: "the arancini is like heaven, wrapped in a blanket and deep fried". Delicious food, great drinks, lovely atmosphere. A gem! read more

The schnitzel was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The scotch egg had the same crispy outside and tender inside. The soda bread too dry. The atmosphere is cozy , and the staff are very pleasant. I would definitely recommend a meal there with friends. read more

The James - Scotch Egg and Soda Bread - Irish Pub Near Me - Needham, Massachusetts

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Our favorite place in Needham. The owners treat all customers like their family and the food is always consistently good. Their signature cocktails are delicious and while some times the live music is too loud, it doesn't negate the quality ambiance. read more

This review is for their take out. I've eaten at the restaurant which was a good experience. Gotten take out 3-4 times and every time it's gotten worse and worse. Short rib pie is soooo stingy on the meat and so small for $25. If your gonna charge that much then make it actually worth the money or charge less. Literally a few strands of meat. Partner got the burger which he said was burnt. read more

The James - Irish Pub Near Me - Needham, Massachusetts

Just had the Sunday roast beef at the James and it was to die for. The beef was tender, the Yorkshire pudding is huge and according to my Non celiac husband was delicious. Perfectly roasted potatoes and root vegetables accompanied it and of course it wouldn't be complete without gravy....even my 7 year Old daughter devoured this Sunday special. As an added bonus they had gluten free gravy for me! We love this place any way- the staff, the decor, lighting, ambience, drinks and food menu- there's nothing we don't like about it. For me, the fact that they have so many gluten free options and are so Attentive and willing to accommodate my allergy just makes it a no brainer when deciding where to go for dinner! Get yourself to The James and see for yourself! read more

Had high hopes since the reviews were all good. Overall flavor was great. Fried brussel sprouts were too charred and tasted burned which can't be that healthy and a waste of a vegetable. read more

I've have never met a "James" I didn't instantly like. The James has character, is warm and very welcoming. Pre Dinner cocktails were spot on, "Go on" was the favorite. Appetizer of muscles so fresh and flavorful. All entree's were excellent, with a great Veg option of Korean rice cake. The Fish&Chips, not as easy as it sounds had a moist wonderful flavor. The Statler Chicken also a great choice. The Spanish Tempranillo blend was a great bottle, smooth and enjoyed by all. Choo choo James Brown read more

Very upscale food in this irish pub. We were very pleasantly surprised by how well prepared everything was, anf the variety/interesting fishes on the menu. Got the octopus small plate which was prepared perfectly, the scotch egg- delicious, and tge shortrib snd ale pie which was spectacular. The beef was cooked perfectly with potatoes/carrots and shallots, the cheddar puff pastry on top was an excrllent addition, and really one of my favorite dishes. The service wad very friendly and efficient. We were there on a friday evening and the place was packed with a line of people waiting, so would probably recommend people try it at a less busy time read more

The James - Short rib and ale pie - Irish Pub Near Me - Needham, Massachusetts

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Ordered take out - pretty dissatisfied. The muscles and coconut milk broth do not go together at all. The pork is over seasoned with too many herbs, it's overwhelming and it's over saturated in olive oil to a disturbing degree. The soda bread and butter was not worth it, the only good thing was the fries. read more

The James - Irish Pub Near Me - Needham, Massachusetts

Great Irish Pub. Excellent Irish soda bread. I'm not a big hearty pie guy but their short rib one is very good. Awesome drinks as well. Good atmosphere. Go inside though! read more

First time here-and loved it. We had the soda bread and burrata appetizer-both fantastic and shareable. Hubs had the burger with an Allagash draft which was perfectly cooked. I had the salmon which had crispy skin and perfectly cooked meat with the "Just Peachy" cocktail-which is dangerously delicious. Lovely service, and a friendly atmosphere, read more

Came here because it's at the middle spot between me and my friend. Great drinks amazing foods and friendly service. The chicken liver mousse toast is amazing omg. read more

Small and snug bar area but full cocktail game and tons of spirits. Draft list not the greatest at less than 10 and most low abv, but plenty of cans to choose from - all local. Great night cap spot. Don't know about the food, but as far as a place to drink I'd give it a thumbs up. Does get loud and parking could be trouble, but still worth delegating as a locals go to for drink. read more

Great time and meal at The James! We sat outside and enjoyed the one-man band while also enjoying an awesome burger and fries. They had a Long Island, NY Cabernet franc on the menu and it went well with my burger. Looking forward to getting back to this pub ASAP. read more

Our new favorite place in Needham. It's the small cute restaurants with bars seating for six or seven people. Everything on the menu is delicious service is fast and friendly. Highly recommend. read more

The James - Small dinning area - Irish Pub Near Me - Needham, Massachusetts

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Honestly everything we got was delicious. We got the special arancini that was stuffed with corned beef with a horseradish aioli and the stuffed dates for apps. Both delicious. Meals we got the short rib and ale pie and the braised pork shank which was more like a stew and could feed an army. Drinks were delicious and the ambiance was cozy. Definitely will be going back soon. read more

We came here for our anniversary dinner with our 10 month old baby in tow. Because life revolves around said baby's bedtime these days, we were there a bit earlier than most. We had not called ahead, yet they still had a table (and a high chair) available for us. It's a very cute, cozy space with excellent mix of old world and trendy vibes as soon as you walk in. The menu was a muix of traditional pub food and more current (and local) options. We ordered drinks, an app (heirloom tomato salad) and the Monday special of fish and chips. The drinks were unique and great. The fish was flaky and tender, and came with some seriously seasoned fries! The atmosphere got gradually louder as many people filed in at a much more adult-y time to eat dinner. It does get a bit noisy when it's full, just an FYI for those hard of hearing like my husband. Overall great food, great vibes. We just got home and I'm already recommending this place to friends! read more

The James - Lovely interior design at The James - Irish Pub Near Me - Needham, Massachusetts

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I freaking love this restaurant. Everything on the menu is good. You literally can't go wrong. There is so much attention to detail at the James. Because it's so good, i really have to have a good reason to drive into Boston for a meal, there just isn't much reason to with food this good, so close by. read more

Always delivers, they had a special 4th of July menu this afternoon, ribs were awesome, my wife had amazing fried chicken, fries, burgers all on the table and all delivered! I did not check in my previous visits, went with my company had a meet up after work earlier in the year (about 7-8 people), they were very attentive and the food was great. Tartare, octopus, brussels, just all great, fresh and great flavors. No matter when we go in; the atmosphere, the service, the presentation, and flavors are always on point. Do yourself a favor, pull up a stool, or a booth have a pint or cocktail and explore a great time with a great menu. Keep it up guys! read more

The James - Irish Pub Near Me - Needham, Massachusetts

The James crushed it during the pandemic better than any place in town, and they're still crushing as the restrictions loosen. A+ across the board. Great ambience indoor and out (can be very boisterous inside). Cocktail list is great, especially the Gintonic. The apps are outstanding - soda bread, lamb lollis, chicken wings. Love the fish & chips. Excellent service, which is not easy to do these days. Bravo. read more