We came for a Sunday Roast and we were not disappointed. The staff accommodated us and kids even though they were busy, and we had such a nice time. The staff are really great and the food was very very good. Kids and parents left very satisfied. read more

Sourdough is delicious. Charcuterie is top notch. Burger and fries , grilled octopus, kale salad all had something special about them. Offered 1 dessert but homemade deliciousness. Service is outstanding. Ambiance had a very personal feel. The front desk agent at our hotel recommended this experience and we are very glad she did. Suggestion: offer 1 or 2 basic/comfort dinner options. Initially the menu seemed complex. Once you experience a dish all that changes but first impressions are important. Having s few more basic comfort offerings would make the initial menu viewing more comfortable. read more

A few months ago I came across the James Pub while shopping on Great Plain Avenue. Recently I was in Needham again, so I took the opportunity to try the restaurant. I ordered the Statler chicken well done with french fries instead of the butternut squash grits. The chicken was cooked through, but the skin was not browned at all. What was worse was that it was laced with black pepper. The sherry cabbage was made with far too much butter. The only saving grace of the meal was that the fries were excellent. read more

Great spot. The food was excellent and the service was outstanding! The place is on the small side so plan accordingly.

My wife has been on a long and so far unsatisfying search for a good Scotch Egg. She saw a picture of the one served here and wanted to try. After much anticipation, the verdict was it was as good as she remembered them. The yolk was still soft, and the ground lamb crust was flavorful, not gamey, and not salty. I ordered the marinated anchovies, and they were very good. My wife's cocktails were better than other places, and the bartender certainly knows how to make them. The James is a great place for a drink and food if you're in the area. read more

I wish I could give this restaurant 6 stars. We are so lucky to have the James be a 15 minute walk from our house. We moved from Manhattan/Brooklyn not too long ago and could not believe our luck. Favorite dishes include: seasonal lobster sandwich, the octopus plate (seriously you must try), the mussels with the impeccable toasted bread, and every dessert is perfect. I have recently tried and loved the tagliatelle! Delicious food, fun atmosphere, the nicest staff you'll ever find! read more

First time eating here, would have never have known about this restaurant except The Reveler referred us and we were not disappointed. Food was excellent, service was great and everyone abiding by covid regulations. Can't wait to return! read more

Consistently excellent food. I usually like to drink at pubs and not eat at them but this place has excellent food as well as beer. Great oysters, rare beers, great service. read more

very small space crammed with diners excellent service food produced with cheap ingredients( eg very small chicken serving with tons of grains and lettuce) sold at upscale prices ;but it is tasty read more

A legit pub - in Needham! I felt like I was back in the UK. All the need is a few packets of crisps hanging from clips at the back of the bar. And maybe a small gambling machine. Also, my drink was too warm which added to the authenticity. Can't wait to go back to try the fish and chips. read more

Fantastic restaurant! Very service oriented and food was fantastic. We had 3 smalls including grill octopus, Scottish eggs and baratta cheese. I had the chicken w farrow grains for dinner. Our friends and my hubby/I had a lovely evening! Oh and my husband thought it was a great beer selection! read more

Really liked this place, our sever liz was excellent. Food was excellent, my only gripe was that is was so noisy, and had to scream to hear the person directly across. read more

Please -- don't go here!!! I say that b/c I want this to be my place and my place only! Ok really -- it's so good. Great atmosphere, terrific food, solid drinks, outstanding service. I went with a group of 5 and we got some apps and fish and chips and burgers -- nothing too exciting. But! Everything was solid and a good time was had by all. Since I live and work around here, I try many places in this area, and this has to be one of my new faves. Will be back very soon. read more

Outstanding. We had the Short Rib Ale Pie, Beet Soup, and Brie and Caramelized Onion Tartine. All outstanding. Great food. Great service. We will be back! read more

I haven't had dinner here yet so I can't speak intelligently about the food, but what a great team! The James has a super welcoming staff who are dedicated to making sure that all their guests are having a top notch experience. The interior is warm and cozy, the beer selection is great, and the cocktails are very well thought out and carefully prepared. It's a nice surprise to come across a pub that also appreciates the craft of a fine cocktail. The food all looked great and we can't wait to come back for a full meal! read more

I loved the atmosphere, but the menu is too quirky. I'd like more normal appetizers and also more vegetarian options, even a veggie burger.

This quaint Irish pub is a jewel in the middle of Needham. I've never been to a restaurant where I have felt more at home. The staff is exceptional and the bartender is an artist. Best scotch egg I've ever had and the pork chops are to die for. read more

Good people, great food and wonderful atmosphere! Bartender is amazing! Best Hake I've ever eaten!

A gem in the center of needham with superb food, great outdoor seating and top notch customer service. We had a burger and fish and chips and they were stand-outs. Highly recommend. read more

The James' atmosphere was very lively. Our server, Ella, was very friendly and attentive. I had contacted the management beforehand due to food allergies in our party, and they were very accommodating. The Grilled Jerk Prawns were very fresh and had a nice spice to them. The Grilled Octopus was also very delightful. The Pub Mussels were served with a delectable sauce - the best ever! The Short Rib & Ale Pie was absolutely mouthwatering. The Gundlach Bundschu Gewürztraminer wine was a perfect complement to our meal. We finished off with the Coconut caramel cheesecake and Butterscotch bread pudding with raisins ...both heavenly, and the perfect ending to an amazing dinner....so glad to have found this gem in Needham! 10 stars!!! read more

Excellent! First time going to the restaurant. Liked it a lot. Small with a lot of warmth and personality. Nice, vibrant bar seem. Interesting cocktails and an extensive beer selection. Menu choices were different; some very good basics and some items a foodie would enjoy. I had the short rib in a puffed pastry shell and it was excellent. Made with Guinness. Nice. Others had the burger and roasted mushroom tostada. Both great choices. Oh, and we had on order of the Irish bread with honey butter. Very good. The staff was great; excellent service and friendly. Highly recommend. Give it a try. Sláinte. read more

The cutest little pub tucked behind the center of town! The service was phenomenal, from the time I walked through the door with the hostess, to the glass of cheer at the cozy bar and ending with our friendly and attentive server. We ate tapas style, which was a great way to sample the delicious food on the menu. I highly recommend a stop in at the James! read more

Go here now! The new patio is a great substitute for the basement-y James interior. They had a limited menu with picnic style dishes. They accommodated a vegetarian with a wonderful custom pasta dish. I had the fabulous octo roll- sort of a poor man's lobster roll and quite luscious. Importantly, none of my family wanted to share. Burgers were fine as always. Gin and tonic was great too! read more

Love this pub! Great drinks, great food, great service, great atmosphere. Wonderful atmosphere, so cozy. Everyone there greets you and makes you feel welcome - the owners, bartenders, servers, hosts... I keep returning, and especially enjoy the octopus, clams, burrata, and burger. read more

I've been to The James several times and the food is excellent -- also having been to Ireland recently I loved the authentic gin and tonics served in a goblet with Fever Tree tonic. The James is now -- in the age of COVID -- serving dinner on their new patio and it was delightful. Heat lamps took the chill out of the evening air. It was my first time at a restaurant since the pandemic and I felt comfortable with their good systems in place for social distancing between tables, hand sanitizer on every table, all waiters in masks and gloves, menu on smartphone, etc... Food and wine were delicious and service was great. read more

This place is literally perfect. The two owners made their dream come true and that's how they run the place. Awesome location awesome atmosphere awesome drinks awesome food. I go there whenever I can and I have never been disappointed. A few of the things on their menu our best of Boston. B&O read more

Not my type of place. Not many choices. Loud. Food was "ok". Plenty of parking. Service was OK. Liked the atmosphere.

This is my "go-to" destination when meeting with friends for a quick bite or drink. The menu is limited - but the quality is top-notch as is the service. The fish and chips Monday special is as good as it gets as are the "special" cocktails. Very cozy space and it fills fast do go on a week-night and avoid the crowds. read more

Go here. Don't wait!!! The best food and beer around. Service is excellent. The menu is wonderful. The deserts are to die for. Absolutely amazing. Favorites include Octopus, scotch eggs, soda bread and pork chops. read more

Great Irish pub vibe, food was excellent -scotch egg, soda bread, chicken skewers to start and we all had schnitzel - top notch. Good draft Guinness and lots of wines by the glass. Staff was very sweet & handled the long wait time for a table really well. Best part - NO TV at the bar - wish more restaurants would do this ! Had to rave! Definitely would recommend- it's our new favorite restaurant in Needham. read more

Great place, just what needham center needed. Awesome food, great ambiance, the owners are nice people. Noise is a problem but they are working on it. Good place to catch a game or hang out after work, walking distance for many in town. Looong overdue. read more

The food and the service were excellent. The menu is imaginative, creative. Everyone shared and enjoyed each dish. The drinks were very different and also quite good. We definitely will return there. The managers and the wait people, despite the huge crowd, were friendly and attentive. Word has spread in the community about the James, so it is very crowded and rather noisy. They seem to have outgrown this spot after this very short time! I really look forward to a future dining experience there, despite all this. read more

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 place. read more

By far the best restaurant in greater Boston. Every dish is impressive, cocktails are excellent, and the beer list has great variety. The rotating gintonic is a must have. The ownership and staff are particularly great -- warm, knowledgeable, welcoming. We moved to the area from Brooklyn with some nostalgia for the superb restaurants there, but The James competes on all fronts. read more

Love the new incarnation of this location! Food was excellent, decor nice and staff very friendly. Loved all 3 of the small plates we tried, chicken on a stick a surprise table favorite. Duck co fit salad cake with a whole duck leg, delicious. Octopus portion was small but again, delicious. Burger and fish and chips were also very good. Cocktail list was interesting and wine selection good. Highly recommend. read more

Great atmosphere. Great service. Menu ranges from hamburger to octopus. Fair price. Easy parking

Decent food friendly staff nice appetizers eg chicken liver mousse on toast but LOUD LOUD LOUD

Food is amazing!!! I can't get enough of this place. Atmosphere, service, and staff are top notch!!! The steak tartar was delicious and unexpected. The Short rib ale pie was heavenly. A nice twist to classic comfort food. read more

Amateur night in Needham. While the menu promises classic and interesting pub food, the execution leaves a lot on the table. I had a piece of lamb that was inedible. The soda bread was dry and cold. In fact, both of our dinners were cold because the finished food from the kitchen sits on a counter that is right next to the front door. Finally, they have 25% too many seats for such a small space. It is crowded in the extreme and very noisy. Find another place to eat. read more

Wow! Best burger I've ever had (and let's not forget about the fries, soda bread, and short rib and ale pie...all incredible!) Their menu is filled with fantastic dishes and the staff was so friendly and inviting! They sat us quickly and were so accommodating. Another awesome thing about The James is the live music on Thursday evenings! read more