Above: Owners Brendan White and Colin Downes chat about the history of the James Joyce Irish Pub.
From the stained-glass partitions to the perfect pour of Guinness, the James Joyce Irish Pub in Berwyn has been making me question my German-Czech heritage since they opened the doors in 2000.
The cozy bar, just a minute’s walk from the Harlem Avenue train stop, was opened by partners Brendan White and Colin Downes. In traditional fashion, the pub is lined with ornate wood, a long-crafted bar, intimate lighting and Irish décor. Paying homage to one of Dublin’s most significant writers, the pubs logo is a stencil of James Joyce, best known for his fictional novel Ulysses.
When entering the pub, you’ll likely be greeted by Brendan or Colin. From Dublin, Brendan came to America 30 years ago. Colin, from Drumree, followed a few years later. Both held many jobs while settling into their new lives. Whether it was janitorial work or carpentry, they explained that “as an immigrant you take any job you can get.” Even though the two lived just 9 miles from one another in Ireland, they didn’t actually meet until both landed jobs at Healy’s Westside, a neighborhood bar in Forest Park, Illinois. Their shared-vision of opening a bar came to fruition after striking a deal with the Windsor Lounge in Berwyn. This would soon become home to The James Joyce Irish Pub.
I just turned 21 when I met guys. Their new pub sat just a block away from where I grew up, but the relationship I had with the bar was mostly me popping in for a quick beer while waiting for the train to take me to Chicago. Sure, the city lights, the hustle & bustle of downtown and the energy of loud rooms filled shoulder-to-shoulder still have their time and place, but I really didn’t have the respect for the quaint and charming Irish pub that I do today.
Over the years, I found myself stopping in the James Joyce more often. Was I growing tired of the city scene? Was I growing up? Probably a little bit of both, but over time I really came to understand what the pub was about as I got know Brendan and Colin. Colin explained that in Ireland, the pub is like a community center. It’s where you would go to find a plumber or go to sell livestock. Laughing, he said “the beer was just a way to bring everyone together.” Brendan added that you could always feel comfortable at those pubs because everyone looked out for one another. He said, “in today’s world a woman might not feel as safe entering a bar. Whether they’re with a friend or alone, we try to change that stigma here.”
Whether it was my first time experiencing the pub or my most recent visit last night, I’ve always been treated the same way. It’s not necessarily customer service, it’s genuine people. They are welcoming and sincere as they treat their patrons like long-time friends. They give back to the community, support other local businesses and sponsor recreational teams. Whether it’s watching a ball game on the bar stool or attending one of their several annual outings, they care about bringing people together for a good time. They show their appreciation and their customers are loyal because of it. Just as they did day one, they still greet me with a handshake every time I walk in the door.
Eighteen years later, I call Brendan and Colin friends, and I also know that I’m not being fair to the rest of the staff. I could write endless words on the many great James Joyce bartenders, whom I also have much gratitude for, however I rather not make this a comedic essay- that’s for another time.
Sláinte!
Chris Ulrich
The James Joyce Irish Pub
7138 Windsor Ave, Berwyn, IL 60402
