The James Pub, Needham is a welcoming neighborhood restaurant in Needham, MA that brings together the best parts of a great pub and a comfortable dining experience.
Set in a cozy, casual stone-clad space, it offers a warm setting where guests can settle in for hearty pub grub, refreshing drinks, and an easygoing atmosphere that works just as well for a relaxed lunch as it does for a memorable dinner.
Whether you are stopping by for brunch, meeting friends after work, or planning a night out, The James Pub creates a place where good food, good service, and a lively setting come together naturally.
Guests come for the food and stay for the experience. The menu features comfort food favorites, small plates, healthy options, coffee, desserts, and the kind of satisfying plates that make a restaurant feel like a dependable local go-to.
The drink selection is just as appealing, with beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits served alongside a great beer selection, a strong wine list, and well-crafted cocktails. With fast service, live music, and a reputation for serving local specialty items, The James Pub adds energy and personality to every visit.
It is an excellent choice for solo dining, casual meals, catered gatherings, and anyone looking for a spot that feels both inviting and well put together.
Convenience and accessibility are part of what make this restaurant stand out. The James Pub offers outdoor seating, dine-in service, takeout, delivery, and on-site services, giving customers flexible ways to enjoy a meal on their own terms.
The restaurant is also thoughtfully equipped with wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance, seating, and restrooms, along with gender-neutral toilets, restrooms, Wi-Fi, and free Wi-Fi for added comfort. Dinner reservations are recommended, and reservations are accepted, making it easy to plan ahead.
With a strong 4.70-star rating from 462 reviews, The James Pub, Needham has earned the trust of its guests by delivering a dependable, enjoyable experience in a setting that feels both stylish and approachable.
Located at 1027 Great Plain Ave, Needham, MA 02492, and reachable at +1 781-455-8800, it is a standout destination for anyone seeking quality food, great drinks, and a place that feels like a true local favorite.
Popular Items
Frequently ordered and highly recommended items at The James Pub, Needham
Our Story
Welcome to a place where great food meets warm hospitality. We believe dining is more than just a meal - it's an experience to be savored and shared.
Our kitchen is dedicated to creating dishes that bring people together, using recipes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
Photos
A glimpse of our restaurant experience
Food & Drinks
feta, peppers
Seasonal Veg
Irish Honey Butter
house made hummus, za'atar oil, sumac, grilled naan vegan
thyme, served with French baguette
crispy capers, soda bread crackers, bread
arugula, turmeric dressing, grana padano
confit tomato, pickled onion, cucumbers, roasted shallot vinaigrtette
romaine, sour dough croutons, grana padana cheese, creamy anchovy dressing
romesco, smashed marble potatoes, charred ramps, toasted almonds
west cork seated whiskey glaze, fried garlic 3 ribs
(6) jumbo salt & pepper wings, aji verde
seasoned ground pork, flaky puff pastry, hp brown sauce
Pan Roasted Whole Rainbow Trout, Roast Baby spring Potatoes, Asparagus, Mustard-Dill Sauce - filleted to remove the bones while keeping the head and tail intact.
Guinness braised short rib, puff pastry, gruyére, fennel pollen, arugula
10 oz moxy miso marinated hanger steak, arugula truffle fries, finished in a smoked blue cheese butter
pulled organic chicken breast, coconut rice, peas, peppers, onions
Mushroom pattie, hummus, za’atar oil, peppadew relish, pickled onion, lettuce vegan
Irish cheddar, bibb, pub mayo & grilled onions. House made pickles on the side Brioche bun made locally at French Press Cafe. Pub mayo has eggs* anchovies* allergen
Served with hand cut fries
served with hand-cut fries
House-made cheese sauce and elbows
feta, peppers
Seasonal Veg
feta, peppers
Seasonal Veg
crispy capers, soda bread crackers, bread
thyme, served with French baguette
Irish Honey Butter
house made hummus, za'atar oil, sumac, grilled naan vegan
crispy capers, soda bread crackers, bread
thyme, served with French baguette
arugula, turmeric dressing, grana padano
confit tomato, pickled onion, cucumbers, roasted shallot vinaigrtette
romaine, sour dough croutons, grana padana cheese, creamy anchovy dressing
romesco, smashed marble potatoes, charred ramps, toasted almonds
west cork seated whiskey glaze, fried garlic 3 ribs
(6) jumbo salt & pepper wings, aji verde
seasoned ground pork, flaky puff pastry, hp brown sauce
Irish Honey Butter
House-made brown bread, Kerry gold butter. Dilisk crème fraiche, shaved red onion, crispy capers
house-made brown bread, Kerry gold butter on the side
thyme, served with French baguette
house made hummus, za'atar oil, sumac, grilled naan vegan
romesco, smashed marble potatoes, charred ramps, toasted almonds
seasoned ground pork, flaky puff pastry, hp brown sauce
(6) jumbo salt & pepper wings, aji verde
west cork seated whiskey glaze, fried garlic 3 ribs
hand-cut seasoned fries
hand-cut seasoned fries, salsa tartufata, olive oil & grated parmesan
Fries, Irish McDonnells Irish Curry Sauce
tiny prawns, lump crab meat, marie rose sauce, shredded iceberg, brown bread crumble.
Flounder, lime, red onion, cilantro, Fresno chili, sweet potato
arugula, turmeric dressing, grana padano
confit tomato, pickled onion, cucumbers, roasted shallot vinaigrtette
romaine, sour dough croutons, grana padana cheese, creamy anchovy dressing
baby kale, roast radish, shaved fennel, green goddess, cotija cheese, sunflower seeds
romesco, smashed marble potatoes, charred ramps, toasted almonds
west cork seated whiskey glaze, fried garlic 3 ribs
(6) jumbo salt & pepper wings, aji verde
seasoned ground pork, flaky puff pastry, hp brown sauce
tiny prawns, lump crab meat, marie rose sauce, shredded iceberg, brown bread crumble.
Flounder, lime, red onion, cilantro, Fresno chili, sweet potato
Baby Gem Lettuce, Smoked Bacon, Pickled Red Onions, Smoked Blue Cheese, Buttermilk dressing
Pan Roasted Whole Rainbow Trout, Roast Baby spring Potatoes, Asparagus, Mustard-Dill Sauce - filleted to remove the bones while keeping the head and tail intact.
Guinness braised short rib, puff pastry, gruyére, fennel pollen, arugula
10 oz moxy miso marinated hanger steak, arugula truffle fries, finished in a smoked blue cheese butter
pulled organic chicken breast, coconut rice, peas, peppers, onions
Mushroom pattie, hummus, za’atar oil, peppadew relish, pickled onion, lettuce vegan
Irish cheddar, bibb, pub mayo & grilled onions. House made pickles on the side Brioche bun made locally at French Press Cafe. Pub mayo has eggs* anchovies* allergen
Pan Roasted Whole Rainbow Trout, Roast Baby spring Potatoes, Asparagus, Mustard-Dill Sauce - filleted to remove the bones while keeping the head and tail intact.
10 oz moxy miso marinated hanger steak, arugula truffle fries, finished in a smoked blue cheese butter
wester ross salmon, baby kale, roasted radish, shaved fennel, green goddess dressing, cotija, sunflower seeds
Kofta - spiced ground lamb. 2 - 4oz patties. roasted to order – over quinoa, arugula, feta, tomato, cucumber, oregano vinaigrette.
Guinness braised short rib, puff pastry, gruyére, fennel pollen, arugula
pulled organic chicken breast, coconut rice, peas, peppers, onions
Mushroom pattie, hummus, za’atar oil, peppadew relish, pickled onion, lettuce vegan
Irish cheddar, bibb, pub mayo & grilled onions. House made pickles on the side Brioche bun made locally at French Press Cafe. Pub mayo has eggs* anchovies* allergen
Served with hand cut fries
served with hand-cut fries
House-made cheese sauce and elbows
feta, peppers
Seasonal Veg
crispy capers, soda bread crackers, bread
thyme, served with French baguette
Irish Honey Butter
House-made brown bread, Kerry gold butter. Dilisk crème fraiche, shaved red onion, crispy capers
house-made brown bread, Kerry gold butter on the side
thyme, served with French baguette
house made hummus, za'atar oil, sumac, grilled naan vegan
romesco, smashed marble potatoes, charred ramps, toasted almonds
seasoned ground pork, flaky puff pastry, hp brown sauce
(6) jumbo salt & pepper wings, aji verde
west cork seated whiskey glaze, fried garlic 3 ribs
hand-cut seasoned fries
hand-cut seasoned fries, salsa tartufata, olive oil & grated parmesan
Fries, Irish McDonnells Irish Curry Sauce
tiny prawns, lump crab meat, marie rose sauce, shredded iceberg, brown bread crumble.
Flounder, lime, red onion, cilantro, Fresno chili, sweet potato
arugula, turmeric dressing, grana padano
confit tomato, pickled onion, cucumbers, roasted shallot vinaigrtette
romaine, sour dough croutons, grana padana cheese, creamy anchovy dressing
baby kale, roast radish, shaved fennel, green goddess, cotija cheese, sunflower seeds
Baby Gem Lettuce, Smoked Bacon, Pickled Red Onions, Smoked Blue Cheese, Buttermilk dressing
beer battered fish, French fries, citrus napa slaw, house tartar sauce, Finished with curry salt
pulled organic chicken breast, coconut rice, peas, peppers, onions
10 oz moxy miso marinated hanger steak, arugula truffle fries, finished in a smoked blue cheese butter
Irish pork style banger on a hoagie roll, beer cheese, charred jalapeño, bacon jam, crispy shallots, served with fries
Corned beef, toasted rye, cheddar cheese, kimchi slaw, served with fries & pickles
spicy maple, slaw, brioche bun | 17 can be gf
Mushroom pattie, hummus, za’atar oil, peppadew relish, pickled onion, lettuce vegan
Irish cheddar, bibb, pub mayo & grilled onions. House made pickles on the side Brioche bun made locally at French Press Cafe. Pub mayo has eggs* anchovies* allergen
Beer battered and fried, creamy malt vinegar aioli slaw, bibb lettuce, tartar sauce, fries
Served with hand cut fries
House-made cheese sauce and elbows
served with hand-cut fries
arugula, turmeric dressing, grana padano
confit tomato, pickled onion, cucumbers, roasted shallot vinaigrtette
romaine, sour dough croutons, grana padana cheese, creamy anchovy dressing
baby kale, roast radish, shaved fennel, green goddess, cotija cheese, sunflower seeds
Baby Gem Lettuce, Smoked Bacon, Pickled Red Onions, Smoked Blue Cheese, Buttermilk dressing
beer battered fish, French fries, citrus napa slaw, house tartar sauce, Finished with curry salt
pulled organic chicken breast, coconut rice, peas, peppers, onions
10 oz moxy miso marinated hanger steak, arugula truffle fries, finished in a smoked blue cheese butter
Irish pork style banger on a hoagie roll, beer cheese, charred jalapeño, bacon jam, crispy shallots, served with fries
Corned beef, toasted rye, cheddar cheese, kimchi slaw, served with fries & pickles
spicy maple, slaw, brioche bun | 17 can be gf
Mushroom pattie, hummus, za’atar oil, peppadew relish, pickled onion, lettuce vegan
Irish cheddar, bibb, pub mayo & grilled onions. House made pickles on the side Brioche bun made locally at French Press Cafe. Pub mayo has eggs* anchovies* allergen
Beer battered and fried, creamy malt vinegar aioli slaw, bibb lettuce, tartar sauce, fries
feta, peppers
Seasonal Veg
Irish Honey Butter
house made hummus, za'atar oil, sumac, grilled naan vegan
crispy capers, soda bread crackers, bread
thyme, served with French baguette
arugula, turmeric dressing, grana padano
confit tomato, pickled onion, cucumbers, roasted shallot vinaigrtette
romaine, sour dough croutons, grana padana cheese, creamy anchovy dressing
baby kale, roast radish, shaved fennel, green goddess, cotija cheese, sunflower seeds
romesco, smashed marble potatoes, charred ramps, toasted almonds
west cork seated whiskey glaze, fried garlic 3 ribs
(6) jumbo salt & pepper wings, aji verde
seasoned ground pork, flaky puff pastry, hp brown sauce
tiny prawns, lump crab meat, marie rose sauce, shredded iceberg, brown bread crumble.
Flounder, lime, red onion, cilantro, Fresno chili, sweet potato
Baby Gem Lettuce, Smoked Bacon, Pickled Red Onions, Smoked Blue Cheese, Buttermilk dressing
Pan Roasted Whole Rainbow Trout, Roast Baby spring Potatoes, Asparagus, Mustard-Dill Sauce - filleted to remove the bones while keeping the head and tail intact.
10 oz moxy miso marinated hanger steak, arugula truffle fries, finished in a smoked blue cheese butter
wester ross salmon, baby kale, roasted radish, shaved fennel, green goddess dressing, cotija, sunflower seeds
Kofta - spiced ground lamb. 2 - 4oz patties. roasted to order – over quinoa, arugula, feta, tomato, cucumber, oregano vinaigrette.
Guinness braised short rib, puff pastry, gruyére, fennel pollen, arugula
pulled organic chicken breast, coconut rice, peas, peppers, onions
Mushroom pattie, hummus, za’atar oil, peppadew relish, pickled onion, lettuce vegan
Irish cheddar, bibb, pub mayo & grilled onions. House made pickles on the side Brioche bun made locally at French Press Cafe. Pub mayo has eggs* anchovies* allergen
Served with hand cut fries
served with hand-cut fries
House-made cheese sauce and elbows
House made pound cake, gin macerated berries, fresh cream, lemon zest
House made pound cake, gin macerated berries, fresh cream, lemon zest
Hear from our valued guests
Visiting from out of town and came by. This was without a doubt the best pub food I’ve ever had. Very nice people and amazing environment. Pictured is the Halibut, Pork Chop, Soda Bread, Bread Pudding, and Irish Cream.
Wonderful Needham pub! Atmosphere and service are great. I love the cheeseburger and fries. Cocktails and beer are terrific. Try the house gin and tonic! Update Nov 2023: Another great meal at the James! The pork chop was delicious! My friend had fish and chips-fantastic! As always, the burger and fries is great. I loved my gin and tonic! And great live music!Already looking forward to my next visit!
Visiting from Chicago for a family event — it’s a cold May Friday evening and we were looking for a place to have a quick, but good bite to eat. We were reserved for a patio table but called to me make a change. The atmosphere was warm and inviting. There was only 3 high top tables in the bar, but that was just perfect for us. We had a couple of classic cocktails (made perfectly) and ordered the arugula salad (an absolute must!). The fried sausage bites looked great but were a bit too spicy for our taste. We ordered the burger with hand cut fries and the Statler chicken. They were both delicious!! Finally, the chocolate chip bread putting was the best ever. It was their only dessert, and it’s so good you don’t need any other options. This is a great place for a family or a date night out.
A Hidden Gem in Needham We experienced the pleasure of lunch at The James, an exquisite smaller Nouveau American restaurant in Needham Square, on November 26. I didn’t count the seating, but it can’t be more than about 40. The menu fits on one side of a page yet is satisfactorily varied. My wife had an exquisitely dressed burger with fries, cooked perfectly to her request. I had the “sausage sando” which is a medium sized sausage sub garnished with cooked onion and other condiments and which, to my surprise, didn’t leak or fall apart. I would order this again. The fries were perfectly cooked, as good as any I’ve ever had. We didn’t order drinks but they had a comprehensive cocktail menu. The staff was great: intelligent, courteous and pleasant, and service is prompt. Reservations are recommended. Our lunch bill was $38 plus a generous tip. The dinner menu is more expensive but still not unreasonable. The photo shows the interior taken near the entrance. On the right are high seats in a row along the wall. We ate in a dining area with standard height seating off to the left, not visible in the photo. The kitchen, bar area, and restrooms are to the left toward the back. For those not familiar with Needham, The James is not directly on Great Plain Avenue as the address might indicate – it’s hidden directly behind the storefronts on its block, in a nicely renovated old stone building next to the railroad tracks, easily accessible via an alley off Great Plain, and there are no stairs required for entry or transit. There is ample parking in a large municipal lot off Chapel Street near Lewandos Cleaners, with two handicapped spaces about 50 meters from the restaurant. The James is a treat for anyone who wants a relaxing meal prepared with quality food. Highly recommended!
The Sunday roast is amazing. I get the sirloin. One of the best meals, I have ever had. The fish and chips is perfect. The bread pudding is so good, and enough for two. The burger is done right, and the fries are awesome. They have something called peri peri shrimp. It's very unique and i think it's seasonal, and if it's on the menu, get it. The bartenders make great signature drinks, and a great pour on the Guinness. I couldn't recommend this place more.
Fantastic place. The food was great. We ordered Curry Chicken and short rib & ale pie and both were crazy delicious. Great service and atmosphere. Good to know they have outdoor seating.
Just the perfect little pub you could ask for. Team was so welcoming and friendly to my family and young kids. The food was fantastic, really upscale takes on classic pub fare. If you love brown bread they have the absolute best. Wonderful cocktails and pint of Guinness to top it all off. Will be coming back many more times!
Excellent food and service! We were looking for a new place to try and chanced upon this little gem on their first day of service for weekday lunch. Highly recommend the roasted carrot- the sauce is out of this world. The fish and chips, sausage roll, garlic hummus, and cheesecake were all quite tasty. It felt much elevated versus a local greasy pub.
Absolutely incredible. One of the bests Sunday Roasts out there - even compared to those in the UK. Generous portions of meat, perfectly roasted veggies, crispy potatoes, and a perfectly baked Yorkshire pudding. Interior is cozy, warm, and super inviting. Made me feel like I was back in London. Wonderful place.
I had a fantastic experience at The James Pub. I ordered the cheeseburger which was fantastic! The fries were great too. The restaurant is very cute with lots of creative and unique touches including the well decorated bathrooms and old time feel. I also love the live fiddler and guitar player who played while we ate. The service was a little on the inattentive side but they were certainly very busy. Highly recommend and would love to come back and try more dishes.
Common questions about The James Pub, Needham
The James Pub, Needham is located at 1027 Great Plain Ave, Needham, MA 02492, United States, Needham, MA, United States.
You can reach The James Pub, Needham by calling +1 781-455-8800.
The James Pub, Needham has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 462 customer reviews.
The James Pub, Needham features the following accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible seating, Wheelchair-accessible toilet.
The James Pub, Needham features the following service options: Outdoor seating, On-site services, Takeaway, Dine-in, Delivery.
The James Pub, Needham features the following highlights: Fast service, Great beer selection, Great cocktails, Great wine list, Live music, Serves local specialty.
The James Pub, Needham features the following popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining.
The James Pub, Needham features the following offerings: Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Coffee, Comfort food, Healthy options, Small plates, Spirits, Vegan options, Vegetarian options, Wine.
The James Pub, Needham features the following dining options: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Catering, Dessert, Seating, Table service.
The James Pub, Needham features the following amenities: Bar on site, Gender-neutral toilets, Restroom, Wi-Fi, Free Wi-Fi.
The James Pub, Needham features the following atmosphere: Casual, Cozy, Trendy.
The James Pub, Needham features the following crowd: Family friendly, Groups, LGBTQ+ friendly, Transgender safe space.
The James Pub, Needham features the following planning: Dinner reservations recommended, Accepts reservations.
The James Pub, Needham features the following payments: Credit cards, Debit cards.
The James Pub, Needham features the following children: Good for kids, High chairs.
The James Pub, Needham features the following parking: Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Plenty of parking.
Business Features
We look forward to welcoming you. Make a reservation or stop by - walk-ins welcome!
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