The hard work that went into transforming a vacated garment store at 49 South Ocean Avenue into James Joyce Irish pub has not gone unnoticed by Patchogue Village leaders.
Last week, James Joyce’s ownership was recognized with a Patchogue Pride award, usually reserved for residential homeowners who take great care of their properties.
“If you think it’s impressive on the outside, you gotta go inside,” said Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri, before helping present the James Joyce owners with a certificate in Village Hall last Monday.
“It’s fabulous .. the balcony; it’s just really sharp. And the food’s pretty good also,” Pontieri added to laughs. “The beer is cold and the food is good.”
“It has totally changed that whole part of the street, and we’re very happy for that,” added Deputy Mayor Jack Krieger. “We’re very happy that you guys decided to put all that money into this, because I’m sure it wasn’t cheap.”
“We thank everybody for their kind words; you guys have been absolutely fantastic to work with,” said John Murphy, who opened James Joyce with partners Lorcan Phelan and Colm Ashe on Feb. 1.
The three men also own and operate The Irish Times Pub in Holbrook.
The architectural work on the two-story building, which features second-story restaurant space through two mezzanines, was handled by Busch Associates.
James Joyce is located next to the also-stunning 360 Taiku Sushi & Lounge, which opened in 2015.
“Hopefully now everybody on that street with start changing” for the better, Krieger said.
