We have been to Samuel Beckett's many times over the decades, and it remains a reliable, simple, value option for dinner or drinks or brunch in Shirlington. Not special, but reliable, with something on the menu to please anybody. It's not our first choice for food (this isn't exactly a chef-driven restaurant), but if you like Irish fare, they do a respectable job with all of that: corned beef, bangers & mash, lamb, fish & chips, etc., plus burgers and "bar food"-level salads and the like. Samuel Beckett's deserves extra points for NOT raising prices to the same degree as some of its Shirlington neighbors. For a table service restaurant these days, it's a greater value than it's ever been, and that's much appreciated. read more

Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub - The Airline Chicken Breast with all root vegetable instead of potatoes. Lightly brined and tender -- a reliable healthy entree. - Gastropubs Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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We had a reservation after a show at Signature, and were seated promptly. It's decorated with old books and it's charming. Our drink orders were taken promptly. We shared the Irish baked brie. This was tasty but definitely could have been warmer. I had the Lamb Stew as my entree. It was just OK. I prefer a creamier sauce, and the lamb wasn't as tender as I expected. The Irish brown bread (thin slice) that accompanied it was tasty, but the butter was not Kerrygold as the menu states. I'll select a different entree if I return. My friend had Shepherd's Pie which she enjoyed. She also ordered the bread pudding. I had a bit but it was too sweet for me. We did enjoy the ice cream that came with. Karlen, our waiter was attentive, and offered to split the cost of our appetizer. Much appreciated! read more

Good seating and not too aloud. The chicken curry was exceptional and beef Wellington cooked to perfection. Service was attentive and fast. The re restaurant is spacious and menu had a lot to offer. read more

Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub - Beef Wellington - Gastropubs Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Worst service. We had reservations at 8pm. Arrived and were told that it l there were no hosts and it was seat yourself wherever you found a spot. We did. Waited for incorrect beverage orders that took 40 minutes. Did was well after. Servers were unapologetic, although it wasn't their faults, but the restaurant should have managed this much better. Complete failure of management, not staff. read more

Great location with good and service. Always enjoy stopping by to see a game and get a quick bite to eat or get some dinner. Always a good time. They never disappoint! read more

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Dinner at @ in Shirlington, VA. Happy St. Patrick's Day! We checked out a local Irish pub when our friend was in town and got some tasty Irish food! The oysters we got were fresh and the Southern Rolls were crispy and tasty. Our mains were all traditional Irish dishes like Bangers and Mash, Irish Stew and Corned Beef with Cabbage. All were super hearty and tasted amazing! It was my first time trying Irish corned beef and it was fall apart tender and drenched in a flavorful parsley sauce. Service was great as well. Attentive and friendly. Would love to come back to try more Irish fare. Apps: Southern Rolls and Oysters Entrees: Bangers and Mash, Irish Stew and Corned Beef with Cabbage read more

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Nice Irish pub with a good beer selection. I enjoyed the bangers and mash and mushroom soup. The Killkennys cream ale was delicious. My family each had the fish and chips which they enjoyed. The service was friendly and attentive. read more

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An Excellent ,and Beautiful, Irish Pub in Shirlington If you want an Irish pub Experience in the heart of Shirlington, this is it. Our party decided that we wanted to get a good lunch. None of us had tried it but we like the Shirlington area so we picked this restaurant. We parked in the parking garage just walking distance to the south of their corner spot. As soon as you walk in you know you have arrived at a real Irish pub that was transported to the United States. The space has a bar in the middle, seating above, behind and in front of it. There is a bookshelf to one side of the bar, lots of wood and sayings etched into the glass by the bar. The tables seemed a mix of benches on one side and chairs on the other. The waitress was wonderful and funny and knew her business. Our group came to eat AND drink and so we tried many of their various wares on both sides. The place was very clean, not busy and the food came out quickly. We ordered the Shepard's Pie, Steak Sandwich, Bangers and Mash, and Corned beef and cabbage. The portions were large enough that we ate our fill and still had several meals to take home. The prices were very reasonable ($10-25 for main dishes) for the service, quality, portion, taste and atmosphere. It was a wonderful and delicious experience that I would recommend for anyone in the area. read more

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Well Done! Proper Staff that treated me like a guest. From the Bar to the dinning and kitchen support the flawless messing is a pleasure to enjoy. International blend of personalities is a bonus for a meal outside of ones home. Kitchen puts out a good product as well this is above grade quality for a pub be prepared, the opportunity to try items outside the normal fare is there as are the standards. ENJOY! read more

Last night was incredible. My Masonic lodge held a social event at Samuel Becketts, and despite it being a very busy night, Louise and the team were able to accommodate our group of 18 brilliantly. We arranged for appetizers ahead of time, and Louise and Andrew gave the perfect recommendations for our group. Johana was our dedicated waitress, and she was outstanding, keeping our individual checks separate and us never having to wait for a drink or food. The staff was friendly and the environment was perfect. The price for six appetizers and a couple orders of French fries, was very reasonable. The Guinness I ordered was top notch - best I've had in the DMV. Thank you Louise, Andrew, and Johana - last night was very special for my brothers at Cherrydale-Columbia Lodge #42, as well as our wives and partners. Thank you! read more

Good corned beef and cabbage! Decent fish and chips. Lots of good beer choices, and awesome atmosphere for soccer games. We love that it's within walking distance of our home. read more

Service here is has been very consistent--whether at the bar or a table there. They have an extensive cocktail menu, with a little of something for everyone. I truly enjoyed Alice Alice--the perfect summer drink! When we came back mid winter the Irishman's martini was the right choice! Looking forward to coming back for some of their events! read more

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Attended there trivia Tuesdays which starts promptly at 7:15. They go 8 rounds, 10 questions each with a few picture and music trivia thrown throughout. I loved this as it breaks up the monotony . If you go make sure you go with a big group as we a team of two were outranked as these teams consisted of 6 or more people. I enjoyed myself and the commentator has that genuine game show host voice. I ordered the blackened salmon dinner which was very filling and my partner ordered the Beef Wellington. Nothing like a good meal and live entertainment. I enjoyed all the various bar contests they have coming up including a Halloween costume contests. Will def return. read more

Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub - Gastropubs Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

What a fun place!! We went for brunch to celebrate my partner's birthday - and everything from beginning to end was lovely. I had noted that it was his birthday on the reservation and we were greeted by HAPPY BIRTHDAY as we walked in. Sat outside and watched passersby (and their dogs) as we dined. The food was classic Irish fare and very, very HEARTY. Service was really good, too. We will be back - maybe to try happy hour next time! read more

The food on my 2 dining experiences has been decent. Bangers & Mash was 3.5/5 and Meatloaf 4.4/5. Service has been solid and the drinks poured well. Guinness on tap along with Smithwick's & Harp! We were fortunate to be served by a young lass from the motherland. read more

Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub - Gastropubs Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Good food, incredible service - very friendly and responsive. I had an issue with my food and they not only responded quickly but got us a round of drinks for the trouble. Try the mashed potatoes, you won't be disappointed. Pub feel in Shirlington, good for groups as well. read more

Drinks: I got the whiskey in the jar drink and it was SO sweet, I couldn't finish it. Was there even whiskey in here? Not sure. Rest of the party got some beers - it's nice they had 20 ounce options. Drinks were pretty expensive. They had live music on a Saturday night and it wasn't overly loud and sounded fairly good. The interior was nicely decorated and liked the high ceilings. read more

Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub - Whiskey in the jar - Gastropubs Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

The service and the staff are one of the best parts of this pub!! Also - the food is delicious, and labeled for gluten free folk like myself. I had chips and dip and a drink, and my friend got the shepherd's pie - we both downed our food and drink. I'm also super appreciative that the staff hosts a silent book club I am a part of - so I'm sure I'll be frequenting here more often for that, and independently of that too!! read more

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If there is to be a more than just great, American Mom & Pop-style Irish Pub... this is it! Close friends and I decided on having our ten-year reunion at Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub - and oh what a perfect choice we made! It is so, so true that great atmosphere, great food and great friends - is great times. The drinks were superb, the atmosphere superb, the service superb, the food even more superb! This place is larger than expected, ample and spacious, modestly and traditionally appointed, yet splendidly detailed and subtle in design, seating and accoutréments of an old-style public house. This place boasts about it's personal and professional experience they offer - all well and good. But their food is incredibly marvelous! Which bolsters that combination of both expert customer service enhanced with an incredible array of drinkables and eatables. As a celebratory event, of course we started with libations (hello, it's a pub). First off, no one at the party had any depredations of any of the drinks we all enjoyed them! Whomever their bartender is, kudos... each of the elixirs we experiences were vivacious, tasty and had the most appropriate amount of alky need, or at least, to the liking of each participant. You know you can't go wrong with Guiness Draft as a few in the group enjoyed them. But, when it comes to mixed drinks, proper cocktails, it's a different story. My wife ordered their Moscow Mule which, in her words (as a Moscow Mule lover), was enthralled by how well it was prepared. It must have been the Three Olives Vodka, with just the right amount of lime juice, and using Crabbie's ginger beer that made it so good! As for me, being the outrageous one, ordered the Pornstar Martini with a decent amount of Vanilla Vodka, Passionfruit, some Lime, just the right amount of Foam and the prefect spritz amount of Prosecco, I had three (no I was not driving)! Outside of my go to Grey Goose, extra dry, two olives, two cocktail onions mainstay Martini - the Pornstar Martini came in a close second as a fave Martini. Now the food, that's a different story, a very good story, an excellent story actually! The party ran the gamut on selections. Being a hearty group of Irish wannabes and one real Irishman, we went with the appetizers of Calamari with cherry peppers and very interesting and good so called boom boom sauce, and Hummus along with sun-dried tomatoes, pita points, carrots, celery, plus the Spinach & Artichoke Dip with tortilla chips. All I must say was excellent! But going into our mains, the really exceptional entrees were: Corned Beef Sandwich in toasted rye bread, tender and juicy corned beef, a delectable thousand island dressing, crispy and easy on the mayo coleslaw, along with tender aromatic caramelized onions; the Fish & Chips of flaky Cod in a fine beer-batter, some crispy outside, tender inside pub fries, terrific coleslaw, and a nicely prep'd tartar sauce; the Alaskan Salmon offered with jasmine rice fresh brussels sprouts and eased with bacon were terrific; and last, but not least, my Corned beef and cabbage, served with a mouthwatering and buttery mash potato, and ladled over the corned beef was an incredibly prepared parsley sauce that made everything work perfect together! If you've read any of my reviews, I don't give the highest ratings easily - that's because I like comparing apples to apples and attempt to be as genuine to our subjective taste buds as possible. In my travels through many cities in the U.S., I have seldom come across such an outstanding public house such as this. And, having visited and enjoyed Pubs in Ireland, Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub deserves par excellence recognition! Mark Kirwan, a Tipperary native and former Guinness employee and his marvelous staff, from management all the way to wait staff should be commended for giving customers not just a place to eat, but an amazingly fantastic experience - Ireland at home! Daoine jab maith! read more

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We really like this place. Typical Irish Pub scene - good bar, yummy food. They often have specials like half-price wine on Wednesdays. Last time I tried their Beer Wellington and I was not disappointed! We really like the fried green tomatoes too. There is ample seating indoors, and there is outdoor seating as well when the weather is nice. They have live music at times on the weekend too. Check it out! read more

Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub - Chicken curry - Gastropubs Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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The Shepherd's Pie was insanely good. It was by far the best pub meal I've ever had. The potatoes were broiled to perfection and the lamb mince and veggies in gravy was flavorful and savory. I returned the next day for seconds. read more

Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub - Shepherds Pie - Gastropubs Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Came here for a quick work happy hour with a few coworkers... it was pretty dead when we got here but ended up getting pretty busy (I think there was a tree lighting or something later that night). Service was quick and attentive and the food was great! Definitely be sure to get the fried green tomatoes and finish it off with the empanadas! read more

Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub - Empanadas and fried green tomatoes - Gastropubs Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Visited for the first time last night due to joining the Alexandria Silent Book Club. The service was welcoming and our server made great recommendations when asked. I ordered the southern rolls as a snack and the Irishman's martini to drink. Both items were really good. I will definitely be returning to check out their happy hour. read more

Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub - Southern Rolls - Gastropubs Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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We regularly bring our student tour groups here and we are always treated well, get efficient and pleasant service, and hear positive feedback from our tour guests. Special thanks go out to our servers on April 6, 2025: Clara, Keirrie, and Johana. Another great experience! read more

I had a delicious dinner here with my friend. We were looking for something a little different and this exactly hit the spot. We started with cocktails: a dirty martini for her, a pornstar martini for me which came with a shot of prosecco. The pornstar martini was a little sweet with the vanilla vodka and passionfruit juice, I wouldn't order more than one but still enjoyable. We were stumped with what to order for food because so many options looked good, and shoutout to our waiter for giving us suggestions and recommendations, it was really helpful. For food we got the brussels and bacon to split, she got the Shepherd's pie and I got the lamb shank. Both the entrees were huge portions and we took lots of leftovers home, 10/10. The brussels were also really good, but we wished they weren't shredded and were larger pieces or halves of brussels. Overall a great meal and ambiance. read more

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Im picky with whom I give 5 stars to, so know we loved this place none the less. We've passed by this place in Shirlington multiple times. We've looked through their window gazed at their menu, but never walked in. This past weekend we took a chance and walked in. Happy we did. The atmosphere was casual, friendly, and inviting! I'd say it's the most coziest of sports pubs I've been too. The food was terrific. My hubby had the meatloaf and mashed potato's. You'd never think something like that would taste terrific at a restaurant. It's simple, yet amazing in flavor. It was definitely like a homemade dish! I can cook a meatloaf at home, but not like this! I had the burger and fries! Again, simple, but full of flavor. I'm a burger lover and this burger was pretty good - texture, presentation really good! The customer service was pleasing. I enjoyed the atmosphere, the food, and the customer service, while we watched the World Cup - ARG vs MEX! Loved it when folks clapped and cheer out loud for a win or grunted and gestured disappointment!! All without judgement. All in all! I'd go back again. read more

Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub - I should have taken a photo before I ate it, but it look so good! Tasted great too! - Gastropubs Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

I need an update my review it's been many years I've been coming to this place he just keeps getting better and better. Management is great employees are great I enjoy the food and staff You can come for brunch or you come late night or come for lunch no matter when I've always had a successful meal here and look forward to many more years read more

Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub - Gastropubs Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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It started out as a 5, but unfortunately sank to a 3 by the time we left. Loved the looks of the place, love English Pubs, and this one looked like something you'd see in the UK. Great decor. Was greeted warmly by a nice young man that show us to our table. I ordered a Guinness and fish and chips, my wife had a burger, medium well. Ended up I ate by myself because the burger was more medium rare, and it took a long time to get it recooked. No " keep your fries while we cook you another one" or anything like that. My fish and chips were quite good. Never heard the waitress speak really, was odd, just very low volume, and didn't seem to care. I love it when a Manager comes out out and says, "sorry we got your order wrong, please try us again", but nothing. Waitress did not apologize or we couldn't hear her anyway. Great beer too. read more

Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub - Gastropubs Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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I love coming to Beckett's, it's like stepping into a high end pub in Dublin. Food here is always amazing, a true Irish fare and well made!! Authentic Irish drinks with a great variety of whiskeys. The staff are pleasant and engaging, they always make me feel welcome. I strongly recommend a visit or two or three... read more

We came here ok a Tuesday night. Some street parking in Shrilington. No one at the hostess stand and no sign indicating to seat yourself. Finally had a server who sat is with menus who ended up being our server. Took about 10 minutes after we sat down before she came back with water and another 5 minutes or so before she came and took our order. We ordered the Calamari and for drinks, I ordered the What's the Craic'n and my boyfriend ordered the velvet devil. The drinks were delicious and they have a good selection of beers and cocktails. Calamari had some kind of paprika or Chilli powder seasoning through the middle of the dish but inconsistent otherwise. Calamari was good and so was the sauce it came with. For dinner, I ordered the Guinness Burger but I substituted the fries instead of the mash. Boyfriend ordered the Beef Wellington. Tough to cut through and somewhat decently cooked. Pastry was still a little doughy and only the Mushroom on the top of the Wellington. Mashed potatoes and brussel sprouts were delicious. Guinness burger was good but there was a portion where I got a very burnt taste. Took awhile after we ate to get a dessert menu - we ordered the molten chocolate Lava cake. The cake itself was amazing. Ice cream with it was good but it was really frozen and hard to even get a spoon through. Overall food was ok but the service was slow. I would recommend coming here to get some beers or cocktails. read more

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Good food. Great location Nice bar selection and drinks well mixed. We enjoyed this visit

Rib Eye Meatloaf was stupid good. I mean, it's just meatloaf, but the flavor was so bold and distinct that I was pleasantly surprised! Also, how the hell did they prepare the green beans? With crack? Lord, they were tasty! Definitely gonna return to place! read more

Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub - Rib Eye Meatloaf - Gastropubs Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Classic bad first experience. Walked in on a Sunday May 5th to avoids the crazy Cinco De Mayo at 1:30pm. Asked the Hostess- about an item on the menu and an event they were hosting and she was clueless we all left. Horrible. read more

We reserved space at Samuel Beckett's for an informal after-party, and they were fantastic from the start--super communicative and accommodating. They handled our rowdy wedding crowd with ease and kept the good vibes going all night. Highly recommend for group events! read more

AMAZING Shepherd's Pie made with Guinness. Friendly Irish atmosphere with lovely staff. Food comes out of the kitchen freshly made and piping hot! And it's served in a reasonable time frame. read more

I've only come to Samuel Beckett's during breakfast, but let me tell you, the only breakfast item I'll have here is their Irish Breakfast. It's super filling, you get a choice of how you want your eggs, and it comes with bread, beans, and an array of meats. It's honestly too good to pass up, and the prices are very reasonable here. I would maybe try coming here for a lunch or dinner item, but honestly, the breakfast is fantastic. The atmosphere is also really fun - as it says in the name, it's an Irish Gastro Pub, so there are a lot of soccer fanatics who will rep their teams and come watch the game while drinking some pints. I would definitely recommend coming here if you're into drinking, good food, decent prices, and fun! read more

I forgot to check in but that's because I had a very warm reception from the bartender upstairs, Allison, I believe her name was. I met my cousin here for happy hour and the bartender went over the menu and helped me make a some good neat whiskey selections. I wanted to eat and drink in the spirit of an Irish pub so I had a couple Irish whiskeys and beer that I wasn't previously familiar with. For dinner I chose the Irish steak sandwich. Whenever you incorporate a bit of arugula with steak, you can't really go wrong. I appreciate this restaurants charm without having to go overboard kitschy as in some irish themed American restaurants. I recently was in Dublin and visited a few pubs and taverns and this gave me the feel of some of the older ones just without the accents. Bartender was Russian and charming. I've got friends in the area so I'd happily visit again on my next trip. read more

The first time here, won't be my last. Came with a large group of people and will definitely be back. Really nice environment and I would love to come on a Friday or Saturday night to listen to the live music. Had the Guinness burger. A non-bunned burger with delicious melted cheese, and a garnished onion ring on top. The burger grilled up perfectly, smooshed into a wedge of mashed potatoes covered with Guinness gravy. Yummy perfection! This was downhome goodness that typically comes from an Irish Pub. Lots of great choices I saw around me from Shepherd's Pie to Ribeye meatloaf to a really good chicken dish. Lots of things to savor for the future. Had a great meal with great friends and looking to come back in the future. Highly recommend you check this place out. read more

I really hated my meal but friend's meal looked really good, hence the three stars. I had a burger with fries and thought both were flavorless and boring. I was starving and didn't finish. My friend's beef Wellington not only looked great, she loved it. And service was good. I'd probably not rush back but I wouldn't veto either. read more

Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub - Burger (don't recommend) - Gastropubs Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Beckett's is an excellent pub. They have a nice selection of beers, wine and liquors Big menu. The food is delicious. Our group enjoyed fish and chips, Bangers & Mash, Buffalo chicken salad and chili plus desserts. Quick service. They have plenty of outdoor seating where dogs are welcome. They have seating both upstairs & downstairs. Plenty of TVs to watch Rugby and other sports. The only drawback is that parking can be an issue in Shirlington. read more

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