we had just landed at reagan national airport and we wanted a place to decompress and get some lunch. it was mid-afternoon on a weekday. we stopped in samuel beckett's which is located in shirlington which is an upscale touristy/trendy retail area in arlington.
the place is very nice inside. it has sort of a typical cliché irish pub décor, but that's what everyone expects to find so they might as well play the game. it's a bit more classy than other nicer irish pubs.
the place was rather empty, but it was mid-afternoon on a weekday, so that was to be expected. besides, after being packed into an airplane like sardines and wandering around busy airports it was nice to find a mostly empty pub in which to relax.
service was friendly but not very attentive. i had to wave him down for just about everything (refills, ready to order, need a condiment, ready for the bill, etc.). that would not have been so bad except for the fact the place was almost completely empty, so there's no real excuse for it. inattention aside, our waiter was very nice and genuine every time we interacted with him.
i ordered the sam’s lamb burger which the waiter recommended. it was very tasty. it was one of the richest burgers i've eaten. i almost couldn't finish it. not because i was full but because it was just so rich. very very tasty and i recommend you try it. i enjoyed it with the homemade potato chips which i am addicted to and must order every time i see them on a menu.
as for what this place is like to go grab a beer with some friends late at night or with coworkers at happy hour, i really couldn't tell you. we were mid-afternoon weekday lunch customers.