Beckett’s Irish Pub & Restaurant captures the Irish spirit in a historic house on Berkeley's Shattuck Avenue, complete with gargoyles, cobblestone and ivy. Once inside, it’s far more upbeat than the existentialist works of the eatery's namesake playwright, Samuel Beckett, with interior brick and fireplaces, eardrum-popping live music, trivia nights and weekend crowds. With a full bar on each floor, a fresh pint of Boddington’s, Newcastle, Guinness, Heineken, Bass or Pyramid Hefeweizen is never too far away. Locals know it’s best to eat dinner earlier in the evening before the big crowds show up. Save the late nights for hanging out at the bar. The menu features Irish and British favorites, but appetizers include more sun-loving foods such as quesadillas, Gorgonzola and apple salad on mixed greens, tempura-fried green beans with soy-sesame dipping sauce, and spinach and endive salad. Other starters include baby back pork ribs in Guinness barbecue sauce, smoked salmon boxty and buttermilk fried onion strings. Plenty of steaks are available, plus the Steak Lover’s Pie, made with steak and vegetables braised in red wine and topped with mashed potatoes. Other dishes include bangers and mash, fish and chips, burgers topped with house-made sweet pickles, and Irish stew made with braised lamb. The best dessert has to be ordered in advance: a dark chocolate soufflé with Bailey’s Irish Cream. Other treats include banana cream pie with mango sauce, crème brûlée and warm apple tart. Full bar. Kids menu. Serving dinner nightly.