The Shepherd & the Knucklehead might be a mainstay in Hoboken, but it has a few tricks up its sleeve that even its most dedicated patrons may be surprised to learn. Read on to find out nine things you might not have known about The Shep.
The Hoboken Location is Location #2
Yes, you read that right. The Shep Hoboken {1313 Willow Avenue} has a predecessor less than 20 miles away in Haledon, NJ. Both bars are owned and operated by father-son duo Chris and Joe Schiavo, making the Hoboken and Haledon bars brothers of sorts. The Haledon location, however, is definitely the older sibling as it celebrates its 21st birthday next week while the Hoboken location is just shy of three years since opening. Both locations offer a killer menu, awesome happy hours and, most importantly, both have a staggering number of beers on tap.
There Are 60 Beers on Tap at The Shep
The Shep boasts one of the largest selections of craft beers in New Jersey with a whopping 60 tap lines, which are constantly rotating fresh, ice-cold beer. Whether you’re looking for a seasonal brew, a local IPA, or a funky beer you’ve never tried before, you can guarantee that The Shep will have you covered. The Shep makes sure patrons stay hydrated by ensuring each brew is kept fresh with top-of-the-line glycol machines, which mix the nitrogen + carbon dioxide perfectly and pump beer from straight from the keg and into your glass. BTW, if 60 beers on tap aren’t enough, The Shep’s Haledon location has 90.
See More: All About The Shepherd & The Knucklehead in Hoboken
The Name Probably Isn’t What You Think It Is
No, “The Shepherd and The Knucklehead” didn’t come from something you might’ve seen in Game of Thrones. The name stems from the duality of {wo}mankind and the balance we must often strike between serious and silly. This balance is reflected in the experience The Shep offers its patrons — come in for a casual meal with the whole fam {The Shepherd} or stay until the wee hours of the night while the DJ blasts Lil’ Jon {The Knucklehead}.
They Make Some Kicka** Drinks
While beer may appear to be king at The Shep, the bartenders are also expert mixologists, whipping up impressive cocktails that just might make you ignore the massive wall of beer taps behind them. Much like the beer list, The Shep’s cocktail list is always evolving and it seems as though each new drink is more inventive than the next. Take it from us and run, do not walk, to try the spring/summer drink menu, which is detailed below {descriptions courtesy of The Shep}:
- Spring Fling: Cuffing season is over and “Hey stranger, how have you been” season is upon us. Everyone’s looking for something sweet, but let’s be honest, we all know it’ll end a bit sour. Tart and tangy yet sweet and refreshing. Enjoy your Spring Fling one sip at a time or at least while it lasts.
Ingredients/Flavor Profile: Ketel Citroen, raspberry, lemon, lemon curd, club soda — tangy and tart, but refreshing with the added sweetness of the lemon curd and raspberry.
- Violets Are Blue: Violets are blue so you don’t have to be. This signature cocktail features violet liquor to compliment the floral notes of Brockman’s Gin. With hints of blueberry and lemon, topped off with Candoni Prosecco, you’ll be sure to forget about the roses he never got you anyway
.Ingredients/Flavor Profile: Brockman’s Gin, Bitter Truth Violet Liqueur, blueberry, lemon, Prosecco — floral notes shine through and are complemented by blueberries and bright, citrusy lemon. Topped with some bubbles, this cocktail is as classy as it is tasty.
- Not Your Fathers Irish Coffee: Your parents always told you that coffee was for adults and now you know why. This drink won’t sober you up, but its local espresso blend coffee, cognac-cask-finished Irish whiskey, and a dash of minty Fernet may be used to prevent you from falling asleep at the bar. Who doesn’t want to end their night with a little maple-infused whipped cream?
Ingredients/Flavor Profile: Lambay Small Batch Blend Irish Whiskey, City of Saints ‘Citizen’ Espresso Blend Coffee, Fernet Branca, Demerara, maple-infused Cream -— This Irish Coffee features a local espresso blend from City of Saints Roasters, based in Brooklyn, but locally situated on the corner of Bloomfield and 14th Street; as well as a small batch blend Irish Whiskey from Lambay, that is aged in bourbon barrels and finished in cognac casks. The Fernet adds a bitter, minty undertone, but is balanced out with a bit of demerara, and a topper of homemade maple-infused cream.
- Cruel Summer: Summer’s heating up and everyone’s looking for a good cleanse. Whether it’s physically or emotionally, this is the drink for you. With ingredients like fresh mint, honey-infused rum, ginger, and lime, summer won’t seem so cruel after all.
Ingredients/Flavor Profile: Dogfish Head Barrel Honey Rum, muddled mint + lime, honey, ginger beer — by far the most refreshing cocktail on the menu, this cocktail screams summer vibes and sandy toes. Freshly muddled ingredients, rum, honey, and a refreshing shot of ginger beer — this is the perfect cocktail for a “cruel summer” day.
Read More: Jersey Social: A Jersey City Bar Focused on Mixology
It’s A Perfect Spot for the Whole Family
Okay, okay, The Shep isn’t just all about the drinks {cough, cough}. It’s also perfect for the whole family. The restaurant is kid and stroller-friendly with wide aisles, an open floor plan, and tons of seating options throughout. Plus, large garage doors at the front of the bar are opened on a nice day to let in the summer air while the kids have fun.
It Offers Party and Event Packages
The wide, open floor plan at The Shep is not only perfect for strollers, but it also allows for an awesome space to dance the night away or host your next special occasion. The Shep offers various open bar and party packages, complete with catering {yes, that means platters of sliders, wings, and their famous buffalo chicken spring rolls} and premium bar offerings. The bar has experience hosting everything from first to 21st birthday parties, christenings, and fundraisers. If you’re interested in hosting your next event at The Shep, contact Joe Schiavo at jschiav5@knights.ucf.edu.
They Offer Next-level HH Specials
The Shep offers awesome specials on most days of the week making it hard to think of an excuse to not stop by. Their specials are as follows:
Happy Hour is Monday-Friday from 3:00PM-7:00PM, which means $2 off all drinks, 75-cent wings, and $2 off sliders + tacos.
Monday: Burger Monday – $7.95 for a burger and fries & $4 select drafts.
Tuesday: All-you-can-eat wings for $11.95.
Wednesday: $5 wine Wednesday and themed trivia starting at 8:00PM.
Thursday: $2 tacos and $19 margarita pitchers.
Friday: Live music at 9:00PM.
Saturday: Music Video DJ {!!!!!} at 8:00PM.
Sunday: Brunch from 11:00AM-3:00PM, with $5 Bloody Marys, $15 pitchers of sangria, and $25 Prosecco buckets.
***Plus, The Shep has a Hoboken Girl deal — Mention “HOBOKEN GIRL” at the bar and get a $5 glass of wine or a $6 cocktail, any time of day or night, seven days per week.***
The Shep’s Trivia Night is One of the Most Popular in NJ
With themes like Harry Potter, Friends, The Office, Disney, and ‘90s Pop Culture, The Shep’s trivia nights have something for everyone. Plus, The Shep’s large and open floor plan lends itself well to trivia night, making it one of the most popular spots in the area with up to 40 teams clocking in on a given night out. If you think you’ve got the chops to participate in trivia night at The Shep, be sure to reserve a spot.
It Has Live Music Every Week
Every Friday night, The Shep hosts a variety of musicians for patrons to jam out to. From one-man bands with an acoustic guitar to a saxophonist that rivals Kenny G {seriously, take our word for it}, The Shep’s lineup can always guarantee a good time. Is there anything better than a cold beer, music, and good food on a summer Friday night? We think not.
The Shep is not your average Hoboken bar. Its friendly neighborhood atmosphere, endless beverage options, and weekly lineup of events and specials make it the {not-so} hidden gem that is perfect for a summer night out.
The Shep is open Monday-Friday from 3:00PM-2:00AM, and Saturday-Sunday 11:00AM-3:00AM. Click here to reach them or call at 201-714-4222.
Know and love something else about The Shep that we didn’t include? Comment below!
