Hoboken residents know all too well that the Mile Square is chock-full-of sports bars that seem to blend together into one common experience of bros, Bud Lights, and greasy bar food {not that we’re complaining}. One bar, however, sets itself apart by offering a myriad of exciting specials and events, a family-friendly atmosphere, and a killer selection of craft beers to boot: The Shepherd & The Knucklehead. Here’s more about this uptown Hoboken bar, located at 1313 Willow Avenue:
Whether you’re looking to post up and watch the game, have a boozy brunch with your crew, or simply hang at the bar playing darts, The Shep is Hoboken’s bonafide {and family-owned} neighborhood bar where patrons can kick back, relax and rest assured they’re going to have a good time. Read on to learn more about The Shep, its weekly specials, and where the name came from.
About The Shep
Many people are surprised to learn that The Shepherd & The Knucklehead has not only one but TWO locations in New Jersey and the bar is family-run. Owned and operated by father-son duo Chris and Joe Schiavo, The Shep’s Hoboken location {at 1313 Willow Avenue} has been open for just over two years whereas The Shep’s location in Haledon, NJ, just recently celebrated its 20th-anniversary {yes, we said 20th}.
Owner Joe Schiavo and his father take pride in offering something for everyone at The Shep; so much so that the name of the bar itself celebrates the diversity + duality of humankind, with the shepherd representing the responsible side of man and the knucklehead representing the less responsible side. The name could not ring more true to the experience the bar offers its diverse range of patrons, providing a place to enjoy yourself with family…orrrr maybe indulge in some PB&J shots {trust us, they’re amazing} and dance the night away.
^Our HG Helps volunteer coordinators at our January charity event
In addition to their dedication to delivering a unique experience for bar-goers, The Shep also has a strong commitment to helping those in need. Over the years, the establishment has donated to countless charities all over the globe, including food pantries, foundations for cancer research, and feeding families in Africa. Told you it’s not your average sports bar.
Atmosphere, Food, + Drink
Perhaps one of the most defining characteristics of The Shep is the staggering amount of beers the bar has on tap at any given moment. With 60 beers constantly rotating, even the pickiest beer drinkers {read: beer snobs} are sure to find something that strikes their fancy. The Shep doesn’t stop there: by investing in the most expensive equipment available, the bar keeps each and every microbrew cold and fresh until the moment it hits the glass. P.S. The Shep’s Haledon location offers an insane 90 {!!!} beers on tap, making both locations among the top in craft beer selection in the nation and the #1 beer bar in NJ as voted by nj.com.
^Prosecco buckets for brunch, nbd
Though craft brew bars are few and far between in Hoboken, it’s The Shep’s atmosphere and food selection that further sets it apart. The creative and extensive menu offers a wide variety of grub from steaks to tacos to wraps {we recommend the buffalo chicken spring rolls or their famous poutine}. The restaurant is kid and stroller-friendly with wide aisles, tons of seating options, and an open floor plan, and garage doors at the front of the bar can be opened on a nice day.
The wide open spaces in the bar are also ideal for parties, large groups, and impromptu dance parties {and the bumping playlist is always on point}. The bar itself wraps along the entirety of the left-hand-side of the establishment, equipped with friendly and helpful bartenders who can not only whip up a mean cocktail but also provide a suggestion for when you have no clue which of the 60 beers to order.
HH Specials + Upcoming Events
The Shep keeps it interesting with excellent Happy Hour specials {Happy Hour is Monday-Friday from 3:00-7:00 PM with $2 off all drinks, 75 cent wings and $2 off sliders & tacos} and fun offerings every night of the week, which are as follows:
Monday: Burger Monday with $7.95 burgers and $4 select drafts.
Tuesday: All-you-can-eat wings for $11.95.
Wednesday: Trivia at 8:00PM {The Shep’s large + 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}, and $5 wine. Upcoming Trivia Schedule: It’s Always Sunny, Marvel, Seinfeld, and Parks and Recreation.
Thursday: $2 tacos and $19 margarita pitchers
Friday: Live Music at 9:00PM and $6 wine and $8 signature cocktails for ladies.
Saturday: Music Video DJ Night
Sunday: Brunch from 11am-3pm $5 Bloody Marys $15 pitchers of Sangria $25 prosecco buckets
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 201-714-4222.
If you’re looking for a casual neighborhood spot with good food, good beer, and a relaxed but exciting environment, look no further than The Shepherd & The Knucklehead {and thank us later}.
PS: They have 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, 7 days per week.
Have you paid a visit to this Hoboken uptown bar?
Let us know in the comments!
