Shepard’s Bar

Shepard’s is someone’s last name! I finally get it. I need to formally thank Unilocal for clearing that up for me. Because, I kept trying to make the (non-​existent) connection between someone that herds sheep and this place’s nautical theme. Now that I can quit trying to figure that connection out, all that’s left to figure out is the nautical theme in general… near the end of 28^th St close to the neighborhood known as Cascade.
The nautical theme is the first thing you’ll notice about this place if you’re anything like me. It doesn’t exactly make sense to me, but I enjoy its weirdness. The second thing you’ll notice (at least if you’re my age or younger), is that most of the people in this place are probably your parents’ or grandparents’ age. This bar seems to attract an older, seemingly somewhat affluent crowd. However, it’s a welcoming one.
Drinks and food are moderately priced. Not cheap, not expensive. The drinks do tend to hover towards the strong side, but not powerfully so. The food selection is small and not particularly memorable. Chicken tenders, burgers, fries, fried mushrooms, and the turkey reuben has been on special for the past 8 months.
Service here is awesome if you’re a regular and just alright if you’re someone who just occasionally stops in (or is stopping in for the first time). I get the distinct impression a lot of these servers have been serving here a long time.
If you’ve not figured it out by now, Shepard’s is… alright. I think this is a good place to maybe start your night, but you definitely won’t be ending it here because they’ll be closed and most of their patrons will have taken their medication and gone to sleep for the night. I’d say stop in for a few drinks but the food is really nothing to bother with (but that’s not to say it’s bad… just… alright). Maybe I’d enjoy this place a bunch more if I were a regular, but I’m not, so it just is exactly what Unilocal describes as 3 stars: A-​OK.

Great place. Decent food cooked well. Chili dogs are stellar. Great wet burrito. Full bar with cold beer

Though with a nautical theme, it feels like a neighborhood pub. True, that means a lot of regulars, but also an opportunity to meet new people if you’re of a mind. The menu is fairly small, but adequate. Occasionally have a new special or two. It can be quiet or noisy depending on the crowd. Patio seating out front for smokers. This can be a «hot» spot at times.
It’s in a strip mall on south side of 28^th street. Just before D&W market. Maybe a bit hard to see from the road. It’s well worth it. As a regular, I hope to see you there.

Older crowd. Food isn’t very good. Drinks are okay. It is more a place for regulars. However sometimes they have live music and it gets the old folks going. I’ve been there twice for the live music and had a lot of fun both times. I would recommend eating somewhere else before going though.

When I heard that Sayfee’s was closing, I couldn’t speak. I wouldn’t speak.
Then I heard Dave Shepard was opening his own spot just down the way. Equally breathless.
And then I heard they are serving the Corned Beef Reuben just like at Sayfee’s. It’s only that it’s now two weeks after having it that I can even speak on it.
Memories. So many great memories over those Reubens. Man so many Reubens!
Can’t wait to be back in MI to devour another.