Walked in for a quick drink and a bite to eat. Place was empty except for owner who was decorating for the holiday and the bartender Dolly. We introduced ourselves to her and got a cold greeting. Right away we knew what it was going to be like. Heat was never turned on. Ordered two canned drinks. Never asked if we wanted ice or glasses just put them on the bar. We inquired if they were serving food- she pointed to the board - which means yes. So we ordered a bacon pizza. She put out 2 napkins for us. After waiting for a really long time it finally came out. You can see the picture of how it looked. It was hot so we ate it. At this point we were freezing. Not just from the cold of the place but from the cold feeling of her attitude. Never got plates or more napkins just the two napkins that we got originally. The delivery guys came in and I saw a huge smile so I know she has one. Just not for us. Maybe because we are not from around there? Not really sure. The place itself is very cute. The owner was very friendly. It's a shame that one person made it a not so great experience. I don't think we will be back. Oh and she turned on the heat when we were leaving. Lol. read more

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Sheps, a small dive bar hidden among some fine dining of guilford. Been here for years, it's the "Cheers" of guilford CT. Bartenders treat you like family. You'd think everyone was best of friends. Belly up to the bar, grab a seat and order your beer to strike up some of the greatest conversations you can imagine. When you visit, one must order the grilled cheese! I know my photo doesn't not do it justice. Sheps has the best grilled cheese ever!! So gooey, so yummy, the bread, I think rye, totally makes this simple sandwich. Definitely a laid back bar with a home like feel. read more

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Went on a Saturday night with some friends. It's a hole in the wall place and it's clearly regularly inhabited by only regulars. We went to the bar and the female bartender was just AWFUL. We asked if they had a variety of items to which she rudely replied .. "no". We ordered drinks and shots and paid. I gave her a very good tip as a peace offering. As soon as she grabbed the money, she turned to the regular next to her and said "why is everyone here so annoying". Times this experience by the 3 other times we went up to the bar. This bartender was incredibly rude and condescending and DOES NOT belong in the service industry. I've been a bartender for most of my adult life and someone needs to teach this lady that you catch more flies with honey. read more

i wish i could give zero stars, place sucks ass. they have no respect for anyone. went in with my friend for his birthday party to play pool and they wouldn't give us change to play without seeing their IDS. we ordered waters and asked to play pool in the back area like we always do but for some reason they had a stick up their ass yesterday. never going there again. if you were working yesterday and see this. FUCK YOUU read more

This place is so scruffy that when you walk in you feel like the mostest upscale customer in the joint. Your presence alone brings it up a notch and who doesn't want to feel so blessed!? Add to that if you mind your manners, which i ain't so good at, Shep quickly becomes like the brother you never wanted. Pool table, darts and a smokin jukebox. Dear Lord please don't let Covid kill this place off... read more

Sheppards Tavern - Average Friday Night - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Guilford, Connecticut

Environment and energy of establishment is wonderful. Female brunette bartender was unfortunately rude, agressive, and unfriendly which tempted us to leave. Her attitude instantly dimmed our moods and we left after one drink. read more

Literally the best grilled cheese you've ever had. The bartenders are great. As in any bar, when you get the bartender's attention, have your drink order ready and say it in a clear and concise way so you aren't wasting their time. The owner and his wife are really cool and chill people. The regulars are friendly and welcoming to all newcomers. They're cash-only but there's an ATM available. It's a comfortable, no judgement place. read more

What a great local bar to go hang out in after work. Very popular with the local service industry crowd as its one of the few places you can drink on the shoreline without having to take out a second mortgage on your house to pay for the tab. The owner, Shep, is a textbook example of the gruff, no nonsense bar owner with a heart of gold. He takes no shit off anyone but looks after his regulars like they were his own kids. Sometimes you do have to put up with the barely legal crowd but most days you can find people in there from all walks of life. Cash bar only so don't bring plastic however they do have an atm machine. No food save for frozen pizza or chips so eat ahead of time. Overall a fun place to pass the night. read more

I love sheps. Best bar in Guilford hands down. Shelly and Nicole are my faves and they are they best bartenders

The only two people that were nice was patrons ... the usual boss wasn't there. I have not been there for almost three years and the woman bartending was a complete bitch. She screamed at me about no tomatoes.... had to ask ketchup ughhhh. But ultimately I was let down, I brought my godfather who is 80 and he was trying to make it work the entire time and tipped the nasty lady well and she obviously can't handle a bar of 10 people at once ...disgusted with the poor ignorance the woman had for tipping and paying customers...what a let down read more

Nice little pub. To bad the bartender Shelly is as ignorant as she is. Takes the tough guy act a little to far.

A no nonsense beer bar in the classical sense. I think they also have wine and surprisingly champagne/ale but no liquor. Free popcorn and pretzels. Good draft selection that is always cold. read more

Good place to hang out and play darts. Great beer but the bar tenders could be more kind to everyone

The bar itself is good, but there is a very rude bar tender there named Nicole. I have been warned by locals about how rude she is, but when I actually witnessed it myself I could not believe it. I was calmly waiting to buy a drink. And when she finally approached me i was greeted in such a rude and disrespectful manner. It was completely unacceptable, and everyone else around could not believe in which the manner i was spoken to. It was the first time in my entire life that I actually felt so uncomfortable I had to leave an establishment as a paid customer. read more

Sheppards Tavern is really only a place that can be properly commented on or reviewed by a fellow Guilfordian...Guilfordite? Whichever. To anyone else walking into Sheppards Tavern, it will most always immediately come off, and unfortunately remain just another hole in the wall in a small suburban town. For those that have drank through the initial face value haze, and have frequented it numerous times, Sheppards Tavern is that slight bar away from home. The decor is set like any sports lovers den would be, with Boston Red Sox apparel hanging in just about any direction you look. Speaking as someone who couldn't give two shits about baseball, I find all of it to be strangely comforting. It's a greater sign that you're in a warm and passionate New England establishment, so you know what; bring on more Sox souvenirs. If you come to Sheppards Tavern, be determined to grab a beer or glass of wine, as the place doesn't have the license to sell liquor, so red/white wine (it's most likely out of a box, but it does the trick anyway) and beer is what you'll have to enjoy. The beer doesn't range from anything spectacular out there, just your average run of the mill beer found in just about every grocery/package store. However, there's just something about the place that adds a hefty note of hops, or an extra kick to that beer (perhaps it's the curse having been lifted seven years ago, who knows). The wood interior is accentuated by the backroom pool table, along with the two dart boards, the up to date jukebox and the always enjoyable Deer Hunter. Every Sunday night you can shoot pool for free until your hearts desires, but for the most part the owner is very lenient on quarter play. The beauty about the backroom is that it is essentially another establishment, cutting itself away from the mostly classic rock selection being played around the bar. Whatever is selected from the jukebox stays in that room, allowing one to feel detached and appreciated in the comfort of their own pool room. Overall, Sheppards Tavern is a Guilford mans bar; a bar with real New England flare and true back bar passion. Shep is always there with a smile, microwaving popcorn or throwing out pretzel rods until you can't take anymore. Don't go into Sheppards Tavern expecting the Ku De Ta of bars; go expecting a warm, wood inlaid atmosphere where you'll most likely hear Thin Lizzy blasting from the speakers. read more

If you are looking for the dark wood, memorabilia all over the wall, local watering hole, you've found it. Stop in! It will become your joint too! Make sure you ask for the Shep's Salad! It's free! read more

Best local bar in guilford! Serves food until close! Best bartenders ever ! It's a local place not to be missed... It's your typical new England local dive bar cash only but it's amazing! Service is phenomenal and the owner is always involved! It's really one of the best around! Pool and darts in the back room to! read more