The Hoboken Girl Team 
This article is sponsored by The Shepherd + The Knucklehead.
The Shepherd + the Knucklehead has been one of our go-to bars in Hoboken for the last decade — and for good reason. It has an extensive food and drink menu with weekly trivia and live music events. In addition to its regular roster, The Shep is also a great spot to host birthday parties, private events, and other larger gatherings. Located at 1313 Willow Avenue in Hoboken, it’s one of the most spacious bars in the Mile Square, which makes it a great place to get a big group together. Keep reading to learn more about The Shepherd and the Knucklehead and how to book your next party at this Hoboken bar.
Host Your Next Event at The Shep
Though slightly off the beaten path, there’s no shortage of fun at The Shep. During the week, it’s one of our favorite spots to grab dinner and drinks (and participate in some competitive trivia), but it’s also a hot spot for private parties and larger gatherings.
There’s a lot of open space and seating, so party options are pretty customizable depending on your group size. The most popular option is to rent the “garage” at the front of the bar, which can seat anywhere from 20-40 people. There is also a back area that can hold up to 60 people, and private events that can hold up to 175 people. Food and drink packages can be customized to fit your event — so whether you want food, drinks, or a combo of both, Joe and his team will help make your event special. Feel free to BYO decorations and decorate accordingly. There’s also a ton of parking options right across the street, making it easy for everyone to get there.
Danielle, creative lead at HG, recently hosted an Adam Sandler-themed birthday party in the space and had a wonderful time. The team was so accommodating and made sure that everything went smoothly. For a party of about 25 people, there was no downpayment necessary: each guest was able to choose between a drink package or paying for each drink individually. It was the perfect place to celebrate — in style, of course.
What’s on the Menu?
Food offerings are aplenty at The Shep. With pages of both classic and inventive pub grub, it’s a great option for a quick bite or full-on dinner.
As for drinks, The Shep boasts an impressive craft beer selection. Featuring some of the best local brews, options include Hoboken Cityside, Cape May IPA, and Warwick Winery Doc’s Apple Cider as well as the staple bar scene pours. For the non-beer drinkers, there are plenty of cocktails, ciders, wines, + spirits to choose from, too.
Food and drink are only half the fun. Each month, The Shep hosts a variety of themed events and parties — including weekly trivia nights. Our team recently stopped by for Wicked Trivia, and while our performance was poor (we came in last place), it was a great way to break up the week. Coming up soon: St. Patrick’s Day Party, Bravo Trivia, and Anime Trivia. Check out the full list of events here.
The Backstory
The Shepherd and the Knucklehead isn’t your average bar + restaurant — it’s a New Jersey icon with a legacy as rich as its craft beer selection. When the original owner, Chris Schiavo, first opened in Haledon in 1998, the bar served as a trailblazer for craft beer in the Garden State. Under his watch, The Shep quickly became a go-to spot for beer lovers and was even named the Best Craft Beer Bar in New Jersey.
Eventually, Chris sold the Haledon location and passed the torch to his son, Joe Schiavo, who proudly carries his legacy by running The Shep in Hoboken. Joe has brought the same passion for quality, innovation, and community spirit that defined the original location to Hoboken, making sure that everyone who steps into his bar feels its warm, welcoming vibes.
From the extensive selection of craft beers to the great food (and even better service, might we add), The Shep is the perfect blend of tradition and innovation. The Shep crew makes everyone feel like family and keeps you coming back for more. It’s a cozy yet lively space that is all about setting the stage for creating lasting memories and bringing joy to everyone who walks through the door.
The Shepherd and the Knucklehead is located at 1313 Willow Avenue in Hoboken.
Call 201-714-4222 or visit the site to make a reservation.
