The lounge offered a range of craft cocktails, beers, and wines that were expertly prepared and delicious.
Sophia Dilbert
Staff are a little stiff trying to maintain the pub. Feel a little rude.
Tupolm Kindupo
I will hire them again.
My Name
Good energy!
Pressida R.
Ridiculous service. Wanted to rent a kabin but the staff would either not pick up...or never respond to my multiple emails/ voicemails.
Khaled Ghazouani
nice hotel
Nicole S.
I am so sad their lease is ending and they will be closing. there is no menu you say what you like and get a great drink in return. had a great time with my significant other there. super friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Dalton B.
The Sheppard is one of my favorite cocktail bars/speakeasies in DC! I'm sad that they're closing. I have particularly fond memories of their Fitzgeralds during happy hour. Just an awesome, cozy environment to enjoy craft cocktails that showcase the bartenders' mixology skill. Definitely recommend you check out their sister location, Morris American Bar, which has a completely different aesthetic, but also makes amazing drinks. Thanks for the memories!
Simone O.
This place was the first speakeasy we found when we moved to DC (ca. 2014) where I felt like the drinks were not watered down $14+ ripoffs. The cocktails here were delicious, potent, and reasonably priced. However, I definitely choked on the spiced popcorn they served back then (years ago now), which detracted greatly from the vibe I was attempting to cultivate on my date. Luckily, they no longer serve this per the current general manager, so feel free to drink away without risk!
Shelby B.
Went for the first time last month! Loved it. The service was wonderful and the waiter really understood what we were looking for and served excellent drinks. I was very excited to take a friend from out of town. Now comes the not so great part. I bring my out of town friend and we put our name on the 20 minute waitlist. When we check in, the host mentions it'll be 60 minutes and to go get a drink at another bar and come back. We order a drink at another bar, just to receive a text that mentions to come back right away or we will miss our spot in line. We eagerly drink our drinks and head back over. We are greeted by our server And describe the cocktail we are hoping to find. My friend order a drink and they nailed his order. I on the other hand specifically said no citrus and am brought a drink with a lemon peel. After receiving and realizing it did not meet what I was looking for, I eagerly wait for the waiter to come back and check on us to ask if I can get another drink. He never comes back until my friend is done with his drink. He would have ordered another but again we were both sitting there for an extended amount of time with his empty glass and my full glass. The waiter finally comes back around where I ask him to take the cocktail off the check because my friend was done with his. So all in all, I really wish my 2nd experienced mirrored my first experience. I did go on a Friday previously versus Thursday so potentially only go on weekends if looking for great service and cocktails. Though leaving a cocktail bar without a cocktail is never fun.
Made a trip there on a Friday at 6PM. First cocktail bar to remind us of Philly. Moved to VA recently, one of the big things my wife and I miss is the diversity and the amazingly effortless way we could walk down the street and get an amazing cocktail and conversation. "The Sheppard" filled that billet...and what a great staff! James was our main bartender (very helpful) and Dylan really knew his drinks (making multiple recommendations after we told him what we liked)... the other two gentlemen were very pleasant as well. The atmosphere was nice; dim lighting with music low enough to have a conversation and it was small, which I found intimate and charming. I would have given this review five stars but there wasn't anything to snack on. We didn't want to leave and loose our seats while finding a restaurant, but that's what happened. If they had a small food option (like two types of flatbread or tapas) we would have stayed longer. That said, we will absolutely go again though. Thanks for the great time gentlemen!
Rene H.
The Sheppard is a cute speakeasy in Dupont. When we went we had to go in through Kabin next door, and head up the stairs and make two rights. It is super duper dark in here, so reading the menu was futile. I tapped into the bartenders expertise to learn about their specials and craft a cocktail that was designed to my taste. This is a super cute place to impress a date, and drinks range from $13-$17. My cocktail was just kind of okay nothing particularly innovative or special.
Rachel N.
After a bit of scouting, friends and I walked up the staircase marked for Kabin to find ourselves in a large empty bar area with a small host stand. Success! Each party is taken into the bar area and seated separately, so it took us a few minutes to get through but the host was courteous as expected. The space is cozy, dark, and atmospheric in expected speakeasy fashion! It would be a good choice for a date night or a small group of friends who want a quieter atmosphere to chat. There was plenty of space at ~6 on a weekday - so that's the tip for getting in without waiting! It had filled up by the time we left at 730. The Sheppard does have a few cocktail options for happy hour ($8), including a Manhattan and Fitzgerald. Several in our party selected a HH option and were satisfied. I had the bartender make me a cocktail - I suggested something tart, floral, or bitter and ended up with a mezcal and citrus combination, which was good but not any better than a pre crafted cocktail at one of DC's great restaurants. Copious refills of cucumber water kept us hydrated and happy while imbibing. Ambiance: 5/5 Cocktails: 4/5 Value: 5/5
Deirdre W.
If you're waiting your turn to get into The Shepherd or just want a quick drink and listen to some live music, Kabin is a great spot. There is a lot of seating so you're not crowded and on top of strangers. They have live local bands that play some great jazz music without the cost of one of the fancier jazz bars in the city. The only downside is that cocktails are only served in The Shepherd. The bar has beer, wine, and mixed rail drinks that are not cheap. I went with the cheap sparkling since I was there for the music and didn't want to go out in the cold.
Kelly P.
A solid and cool little speakeasy in Dupont! It was a little difficult to find (moreso than a normal speakeasy, but maybe they did it on purpose?!?) because their elevator was out of service, so I had to backtrack and go through Kabin to walk up the stairs to find it. We didn't have a reservation, but thankfully we came right at 6pm opening and were able to get a table. They made me wait until all 3 of us were there to seat us, which I guess isn't a huge deal, but sort of weird just standing with a bouncer waiting. The bar seems pitch black when you walk in, but more details come into focus as your eyes adjust. I joked with my friends that it's a good place for a first/blind date in case you don't want them to remember what you look like. The decor is sleek and pretty cool, with comfortable booths to sit in. There are no menus, but our server let us know the 4 drinks that were on happy hour (for half off - $5 each). I tried 3 of the 4, with the dirty martini being my favorite. All of the drinks were pretty solid. They were even nice enough to bring me friend (whose engagement we were celebrating) a free glass of champagne. The service was a bit slow but nothing horrendous. It's definitely a fun place to check out if you're in the area! When we left, we asked the bouncer how long of a wait there often is - he said it can get up to an hour/hour and a half when it's busy. I definitely don't think this place is worth waiting that long, but if you can get in quickly, I'd say to check it out!
The lounge offered a range of craft cocktails, beers, and wines that were expertly prepared and delicious.
Staff are a little stiff trying to maintain the pub. Feel a little rude.
I will hire them again.
Good energy!
Ridiculous service. Wanted to rent a kabin but the staff would either not pick up...or never respond to my multiple emails/ voicemails.
nice hotel
I am so sad their lease is ending and they will be closing. there is no menu you say what you like and get a great drink in return. had a great time with my significant other there. super friendly and knowledgeable staff.
The Sheppard is one of my favorite cocktail bars/speakeasies in DC! I'm sad that they're closing. I have particularly fond memories of their Fitzgeralds during happy hour. Just an awesome, cozy environment to enjoy craft cocktails that showcase the bartenders' mixology skill. Definitely recommend you check out their sister location, Morris American Bar, which has a completely different aesthetic, but also makes amazing drinks. Thanks for the memories!
This place was the first speakeasy we found when we moved to DC (ca. 2014) where I felt like the drinks were not watered down $14+ ripoffs. The cocktails here were delicious, potent, and reasonably priced. However, I definitely choked on the spiced popcorn they served back then (years ago now), which detracted greatly from the vibe I was attempting to cultivate on my date. Luckily, they no longer serve this per the current general manager, so feel free to drink away without risk!
Went for the first time last month! Loved it. The service was wonderful and the waiter really understood what we were looking for and served excellent drinks. I was very excited to take a friend from out of town. Now comes the not so great part. I bring my out of town friend and we put our name on the 20 minute waitlist. When we check in, the host mentions it'll be 60 minutes and to go get a drink at another bar and come back. We order a drink at another bar, just to receive a text that mentions to come back right away or we will miss our spot in line. We eagerly drink our drinks and head back over. We are greeted by our server And describe the cocktail we are hoping to find. My friend order a drink and they nailed his order. I on the other hand specifically said no citrus and am brought a drink with a lemon peel. After receiving and realizing it did not meet what I was looking for, I eagerly wait for the waiter to come back and check on us to ask if I can get another drink. He never comes back until my friend is done with his drink. He would have ordered another but again we were both sitting there for an extended amount of time with his empty glass and my full glass. The waiter finally comes back around where I ask him to take the cocktail off the check because my friend was done with his. So all in all, I really wish my 2nd experienced mirrored my first experience. I did go on a Friday previously versus Thursday so potentially only go on weekends if looking for great service and cocktails. Though leaving a cocktail bar without a cocktail is never fun.
Restaurantji Recommends
Made a trip there on a Friday at 6PM. First cocktail bar to remind us of Philly. Moved to VA recently, one of the big things my wife and I miss is the diversity and the amazingly effortless way we could walk down the street and get an amazing cocktail and conversation. "The Sheppard" filled that billet...and what a great staff! James was our main bartender (very helpful) and Dylan really knew his drinks (making multiple recommendations after we told him what we liked)... the other two gentlemen were very pleasant as well. The atmosphere was nice; dim lighting with music low enough to have a conversation and it was small, which I found intimate and charming. I would have given this review five stars but there wasn't anything to snack on. We didn't want to leave and loose our seats while finding a restaurant, but that's what happened. If they had a small food option (like two types of flatbread or tapas) we would have stayed longer. That said, we will absolutely go again though. Thanks for the great time gentlemen!
The Sheppard is a cute speakeasy in Dupont. When we went we had to go in through Kabin next door, and head up the stairs and make two rights. It is super duper dark in here, so reading the menu was futile. I tapped into the bartenders expertise to learn about their specials and craft a cocktail that was designed to my taste. This is a super cute place to impress a date, and drinks range from $13-$17. My cocktail was just kind of okay nothing particularly innovative or special.
After a bit of scouting, friends and I walked up the staircase marked for Kabin to find ourselves in a large empty bar area with a small host stand. Success! Each party is taken into the bar area and seated separately, so it took us a few minutes to get through but the host was courteous as expected. The space is cozy, dark, and atmospheric in expected speakeasy fashion! It would be a good choice for a date night or a small group of friends who want a quieter atmosphere to chat. There was plenty of space at ~6 on a weekday - so that's the tip for getting in without waiting! It had filled up by the time we left at 730. The Sheppard does have a few cocktail options for happy hour ($8), including a Manhattan and Fitzgerald. Several in our party selected a HH option and were satisfied. I had the bartender make me a cocktail - I suggested something tart, floral, or bitter and ended up with a mezcal and citrus combination, which was good but not any better than a pre crafted cocktail at one of DC's great restaurants. Copious refills of cucumber water kept us hydrated and happy while imbibing. Ambiance: 5/5 Cocktails: 4/5 Value: 5/5
If you're waiting your turn to get into The Shepherd or just want a quick drink and listen to some live music, Kabin is a great spot. There is a lot of seating so you're not crowded and on top of strangers. They have live local bands that play some great jazz music without the cost of one of the fancier jazz bars in the city. The only downside is that cocktails are only served in The Shepherd. The bar has beer, wine, and mixed rail drinks that are not cheap. I went with the cheap sparkling since I was there for the music and didn't want to go out in the cold.
A solid and cool little speakeasy in Dupont! It was a little difficult to find (moreso than a normal speakeasy, but maybe they did it on purpose?!?) because their elevator was out of service, so I had to backtrack and go through Kabin to walk up the stairs to find it. We didn't have a reservation, but thankfully we came right at 6pm opening and were able to get a table. They made me wait until all 3 of us were there to seat us, which I guess isn't a huge deal, but sort of weird just standing with a bouncer waiting. The bar seems pitch black when you walk in, but more details come into focus as your eyes adjust. I joked with my friends that it's a good place for a first/blind date in case you don't want them to remember what you look like. The decor is sleek and pretty cool, with comfortable booths to sit in. There are no menus, but our server let us know the 4 drinks that were on happy hour (for half off - $5 each). I tried 3 of the 4, with the dirty martini being my favorite. All of the drinks were pretty solid. They were even nice enough to bring me friend (whose engagement we were celebrating) a free glass of champagne. The service was a bit slow but nothing horrendous. It's definitely a fun place to check out if you're in the area! When we left, we asked the bouncer how long of a wait there often is - he said it can get up to an hour/hour and a half when it's busy. I definitely don't think this place is worth waiting that long, but if you can get in quickly, I'd say to check it out!