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Dining with Nancy at Shep’s Southside

The wedding season is upon us. At the ripe age of 37, I’ve experienced several weddings and have enjoyed most of them. It is the aftermath of the wedding, however, that I find problematic. While the women may be different, the process always remains the same. Your girlfriend meets Mr. Wonderful. Then, slowly but surely, you see less and less of her — less time to go out, less time for dinner, happy hours become nonexistent and finally…nothing. Don’t get me wrong — I usually like my girlfriends’ Mr. Wonderfuls and wish the happy couples well, but I always miss my friends when they begin the marriage disappearing act. Not this time! My buddy Jessica Land recently married Brandon Pabst. She picked well. I love him and I love them. Though, I will not lose another friend to her marriage and mandated a lunch date within two weeks of her nuptials. Thanks for indulging me, Jessica!

Nancy Giddens, a Missouri lobbyist and partner from The Giddens Group
Nancy Giddens, a Missouri lobbyist and principal from The Giddens Group

To catch up on post-wedding activity, Jessica and I ventured into an eatery that was new to me: Shep’s Southside. The place was clean, fully decorated and smelled delicious. While debating three different options, I knew I’d made the right decision in selecting the “Shep’s Classic” burger when our server asked “How would you like your meat cooked?” The question was music to the ears of this hamburger lover!

The Place

Shep’s Southside is a family owned and operated business located off Dunklin Street in the Old Munichburg district. With ample parking and plenty of seating, the restaurant adds another great option for those working downtown. For those who can’t visit the restaurant, Shep’s offers delivery and catering services too.

The People

The people are fantastic even though I failed them. Due to my excitement of experiencing a new restaurant and chatting with Jessica, I didn’t ask their names. So, to the wonderfully friendly host and graciously prompt server — I thank you. You made my first Shep’s experience fantastic. I will return and not be so rude next time!

The Product 

Our food was fantastic and left me wanting to return to try other options. Jessica went with the Buffalo Chicken burger and I settled on the Shep’s Classic burger. We agreed on the side choice and both ordered house salads with house dressing. Can one ever go wrong ordering the “house” option? If so, not at Shep’s. The lunch and dinner menus vary greatly. Lunch is served from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and includes sandwiches, burgers and salads. The dinner menu is available from 4:00 p.m. until closing time and consists of steaks, seafood, pastas, salads and more. I definitely will return to sample the dinner menu.

The Price

As the menus vary, so too do the prices. Lunch prices range from $5-$10 and dinner selections fluctuate between $9-$20. For a complete menu and hours of operation, visit www.shepssoutside.com.

The Pizzazz

A medium-rare hamburger option! I don’t need a lecture on food safety and the importance of cooking ground meat to a medium temperature. I’ve taken several food science classes and remain unmoved. It is better medium-rare and rarely do I get the option. I definitely will return to Shep’s Southside to enjoy another perfectly cooked burger again…hopefully with my girl Jessica!