Shep's Food Mart

Shep's Food MartShep's Food Mart
Shep's Food MartShep's Food Mart
Store

2001 4th St N
Saint Petersburg, Florida, 33704-4309
United States

// CLOSED //

Closed 2018
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.33
Reviews:
15
Ratings:
26
pDev:
8.78%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by mattreitz49:
Photo of mattreitz49
Rated by mattreitz49 from Florida

4.25/5  rDev -1.8%

Oct 21, 2014
More User Ratings:
Photo of DoctorZombies
Reviewed by DoctorZombies from Florida

4.66/5  rDev +7.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.75
Hands down best beer shop in town. Wide selection of beers from around the world, and handcraft from across the country. All the local brewers too. Currently under slight remodel to add draft beer and a growler station. Most knowledgeable staff in town. The "go-to" bottle shop in St. Pete.
Mar 22, 2017
Photo of captnchuck67
Reviewed by captnchuck67 from Florida

4.66/5  rDev +7.6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4
Great selection. Very little main stream stuff. Very good selection of Local stuff and the way the store is laid out is great.
Staff was cool and quickk to help
Jan 05, 2017
Photo of KensWorld
Reviewed by KensWorld from Florida

4.86/5  rDev +12.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 5 | selection: 5
How have I missed this place all these years? I guess I thought it was one of those convenient stores that have a craft section, wow was I wrong! This is a true craft beer store, Beer & beer only, no wine no other stuff just beer and lots of it. It’s basically a gutted convenient store that has coolers on 3 sides full of every beer distributed locally. 2 center isles with beers all over and a very high side wall with massive amounts of bombers & 750's. Overwhelming to say the least. It’s all organized by brewery, which I kind of like, it makes searching easier then by style. The prices are on par with the chains & some liqueur stores. The manager is really cool and very knowledgeable, she is one of us!
I’ve been to most stores in central Florida and I think this might be the best. No stale dusty turds either like many other places around here. All beer seems fresh and they move stuff fast. The only thing that’s off is the outside, if you did not know it was there you’d drive right by it. If you stepped in be prepared for beer heaven!
Sep 13, 2016
Photo of DGGst6
Rated by DGGst6 from Florida

4.26/5  rDev -1.6%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 4.25 | service: 3.75 | selection: 5
Great spot for beer, though I do feel that if you don't fit a certain "profile" you get different service.
Mar 31, 2016
 
Rated: 4.54 by Phoodcritic from Michigan

Mar 24, 2016
 
Rated: 4.52 by Filickojm from Florida

Jan 10, 2016
 
Rated: 4.49 by sd123 from Georgia

Dec 08, 2015
 
Rated: 4.59 by TheDogHouse from Florida

Apr 08, 2015
 
Rated: 3.5 by Zhillsgator from Florida

Dec 03, 2014
Photo of BeerLoverCRM
Rated by BeerLoverCRM from Florida

5/5  rDev +15.5%
So many beers so little time. Love this place! My second favorite place to make a 6 pack.
Sep 15, 2014
Photo of OldeSchool
Reviewed by OldeSchool from Florida

4.12/5  rDev -4.8%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 4.25 | service: 3.75 | selection: 4.5
Do not - I repeat - do not, drive by this establishment based on its "curb appeal." While it's appearance is rather underwhelming, Shep's has an amazing selection of beers, with an emphasis on local brewers. The last time I was there, I saw definite signs of construction going on, so perhaps one of the area's better beer destinations is about to receive a facelift.

Don't be in a hurry when you go; it will probably require some browsing to find what you're after, but I think you will be impressed with the number of interesting brews available in such a small floor plan. A large percentage of the beers are refrigerated, and it takes a while to wend your way through all of those bottles.

If you are in the area, Shep's is definitely a recommended stop.
Jul 12, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by JReites from Florida

Jun 02, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by Bier4all from Florida

May 17, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by Notacraftdrinker from Florida

May 11, 2014
Photo of srhoadsy
Reviewed by srhoadsy from Florida

3.79/5  rDev -12.5%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.75 | service: 3.75 | selection: 4
Stopped here this past week on my back into Tampa. Fairly easy to get to off of 275.

Very low key, had I not read about it on this site, I would never have stopped.

Man at the counter was pleasant enough if not that knowledgeable about the beer, which he admitted.

Very good selection, especially of local and domestic crafts. Had CCB White Oak Jai Alai in sixers, which the brewery was even out of, and a couple of cases of Sucks. Imports were a little on the limited side. Nothing exceptionally rare, but still a very good selection.

Prices ranged from reasonable to being a bit on the pricey side, but overall not bad.

Will definitely stop again when I'm in the area.
Feb 09, 2014
Photo of craneberdua
Reviewed by craneberdua from Alabama

4.58/5  rDev +5.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
I live in Alabama, and I have family that lives in St. Pete. I wanted some Cigar City brew so I called Shep's. I told them my family was going be coming up my way, and I was looking for some good beer for them to bring me. Shep's took it from there. They packed me a box, and I couldn't have been more pleased with their expertise and service. They even called me back to double check with the beer they selected. They had some limited edition stuff and he set me aside a few of their last bottles. They went out of their way to help me. I would recommend Shep's to anyone. They are top notch!
Sep 03, 2013
Photo of Flochie
Reviewed by Flochie from Florida

4.71/5  rDev +8.8%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
Great selection of GF beers for this area! Guy working the counter was very helpful with recommendations. I didn't try any food, so can't comment on that. Atmosphere is nothing too special. Totally psyched about having almost half a cooler of Gluten Free beers to try. They're expensive! But that's not Shep's fault. That's just the nature of the beast. Super convenient.
Aug 01, 2013
Photo of ckk527
Reviewed by ckk527 from Ohio

3.96/5  rDev -8.5%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4 | selection: 4
News flash: Since last reviewed by a member in 2008, Shep's is under new ownership. Josh and his family purchased the shop three weeks ago (today's date: 5/8/13) and are preparing to upgrade the look and feel. Also in the works is a growler station, license already in hand. Josh is friendly, enthusiastic, and displays a sincere interest in providing his customers with a wide selection of quality imported and domestic-craft beers.

Broad selection of Belgians, including a respectable sampling of sours and quads. The Straffe Hendrik Quadruple I tasted was a surprising and impressive find. Likewise, the selection of English, German and US craft beers and ales is fairly deep. Bonus: Unlike several of the neighborhood shops, Shep's maintains a deep stock of chilled AND room temp. beers. Major points, IMO.

I didn't order a hand-made sandwich this trip, but if the growler station is up next visit, you can bet I'll do just that.

I'm glad I stopped in and am eager to see things take on a fresh look next time I'm in the Tampa/St. Pete area.

Highly recommended.
May 09, 2013
Photo of bkilpatr
Reviewed by bkilpatr from Oregon

4.15/5  rDev -4.2%
Shep's is a beer and wine store and deli located just north of downtown St. Petersburg, near the intersection of 22nd Ave and 4th St. Looks like an old 7-11 on the outside. On the inside though is a great selection of micros and imports, a good amount of wine, and a deli area.

They carry most of the micros available in the area, including Dogfish, Rogue, Avery, Great Divide, Bell's, Flying Dog, Ommegang, etc. There's also a good selection of imports from Germany, Belgium, the UK, and other countries. Most are available as single bottles, and they have six-packs for some. They also usually have a few different gift packs for sale. Typically a box with a few beers from one brewery paired with a logo glass. Speaking of which, a small selection of glassware is available, and usually run $3-4 each.

There's usually a guy roaming around ready to assist or answer any questions. The people there are knowledgeable and make pretty good suggestions. The only downside to Shep's is the prices. For most of the more commonly available bottles, their prices are 10-50 cents higher than most other stores. For rare. seasonal, or limited releases (such as DFH120) they can be a dollar or two higher, again for a single bottle.
May 25, 2008
Photo of nickfl
Reviewed by nickfl from Florida

4.05/5  rDev -6.5%
Ah, Shep's. This place was a real lifesaver when I lived in St. Pete. If you are in St. Pete and want to stock up your beer fridge this is pretty much your only choice, short of heading across the bay to Total Wine.

On the outside it looks like a rundown convenience store, and once you walk inside, it still looks like a rundown convenience store. However, once you take a look around, you realize that most of the store is filled with good beer.

They do a pretty good job on quality. Virtually all of the beer is refrigerated, which is a rarity for a store with such a large selection.

The service is usually quite good, as they often have a guy walking around stocking the coolers and looking for a customer to assist. The staff know their beer and are always happy to suggest something new.

The selection is easily the best in the area; perhaps not quite as large as total wine, but more of a focus on unusual and exceptional beer. They do their best with the limited availability in the area.

The prices are a bit steep (actually, they have some of the highest prices of any bottle shop I have ever been to), but that is the nature of a small, independent business. More often than not, I found it was worth the extra cost to support a local business and avoid driving all the way to Tampa just to go to an unpleasant mega store (Total Wine).
Mar 12, 2008
Photo of dalepryor
Reviewed by dalepryor from Kentucky

4.7/5  rDev +8.5%
This place is a rarity in st. pete florida, i had found out about it from a friend, i would have never known otherwise, they have a huge variety of microbrews, belgians, and imports. Their slogan is 999 bottles of beer on the wall, i don't kow if they really have that many different brews but they do have everything i love, the only downfall as there always is, the prices soar. some six packs costing 13 and up where you could get it elsewhere for $8 but with no where else close buy with the selection, the money will be paid. overall great store great people great beer what more can be said? i'll leave that up to the next person that visits.
Oct 13, 2007
Photo of Tang07
Reviewed by Tang07 from California

4.15/5  rDev -4.2%
Great selection for Florida.
Typical of a bar in Florida,
What do you have on tap? " Bud, bla, bla, bla bla ,bla bla Miller Light, bla, bla, bla Sam Adams.

Ok I guess I'll have a Sam Adams because it's the only beer you have.

Well this place is different. While it's not a bar, and they don't have anything on tap, they have a great selection of beer, and lots of singles. Very expensive however. Being that they have virtually no competition, they can get away with charging $9, $10, $11, $12+ for a six pack. They charge almost $10 for Sierra Nevada, that most grocery stores carry. and more than $10 for not so rare Mendicino Brewery Beers. However, due to the utter lack of competition they can do that.

I just moved a few blocks away and will probably be visiting weekly, but at those prices I'll certainly be savoring the flavor. Not that a few bucks will break the bank I guess it's a matter of principle. Their prices are 10-15% above what I wouldn't blink at. I guess it's the whole getting into double digits for a sixer of something that is not out of the ordinary in other places, but in the backwater of florida, you have to pay to get something other that the big three, or major imports.

On the positive side they have a whole wall of singles so I can go back and try a wide variety of beers to find something new without having to feel the pinch of dropping $12 on a six pack of beer that I'm not to crazy about.
Mar 31, 2007
Photo of i13tony
Reviewed by i13tony from Pennsylvania

4.15/5  rDev -4.2%
One of the widest selections of beer in the area for a store this size. This is one of those places that you'd never know had such a treasure inside b/c from the outside it looks like just another convenience store. In fact, I learned about Shep's from a friend who grew up in the area and bought his first beer there. Our friends live about 2 blocks away, so we always stop and shop at Shep's when we visit. Lots of singles and odd sizes, too. Definitely pricey, but with such an amazing selection, where else are you gonna go?? They make some great sandwiches, too....try the egg salad!
Feb 22, 2007
Photo of Jredner
Reviewed by Jredner from Florida

4/5  rDev -7.6%
Very good selection. Very high prices. This section of St. Pete (not far from The Independent) is pricey so expect to pay a little more than in other parts of the Bay Area. The neighborhood is akin to Hyde Park/SOHO in Tampa if you are familiar with that area.

Basically just a 7/11 type store with a grand beer selection in the model of Beer World of Largo, Hyde Park Express and others. They carry most of what is availible in florida except Fish Tale and Lakefront beers carried through Apple a Day distribution. Definitely worth a stop if you are in the area, but remember it will be on the high end of the price scale.
Oct 12, 2006
Photo of blitheringidiot
Reviewed by blitheringidiot from Pennsylvania

3.55/5  rDev -18%
Smack dab on the corner of 22nd and 4th, don't sneeze or you'll miss the tall sign on a post that indicates Shep's. Pull into the parking lot out front and stroll into the rehabed 7-11. Cruise to the back right wall of 6 or so tall cold boxes that offer plenty of domestic, Belgian and even some German too. I picked up a Flying Dog $1.90, a DogFish Head Raison D'etre for $2 and a Stoudt's 2IPA for $3.

I saw DogFish Head Fort for $19, and a French Biere D'Garde, and St. Bernardus. Nice selection.

If you go here, try hitting Limey's Pub 2 small blocks South.

While I walked back 'n forth, deciding, I was left to my own devices. No complaints.
Apr 10, 2006
Shep's Food Mart in Saint Petersburg, FL
Place rating: 4.33 out of 5 with 26 ratings