Shaws Bar & Grill

Bar & grill · Sheridan

Shaws Bar & Grill

Bar & grill · Sheridan

1

1528 University Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413

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Shaws Bar & Grill by null
Shaws Bar & Grill by null
Shaws Bar & Grill by null
Shaws Bar & Grill by null
Shaws Bar & Grill by null
Shaws Bar & Grill by null
Shaws Bar & Grill by null
Shaws Bar & Grill by null
Shaws Bar & Grill by null
Shaws Bar & Grill by null
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Shaws Bar & Grill by null
Shaws Bar & Grill by null
Shaws Bar & Grill by null
Shaws Bar & Grill by null
Shaws Bar & Grill by null
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Shaws Bar & Grill by null
Shaws Bar & Grill by null
Shaws Bar & Grill by null
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Shaws Bar & Grill by null
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Shaws Bar & Grill by null
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Burgers, brews, and live music in a casual tavern setting  

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1528 University Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413 Get directions

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$10–20 · Menu

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1528 University Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413 Get directions

+1 612 781 4405
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$10–20 · Menu

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Aug 24, 2025

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Northeast Minneapolis’ Best Cheap Eats | Eater Twin Cities

"Aside from great live music and lively, divey atmosphere, Shaw’s has some seriously good (and affordable) pub grub like the Sun Burger – mayo, lettuce, tomato, American cheese, and raw or fried onions – a Nordeast staple since 1954. Don’t expect to find anything on the menu for over $10." - Eater Staff

https://twincities.eater.com/maps/best-affordable-restaurants-northeast-minneapolis
View Postcard for Shaws Bar & Grill

Michael O'Leary

Google
This is a gem of a live music venue in the Twin Cities. A wonderfully intimate space to see great bands. I particularly love the Monday night blues jams. Lucky to have this bar in my neighborhood.

Band Galaxy

Google
Cool historic bar! They have a nice stage & live music. Food was good as was the friendly service! We'll be back!! (Self-Titled Band plays there! 😎)

Sarah Carsello

Google
The blues music dive bar of Minneapolis! Good bar food, great service, friendly patrons. Have had some pretty grumpy bartenders in the past (YEARS ago) but no bad experience now. The renovations are great - feels more open and brighter inside. I'm a huge fan of bar "pork tenderloin" sandwiches and couldn't resist ordering one during my last visit. It was really just a deep fried pork chop on a bun. Very delicious but not an actual pork tenderloin. Note: it is very loud when the band plays, do not go for a date night and expect to carry a conversation. NA option: Heineken 0.0

Justin Barnett

Google
Nice dive bar. Have been twice to see my friend's band play. Food's awesome, cheap drinks, and super nice staff. Friday night was not the best. My understanding was that it would be a free show, not $5/person cover, and nowhere did it mention cash only until AFTER we walked in (even though they held our card for the tab?). My guess is it wasn't clear to the staff what was going on last night, because we went a couple months ago and everything went so smoothly. Tl;dr give this dive bar a chance. Good prices, great atmosphere, and fantastic staff.

Big-J

Google
Amazing venue for live music. Howard Guitar Luedtke and Magic Deb are always on point! Make it a point to see these incredible people.

Rob Liebhart

Google
Be sure to check out the wings special on Monday nights or rib nights on Thursdays! Shaw's Bar had cheap drinks and tasty food, and the server was doing their best to help everyone, as the place got busier and busier. Solid music, plus it was nice to see two bollards for bike parking out front.

Augster O

Google
I finally got around to eating at Shaw’s. It was lunch on a Saturday and hardly anyone was there. The kitchen was open though. I had heard about the Sun burger as really good reproduction of the old Sun drive in burger. The Sun drive in was shut down well before I moved to Minneapolis, but I figured I’d give it a try. It was delicious. Messy and delicious. The onion rings were perfect. I may come back in just to eat the onion rings. Next up on the list is the Shaw’s burger. The menu says it’s a “3 napkin” burger, and I imagine it’s true. I’ll be trying it soon. They have live music here on most weekends and other dates. The lineup is on the wall in the back if you’d like to plan ahead to see a band in particular. Small, cozy, NE bar with a great menu. I’ll certainly be back. Thanks for the great meal!

Ron Bearden

Google
This is a total dive bar in every sense of the word. I enjoyed the hell out of it. We went there to watch a band. It looks as if they have a lot of local music come through. The decor is all old concert posters and albums, the service was good
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Tiana D.

Yelp
My favorite place to get a burger. The Shaw's Burger is unmatched. It is super messy and you won't be able to put it down, but you probably won't want to since it's that delicious. Other pros: - Incredible live music on a consistent basis. - Parking is easy with the lot in back and space on the street. - The new renovated space is excellent. Cons: - Definitely understaffed. I went on a Thursday night, the place was shoulder to shoulder and only one server was working. She was wonderful, but she definitely didn't deserve to be doing the work of 3-4 people. - I wish they were open more often!

Elena O.

Yelp
Great place for Blues and Jazz. Jellybean Johnson even had an impromptu jam with Mia Dorr and the Funkin Bluesers! Typical bar food. Not bad if you like fried food. Neighborhood feeling.
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Stacey D.

Yelp
Two words: Shaw's burger The burger just falls apart when you bite into it. I spilt half with my friend and had to pick off the mushrooms (if you like mushrooms, this is just a bonus for you then!). After making it mushroom free, my half was gone in minutes. They also have large wings. The Cajun is the dry rub. The wings came out hot and stayed hot while we were sitting out on the patio but overall the wings didn't have much flavor. They were a lot of fun to pull apart though. During happy hour, appetizers are half off. The wings are listed under appetizers but apparently they don't count as part of the happy hour specials which we found out the hard way. They do have a patio out back. It is well shaded and we found seating easily on a Sunday evening.
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Grace S.

Yelp
For having Tas Cru Blues here, they attract the best so they deserve 5 stars for entertainment. It's packed & worth every drink, CD purchase, & I hope they bring more Blues talent again. Tas Cru has boogie worthy polyrhythmic moments divine.

Steve N.

Yelp
Great dive bar in the heart of northeast Minneapolis, truly good blues music. Excellent food and drinks with numerous beer selection's
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Trish S.

Yelp
This is a regular stop on our annual Nordeast Walking Tour. I've heard that the burgers are amazing, but have yet to try one. The rock-n-roll memorabilia on the walls is worth a stop alone. Stop by and enjoy a cold one with the friendly regulars.
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Gioia S.

Yelp
The BEST corned beef and cabbage dinner I've ever had. They nail every element. I'll definitely return next year. The owner and wait staff couldn't have been nicer. Don't miss this.
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Robin F.

Yelp
The Bartender on Saturday night,,,,was,,,well what can I say. I teased him all night that I would write a bad review on Yelp if he didn't pour me the best drinks. The place got super busy, great music....good crowd. And the bartender was spectacular. He got slammed but never overwhelmed and kept my girl friend and I entertained with his humor. Thanks....we will be back
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Caitlin M.

Yelp
We love going to this neighborhood dive bar on Tuesdays for their 50 cent hot wings, available in an assortment of great flavors. If you go on other nights of the week, it seems that the hotwings are served as an entire wing rather than cut into pieces, as is served on Tuesdays. Still a great value. The food is great if you love greasy bar food (which we do) and cheap tall boys. The ladies room isn't very nice, but from what I hear it is miles ahead of the mens room which apparently lacks a partition between the toilet and the urinals, making for some awkward moments... I have yet to catch any of the famous live music, but I hope to soon. The bar staff has always been really friendly and helpful to us, so we will definitely be going back time and time again.
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Robert R.

Yelp
This place is a dive, the kind of dive that I want to come back to over and over! I went here on Tuesday night with a few coworkers for happy hour after work. They have great drink specials, tall boys for $2.50. I had a Summit tap for $3.50. Apps are half off. Starting at 6:30 wings at $.50ea., we tried three varieties and everyone enjoyed them. We also tried the fries, chicken strips, and mozzarella sticks. It's all your typical bar fair and you don't come to a place like this for the gourmet apps. What made this place great is that it is like like every small town and neighborhood bar in the Midwest, a few regulars perched at the bar like they are part of the décor. The crowd is a mix of locals, music lovers, and after work folks like us, real chill. Dim lighting makes the place feel intimate but a rocking soundtrack keeps things lively. Best of all, at 8:30 a great blues band started playing. Seriously these guys were good, and it was a Tuesday! I wanted to stay all night but the morning alarm is a wicked mistress and I had to force myself out. I will be back for sure.
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Uptown Foodie G.

Yelp
Great NE dive bar with good food. Recommend Paul Metsa for music on Thursdays! Great little place to hide out. Enjoy
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Adam S.

Yelp
My favorite bar in NE. Their homestyle taco's on Wednesday's, man they're good. I love places that deep fry the flour tortilla to make a hard shell. I've never had their burgers, as I always seem to be there on Wednesday and get the homestyle tacos. They have meat raffles, Karoke, live music, wide range of crowd, just a fun place to go.

Pam H.

Yelp
This is one of my favorite places to go while in NE. It's good food, drinks and music at affordable prices. My favorite is the bourbon burger, it's simple but so delicious.
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Darrell G.

Yelp
Went there on a Thursday night with a friend who is a regular. We showed up later to see The Butanes play. They are a very good Blues band with an extensive playbook. Try to see them any chance you get. Thursday's they have barbecued ribs. Very, very god ribs. Generous servings of fall off the bone ribs with fries, Texas toast and coleslaw. The crowd is mostly regulars who LOVE the Blues. Friendly and attentive staf. A great atmosphere all around.
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Todd M.

Yelp
I would walk a mile in the desert (or Northeast) for a Shaw burger. I like to double it up and get the tots with it. It is one of my favorite burgers of all time next to the Birk burger at the Nook and the Juicy Lucy at the Cardinal. My wife prefers the Sun burger. Nightly specials are decent as well. They have a frybread taco special Wednesdays that was unreal delicious. Internet jukebox is cool, crowd is generally a mixed bag but the bartenders are always friendly and hard working.
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Doghouse R.

Yelp
One a scale of one star to five stars with one star being less good and five stars being more good, I award Shaw's burgers five stars. I had the Cajun Burger with the upgrade to tator tots. It is one grand burger. Next time I'll get the Shaw's Burger.
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John N.

Yelp
Hit up Shaw's for the first time ;ast Saturday and I was impressed! I thought I was just meeting a coworker at a dive for a couple drinks, but I had no idea I'd be sitting right up front for some excellent blues! I do believe it was the house band playing, and they were a very talented group of guys. Chatted with them as well as the owner of the bar, and had a great time. Drink were pretty standard price, and my server was a very nice lady who had good drink reccomendations. There were some younger people, some older people, and a guy dancing around that must have been on drugs. It was a place like none other. Not sure what this place is like on a week night, but I'm willing to bet that I'll find out!
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Dena S.

Yelp
Calling Shaw's a dive seems somewhat redundant. The place isn't a dive, it's just in NE. Simple argument of nature vs. nurture. Where do you think you are, son? Maple Grove? Alls I know is the drinks taste like paint thinner, there's no t.p. in the ladies' and there's a fetid fellow who sits at the bar watching Burn Notice reruns on his laptop for hours at a stretch. Hours.
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Nicole J.

Yelp
Simple formula: alcoholic beverages at the bar, greasy food on the menu, live country/jazz/blues on the stage. It works. We popped into Shaw's while bar hopping in Nordeast a few weeks back. Just driving by, looking for our next stop, and there was Shaws. The crowd skews on the older side and there's nothing fancy at all. Just good people having a good time. My kind of place.
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Heidi O.

Yelp
Mmmmmm - good. Now if only I could have had cocktails... We went for lunch on a work day, so had to behave - but had a Sun Burger, which was delicious. Messy and delicious. Seems like a great place to waste a rainy day getting boozed up and smooshed full of burger. I will definitely be going back!
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Chris S.

Yelp
I was pretty surprised by how good the food was there. Being a music guy I appreciate the decor a lot. Also the duo that takes the stage much of the time crack me up. Overall it was a great time and I am looking forward to getting there on an open jam night. Stumbled in on a whim and it's one of my favorites.
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Dana T.

Yelp
Dive bar for sure! My friend knew one of the singer's who was playing at the 9/11 Remembered Music Festival at Shaws Bar and Grill. She knew that I had an eclectic taste in music, and also knew that I was not one to shoot down a place even if it was a hole in the wall. Northeast Minneapolis neighborhood... I'm going to admit, from the outside the appearance was kind of shady looking. Inside the pad, it was small and outdated, it needed some serious work.... Especially in the women's bathroom (eek!) And although a little unorthodox, the host greeted us with a smile and a warm personality. The bartenders were sociable and quick, overall great service. We came for the music (blues and jazz) which was outback under a large white tent. There was a tiny make-shift bar setup under it. A few table and chairs for seating. Nothing grand. Luxury played no part in the festivity being held here. Lighting for stage was poor, but the music and sound was good and so were the drinks... So really that was all that mattered! Fun, friendly and rowdy crowd. Totally entertaining, and what I think is great about these old, small establishments is that nobody came here to judge others. They came to have a good time and roll with it!! The music was great, totally worth the $10 cover charge. I shook my booty literally all night. Met some really cool people. Great choice of performers! I can totally see myself going back to Shaws if they have another event like this.
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Carly S.

Yelp
Great food at extremely reasonable prices. The kitchen is open until 11pm. Happy Hour Specials from 5pm-7pm, Drink Specials and Half Price Appetizers. Great Weekday dinner specials, example - Wednesday Night is Taco Night! Great choices of beer and food!
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Jonathan M.

Yelp
Came in here last week to watch the Germany vs USA soccer game. Granted, it was 11 am on a Thursday so you cant ask for much action. For the average starts it had I was expecting a lot more; there was nothing really to complain about so I will be a bit generous and stick with 3 stars. First thing that caught my eye was the super old huge cathode big TV screen.... haven't seen one of those in a while. Unfortunately we didn't catch happy hour so I had to pay $4.50 for tap, which is a bit more than I would pay at Brit's downtown for example where the ambiance is waaaaaaaay better. Second thing that I noticed was that we were the only patrons in the place under 65 (again, it was 11 am so that's probably why). They have a bunch of frames of the Rolling Stones and The Beatles so its a more retro type of bar. Didn't try the food so can't say anything about that. They also have a small enclosed terrace outside which I was not a fan off... felt like I was in a chicken coop. Would I go back? Probably not unless there were no other options.

JIm J.

Yelp
Dive bar. Awesome burger - had the Shaw burger with tots.. Great prices. Decent live music. What more do you need?
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Nicole N.

Yelp
The key word here is: DIVE BAR. It's important to note this if you've never been. It's kind of a dump. The bartender ignores you completely for 15 mins before even acknowledging that you need a drink. You have to leave your credit card with her to start a tab or pay cash for everything. And btw, everything is handwritten and tracked on old school bar paper tabs, not electronically! The crowd is a mixed bag of young, old, rugged, preppy, sober, drunk, etc. People are friendly though. At least three men approached me directly to say they aren't hitting on me or anything but wanted me to know I'm beautiful (awww, thanks guys!). I've heard they have great burgers but I wasn't brave enough to go there. I also heard the wings were good. I ordered mozzarella sticks and they brought me wings by mistake that smelled amazing but she took them away quickly and gave me what I ordered. They serve mozz sticks with a cold marina sauce, which I found odd, but it was pretty good, and I also need ranch. I had a Malibu diet that she poured very nicely, they also have Rolling Rock tallboys which was nice. I'm not sure if I'd return here by choice. Maybe if a band I like is performing (which is how I ended up here anyway) but there are other dives that better fit my high expectations. But, if you want to disappear in an old bar this is your place!

Lauren R.

Yelp
From the dive bar atmosphere to the greasy bar food and the live bands, this place has unintentionally become my home bar. The staff is amazing and they always provide you with laughs and great service.
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Andy G.

Yelp
They have the best burger in NE, the Shaw Burger. It's a bypass on a bun but it is worth it. For you tot fans they have some of the best as well fried up by Gary the cook. Bartenders are all great and they mix drinks that could strip paint off your car. Laid back atmosphere with a blend of locals and general riff raff. Great free live music every weekend as well. Also feature a spectacular mens softball team every summer that brings their own brand of entertainment with them. Easy on the eyes too.
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Lucas H.

Yelp
Nice bar, live close, finally stopped in. I like how the bar wraps around. Haven't tried the food, but I'm sure I'll be back at some point. You can throw this bar into the "dive" bar category, but in a good way.

Elizabeth P.

Yelp
Stopped in for an adult beverage on 3/15. Small children jumping around. That sucks. Maybe some other time.
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Lloyd W.

Yelp
Wednesday night Taco night is a Great thing for the northeast, and the bartender was awesome and very aware of what was going on. I didn't have to wait for a drink, and he picked up my order immediately. I will plan on checking that place out many more times.
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Julie C.

Yelp
It's definitely a dive but if that's what you're looking for its a great one. The live music is full of heart and talent. The service isn't fast but it is pleasant. I didn't have the burgers this time around but it was delicious last time. There's a little bit of history here too. A good, simple time... If it doesn't make you smile, go somewhere else.

Dan F.

Yelp
An authentic honky tonk blues joint, Shaw's Bar & Grill features an open Blues jam every Monday night. In addition to the house band, a seasoned, salty quartet, Jellybean's Johnson's epic Hendrix guitar solos are a mainstay.
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Kevin C.

Yelp
Shaw's doesn't get enough love around here. I've always found the staff pretty friendly. They do have some excellent live music. Whoever is running the flattop in the kitchen can also work some serious magic - these are some of the better burgers in the area and the wings are pretty darn good too.
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Jeff H.

Yelp
The only real Dive bar left in NE. Used to be a biker bar, but, like all NE bars, is now yuppie friendly. Home of my all time favorite burger, the Shaw burger. Cooked just right, topped with special sauce, cheese, sautéed mushrooms & onions, bacon, they don't get any better. Hand cut home fries, really good tater tots, good drinks, good service. One of my favorite bars.
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Libby B.

Yelp
This might be my new favorite dive bar. I had an awesome grilled cheese, three beers, and fries, and my dining companion had wings, three beers, and fries. We got out of there for less than $20, and everything was GREAT. The crowd is friendly, the waitresses are kind, service is prompt, the music is fun (country/oldies/whatever someone decides to put on the jukebox) and the place is as unpretentious as they come. I'll definitely be back
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cindy m.

Yelp
Met my daughter there this past winter. Was some what hesitant as I had not been there for a good twenty years. Remembering it as the Sun Saloon. A biker bar then where you were constantly watching your back. What a pleasant surprise U soon got. It has been nicely remodeled and both the staff & patrons were terrific! There was a nice band playing some country, jazz, & blues. Like a good old fashioned jam session. Very relaxing atmosphere. Clean and well kept. Prices are more than reasonable. The makins of a safe, fun neighborhood bar. Cozy. I would repeat for sure!
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Dougy Fresh S.

Yelp
great tacos,,,, $4.00 ,,,2 tacos ,,,,, ok ,, heres the downer,,, is everyone rode hard and put away wet there? for a breeef second i thought i was in a star wars bar,,, the hipsters are cool ,,they come in later,,,, it aint easy getting old,,,CAN THEY PLAY ,ALONG THE WATCHTOWER 1 MOOOOOOORE TIMEEEE!!!!

Bryan H.

Yelp
Wanted to get a pork tenderloin sandwich the online menu said they had it but when I got there to order it they said they didn't have it. Fries are a little dry so I don't think I will be going back
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Keith M.

Yelp
Shaw's does many things well: it's a simple bar but not devoid of character (lots of vinyl lining the place), good blues (there wasn't even a cover on a Saturday), and a quality burger: as pink as possible without being red and on a good bun. The only issues I had was that a beer I had from the tap was pretty flat and I should have gotten the taters instead of the fries which were a little too greasy for me. Overall, this place works great as a neighborhood dive bar and live blues joint that also have the added bonus of serving a very reasonably priced and tasty burger.

Jennifer S.

Yelp
A rare gem for good live music in Minneapolis. Friendly locals, all ages, good burgers, and a true commitment to bringing in quality bands. If you like dive bars and authentic music this is the place!
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Audrey M.

Yelp
This place is definitely nothing to write home about, but its a good spot for getting greasy spoon-esque food and cheap drinks. The live music is good, but the ambient stuff is pretty terrible. We went to 311 after drinking here, and I have to say the music was better, but shaw was a great place to get cheap drinks and food.

Michael U.

Yelp
The music and locals make this place. It is a very good dive bar. I had great conversation and a good time learning about the city from people that grew up here. I went here twice during a weeks visit. Great music and local gem.
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Dylan N.

Yelp
They have the best tacos I've ever had it's not the cleanest place in the world and that's not very child friendly what they do have pretty good food

Paul H.

Yelp
Home style tacos on Wednesdays are awesome. I would skip wing night however. Quite underwhelming. The live music and the memorabilia makes it a great experience too.

Mitch H.

Yelp
Loud music with a great sound guy. This place is amazing. They will serve you water all night with a smile might I add! Truly a happy and lovely scene. How fun.

Mike S.

Yelp
I had never even heard of this place, but I will now be attending every Wednesday. Kimmy was our waitress and was the nicest server i've had in a long time. Constantly asking if we were okay and even calling me by name after seeing my ID. The live music was phenomenal, the food was great and a great price. I HIGHLY recommend this place if you've never been.

mike g.

Yelp
Great music especially on monday nites, open blues. It's a great place to have a beer and enjoy some good music! Very informal, to say the least!

Paul G.

Yelp
Went here on a Wednesday for tacos and burgers. The waitstaff is awesome and friendly, the home style tacos are simple, delicious and filling. The burgers are always exceptional and you can't beat the ambiance. Will go here every chance I get.

Mike B.

Yelp
A place that provides ambiance to a positive degree and music that results in a cool demeanor. I want to go there often but alas, i'm too far removed. Food is good and double good and clientele delivers chatter that merits an attentive ear. Overall the entire realm of Shaws garners 5 stars.