A brief look at Shepherdstown: German Street

All of the newcomers to Shepherdstown often wonder what the local spots to hang out are. For those out there wondering the best places to grab a drink or get a bite to eat, here is a list to hopefully give a consensus of where to go on German Street.  

Tony's Pizza/Stonewall Pub

If want to go to a restaurant that really lives and breathes a college environment, go to Tony's. Tony's is a small pizzeria/bar that has a famous party scene to go along with it.  Special events are happening all the time at Tony's, and people can be found having a good time in the basement late into the night. Even if a person is not old enough to drink, they can still find great food there. The restaurant has decent food for low prices, which has helped Tony's become a famous staple of German Street.

The Wall

Even though this technically is not a store or anything like that, the allure of The Wall cannot be underestimated. At any given time there is bound to be at least one person sitting down resting at The Wall. Why do these intrepid travelers choose The Wall as their place to rest? Well, to be honest, I've never gotten a true answer to that question, but maybe it has something to do with the location. Where Shepherd University ends and German Street officially begins, The Wall provides a clear view of nearly all of German street. If anyone has not stopped by The Wall, try it at least once to just take it all in. 

Mecklenburg Inn

Perhaps a bit more relaxed than the atmosphere found in Tony's, the Mecklenburg is a great place to relax. This bar has quite the history behind it and actually started as a Confederate hospital in the Civil War. If the relaxed bar atmosphere does not draw a crowd, the live music usually does. Yes, the Mecklenburg is not just a bar but often has local bands come and try their sound. If the music makes a person feel like dancing, that is okay because there is a dance area in the back. This bar is the perfect combination of a relaxed drinking atmosphere and a place to listen to local sounds.

Shaharazade's Exotic Tea Room

Besides being a mouthful to say, Shaharazade's gives a person a step outside of what is normal and a taste of Middle Eastern culture. Don't be confused and think that this tea room only sells tea; it actually sells all kinds of food as well. For those who would rather brew their tea on their own time, Shaharazade's actually sells bags of tea for rather low prices low. However, for those that are still not pleased, Shaharazade's actually provides live Middle Eastern music with belly dancing! All of this combined is quite the experience. Lovers of organic foods and exotic tea will find themselves at home here.

Lost Dog

Again, here is place that is completely unique. Whenever someone wants local coffee from a place they can call their own, they go to the Lost Dog. The workers of the Lost Dog have a passion for what they are doing and it shows. The coffee is strong and good enough to impress even the snobbiest of coffee snobs. Music is always jamming and the eclectic interior sets the perfect mood for coffee drinking. Art from local artists drapes from the walls and pets are welcome. The Lost Dog is a coffee shop that definitely has that hipster feel to it, and is socially conscious of what it is doing. The baristas recommend the "Wet Dog."

China Kitchen

The local Chinese restaurant of choice actually serves more than just ordinary Chinese food. At the China Kitchen, a person can find sushi and more. Though the cost tends to be a bit pricey for a college student's budget, the food is usually worth it. The atmosphere is small and quaint, which gives the restaurant a home-like feeling.  A helpful tip is to try to eat early so that the lunch price is still in effect. Even though the lunch comes with less total food than the dinner, it is still more than enough to sate most people.

Shepherdstown Sweet Shop

If someone ever desperately needs their sweet tooth satisfied, this is the place to go. Aptly named, the Shepherdstown Sweet Shop has basically every pastry and baked good there is for sale. Not only do they have delicious baked items, but they also have delicious beverages such as hot chocolate for wintertime or wine for summer. The outdoor seating is pretty epic as well, as it has a great view of the town. Also, the pet friendly atmosphere gives people a chance to play around with random animals.

Kazu Thai & Japanese Cuisine

Kazu takes two different types of food and manages to bring them together under one roof. The price here can be a little much, but, again, it is totally worth it. Kazu is the perfect place to go to whenever a person wants to get quality sushi. The only Thai/Japanese restaurant for a couple miles, Kazu delivers a selection of food that will likely not be found anywhere nearby.

Blue Moon Cafe

The Blue Moon Cafe is basically Shepherdstown in restaurant form. With many vegan options, beautiful scenery, and music practically every weekend, it is easy to see why the Blue Moon is so successful. The blue glass bottles that surround the restaurant really give the impression of a Blue Moon atmosphere. Again, local artwork can be found on the walls, but this time there are more than pictures. Random books can occasionally be found scattered about. The outside dining is one of the best features of the Blue Moon because of the location. The Blue Moon sits right next to the town run (the tiny river), and the seating surrounds it. For a taste of what Shepherdstown is like, the Blue Moon Cafe is the perfect place to stop.