Shealla's Place

Pros

• The DJ was nice with the music.
• The bartender was excellent with his service and attentiveness.
• Just an all-around great time was had.
• Constance was great.
• Jill the server was great.
• Their pizza is so good.
• Pizza was amazing.
• The pizza and service were excellent.
• They did a great job serving their large group.
• The food was amazing.
• Michelle was the best waitress; her service was excellent.
• The best food and drinks.
• Pizza was delicious.
• The service was wonderful and the food delicious.
• The pizza was absolutely 5/5, fresh, hot, with great quality ingredients.
• It was a great place to enjoy tasty pizza and karaoke.
• Shields pizza never lets me down; absolutely delicious.

Cons

• The pizza here is trash.
• The pizza dough is raw most of the time.
• The food was trash and the service was trash.
• It was the worst service the reviewer has ever experienced.
• The pizza was luke warm.
• They failed to tell the party that karaoke night would be going on.
• The seating arrangement during karaoke night caused noise and vibration that made it hard to hear.
• The service was very slow, very unprofessional, and of low quality.
• The reviewer said they would never go back.
• For $33, the pizza had dried tomato paste on top of eight small slices, which was unacceptable.

Review

Shields Southfield comes across in these notices as a longtime Detroit-area staple that inspires strong feelings, both high and low. Several reviewers paint a picture of a place with a storied past and a crowd that knows what it likes: classic Detroit-style pizza, a family-friendly vibe on some nights, and a reputation for a lively atmosphere that can swing from chill to karaoke-bar chaos in the blink of an eye. The thread tying many opinions together is a mix of affection and frustration - people who've enjoyed dining there for years clash with newer visitors who ran into inconsistent service or disagree with how some personnel matters were handled. The net effect is a portrait of a beloved local brand that's not immune to the bumps that come with a busy, popular gathering spot.

A focal point for debate among reviewers is the incident surrounding an employee and a family dispute that touched on race-sensitive language. One account centers on a bartender named Connie who allegedly confronted a family member about using a racial slur. According to that account, Connie was suspended and then asked to apologize for how she spoke to the family member in question, with the outcome being uncertainty about reinstatement. This narrative stands in contrast to another account from the establishment's side, which asserts that the firing had nothing to do with racism, that the owner and management are not racist, and that the incident did not involve racially charged motives. In that version, the employee would be reinstated if she chooses, and the family's side of the story is said to be distorted or incomplete. The conflicting portrayals have left many readers unsure about what actually happened, and they've colored how some people view Shields as a place to work or to patronize going forward.

Beyond that controversial moment, the reviews present Shields as a place that can deliver exceptional food and service when things go right, but with notable variability. The pizza, in particular, gets a lot of praise. Several diners call Shields' Detroit-style pies among the best they've had, with phrases like "the best Detroit-style pizza" and "phenomenal" describing various iterations such as a BBQ Chicken option. A number of reviewers highlight crust, sauce, and toppings as reliably delicious, and some speak to the broader menu with affirmations for antipasto salads, pastas, and breadsticks. One patron even reports that a particular pizza order was "absolutely 5/5, fresh, hot, with great quality ingredients" on a takeout visit. The restaurant's reputation for pizza is a constant thread weaving through both the positive and critical posts.

The staff and service dimension is likewise a mixed bag. Several reviewers commend specific servers by name and describe attentive, friendly, and proactive service. For example, Constance and Jill are singled out as great servers who check in, ensure meals arrive in a timely manner, and make guests feel welcome. In other posts, though, service falls short of expectations: patrons recount slow service, long waits for drinks or menus, and miscommunications that lead to incomplete orders or delays. One reviewer describes a kitchen and bar area where drinks and food arrive far apart in timing, and another notes that a party of 15 was seated in a less-than-ideal location during karaoke night, making the dining experience less enjoyable. A few guests also push back against a 20% gratuity, either insisting it felt unfair or expressing general irritation at mandatory tipping in certain contexts.

The atmosphere at Shields Southfield also receives a broad spectrum of commentary. Several posts celebrate the venue as a welcoming, long-standing establishment with a community vibe - an old Detroit favorite where families gather, games and TVs line the walls, and there's a social energy that makes it feel like more than just a restaurant. Karaoke nights come up repeatedly as a highlight for some, a point of contention for others who felt the timing and setting were misaligned with a family dinner or a large party. The venue's ability to host big groups and events - whether a birthday party, a funeral luncheon, or a large sports viewing party - often surfaces as a strength, but the logistics of doing so, especially during busy promotions or karaoke nights, can create friction when reservations or seating arrangements don't meet guests' expectations.

People also recount consistency or lack thereof over time. Some reviews note a return to form, with steady food quality and dependable service on certain visits, reinforcing Shields as a reliable go-to for Detroit-style pizza and a familiar dining experience. Others point to changes since previous visits, suggesting that what used to feel like a well-oiled, family-friendly local favorite has shifted - whether in staff turnover, the pace of service, or the way crowds are managed on busy evenings. The comments about atmosphere and performance - whether the vibe feels nostalgic and comforting or like a crowded, noisy club - mirror this variability and help explain why different patrons walk away with very different impressions after the same venue.

Taken together, the collection of experiences paints Shields Southfield as a place with a strong identity and a loyal following, yet one that can frustrate when expectations clash with reality. The positive notes emphasize standout pizza, friendly servers, and a sense of community that invites repeat visits and celebrations. The negative threads highlight inconsistent service, delays, and management decisions that invite strong disagreement, especially when a controversial employee matter is involved. For potential diners, regulars, and prospective staff, the stories suggest a decision point: Shields can be a source of high-quality food and memorable evenings, but it's wise to go in with an awareness that experiences may vary and that some nights may feel more like a well-oiled night of pizza and karaoke, while others highlight the challenges that come with running a busy, long-standing neighborhood hotspot.

Located in the heart of Southfield, Michigan, this area offers a convenient and bustling environment for seniors looking to settle down. With several pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens within a few miles radius, easy access to healthcare services is ensured. Additionally, there are numerous dining options including fast food chains like McDonald's and Taco Bell, as well as local cafes like Starbucks and Ferndale Project. For medical needs, there are reputable physicians and hospitals nearby such as Be Well Medical Center and Botsford Hospital. Entertainment options include theaters like Emagine Royal Oak and parks like Shain Park for leisurely walks. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded lifestyle for seniors seeking convenience and amenities in their retirement years.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• Walgreens (2.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.1 miles)
• Rite Aid (3.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.3 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (1.9 miles)
• Wendy's (2.9 miles)
• McDonald's (2.9 miles)
• Taco Bell (3.2 miles)
• Taco Bell (3.5 miles)
• Alex's of Berkley (3.6 miles)
• McDonald's (3.7 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.4 miles)
• Starbucks (2.9 miles)
• Starbucks (3.1 miles)
• Starbucks (4 miles)
• Starbucks (4.3 miles)
• Starbucks (5.1 miles)
• Ferndale Project (5.2 miles)

Physicians

• Be Well Medical Center (3.5 miles)
• Beverly Hills Orthopedists (4.3 miles)
• Royal Oak Pediatrics PC (4.5 miles)
• Providence Medical Center (4.8 miles)
• Millenium Diagnostic Center (6.5 miles)
• Michigan Institute For Neurological Disorders (6.6 miles)
• Troy Orthopedics Associates (7.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Botsford Hospital (4.6 miles)
• Park Geriatric Village (8.5 miles)

Theaters

• Emagine Royal Oak (5.2 miles)
• Riviera Cinema (5.3 miles)
• MJR Troy Grand Digital Cinema 16 (7.2 miles)
• AMC Star John R 15 (7.9 miles)

Parks

• Shain Park (5.3 miles)
• Starr Jaycee Park (5.3 miles)
• Harding Park (5.8 miles)
• Clawson Park (6.7 miles)
• Flanders Park (6.7 miles)
• Palmer Park (7.2 miles)
• Woodland Hills Nature Park (7.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Hugo of the Hills Church (8.4 miles)