I've been coming here occasionally since 2019 and for one reason only -their ham, brie, apple croissant sandwich. Best in all of Tampa Bay. That is until they changed it...
It went from being a sweet and flavorful, mouthwatering dish with different textures, to a mouthful of sponge. They replaced it with Ciabatta bread. Now that might not sound like so much of a big deal but when you consider the fact that the croissant on its own has a sweetness to it as well as some flakiness in texture, it makes all the difference. Especially the thickness.
The ciabatta I believe was too big for the stuff that was inside of it. The bread is thick and kinda spongy, so you would need to have something that is either really big or really strong in flavor to offset it. But being that there was just a small slice of brie (which was absorbed by the ciabatta) and other light flavors such as the ham and apple, it seemed to overshadow the crisp contrast in taste of each. So basically, you couldn't taste anything but the spongy ciabatta.
I know it sounds ridiculous that I'm devastated over a sandwich, but this was one of my fav go to pick me up meals in all of Tampa. It was there for me in the good times. It was there for me in the bad. Now it's gone forever and so is a piece of my soul.
If you're here for the other stuff, yea it's pretty cool. Sometimes the staff at the register are friendly, sometimes not. But by no means are they mean or rude. I like the patio too but if you've got weak lungs like I do, maybe avoid it because there are people who smoke.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Angi Brittain
I love this place! The food is spot on! We had a Ruben, the Indy salad, and the hummus. All were phenomenal! The beer choices are unique and fabulous. Recommend this place 100%!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Matt Reis
Had a great time listening to Bossnova here. Band was good, food was good, and we enjoyed our wine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Malcolm Earhart
I'm not sure why, but it's been my experience that every bar named the independent is cool AF. Not quite divey, but a really chill, unpretentious bar. They had food which looked and smelled good, but we didn't partake. Only had a beer and a conversation before we walked across the street to keep the party going. They have outdoor seating, but it was too hot. Maybe on my next visit in October.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
# Amilikey
I was so satisfied with their customer service and their menu selection is so diverse. I had the pork tacos ? and specialty tea !!! They even had a chocolate pastry it was all so delicious ?!!!! I hope to go back soon enough !!!! You won’t be disappointed at this lovely little place!!!!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mojo Pork Tacos
Karlyn Muzik
One of the best spots in Tampa! Great beer great food great bartenders
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Glenn Waite
Not only a great selection of beer but their food is outstanding! And the people working there are always wonderful. Have been going to The Independent for years and highly recommend you go.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bavarian Brat Platter, The Indie Grilled Cheese, Patty Melt, Vegan Brat on a Bun, Beyond Burger, Bavarian Soft Pretzel, Indie House Salad, Cuban Sandwich
Sara Graves
One of our favorite local places. Amazing food & beer. Lovely people, cute outdoor area, nonalcoholic/vegan options. Live music sometimes as well. All-around great vibes here :)
The food presentation was amazing I had the grilled cheese with he house salad and I've never had a more unexpected delightwiththe fruit usage. Absolutely recommend and can't wait totryheirother vegetarian options soon!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Audrey Cleveland
The bartenders were super cool and kept the obnoxious drunks at bay. My friend had a BLT and it looked good. They had tons of alcohol choices.
Parking: There are maybe 10-15 spots. We went on a Friday night and had to park 2 blocks down.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Clyde Keep
Love coming to The Independent for dinner when we are in Seminole Heights. The food is SO good! Never had anything we didn't like. The pretzel ? & Beer Cheese ? ?!! And I love this BLT on Cuban bread. The garlic aioli makes it so tasty. Plus, the GREAT little side salad ever with grapes & blue cheese crumbles!! Definitely check it out, I know we'll be back!! Social: @clydekeep
Coyote friendly menu and great beers.
I've been coming here occasionally since 2019 and for one reason only -their ham, brie, apple croissant sandwich. Best in all of Tampa Bay. That is until they changed it...
It went from being a sweet and flavorful, mouthwatering dish with different textures, to a mouthful of sponge. They replaced it with Ciabatta bread. Now that might not sound like so much of a big deal but when you consider the fact that the croissant on its own has a sweetness to it as well as some flakiness in texture, it makes all the difference. Especially the thickness.
The ciabatta I believe was too big for the stuff that was inside of it. The bread is thick and kinda spongy, so you would need to have something that is either really big or really strong in flavor to offset it. But being that there was just a small slice of brie (which was absorbed by the ciabatta) and other light flavors such as the ham and apple, it seemed to overshadow the crisp contrast in taste of each. So basically, you couldn't taste anything but the spongy ciabatta.
I know it sounds ridiculous that I'm devastated over a sandwich, but this was one of my fav go to pick me up meals in all of Tampa. It was there for me in the good times. It was there for me in the bad. Now it's gone forever and so is a piece of my soul.
If you're here for the other stuff, yea it's pretty cool. Sometimes the staff at the register are friendly, sometimes not. But by no means are they mean or rude. I like the patio too but if you've got weak lungs like I do, maybe avoid it because there are people who smoke.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
I love this place! The food is spot on! We had a Ruben, the Indy salad, and the hummus. All were phenomenal! The beer choices are unique and fabulous. Recommend this place 100%!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Had a great time listening to Bossnova here. Band was good, food was good, and we enjoyed our wine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I'm not sure why, but it's been my experience that every bar named the independent is cool AF. Not quite divey, but a really chill, unpretentious bar. They had food which looked and smelled good, but we didn't partake. Only had a beer and a conversation before we walked across the street to keep the party going. They have outdoor seating, but it was too hot. Maybe on my next visit in October.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
I was so satisfied with their customer service and their menu selection is so diverse. I had the pork tacos ? and specialty tea !!! They even had a chocolate pastry it was all so delicious ?!!!! I hope to go back soon enough !!!! You won’t be disappointed at this lovely little place!!!!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mojo Pork Tacos
One of the best spots in Tampa! Great beer great food great bartenders
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Not only a great selection of beer but their food is outstanding! And the people working there are always wonderful. Have been going to The Independent for years and highly recommend you go.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bavarian Brat Platter, The Indie Grilled Cheese, Patty Melt, Vegan Brat on a Bun, Beyond Burger, Bavarian Soft Pretzel, Indie House Salad, Cuban Sandwich
One of our favorite local places. Amazing food & beer. Lovely people, cute outdoor area, nonalcoholic/vegan options. Live music sometimes as well. All-around great vibes here :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: The Indie Grilled Cheese
What a great place!
thanks you guys
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Indie Grilled Cheese, Cuban Sandwich
Restaurantji Recommends
Good ? good food good staff
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
The food presentation was amazing I had the grilled cheese with he house salad and I've never had a more unexpected delightwiththe fruit usage. Absolutely recommend and can't wait totryheirother vegetarian options soon!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The bartenders were super cool and kept the obnoxious drunks at bay. My friend had a BLT and it looked good. They had tons of alcohol choices.
Parking: There are maybe 10-15 spots. We went on a Friday night and had to park 2 blocks down.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Love coming to The Independent for dinner when we are in Seminole Heights. The food is SO good! Never had anything we didn't like. The pretzel ? & Beer Cheese ? ?!! And I love this BLT on Cuban bread. The garlic aioli makes it so tasty. Plus, the GREAT little side salad ever with grapes & blue cheese crumbles!! Definitely check it out, I know we'll be back!!
Social: @clydekeep
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bavarian Soft Pretzel, Beer Cheese
Cool spot with really nice folks tending bar and great choices to eat and drink
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Turkey
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