My boyfriend and I had an amazing experience. The mussels as our app were absolutely to die for. The atmosphere was awesome and so was our service. My Rosé Spritz was unreal! read more

The Independent - Mussels!!! - Bars Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Interesting bar/restaurant. One side is the pub and the other side is the restaurant. Came here with my sister because of Gilmore girls. The staff didn't even care about Gilmore Girls, they literally said they'd rather be watching some other show. The advertisement initially said themed food, drinks, music and the day of there was only themed drinks. The bartender had a big cough over someone's drink. We started with the Founder's Punch ($10) rum and punch and Range Life ($11) tequila and apple brandy. Then shared the mussels and fried chicken. Decadent and divine surprisingly. The moosabec mussels ($14) were in a creamy, tomatey, garlicy broth with three pieces of nicely charred bread. The fried chicken ($19) was finely brown but didn't taste burnt and came with a sweet potato biscuit and coleslaw. Perfectly cooked and finger lickin' good. It was a good try to lure the crowds for a pre-Thanksgiving go and they had quite a few tables but there were no subtitles on the two dinky tvs and the music was all right. Thumbs up for the coat hangers under the bar though. Service was good and the bathroom was all right... I'd come again if other people wanted to check it out, but I wouldn't sit at the bar because it was hard to watch the bartenders mix drinks with the spoon upside down and make the same drink 5 different ways. Brunch seems to be the biggie at this place though. read more

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Uncooked and worm-ridden food, child-like portions, and the discomfort of having to sit on pleather-ripped chairs. This is what you'll get at The Independent, a restaurant/bar that is an embarrassment to Somerville, the state, and our country. Even if you are a person who likes to say "I'll eat anything," you'll surely disagree after a meal here. My unfortunate night at The Independent started with my unkempt host/waiter/server sitting me at a booth with ripped pleather upholestry. Plenty of other non-ripped seats were available, but I guess they were saving them in case the mayor stopped by. I tried to overlook this non-charming imperfection, but the ripped pleather rid on my Nat bits all night, making sitting uncomfortable. I wanted to ask my bearded server for a seat change, but I didn't want to upset this depressed soul who was obviously ashamed of his employment selection. While the booth was terrible, the food was even worse. I ordered the deviled eggs with bacon/cucumbers, which were of low-end grocery store quality. While this would turn out to be the best part of the meal, I take offense to the fact that they charged $5 for only two eggs. For dinner I had the sirloin salad and my hot date of the night had the salmon salad. Tastes disgusting is the only phrase that could describe both of them. The sirloin was fatty and the salmon was EXTREMELY undercooked. My date actually had to go to the doctor later that week and was told she had worms - no doubt courtesy of The Independent's salmon. Financially, I really advise against ordering the salads. While they are priced as dinner items - these salads are appetizer portions! I have a bird stomach, and even I was not close to full. In fact, after leaving The Independent, I strolled over to the nearby Subway and got some five dollar footlongs (hehe) to curb my hunger. I used to love the word "Independent." It invoked in me emotions of freedom, strength, and that great song from Ms. Beyonce Knowles. One night at The Independent in Somerville, however, forever ruined my association with the word. Tell me someone is very independent, and now I'll only think of the grossest restaurant experience I've ever had. read more

The Independent - A ripped chair - the classy furniture of the Independent - Bars Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

The Indo always seems like a good idea: new American fare, killer cocktail list, please-all diversity, gastropubesque. It's the inconsistency that really buries it in the pile. Normally, I'm not a huge fan of the pros/cons list, but in some environments (greasy spoons and everypubs), it's really the only way to lay down the facts. + Deviled eggs flavor: tangy, firm and heavily salted. Dig the cuke platters to keep them upright, and bring a little texture to the party. + Gnocchi with short rib: eating this dish is like coming out of the rain and sliding in to a warm, thick robe. A robe made of braised meat. Gravy slippers. + The cocktails. Go with one from the specialty list and it's a ne'erfail. Honolulu Dogfight? Alright. Calamity Jane? Okayne. + Service. Top notch. Incredibly on point without hovering. - Deviled eggs price. Two eggs halved for $5? All-Star Sandwich Bar does a picnic version and slings 1.5 ova for $0.99. Maybe it doesn't run the con anywhere else on the menuohwait. $8 for a wedge salad. Suckered. - The calamari. Just... awful. Imbalanced, overcooked and almost rancid. Actually had to send it back. Bad plate? Won't chance it again. - Sirloin salad. The played-out combination of Bibb lettuce, blue cheese, avocado and tomato serving as a bed for protein would be fine and dandy, if it were executed well. The steak is rimmed with fat, most definitely precooked and sliced cold; the cherry toms are underripe and mealy in a handful of salad. Portioned for kids, priced for adults ($12). Nope. Methinks I'll be sticking it out at the bar for the next journey 'round Union Square, but with options like Precinct, Bronwyn and backbar closer to front of mind, I'm not sure when that next drink may come. read more

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Pros: Atmosphere was classy & comfortable. We went for brunch--delicious pancakes and homefries. Excellent service. Cons: They advertised a 16oz mimosa, which was really 12oz and full of ice. I don't trust people that serve ice in their drinks. You wouldn't water down a beer, keep it out of the champagne. read more

The Independent - Bars Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Incredibly mediocre food and very rude servers who blatantly ignored me and my friends multiple times before taking our orders

The Independent has been high on my list since I moved to Somerville in August 2012 (however, it has been there because I heard / thought it was a great lesbian bar and I wanted to take my housemate there -- it is not. However, the food is great, so go anyways). I went for brunch on a Sunday and was super impressed. The drinks were great and the food was even better. I ordered a veggie burger with french fries (a classic American move I would say) and I was not expecting anything too great (could be due to the fact that I was hung over and/or decided it is always best to go in with no expectations). When the waitress, who was super sweet, came out with my veggie burger I thought it was going to be the worst! It looked burnt and disgusting; however, that is the opposite of the truth! Filled with flavor and spices! Hooray. The brunch was amazing... I wish my hung over brain remembered what my friends ordered, but it was good, please trust me on this. Besides that, the interior of the restaurant was great -- definitely set off a great vibe. The place smells like hops (which was great) and reminded me of a cute Irish gig. Go here, do it. read more

The Independent - Amazing veggie burger - Bars Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

First time visiting this restaurant as my friend and I were looking for a quick bite to eat. I recall hearing good things about it when it first opened so we opted to try it out. We went on a Saturday...didn't realize they did brunch on Saturdays too. They only had the brunch menu available. We made the best of it. My friend ordered veggie benedict and I ordered a mixed green salad with goat cheese and pomegranate with grilled chicken. My friend liked his order but I didn't like mine. Tasteless dressing and equally tasteless goat cheese. I barely noticed the goat cheese as there were 2-3 tiny dollops of it. But the chicken was nasty. It had a weird taste and consistency to it. Stringy with a strange flavor that I couldn't identify. Not sure if was spoiled. Luckily, I didn't not get sick from eating it. Service was average at best. It appears they are suffering from inexperienced newbie staff like many other food establishments. There was a good vibe to the place and it did get busy by the time we left. All in all, I probably wouldn't go back nor recommend unless I didn't have any other options. Based on the crowd, it is a popular place so perhaps I'm the outlier. There is metered parking in front but spaces can go quickly. read more

Solid spot. The dishes aren't very big but they are flavorful! The atmosphere on a given night is super dark, my old eyes can barely see in the place. Great waiter and clean restrooms. read more

The Independent - Bars Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

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Food was overall awesome, however the service sucked, felt extremely rushed and just had an extremely rude waitress. cool ambiance though.

I am adding this one star review in complete disgust of the buttermilk chicken sandwich being removed from the menu. If there's anyone out there... anyone at all who has any pull in that kitchen please answer my prayer. If it's added back I give the independent 5 stars, truly a great all around restaurant, but for now I'm unfortunately left to my last resort. read more

I've been here a few times and the host has always been the WORST. I could rant about it but I'll just rate the food instead.. Table service has always been good. I've come here for lunch/dinner a few times and the food has always been okay. Nothing amazing but nothing terrible either. Their garlic aioli is literally mayo so beware. Burgers are average but cooked med rare, the ruben is good (not amazing) and the mac and cheese is sad since they changed it. Brass union next door has way better service and an amazing lamb burger + games. Way better choice for food! read more

Decent brunch and average prices for Boston. I ordered the Ham and Cheese Omelette which came with a side of breakfast potatoes. Overall the omelette was just okay. Nothing spectacular, probably would order something different if I go back. The potatoes had a really yummy seasoning! read more

The Independent - Ham and cheese omelette - Bars Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Great food! Wonderful and kind service! Cute place! Try the grilled grapefruit for brunch! read more

The Independent - Bars Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Friendly bartenders, good food, long beer list from expensive Belgian beers on tap to cheap Pork Slap in a can, and great music, including DJs from Stereo Jack's Records in Cambridge. They do have huge projector screens showing sports, but they seem to exist more as an afterthought, since I've only occasionally seen people at the bar "watching the game". It's a great place to be in the winter, with all the warm wood paneling. I also like that they've dealt with the graffiti problem in the bathroom by making all the walls chalk boards. Those walls see some interesting drawings. read more

"The Indo" as they like to call themselves - v trendy - regretfully could be trendier. Their breakfast options seem chill at first glance but upon ordering a croissant it's clear it's similar to a bagged starbucks croissant without all the flakey layers. Espresso martini was delicious foamy and light - well paletted. French toast sounded delicious but don't recommend. The homefries were probably cooked in canola oil but you can't control everything. The vibes are strong. Unfortunately they don't allow dogs on the patio and that is a big dealbreaker for the future. I realize this is more of a town of Somerville issue but it's whack. Dogs are the future. Don't order the croissant. My friends love the indo. Hurrah the indo. read more

Came here with some friends on a Friday night and really enjoyed the food, drinks, and atmosphere! It was a nice summer night so we snagged a corner seat on the patio. They have a high back wall that blocks the view of the parking lot so you feel more enclosed which we liked. We had a really great server that could recommend drinks and beers. All the meals served (chicken sandy, tacos, caesar salad, poutine, spinach salad with steak) was great. There was one outlier however, the brussels. They were very bitter and did not seem like they were cooked long enough. May have been a fluke since the rest of the food was delish. Overall 4 stars and would definitely stop back in when visiting Union Sq. read more

I started my Sunday night with a glimmer in my eye as I stepped out to meet up with a date. It was a first date, but one I was hopeful for. Unfortunately my mood swayed to that of melancholy after lingering (like the Cranberries song) in a bar for an hour, I was stood up. Needing a change of scenery I decided to take a walk to and find a different local watering hole, when i stumbled upon the Independent. I was immediately greeted with warm welcomes by manager Liz and server Cassandra. The vibe inside was cozy and amiable. After some invigorating small chat and some uplifting words from my new friends Cass and Liz I was welcomed to the bar and met Keith. There I took some beer suggestions and was certainly not disappointed. I indulged in a burger....garlic aioli, caramelized onions. As the kids would say, this burger was off the chain. I would like to give a special thanks to Liz, Cassandra, and Keith for turning a glum night into one filled with laughter. What a special place the Independent is! read more

Fun bar in the middle of Union Square. Although the others around it seem to get more love, I do enjoy the charm of this place. We went in and sat right at the bar. Pretty good for a Saturday night in Somerville. The selection of beers was top notch, and the lady friend enjoyed her glasses of wine. Prices were middle of the road. You pay a bit more, but get better quality than most places. The service was engaging, the atmosphere a bit loud, and the energy lively. I think we will be back sooner rather than later. read more

The Independent - Full Bar - Bars Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Wish I had taken some pictures but I loved all of my choices. The buffalo mac was so tasty and my friends and I split the strawberry goat cheese salad. I could have that every day. Everyone seemed to enjoy the cocktails they ordered, too. I went with the spicy tequila drink (can't remember the name). Cute outdoor space. Would definitely come again. read more

I really liked this place. Food was delicious. Service was fine- nothing great but not bad. Definitely coming back for the food though, and the drinks were good too. I like the beer selection as well read more

LIT great food - environment white and dry but nonetheless great food. The beer was primo - and the waiters were hip and woke. read more

Good Ambience. Good Service. Drink Menu has all the spirits listed and overall atmosphere is lively Recommended Dish : Hot Dates, Noe Nacho Entrees were average read more

I've been here numerous times for drinks, and am never disappointed. The left side is a wonderfully cozy, dark bar-only area with knowledgeable and attentive bartenders, and their beer list is on point (they do cocktails too). Can't speak about the food, but it's definitely a great spot to grab some drinks. read more

Seems to average out to a solid three-star place. Some good food (I do recommend the mussels), and a good bit of meh/heavy-handed food. Decent beer selection but my mixed drink had barely any alcohol in it that I could taste. They forgot the bacon on my burger altogether (sigh) and gave me fries instead of a salad (although they did eventually remember the side salad). They would really have to tighten things up to get to four stars. read more

This place has a nice aesthetic and our server was pleasant but the food was not great. I had the poutine and french onion soup and both lacked quality flavors. The cheese on the poutine was a bit too salty and the french onion soup was not fresh but tasted more like it came from a frozen container. The prices were also too high for portion sizes and quality. read more

I went to the ALL Local dinner here last night. It was organized by the Somerville Business Network and cooked by the Independent. Since it's March and New England, it's pretty hard to find to find local food. They did a great job and served up cheese from vermont, veg from western mass, mussels from massachusetts and maple syrup from somerville! The maple syrup was on top of the local ice cream made by Christina's. The cask conditioned beer was also pretty darn good - it was Golden Ale from Mayflower in Plymouth. I scanned in the menu if you are interested in what you can scour up locally this time of year. read more

The Independent - SBN ALL local menu from March 2010 - Bars Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

I've been three times and every time has been great. Last night my boyfriend and I went and split a cheeseboard and an entree. Usually waiters will get mad when you want to split things, but not at The Independent! They split our sandwich two ways and we didn't even ask! The servers were also delightful and made us feel at ease :) read more

The Independent - Yum! - Bars Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

After years of coming to union square I finally made an effort to try the Independent, and I was not disappointed. Came here on a Tuesday evening, to a quaint atmosphere (typically appears busier on the weekends) for a nice evening out with the aunt and uncle. The overall layout of the restaurant is interesting as it has a dining area complete with a full length bar that is separate from a more intimate bar/dining area with a fireplace and casual seating area. The lighting in the two adjacent spaces almost suggest two different types of experiences of the Independent. If you want sensual and romantic, go to the bar in the back, if you want more of a casual relaxing atmosphere for a group of people I suggest the front bar. My fiance had the salmon while I had the short ribs. The salmon was cooked perfectly and flavorful, but the deliciousness of the short ribs seemed to overshadow it for me. The short ribs are a special and I was told they bring it back periodically, but I hope they make it a full time menu item as I would come back for that alone. Overall the food is good, the drinks are strong, the prices are semi-reasonable, and the atmosphere can vary depending on what you're looking for, but good for any occasion. Cheers read more

I went to The Independent with two friends tonight and the experience was truly exceptional. After having a bad day, they were able to fit us in immediately without a reservation. On top of that, our waiter was very professional and was very attentive while also being careful not to be overbearing. The beer selection and cocktails were great! I'm a vegetarian and, while the options were not really expansive, there was as quite a bit to choose from. My friends enjoyed their meals as well, and looking at them made me wish I ate meat. The food all looked delicious. I would recommend The Independent to anyone looking for a good meal in union square! read more

Great food and fair prices for the area. But the way the staff treats it's customers was poor and lacked transparency. They fail to provide any explanation for "sold out items" and regulars will get there way. I was told by are server there were out bacon and my grandma and I could not get BLTs. However my brother's Mac n cheese had bacon in it. We finished dinner and payed the bill. After we payed the bill, the table next to use received BLT sandwiches. Apparently, they weren't out! Asked the server why that was, but he failed to provide an explanation, brushed it off and walked away. I did not want to cause a scene because I was with my family and did want to disturb the mood. It was a shame because the loin steak tips and garlic aioli fries were cooked to perfection! read more

We were stranded in this area around 2:30 PM on a Saturday looking for a brunch spot. We struck out at Juliet and Bronwyn, but the Independent had its kitchen open all afternoon, so a major kudos for that! Food was respectable but the service was lackluster. The waitstaff basically ignored us, so that was a bit annoying when we were sitting with dirty plates. I'd come again, though, it's a beautiful place and we did get our food quickly! read more

Mussels with a lemonade is just absolutely perfect! They were so delicious. The staff are all super friendly and everything was so clean. The menu has a great selection for all of your tastebuds. The mussels are my favorite! read more

The Independent - Bars Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

This was my first time at The Independent - I just dropped by to grab a drink and maybe a small bite to eat. The drink list is decent and the bartender was friendly and attentive, but the menu isn't really up my alley, so I just ordered some fries. The place was clean and the atmosphere was welcoming, but it smelled strongly of fish when we first walked in. I would definitely come back to sit at the bar, but I obviously can't speak for the food (fries were good though!) read more

The Independent - $5 fries (with an aioli that didn't taste like much, to be honest) - Bars Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Best gnocchi I have ever had!!!!!! Nice atmosphere good drinks would definitely return

I'm a fan of The Indep. The cocktails are great, the beer list is pretty good, there's gastropub fare (a little upscale, a little pricey, pretty tasty), and a brunch with a full Irish breakfast. It's a fairly large space (and even larger in good weather when the patio is open), so only at the busiest of times is it a wait and it's usually not uncomfortably crowded. The place is the corner-stone of Union. As such, it doesn't stand out as much as many places around it. But the service is friendly, and it's well worth going time and again. read more

Why the 3.5 stars?! This place is aweeeesome!!!!! I came here on a recent barhopping adventure and had so much fun. It's a pretty happening Irish pub with a trendy/hipster and yet eclectic crowd ranging anywhere from 25-60. The DJ the night I went was spinning vinyl LPs from the 60s. No joke. Vinyl. Like...actual records...COOOOOL. He played some really groovy and fun tracks (Temptations off the top of my head) and I'd say at least half the place was on their feet dancing!...including yours truly :) Will definitely be back for more drinks and may even swing by to the other side of the bar which has a full menu for dinner one of these days! read more

In the words of Remember The Titans, the movie made famous by Denzel Washington: "Left Side. Strong Side." God bless the Independent. Ever since I left Brookline, I've been hurting something terrible for a place that mixes delicious food with beer pleasure. The Publick House was my haunt and I guzzled down many beers there, happily and with gusto, but now I live in Somerville. I needed a new haunt. I needed the Independent (pub side) I love that I can have dinner here at 8pm on a Friday night (with 4 other people) without having to wait -- I sit down, I enjoy some delicious beers and snack on tasty appetizers. The Trout Balls were tasty and warm, the Mushroom dip was creamy and comforting, and the Steak & Cheese on toasted bread was scrumptious. I ordered a steak and the fries were quite tasty, I snacked happily on them while enjoying my small albeit, perfectly cooked fillet. Our waitress kept the beers coming and I felt totally comfortable. And it's only a short 87 bus ride away. I will probably haunt this place for many times to come. The beer list is substantial, and frequently changes, features a lot of amazing American craft beers with a few Belgian & German highlights. The bar is dark, comfortable and cold. Though it probably needs a few more tables, they have a lot of space between the bar and the pub-side seating. You could probably have a happy little event here considering it's rarely crowded. I could see how you would feel a little uncomfortable if you went to the other side of the restaurant. It's too white, too clean and well, too -- YUPPIE. But the pub is a perfect place to go with your lover, friend, small group of favorites. Will return, happily. It's more jeans and a hoodie, and much more desirable when you've got such a sweet beer selection. I still am salivating over the Rouge's Hazelnut Brown Nectar and that delicious steak. So Yum. read more

This review is for The Independent as a watering hole, as I've never eaten here. The bar area is wonderful, with a cozy, effortlessly artsy feel to it. Being in Union, it's not an overly crowded bar, but the kind of place where you can almost always get a seat. The selection of beers on tap is PHENOMENAL, and frankly impresses me beyond my wildest dreams. They have 16 beers on tap at all times. Some stand-out beers included: Rogue Dead Guy (I miss Oregon!!!), Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout (have I died and gone to beer heaven?), Chimay, Stone Pale Ale, Berkshire Pale Ale, and Sixpoint (a yummy craft ale from Brooklyn). I mean, really. With a quality beer list like this, I could drink here every night. That would be bad for my liver, but great for my soul. Oh, and this past Friday, while my boyfriend and I sat sipping our brews and people watching, we fell in love with the scene. A gaggle of preps on one end of the bar, the bartender in a Texas t-shirt and rocking a porn 'stache, the DJ mixing indie/jazz/metal/techno/soul (I made up that genre for lack of other explanation) and gazing at the ceiling from his corner booth, and of course, the requisite skinny hipster couple in the corner making out for over an hour. As a bar, this spot is dynamite. read more

Loved the atmosphere of this place. Server was extremely nice. Tried their specialty cocktail which is spin off of a spicy margarita. It was easily a 10/10. Great spice flavor, with balanced citrus taste. This place is know for its deviled eggs and it did not disappoint. Honestly overall this was a great restaurant with great eats and affordable compared to much of Boston. read more