The Independent
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Went for father's day celebrations and world cup viewing. Service was great, and the selection of beers, ciders, and more is expansive! We sat inside, but their outdoor seating is covered also. Very laidback world cup viewing spot
Independent Bar and Cafe caught my attention for it's German cuisine. They don't have much but, some, and that's more than most. German food is my favorite food but it's few and far between. My wife and I were in the area selling some records when we decided to stop in for lunch. A refreshing Gaffel Kolsch beer with a Bavarian Brat platter. My wife also got the same thing. The food was up quick. A hot German brat, side of sauerkraut and a Bavarian soft pretzel. Mustard to dip. $13.45. It was all good stuff. The brat was perfectly cooked, slightly crispy. The sauerkraut warm and tart. The soft pretzel decent. We'd come back here.
A great neighborhood spot for a casual hang. They have a selection of beer and wine and different shareable snack options (I like the soft pretzel and pierogies). Their playlist is also diverse and fun!
It's in a Great location, but be mindful of the minimal parking, though there is plenty around spread out. There is amble seating outside and in, and the place provides a happy laid back vibe. All the staff were incredibly helpful, friendly and attentive that gave plenty of great recommendations for drinks and menu items. The sangria was great and the perigees were to die for, super buttery and the perfect amount of crispiness. They also had a band there planting live music which is a frequent occurrence there. Will definitely return.
4.5 stars for The Independent which came recommended to us. The potato and cheese perogis were my favorite. Came out piping hot and with generous filling. I still think about them sometimes... My partner got the TLT sandwich which came with very tasty and crispy bread. I didn't love the Leberkase Sandwich. It came with fried bologna that tasted kind of like hot dog. At least the side salad was tasty. I asked for no blue cheese but it came out with blue cheese anyway so the attention to detail is a bit lacking but perhaps to be expected from a pub. It was confusing how to order since their bartender and server was combined into 1 role. Plenty of seating all around and and indoor outdoor space. Overall would recommend checking out it you're looking for a low key pub with good food in Tampa.
The Basics: The Independent is a beer hall and cafe in Seminole Heights. There is rustic indoor seating as well as an outdoor patio. We visited on a Friday night and it was a fun, loud, bar environment where it can be tricky to find seating when busy. Things I like: I really liked the environment at Independent and it is great to have a beer hall in Tampa with a nice beer selection. Things I didn't like: I was not very impressed by the food. The Bavarian Soft Pretzel was hard in spots and the Brat on a Bun was not very flavorful and hard to finish. I would not order these items again. Additionally, I did not love the seating options. There were not many comfortable places to sit, leading to a desire to leave sooner than we may normally have. Overall, a nice option for beer and a good time in Tampa, but perhaps eat elsewhere before visiting.
Stopped for lunch on the way to our hotel from the airport. Mid-afternoon and there were a few people there...2-3 with dogs as this is a very pet friendly place. Bartender provided samples so we could narrow our beer selections. Tons of beers and a reasonable wine selection. For lunch I got the Banh Mi sandwich and my wife got the house salad with chicken salad. My Banh Mi has flavorful mild pork (as advertised), but lacked any kick of flavor. A good pork sandwich, but not as flavorful as others I've had. The salad(s) were fresh and good with a nice poppyseed dressing. Food took about 10-15 minutes to come out. Staff was all very helpful and friendly.
A cool night time spot in Seminole Heights with live music on the weekends. We visited around Oktoberfest so the theme was definitely German/Bavarian. It was very busy on a Saturday night, and it was seat yourself. Definitely be prepared if coming with a large group. There was some open seating at the bar which is where my small group went. The bartender was extremely welcoming, explaining all the beer selections and letting us sample many. Food- I'm polish and am used to home cooked pierogi. I understood that ordering the pierogi wouldn't completely satiate my craving, moreso "scratch the itch". Nevertheless, the Potato and Cheese Pierogi were crisp, the filling was good, and it was served with a side of sour cream and sauerkraut. The one downfall was that the seasonings on the outside of the pierogi proved to be very salty. We also ordered the Bavarian Brat Platter which was comprised of a German bratwurst, sauerkraut, and Bavarian soft pretzel. The bratwurst had a nice flavor, however, it seemed to be boiled! This proved to be off putting to my group. If it was served grilled or with a pan sear and a slight crisp or char, this really would've elevated the taste and presentation of the dish. I heard from a customer that the Reuben is delicious so would definitely give it a try in the future. Drink- We ordered a Hefeweizen, the pineapple cider, the house sangria, and the vinho verde. The vinho verde was the least favorite drink as it was on the sweeter side which surprised us.
Seminole Heights resident. The Rueben's and salads almost match the greatness of the beer menu.
Stopped in here yesterday in search of new breweries and bars that I haven't tried yet. They are more a pub since they don't brew their own beer but that wasn't a problem since they have a great selection of craft and specialty beers as well as wine. The atmosphere was relaxed with several people having their dogs with them. Their staff were friendly and attentive and their beer was local and lovely. My favorite part of this location was the outdoor seating area. It faces the east so in the afternoon the sun is on the other side of the building which is nice. The day we went the temperature was great with a gentle breeze and lovely fall weather. I will absolutely come back.
We stopped here last night to try a place new to us. The weather was amazing, so we sat outside. The seating was comfortable and it was nice to see some people bring their dogs here. We enjoyed a draft beer, but they also have an amazing cooler with a lot of Belgian beers that we may have to try next time. We look forward to coming back soon.
The Independent's sandwich game is strong! This menu never ceases to impress. It's been a while since I've been in, but I always have the toughest time choosing what to order. The sandwiches range from Cubans to chicken salad croissants to hot dogs (yes, I consider a hot dog a sandwich). But the best part is they offer just as many vegan/vegetarian options as they do meat. You can order the Braut On A Bun regular or with Beyond sausage, the Rueben with turkey or corned beef or the Rueben with tempeh. If you're looking for a new lunch spot with some bomb sammies, I highly recommend trying the Independent!
Really cool beer hall in Seminole heights with good food. I got the Estrella to drink and my fiancée got a sparkling rosé. Nice outdoor seating although it's on a big road so some noise from the cars. I got the roast beef sandwich with horseeradish and bacon and cheese added and it was delicious! Although the bun got a bit soggy from the horseradish. But overall the flavor was great and for being mainly a beer hall not a restaurant it was surprisingly good! Glad I finally got to try it out. read more
Business owner information
Veronica D.
Thank you for kind words! Hope you come back again soon! Cheers!
2 months ago
The food was amazing, the staff was incredibly friendly, and the music made the entire visit worthwhile. We had a wonderful night out enjoying great food, family, friends, and exceptional service. Everyone made us feel so welcome. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a fun evening with delicious food and outstanding hospitality. Thank you for making our night so special! If I could give more stars I would! read more
3 months ago
Went for father's day celebrations and world cup viewing. Service was great, and the selection of beers, ciders, and more is expansive! We sat inside, but their outdoor seating is covered also. Very laidback world cup viewing spot read more
Independent Bar and Cafe caught my attention for it's German cuisine. They don't have much but, some, and that's more than most. German food is my favorite food but it's few and far between. My wife and I were in the area selling some records when we decided to stop in for lunch. A refreshing Gaffel Kolsch beer with a Bavarian Brat platter. My wife also got the same thing. The food was up quick. A hot German brat, side of sauerkraut and a Bavarian soft pretzel. Mustard to dip. $13.45. It was all good stuff. The brat was perfectly cooked, slightly crispy. The sauerkraut warm and tart. The soft pretzel decent. We'd come back here. read more
8 months ago
2 years ago
It's in a Great location, but be mindful of the minimal parking, though there is plenty around spread out. There is amble seating outside and in, and the place provides a happy laid back vibe. All the staff were incredibly helpful, friendly and attentive that gave plenty of great recommendations for drinks and menu items. The sangria was great and the perigees were to die for, super buttery and the perfect amount of crispiness. They also had a band there planting live music which is a frequent occurrence there. Will definitely return. read more
Business owner information
Veronica D.
Appreciate your compliments! Hope to see you again! Cheers!
2 years ago
4.5 stars for The Independent which came recommended to us. The potato and cheese perogis were my favorite. Came out piping hot and with generous filling. I still think about them sometimes... My partner got the TLT sandwich which came with very tasty and crispy bread. I didn't love the Leberkase Sandwich. It came with fried bologna that tasted kind of like hot dog. At least the side salad was tasty. I asked for no blue cheese but it came out with blue cheese anyway so the attention to detail is a bit lacking but perhaps to be expected from a pub. It was confusing how to order since their bartender and server was combined into 1 role. Plenty of seating all around and and indoor outdoor space. Overall would recommend checking out it you're looking for a low key pub with good food in Tampa. read more
Business owner information
Veronica D.
We appreciate your compliments and candor! Our system can be…
The Basics: The Independent is a beer hall and cafe in Seminole Heights. There is rustic indoor seating as well as an outdoor patio. We visited on a Friday night and it was a fun, loud, bar environment where it can be tricky to find seating when busy. Things I like: I really liked the environment at Independent and it is great to have a beer hall in Tampa with a nice beer selection. Things I didn't like: I was not very impressed by the food. The Bavarian Soft Pretzel was hard in spots and the Brat on a Bun was not very flavorful and hard to finish. I would not order these items again. Additionally, I did not love the seating options. There were not many comfortable places to sit, leading to a desire to leave sooner than we may normally have. Overall, a nice option for beer and a good time in Tampa, but perhaps eat elsewhere before visiting. read more
1 year ago
4 months ago
Business owner information
Veronica D.
We appreciate the kind words and we hope to see you again! Cheers!
Stopped for lunch on the way to our hotel from the airport. Mid-afternoon and there were a few people there...2-3 with dogs as this is a very pet friendly place. Bartender provided samples so we could narrow our beer selections. Tons of beers and a reasonable wine selection. For lunch I got the Banh Mi sandwich and my wife got the house salad with chicken salad. My Banh Mi has flavorful mild pork (as advertised), but lacked any kick of flavor. A good pork sandwich, but not as flavorful as others I've had. The salad(s) were fresh and good with a nice poppyseed dressing. Food took about 10-15 minutes to come out. Staff was all very helpful and friendly. read more
9 months ago
Business owner information
Veronica D.
We appreciate the high props! Cheers!
9 months ago
Business owner information
Veronica D.
Appreciate the kind words Kathy! Happy Holidays!
3 years ago
A cool night time spot in Seminole Heights with live music on the weekends. We visited around Oktoberfest so the theme was definitely German/Bavarian. It was very busy on a Saturday night, and it was seat yourself. Definitely be prepared if coming with a large group. There was some open seating at the bar which is where my small group went. The bartender was extremely welcoming, explaining all the beer selections and letting us sample many. Food- I'm polish and am used to home cooked pierogi. I understood that ordering the pierogi wouldn't completely satiate my craving, moreso "scratch the itch". Nevertheless, the Potato and Cheese Pierogi were crisp, the filling was good, and it was served with a side of sour cream and sauerkraut. The one downfall was that the seasonings on the outside of the pierogi proved to be very salty. We also ordered the Bavarian Brat Platter which was comprised of a German bratwurst, sauerkraut, and Bavarian soft pretzel. The bratwurst had a nice flavor, however, it seemed to be boiled! This proved to be off putting to my group. If it was served grilled or with a pan sear and a slight crisp or char, this really would've elevated the taste and presentation of the dish. I heard from a customer that the Reuben is delicious so would definitely give it a try in the future. Drink- We ordered a Hefeweizen, the pineapple cider, the house sangria, and the vinho verde. The vinho verde was the least favorite drink as it was on the sweeter side which surprised us. read more
Business owner information
Veronica D.
Hello Stephanie! Thank you for your review and comments. Just wanted…
1 year ago
Seminole Heights resident. The Rueben's and salads almost match the greatness of the beer menu. read more
2 years ago
Stopped in here yesterday in search of new breweries and bars that I haven't tried yet. They are more a pub since they don't brew their own beer but that wasn't a problem since they have a great selection of craft and specialty beers as well as wine. The atmosphere was relaxed with several people having their dogs with them. Their staff were friendly and attentive and their beer was local and lovely. My favorite part of this location was the outdoor seating area. It faces the east so in the afternoon the sun is on the other side of the building which is nice. The day we went the temperature was great with a gentle breeze and lovely fall weather. I will absolutely come back. read more
1 year ago
What a gem!! First time here but definitely not my last. Amazing selection of beers and the pretzels are awesome. Super friendly folks who know their way around their business and customers. read more
We stopped here last night to try a place new to us. The weather was amazing, so we sat outside. The seating was comfortable and it was nice to see some people bring their dogs here. We enjoyed a draft beer, but they also have an amazing cooler with a lot of Belgian beers that we may have to try next time. We look forward to coming back soon. read more
The Independent's sandwich game is strong! This menu never ceases to impress. It's been a while since I've been in, but I always have the toughest time choosing what to order. The sandwiches range from Cubans to chicken salad croissants to hot dogs (yes, I consider a hot dog a sandwich). But the best part is they offer just as many vegan/vegetarian options as they do meat. You can order the Braut On A Bun regular or with Beyond sausage, the Rueben with turkey or corned beef or the Rueben with tempeh. If you're looking for a new lunch spot with some bomb sammies, I highly recommend trying the Independent! read more
5 years ago
This was a solid lunch stop on my recent Tampa trip. Not only do they have an impressive tap menu for some cold beers, but their food was good too! While they give off a German brewhaus vibe, their menu features a lot of variety - including the delish mojo pork tacos I enjoyed for my feast! I was glad I only got two (though you can add more to your order if you want) - they were STUFFED full of savory, tender pork and had just the perfect spice level. I washed down the tacos with a tasty Weihanstephan Festbier. It was light, with a distinct Oktoberfest vibe, and paired well with the tacos. The service was friendly here, too. We enjoyed sitting at the bar and chatting with the server, and interacting with other customers. I'll definitely check 'em out next time I'm in town - I really want to try their Cubano. My companion ordered it and said it was fantastic! read more
Super delicious food, good beer, and very friendly staff. Ian and I stopped in here twice on our trip to Tampa and sat at the bar each time. There was plenty of outdoor seating (some covered as well) and indoor seats. I got the salad with chicken salad on top. The chicken salad was so good, I had the chicken salad croissant the next time we stopped in. Their food was really, really yummy! They have a variety of beers on draft - some local stuff and even some from my hometown! It was cool to see that on the menu. We'd definitely go back next time we're in Tampa! read more
5 years ago
Didn't order any food was just here for drinks! The bartender was awesome was constantly checking on us and making conversation about the new year, the drinks hit the spot for me and everyone in our group read more
2 years ago
Food: I recommend the pork tacos.very flavorful and delicious. Service: Staff is very polite and professional. Fast service for food. Ambiance: The outside is very nicely lighted and decorated and has some shows of music. 5/5 come to check it kut read more
2 years ago
This is a nice spot I frequent once a month, they have e a front outside seating area that is relatively quiet, and I'm going to resume my opinion about this place like this, is a German style pup/cafe with Tampa touch , best pork I had in a long time... read more
2 years ago
Business owner information
Veronica D.
We appreciate your kind words! Cheers!
5 years ago
I am a craft beer fan so of course this is a great place for me to go. My friends and I like to go to different places for lunch every couple months so when one of my friends recommended The Independent, I was on board. I had been to the original spot in downtown St. Pete years ago when it just served beer so I was looking forward to going. I previewed the beers on tap list and found that they had a Michigan favorite of mine, Bells' Two Hearted Ale on tap so I knew I was going to get one of those. I honestly had never had it on tap, only in a bottle. Everything is better on tap. I also found a couple others I intended to try. They were out of the alcoholic kombucha but they did have the Hefeweizen. Yum! Don't be scared away from it saying there is a hit of banana in it. This is also a place your friends who drink wine can join you. They have full bottles of bubbly, as well as reds and whites. One of my friends ordered the pretzels, so we all had a sample of that. You can't go wrong with a pretzel. I had the Indy Grilled Cheese, which was amazing. I love how they cut the pear up small so it was easier to eat in the grilled cheese. Two friends had the turkey croissant, which was a solid choice as well. Another person had the avocado toast with a fried egg. It looked really good. I don't think you could go wrong with anything here because everyone was satisfied. Our server was great too. He was there when we needed him and left us alone when we were just hanging out. There is a little bit of inside seating but most of it is outside (some of it is covered) so it is a great place to enjoy the nice weather. There is plenty of parking out back and also across the street (look for the signs.) I would recommend going here. read more
This place is pretty great. I came here to have a few beers. I've been on the hunt for New City Moscow mule ever since! The are practicing social distancing dining in and on patio. Big shout out to the server named McKay you can tell she really is passionate about the food here! Convinced me to get the Mojo Pork tacos and I didn't regret one bite - no exaggeration. Thanks McKay! When I'm back in town I will make this a frequent stop! read more
4 years ago
Very friendly staff! They made some great recommendations that we loved. I asked a lot of questions about their food and they shared about it being made in house and not getting it from companies like Sysco. Everything sounded tasty! The place has a cool relaxed vibe. read more
7 years ago
Embarrassed that I waited so long to try The Independent. My husband and I rarely find ourselves in Seminole Heights, but last year we bought an annual zoo pass so we would stop by The Independent on our way home. The beer selection is excellent and the food is pretty good too. I'm more of a wine drinker, but so far I have really enjoyed every beer I have tried. The bartenders are super friendly and always have great suggestions. My husband loves unique or hard to find beers and always manages to find a new beer to try. We usually split a few appetizers. The charcuterie and soft pretzel are our go-to dishes. We have also ordered the brats and sauerkraut which are great. Need to try one of the sandwiches, but we always seem to visit between meal times when I am not that hungry. My favorite thing about The Independent is that it is kid friendly. We usually visit during the afternoon when the bar is quiet. It is so nice to be able to grab some food and an adult beverage without paying a babysitter. Our toddler loves the food and enjoys sitting at the picnic tables instead of his usual high chair. read more
5 years ago
This little joint surprised me. I'm not typically in this area but happened to be visiting a friend and stopped for lunch. The food was very very good. Could not have been happier with my choice of the Bahn Mi and salad with poppyseed dressing. The flavor of their pork is phenomenal! I would recommend anything on their menu with the pulled pork. The prices were ok and the environment was more of a small dark pub vibe. However, there is ample outside eating if you can stand the Florida heat. WHERE it went downhill...,..They lose a star and probably should lose more stars for Service but I'm feeling generous today. The service was basically non existent. Waited forever for food and drinks, nobody came by to check how things were, to check on drink refills or anything at all. Drinks were forgotten and I had to go to the bar just to ask again for water. I wondered if we would ever get our check. No telling how many more drinks I might have had if I had the chance but it wasn't worth the hassle or the long wait. Order all you can when you have the chance because you may never see a server again! The time I could talk to somebody it wasn't a very welcoming encounter either. Did I mention how small this place is? So why is the service so bad? You can see every customer anywhere you stand. I mean really really bad service. This should really be a 2 or 3 star review but the food was great. I don't know the situation with staff but if this can be fixed. It should be. In the end, I definitely recommend the food if you aren't in any hurry and have a lot of patience read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
5 years ago
Had a delicious and quiet breakfast date with a girlfriend. Our food came out fresh and it was delicious! Our favorite seating is outside, exposed to the elements with some light shade. read more
A nice little spot for beer and smaller bites. The outdoor patio is nothing special, but a good option for a nice evening. The staff is friendly but it occasionally took us a while to hear back from our server. The drinks selection is massive, with plenty of local/rotating beer and cider options. The food is fine, nothing special - and the menu is more limited if you have picky eaters in the group. I'd recommend keeping it simple with the apps (cheese plate, soft pretzels), as these items paired well with the large beer selection. read more
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More info about The Independent
5016 N Florida Ave
Tampa, FL 33603
Seminole Heights
Directions
(813) 341-4883
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https://independentbartampa.com
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Ask the Community - The Independent
A group of five adults gets together about every 3 months for lunch and around 3 hrs. of conversation. Would The Independent be a good place for us on a weekday?
Absolutely
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