Independent Bar and Cafe
| Address: | 5016 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33603, USA |
| Phone: | +1 813-341-4883 |
| Site: | independentbartampa.com |
| Rating: | 4.6 |
| Working: | 9AM–12AM 9AM–12AM 9AM–12AM 9AM–1AM 9AM–1AM 9AM–1AM 9AM–12AM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 16
JA
Jason Henseler
As a bar, this place is superb. Great bartenders, good staff, very "indie" vibe to everything. The seating is pretty good, but it gets VERY crowded on Fridays and Saturdays, so be prepared for standing room only. Any time that I can, I make my way out here for a glass and to people-watch. They have cool local events (like movies on Monday nights, local artists perform sometimes) which I sadly havent been able to attend. The beer selection on draft changes regularly (every few days) and is impressive, usually about 15-20 brews. If you cant find what you want on tap, theres an impressive bottle selection available as well. The turkey-brie-apple sandwich is oustanding, and the house salad is really tasty. Mojo pork tacos are sometimes good, sometimes theres not enough creme fresh or cheese, but when you get it good - its a great little dish. The Rob and Roy sandwiches when prepared right are incredible, with the horseradish just perfect with the roast beef. Ive updated my review to note that the roller coaster on quality has been resolved, and the staff is as courteous and friendly as ever. Its my go-to bar when I just want to relax and enjoy a day.
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allison nielsen
I came here for the first time a few weeks ago and was very into the concept of this place. The vibe was so relaxed, the beer selection was great, and everyone seemed to be having a good time. They also have a great food selection, so it seems like a really good place to spend an afternoon or evening underneath the hanging lights, enjoying time with your friends. The Independent has a long list of sandwiches, so theres basically something for everyone here. On top of a lengthy sandwich list, the Independent also has salads and German specials like sausage! I thought that was pretty unique. On the weekends, this place is a very relaxed "chill" place to grab a drink and hang out. It gets very busy in the evenings, so the line for the bar can get pretty long. Theres also a great little coffee part of this bar which I thought was a nice touch. They have a selection of pastries available for purchase. There is live music that plays here pretty frequently. All in all, a great local spot with a laidback vibe!
CH
Chip Weiner
The Independent is definitely a popular place, nestled on its corner in Seminole Heights. I stopped in for lunch and had the Turkey, Brie, and Apple Croissant ($7.50). The sandwich was fairly small and built on a store bought croissant, with a generous helping of turkey and tasty creamy brie, but a little stingy with the thin sliced green apples. I would rate the sandwich about a 5 on a scale of 10. The Indie side salad, which accompanies many of the meals, has fresh greens and a sweet poppy dressing with blue cheese sprinkles on top. Beer is clearly their expertise, with a great ever-changing selection in the bottle and on draft with knowledgeable barkeeps. They also offer a decent yet limited wine list and a great variety of nonalcoholic beverages. With a casual atmosphere and friendly service I go back and give them another shot on the food.
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Colby Butler
The staff here is great, the food here is really good, as well as the bar. The crowd skews a little younger and hipper, so this isnt the type of place Uncle Pete goes to to swap fishing stories, bit he wouldnt feel unwwlcomed either. It does have a bit of a neighborhood vibe in that it feels very welcoming and genuine. Vibe is the key word I guess. This place has a very good vibe and Ive always enjoyed my visits there.
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Chris Lontok
A great location on Florida Ave with inside and patio seating outside. Like many of the businesses in Seminole Heights, this is a remodeled garage/gas station with lots of character. The beer and wine menu is extensive and the kitchen serves interesting small bites. Whenever Im eating at one of the many surrounding restaurants, I invariably find myself stopping by for a drink before or after.
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Fred Brooks
The Indie is, by far, our favorite place in the Heights! Obviously, they offer great beers in a chill, comfortable space (with awesome outdoor seating), but dont miss the cafe which serves breakfast and lunch, too! We love to spend a leisurely weekend morning with egg sandwiches (on a bomb croissant) and lattes in the sunshine! Bonus - its baby-friendly, especially during the day. Cant miss!
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Samantha Wright
Went here for breakfast on our way to a convention in Tampa. The atmosphere is, for lack of a better word, amazing. Its the love child of a hipster coffee joint and German beer hall. I only ordered a croissant and a macchiato, but it arrived quickly and tasted nothing short of heaven. Will definitely be back to try more of their food - and their beer.
JI
Jimbo Slice
Good variety of craft beers and food with a trendy setting in an old service station. They dont have the best prices but its not outrageous. Im told the food is good but i only come here to have a beer or two. Lots of covered outside seating and a few tables inside. Finding a parking spot can be difficult during peak hours.
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Ric Rini
Great neighborhood bar on Florida avenue in historic Seminole heights, Tampa. This is a trendy cool place to grab a brew and chill. Plenty of patio seating to bring a friend or mans best friend. The building seems to be a an old gas station, very trendy. The bar seating is minimal, only six BUT plenty of seating inside.
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Robert Fedele
Great beer selection and good menu, my wife & I are both from Buffalo and we tried the Beef on Weck which is a Buffalo staple. It was excellent, we will be back, weve had Beef on Weck at other establishments and they are never done right, the roll was perfect and the beef was tender, we loved it!
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Krissy Saky
A torrential downpour led us to this little gem! The drink selection and variety of drool worthy sandwiches makes this a place that suits any palate. Veronica and the bartender were very helpful and accommodating. I will be dreaming about the caraway seed buns for awhile!
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Baker Thorpe
The Independent offers a great selection of craft and traditional German beers. They have an awesome outdoor area with market lighting and fans to cool you off during the brutal Florida summers. There is also a Café if you are in the mood for a coffee. Highly recommended!
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Mara Mandell
I have been here twice now, both times with one of my dogs. Great food and specialty iced teas. Staff is great- only negative is do not get to see enough of them because this is not a full table service cafe, but I knew that and still went back because its worth it. :)
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Bonanza Jellybean
The neighborhood is cool. The people are laid back. The beer selection is great & it has nice shaded seating outside. I totally loved it. My sister and I went for a drink after work & I really enjoyed the vibe from the employees and other guests as well as the decor.
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Tim Palmer
I love the diversity of beer on tap here, and the price is reasonable. My wife only drinks ciders or wines, this is a place we can go where she is be able to try new varieties every visit. Only pitfall is that sometimes the patio smokers can be too close for comfort.
CO
Colt Sammons
Love this place! Just a chill bar with local and craft beers. The sandwiches are also delicious although I was underwhelmed with the peanut butter bacon sandwich... cool concept but just tasted like peanut butter. Prices are good. This is my go to neighborhood bar.
