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Tue / Jan 19
Party Earth Review A lively neighborhood watering hole with a loyal clientele, The Independent is a casual bar and restaurant where locals and young professionals gather for some good food and mellow after-work drinks, or even a bit of late... ... read full review
75 Union Square
Somerville, MA 02143
Red Line: Davis Square
617-440-6022
M–Th, Su 11am–1am, F–Sa 11am–2am
Cambridge / Somerville, Boston –
A lively neighborhood watering hole with a loyal clientele, The Independent is a casual bar and restaurant where locals and young professionals gather for some good food and mellow after-work drinks, or even a bit of late night dancing.
A warm décor of dark wood paneling, intricate wood carvings, and black booths – punctuated by shelves filled with books, photo albums, and other mementos from the owner’s apartment in Ireland – creates a welcoming vibe for the groups of drinking buddies and college students who fill the high-top tables in the early evening, as regulars sidle up to the central timber bar.
An impressive selection of local brews, organic wines, and thirty tap beers – including obscure choices like the Delirium Nocturnum and Ommegang Witte Ale – keeps beer lovers at the bar, while flirty couples and girlfriend posses crowd into booths in the dining room to share fresh oysters and well-crafted pub fare.
Around 10pm, patrons fold up the Trivial Pursuit and chess boards, and the mellow vibe melts away as the DJ heats the place up with everything from soul mixes to garage punk that gets the artsy crowd on its feet.
A mix of laid-back days and wild party nights, The Independent is a sure bet for outgoing patrons looking for a chill hangout and a rowdy dance club all in one place.
Diverse and friendly mix of grad students, creative young professionals, groups, and tourists, mid-20s to 30s.
iPod playlists in the early evening. DJs nightly from 10pm spin a mix of soul, hip-hop, and garage punk. Board games including Connect Four, Trivial Pursuit, and chess. Plasma TVs tuned to sports.
Rotating menu featuring seasonal and local vegetables and meats, including gnocchi with braised oxtail and pan-roasted cod. Brunch served weekends.
Appetizers $3–$11, salads and sandwiches $5–$13, entrées $10–$24. Beer $3.25–$20, wine $8+, cocktails $7+.
Casual: jeans, hats, and vintage t-shirts.
Friday and Saturday nights for the large weekend crowd, and Saturdays and Sundays for brunch.
Precinct Bar (70 Union Square), housed in the former Somerville PD building, has an equally solid beer list and is just steps away from the Independent.
The Independent User Reviews