The Independent

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.