Independent Bar and Cafe

I'm not sure why, but it's been my experience that every bar named the independent is cool AF. Not quite divey, but a really chill, unpretentious bar. They had food which looked and smelled good, but we didn't partake. Only had a beer and a conversation before we walked across the street to keep the party going. They have outdoor seating, but it was too hot. Maybe on my next visit in October.

I've been coming here occasionally since 2019 and for one reason only -their ham, brie, apple croissant sandwich. Best in all of Tampa Bay. That is until they changed it... It went from being a sweet and flavorful, mouthwatering dish with different textures, to a mouthful of sponge. They replaced it with Ciabatta bread. Now that might not sound like so much of a big deal but when you consider the fact that the croissant on its own has a sweetness to it as well as some flakiness in texture, it makes all the difference. Especially the thickness. The ciabatta I believe was too big for the stuff that was inside of it. The bread is thick and kinda spongy, so you would need to have something that is either really big or really strong in flavor to offset it. But being that there was just a small slice of brie (which was absorbed by the ciabatta) and other light flavors such as the ham and apple, it seemed to overshadow the crisp contrast in taste of each. So basically, you couldn't taste anything but the spongy ciabatta. I know it sounds ridiculous that I'm devastated over a sandwich, but this was one of my fav go to pick me up meals in all of Tampa. It was there for me in the good times. It was there for me in the bad. Now it's gone forever and so is a piece of my soul. If you're here for the other stuff, yea it's pretty cool. Sometimes the staff at the register are friendly, sometimes not. But by no means are they mean or rude. I like the patio too but if you've got weak lungs like I do, maybe avoid it because there are people who smoke.

I was so satisfied with their customer service and their menu selection is so diverse. I had the pork tacos and specialty tea !!! They even had a chocolate pastry it was all so delicious !!!! I hope to go back soon enough !!!! You won’t be disappointed at this lovely little place!!!!

I stumbled upon Independent Bar and Cafe while searching for a spot to enjoy a relaxing lunch while reading my book. This local gem did not disappoint! The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, making you feel right at home. There were several beer options available, and the food menu had good options, making it challenging to decide what to order. Thankfully, the bartender was incredibly helpful and made a recommendation that left me thoroughly satisfied. I opted to sit at the bar, which provided the perfect setting for me to read my book without any distractions. The restaurant has an open setup, with both indoor and outdoor seating available in what looks like a refurbished garage. For lunch, I had Pork Banh Mi with a side salad, which was fresh, flavorful, and filling. Overall, I highly recommend Independent Bar and Cafe for anyone looking for a relaxed dining experience with delicious food and drink options.

We got hungry while we were waiting to get our car fixed so we decided to walk up the street to see what restaurants we could find. Ran into this place and it didn't look like much at first, but when you walk in you can automatically feel the vibe and atmosphere. The staff were friendly and the food was excellent! I really liked their draft beer too! They had so many beers to choose from! We will definitely be coming back!

Great little indoor outdoor bar we found in the neighborhood! The beer selection was great and the appetizers were plentiful! Definitely plan to bring some friends to this spot for an after work happier hour

Great atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor seating. Super dog-friendly. Food is exceptional and authentic. Presentation and flavors top-shelf. Highly recommended.

I’ve been here a few times for beers and now also twice for food. It’s a nice spot to eat and drink, casual but good. I like the outdoor seating and the Reuben. They always have a good beer selection too. I’ve been back and will go back again