The Independent

628 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA

Address:	628 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA
Phone:	+1 415-771-1421
Site:	theindependentsf.com
Rating:	4.5

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 17

Diana Sky

My first time at this venue, and the experience couldnt have been better! Great acoustics for an indie show; I didnt even need my earplugs. The stage was also set up for great visibility whether you were standing or sitting. Limited seating for those who prefer to rock out with their upper body only, but be prepared for a stiff bench experience, i.e. bring a cushion. Funky disco ball and fog machine add a nice punch! Friendly staff, so even when theyre kicking you out at the end of the show, theyre nice! They let us hardcore fans stay afterward to get autographs and pics : ) Full bar for those who enjoy imbibing during the show. Or just wait for the waitress to weave her way through the crowd and bring your drinks. How does she know where to go in the dark? She follows the glow sticks that she hands to patrons, of course! *Tip: Get there when doors open if you want the coveted benches for your tushie.

Paul Volk

I think your experience here really depends on who the performers are but I would say the Monophonics performance I saw here was great and the venue was pretty good too. Its a fairly small place, standing room only with a full bar which I thought was a nice touch. We were greeted with the overwhelming smell of pot upon walking in and the smell of booze by the bar but they have a good ventilation system that clears up the place quickly when its actually turned on. There isnt much in terms of late night food in this area unfortunately after 1:00am so make sure to duck out a little early if you want to grab a bite. Overall good experience, this place hosts some amazing bands.

John A.

I want to thank the independent for hosting one of the most wonderful moments of my life in 2010 at a treasure island night show. It was my favorite band then and still is now, the drums. I had never been here and it was a simple square interior but with some of the most beautiful architecture inside. A great stage set up with "the drums" shining over. They have 2 seating areas when i went where i was lucky enough to grab. Although im not usually a sitter at shows, my friends and i took turns sitting, dancing, and grabbing some great tequila shots! i also met jonny pierce there! Most beautiful day of my life. Catch a show here!

teresa toribio

Estuvimos ahi el Sabado para el concierto de los amigos invisibles. Realmente me sorprendio el lugar. No es muy grande, pero el ambiente estuvo al 100. El sonido, las luces, el bar, las chicas ofreciendo traer tus bebidas. No, en serio muy bien! Claro que lo recomiendo y espero regresar muy pronto.

Alex Kaplan

This is a relaxed, intimate venue that regularly hosts some surprisingly big names. Particularly great place to go on a weekday night, when this place usually has more energy than anywhere else on Divisadero. The bartenders are friendly, and the layout has something for everyone--you can dance near the stage, or hang out and take it all in from the balcony or the bench seats along the side. If musics not your thing, The Independent sometimes has free movie nights (2 drink minimum) and also puts big sports games up on the projector.

Coni Warren

This is a great, small club. My favorite kind of music venue to see bands before they get too big to fit into club venues. It was small, but still roomy enough in front of the stage so you had a good view and still room to move. There were areas to sit on the side of the room that were elevated so you could still see the stage, if you didnt want to stand up in front of it. The bar poured drinks that were not light on alcohol for a decent price. There was also a waitress that weaved through the crowd getting drink orders as well.

Ester Perez

Un lugar donde la buena música y el buen ambiente están asegurados. Ubicado en divisadero cerca de multitud de restaurantes, por lo que un plan perfecto es cenar en alguno de ellos e ir a disfrutar de un buen concierto

Andrew Michaels

If I could give the Independent 6 stars I would. This is my absolute, hands down, best place to see a show in the city. The acoustics are incredible and they offer a pretty inexpensive bar for a music venue. Even when shows are sold out there is still room to move and you can always reach the bar. They get some of the best acts that come through town and a wide variety of bands. They offer mobile ticketing options as well.

lil mike

Good size rock club, comparable to Tipitinas in New Orleans that has hosted shows in various incarnations since it was the Vis Club in 1960s. Everyone from Ike & Tina Turner to Patton Oswalt, Flaming Lips, Primus and Soul Asylum have paid their dues here performing for hipster SF crowds. The club often hosts the small club gigs of bands playing the bigger festivals in Golden Gate Park like Outside Lands.

Bryce Breslin

Good spot to see artists of smaller to medium-sized recognition. Doesnt have the individuality and charm of some other venues but way way way more importantly, brings excellent musicians and charges a fair price for tickets. Easyish bike ride from any Bart station, good food options of all kinds in the vicinity, friendly people at the door and behind the bar.

Amber Marie

As far as SF venues are concerned The Independent has everything you need... a small upstairs area, seating area available on the sides and cocktail waitresses making the rounds through the pit area. Do note that the bathroom/ coat check is located to the right of stage and you will probably have to fight through some angry concert-goers to get to it.

Carmel Hassan

Una sala pequeña pero con encanto, de esos sitios donde seguro se ven concierto únicos de grupos que aún no son muy conocidos y luego lo petabn. Vimos a Poliça y nos encantó.

Jeremy Stayton

Fantastic and intimate venue. Parking can be a pain, but is free in the area if you are willing to walk a few blocks... Ive seen quite a few shows here, all the way back to when it was the justice league. If you can see an artist you like here I would recommend it since you can get very close and personal w/the performers.

Brian Parsons

This venue has some great acts coming through since Ive been here. Its mostly standing room only, but Ive never had to wait too long to get a drink during a show so that seems to make up for it. Theres a lot of great places to eat and drink nearby, making it a great place for a night out if there is a good band playing.

Justin Clubb

This is a small intimate venue. They have one main stage with an open area in the middle and some seating on either side. Also reserved balcony areas on each side. Typical bar and prices. Had a great time here! There is an abundance of bearded, flannel shirted, plastic hipster glasses wearing people here.

Anthony Prinze

First time, went for Peking Duk. Good venue, the staff was very attentive. I saw them take care of some drunk guy harassing some girls fairly promptly. They also kept people from riding others shoulders. They werent as good at stopping the smoking, which was rather annoying for those who have allergies.

Danielle W

I love this space! The last time I was there, I saw his holy funkiness Bootsy Collins. The show was packed and epic, and I appreciated that there was seating available when the cumulative body heat/sweat of the crowd became overwhelming. You have to see a show here at least once in your life time.