The Independence

Name: The Independence
Address: 205 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA, United States, 90401
Telephone: (310) 458-2500
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.8

4.8

362 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

The Independence is an American neighborhood restaurant and bar located in downtown Santa Monica. Start your dining experience with a cocktail from the 'Godfather of Cocktails' Vincenzo Marianella (Jonathan Gold's favorite bartender), then dive into our delicious farmers market inspired menu by Executive Chef Damoriae Graham. Eat, Drink & Be Merry!

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Mar 22, 2023

8:00 PM

Booked 2 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(310) 458-2500

Other options

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
American, Californian, Comfort Food
Hours of operation
Brunch Wed–Fri 11:30 am–3:30 pm Sat, Sun 10:30 am–3:30 pm Happy Hour Thu–Sun 3:30 pm–5:30 pm Dinner Wed, Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(310) 458-2500
Website
http://www.independencetavern.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Catering
Catering and delivery are now available. You can visit our website to view our most current catering menu or reach out to jessica@independencesm.com for further assistance with your event. Please note that all catering orders must be placed 48 hours in advance.
Private party facilities
We hold holiday company parties and other private events. Parties can range up to 100 people. Please email jessica@independencesm.com for further information on pricing and menu options.

Location
205 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Neighborhood
Santa Monica
Cross street
2nd Street
Parking details
Public Lot
Public transit
4th & Colorado -Metro<br />3rd Street Promenade - Bus
Additional
Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 362 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.5Service
4.5Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Westside
American

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Filters

OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 21, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
Brunch was great, will be back again!
M
Monie
Philadelphia
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious happy hour menu and great service!
DW
DonnaW
Los Angeles
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Very nice atmosphere. We had a reservation, arrived early and were seated right away. Attentive service and good food. The fried chicken and waffles - the fried chicken was excellent but the waffles could have used more flavor.
The IndependenceResponded on November 18, 2022Thank you for the review, we hope to see you again soon!
j
juliac
Atlanta Metro
10 reviews
3.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 6, 2022
overall3food4service2ambience4
truffle parmesan fries were delicious!
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 30, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Had a good experience
The IndependenceResponded on November 18, 2022Great! Thanks for the 5 stars!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Aberdeen
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 30, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Celebrated a birthday.
The IndependenceResponded on November 18, 2022How was it? Hope you had a nice time!
LP
LauraP
Los Angeles
15 reviews
3.0
15 reviews
Dined on October 29, 2022
overall3food5service1ambience4
Service was awful, waitress couldn't explain the endless Mimosa during brunch when different juices are added... so when we were still confused, she just got frustrated and her attitude continued during the entire meal. Food was good but we left unhappy and not wanting to go back.
EO
ErinO
Los Angeles
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 25, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience4
Abby and Gregory were great
s
seanshoee
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 23, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience5
The environment was very nice. The food was great and service was great. We ordered the bottomless mimosas. What I didn’t like was that they did not leave the champagne bottle at the table, which we did not get our fill in this. We got full of the food mostly.
The IndependenceResponded on September 27, 2022I'm sorry you didn't feel like you got enough bottomless mimosa, we will do better next time!
PF
PerjF
New York Area
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 10, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience3
Felt a little rushed even though there was nobody there. Service was friendly and food was yummy.
The IndependenceResponded on September 21, 2022I'm so sorry you felt rushed, please come back soon to give us another chance?
PP
PaigeP
Las Vegas
39 reviews
5.0
39 reviews
Dined on August 7, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Very fun people watching. Lovely environment with the trees and ocean breeze... Service was impeccable! Food was delicious. Great brunch... Try the Chicken and Waffles... and it was one of the best omelettes I've had in some time! Yum! GO ... make a reservation as they get busy on weekends.
The IndependenceResponded on August 17, 2022Thank you Paige! We look forward to seeing your piece on LAArtsOnline :)
GT
GeorgeT
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We go there every Saturday for brunch. Please stock more sherbet for the bubbles and berry lol
The IndependenceResponded on August 17, 2022Noted George! For your next visit we'll have plenty!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 6, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Amazing time. Great hot. Will come back with more friends!
The IndependenceResponded on August 17, 2022Please do!
PJ
PamelaJ
Central Coast
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on July 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very friendly host. Taking reservations 1st was excellent! Seated right away.
YV
YVYdiner
San Francisco
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on June 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love the truffle fries and coconut crusted French toast. Service was excellent and attentive.
The IndependenceResponded on June 29, 2022Thank you for the wonderful review, hope to see you again soon! Cheers!
TS
TSmith
Los Angeles
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on June 18, 2022
overall2food1service2ambience1
Prices on menu were wrong. And the bottomless mimosas charged $7 extra PER flavor. Also food wasn’t that amazing. Server was nice.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had the best time at independence!! This was such a fun brunch spot with the best food selection and great wait staff we are so lucky to get into this place!
The IndependenceResponded on June 16, 2022So glad your party had a nice time, we look forward to seeing you again soon, you'll have to try our dinner too!
PJ
PJohnston
Dallas
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on June 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Such a great place for cocktails and dinner with friends!
The IndependenceResponded on June 16, 2022Thank you for the amazing review! Come back soon?
JH
JeremyH
San Diego
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 9, 2022
overall2food3service1ambience3
Changed our plans to come to this restaurant because they advertised a Happy Hour special until 6PM for Mother’s Day. Upon ordering, we were told that the Happy Hour special was a “glitch” on the website. At that point we had already changed our plans to come to this restaurant so it was too late. The server understood the situation - however, the manager said it was a glitch and would not honor the Mother’s Day Happy about special. The food was decent and the service was good. Very disappointing that the manager wasn’t able to take into consideration what was “right” in that situation.
BS
BillS
Los Angeles
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
I brought my wife and 2 teens here for Mother's Day. The food was pretty good. Our only issue was that the fries and breakfast potatoes were a bit soft and too salty for my taste. Service was good.
The IndependenceResponded on May 13, 2022Thanks for joining us for Mother's Day brunch, we hope to see you again soon!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved it! Food was amazing, staff was so friendly. Overall, fantastic experience! Would eat here again!
The IndependenceResponded on May 13, 2022Awesome! Can't wait to have you back! Cheers!
D
sabrinaD
New York Area
5 reviews
vip
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience3
The eggs Benedict was amazing. When there are large parties inside, it tends to be very loud but we love this spot either way. Great brunch
The IndependenceResponded on May 13, 2022Thank you! Yes we're very lively at brunch, if you need a change of pace, swing by for dinner. Cheers!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved the brunch food and bottomless mimosas!
The IndependenceResponded on April 21, 2022Thank you! See you again soon?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
My friend and I met for brunch. The food was delicious as usual and the atmosphere is awesome.
The IndependenceResponded on April 21, 2022So glad you had a nice time, join us again soon!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
3 reviews
vip
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 10, 2022
overall2food3service2ambience1
Poor service loud. Didn’t think about how close it wax to promenade.
The IndependenceResponded on April 14, 2022Sorry you didn't enjoy your experience, our brunch can be very lively. If you would like a quieter time, weekday lunch is tamer. Hope you an give us another chance.
t
tdg310604
Los Angeles
162 reviews
vip
5.0
162 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We both loved our food I had avocado toast that was loaded with freshness My friend had a salad with fruit that she loved Great staff hugely recommend
The IndependenceResponded on April 14, 2022Thank you for the 5 star review! Looking forward to seeing you again soon!
S
Stevo
San Diego
43 reviews
vip
5.0
43 reviews
Dined on April 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Damon, the GM, spotted us reaching over the railing at one of the outdoor tables to scan the QR code for the menu. Rather than waiting for us to look at the menu and decide, he came over to us, offered us paper menus to peruse, and invited us in. Needless to say, this was the beginning of a great experience. We were tired and hungry after a day of "touristing" and The Independence was totally satisfying. Seems odd to say, but amid all the delicious food, the true hit of the meal were the French fries. They are OUTSTANDING!!! Hand cut, and fried to a deliciously crunchy crisp, they went well with the equally delicious fish, and I'm sure would be just as fantastic with steak frites. Mac and cheese was excellent too, and the rigatoni Bolognese was perfect. Lastly, I had the citrus salad and it was wondrous. Now I'm not much of a salad guy, but this night it caught my eye, and it delivered in every way. A perfect vinaigrette, a perfect combination of sweet, sour, salty and bitter, along with crunchy and soft, etc. Next time we visit Santa Monica, we will be sure to stop by The Indy. This is now on our short list of great restaurants in the area.
The IndependenceResponded on April 14, 2022What a great review! So glad you enjoyed our food, ambiance, and service! Look forward to seeing you again next time you "touristing" in Santa Monica. Cheers!
PP
PaulitaP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The steak was amazing; staff was friendly, welcoming and helpful. I wish we lived in the area so we could come back regularly!
The IndependenceResponded on April 21, 2022Thanks for visiting us! Hope you dine with us again next time you are in Santa Monica. Cheers!
JW
JoanW
Coastal Georgia
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on March 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
We are on a so-cal road trip and stopped at the independent for dinner. The first thing I noticed was the staff actually taking the time to clean the table top, chairs, booth backs, hand sanitizer, and menu qr holder. The attention to detail was appreciated! Our waitress was friendly and helpful, the general manager attentive, and the food delicious. Knowing everything is made in house from scratch was the cherry on top! If we lived in the area, we would definitely go again!
The IndependenceResponded on April 14, 2022Thanks for dining with us, hope you can join us again next time you are in SoCal. Cheers!
TS
TSatt
Denver
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on March 19, 2022
overall3food2service3ambience3
Drinks were a delight. Our server was also nice. The down side was me and my partners meals borh came out barely warm. No one likes semi cold eggs. It was as if our food may sat for about 15 minutes before remembering to bring it to our table. The atmosphere was nice. I'm not sure I'd go out of my way to come back here though
SM
StacyM
Minneapolis
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service was slow but excellent and the food was delicious. They were out of a couple of menu items however they were able to accommodate my food allergy (peanuts & tree nuts). The Indy Burger & fries were delicious!
The IndependenceResponded on March 23, 2022Glad you had a nice time overall! Look forward to having you in again. Cheers!
PS
PamS
Los Angeles
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience3
Date night, Friday. The cioppino was incredible - broth spicy and savory to perfection. The whole branzino deliciously charred out the outside, perfectly tender and moist on the inside. Both dishes were uniquely prepared and exceeded our expectations. Will certainly return for another lovely dinner. Margos were a little on the sweet side. The staff was attentive and friendly; the atmosphere buzzy and fun. Thumbs up.
The IndependenceResponded on March 16, 2022So glad you loved our Cioppino and Branzino! Thanks for your loyalty. See you soon!
MR
MirandaR
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service, drinks & food were all great!
The IndependenceResponded on March 16, 2022Amazing! So glad you had a great time, come back and dine with us again soon?
TL
TeiranyL
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Quality dinner, polite and friendly waiter, good atmosphere.
The IndependenceResponded on March 16, 2022Thanks for the 5 star review, we look forward to seeing you again soon.
M
Martin
Jacksonville
31 reviews
1.0
31 reviews
Dined on February 27, 2022
overall1food5service1ambience2
After being seated for fifteen minutes or so, a waiter appeared and asked, "what do you want?" When we asked about an appetizer's popularity or anything was particularly good for vegetarians, the only response we got was, "I don't know, I don't usually work this shift." While the food was awesome and the host was super friendly, the whole experience was pretty mediocre since the server acted like we were an inconvenience the whole time. We continued to try to express enthusiasm for the food, the drinks, the restaurant, the city, etc. He was having none of it.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on February 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The brunch was amazing! Service also amazing! Third time coming back and definitely wont be the last.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food and the chicken/waffles are hands down the best! Tasty and spicy as well, what more could you ask for
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 13, 2022
overall3food3service4ambience4
I ordered my steak medium rare. When I received it, the steak was rare. When it came back, the steak was over cooked on the edges making it dry all around.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
It was a friend date and it was amazing.
The IndependenceResponded on February 17, 2022So glad you had a great time! Come back soon!
AC
AlexC
San Francisco
58 reviews
vip
5.0
58 reviews
Dined on January 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Keeping it simple: Food, drinks, service..........all five stars! Portions are large and they do offer a pretty good bottomless mimosa (I think it's $27 and limit is 1 1/2 hours). We did not take advantage of it, but we ordered one glass and it was filled to the brim. And they go light on the juice, making it full of the good stuff. Food quality and taste was there and service was FAST. Would definitely come back.
The IndependenceResponded on February 3, 2022Thank you!!! See you again soon!

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Diner temperature check required
- Staff temperature check required
- Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

The Independence does offer delivery in partnership with Chow Now and Postmates. The Independence also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (310) 458-2500.

The Independence is rated 4.8 stars by 362 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Mar 22, 2023

8:00 PM

Booked 2 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(310) 458-2500

Other options

205 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
2nd Street
Neighborhood
Santa Monica
Hours of operation
Brunch Wed–Fri 11:30 am–3:30 pm Sat, Sun 10:30 am–3:30 pm Happy Hour Thu–Sun 3:30 pm–5:30 pm Dinner Wed, Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
American, Californian, Comfort Food
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Public Lot
Public transit
4th & Colorado -Metro3rd Street Promenade - Bus
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Additional
Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.independencetavern.com/
Phone number
(310) 458-2500
Catering
Catering and delivery are now available. You can visit our website to view our most current catering menu or reach out to jessica@independencesm.com for further assistance with your event. Please note that all catering orders must be placed 48 hours in advance.
Private party facilities
We hold holiday company parties and other private events. Parties can range up to 100 people. Please email jessica@independencesm.com for further information on pricing and menu options.

The Independence

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Dining areas

Additional information

Menu

What 362 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does The Independence offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The Independence restaurant rated?

Is The Independence currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Dining areas

Additional information