Don’t let the construction fool you: the Independent is back and open for business.
While Green Bench Brewing Co. celebrated its three-year anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 1, the Independent reopened its doors to patrons of St. Petersburg for the first time since 2012.
For those of you who have been around a while, the name should sound familiar.
The bar is largely credited with kicking off the craft beer craze in the area. When it originally opened downtown in April 2005, where the Cask and Ale now stands, St. Petersburg was devoid of the numerous bars and breweries that are now essential to the heart and soul of the city’s booming beer culture.
To say that the Independent was ahead of the curve would be an understatement.
The bar shut its doors in 2012. Veronica Danko, one of the original owners, has been focused on her Tampa location for the past few years.
But nostalgia is in style and quality isn’t soon forgotten.
The Indy, as it is affectionately known by its regulars, is now back by popular demand.
“I missed having it here and people kept asking me to bring it back,” Danko said.
After a period of wondering whether or not the Indy still had a place among the ever-evolving craft beer landscape of today’s St. Pete, Danko eventually decided to give it a go.
“We try to create a place where people can come and feel at home. A place where everything is approachable and is a neighborhood comfort,” Danko explained.
Danko set Oct. 1 as the date for a soft opening due to Zwanze Day, an annual celebration held by the Belgian brewery Brasserie Cantillon, which sees them brew a small batch of experimental beer and release it at select locations.
The Independent served as an after-party for those enjoying Zwanze Day, and in honor of the celebration, the bar tapped a keg of Cantillon Iris, an unblended lambic that is as rare in the states as it is unique.
Danko made sure to include customers from the Indy’s beginning days in the opening celebration, inviting them to get the first look at the new location.
“Every day I run into people that I haven’t seen in years and they’re so happy. As an owner, that’s just so rewarding. It’s been like a family reunion,” she said.
The Indy has a feel that is all its own. But dim lighting, tasteful music and an unmistakable ambience aren’t all that the bar offers.
The Independent touts itself as St. Pete’s “Original World Class Beer Hall.”
It lives up to the moniker.
With 25 rotating taps which feature an assortment of local, national and international brews, there is something for everybody.
The beers available range from easy-to-find to nearly impossible to locate.
If you are thinking locally and want a taste that you already know and love, maybe a Coppertail Night Swim Porter or 4 Bars of Bitterness from Angry Chair will do.
Want something a bit harder to find, but still not so exotic? On the right night you might stumble upon heavily sought-after national treasures such as Bomb! by Prairie Artisan Ales or Last Snow by one of Florida’s favorite breweries, Funky Buddha.
Still, if your taste in beer is of the international variety, you can’t pick a better spot in St. Pete than the Independent. This is where both their selection and staff really shine.
This is the place to try world-class international beers like Rodenbach Caractere Rogue, a flanders red ale, or perhaps Weihenstephaner Hefeweizen. If you are in the mood for something a bit more common, but also stellar, a St. Bernardus Abt 12 might be just the thing.
The staff is equally impressive. Sit down at the bar and you just might learn more about Kolsch in the next five minutes than you had anticipated doing all year. Not a fan of the style? Prepare to be convinced of the merits of the all-barley pale ale brewed in Cologne, Germany via a brief history lesson.
They know their stuff and are passionate about it.
As the bar continues to grow and expand, they plan to truly celebrate Belgian beer culture by offering 750 mL bottles served tableside with proper glassware, while staff explain the complexities of the style and the history of the brewery.
The bar is still a work in progress. They just finished installing a garage door and are currently working on the sidewalk cafe. While bottle selection is currently limited, it will be increasing significantly in the coming months.
There are no plans to add food to the menu at this location. Private beer tastings are available for small groups. In addition to beer, the bar also serves wine.
The Tampa location will remain open. While Danko is spending time at that location, Dan Schmidt, who worked with the original St. Pete Indy, and Ryan Fouche, will run day-to-day operations.
There are a lot of great breweries and bars in town, but one thing is clear: there will always be room for the Independent.
© Photo by Devin Rodriguez | TCN
