The Independent

Live music venue · Alamo Square

The Independent

Live music venue · Alamo Square

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628 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117

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Highlights

Intimate music venue with great sound and friendly staff  

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628 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117 Get directions

theindependentsf.com

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628 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117 Get directions

+1 415 771 1421
theindependentsf.com
theindependentsf
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@indysf

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Aug 7, 2025

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View Postcard for The Independent

zachary wu

Google
Great concert venue! Nice and air conditioned. Small enough to have a good view anywhere. And water station!

Guru D

Google
It's on the small side of venues but the staff are way more chill than other places I find and the bar has a better selection of drinkables. I saw The Record Company here and loved it

Star *

Google
Super cute venue! Stage isn’t too high or too low, Immaculate vibes. The workers were super sweet! Bartenders super friendly! a few of them Complimented my Zheani shirt, and one showed me pictures of the mural they have in yard of the venue. Thank you for sharing and thank you guys for making my night a memorable experience! <3

Candice Perry

Google
This place has a great atmosphere - perfect for discovering new bands and enjoying live music. The sound quality was excellent, and the drinks were reasonably priced! A solid venue for a fun night out

Bill K

Google
Great smaller venue to see a show in SF, cool vibe, nice employees & quick bar service!

DS USA

Google
Sound was not good, as advertised. The band that I saw was a dynamic rock band…the drums sounded like cardboard; it’s like the mics weren’t on. Funny, cuz the sound guy had good equipment… Good atmosphere, though.

Layer2chains

Google
The Independent in San Francisco is a great venue that has a friendly staff. Great place to see a big name in a smaller venue. The bar service was fast and friendly with a reasonably priced drink special menu. The parking was easy on the street. But there are a couple of parking garages nearby. They also allow in and outs for smokers.

maria c

Google
Easy to get to. Parking for me was not too difficult it's just a short walk. The door men were kind and bartenders sweet and quick with services. Ultimately I was there for the show and it didn't disappoint anywhere I stood was a great view and sound as this place has a more intimate feeling.
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Kiana S.

Yelp
I've been here a few times now for music and comedy events, and it's a great intimate venue. The space makes performances feel up close and personal, which adds to the experience. There's a bar in the back for drinks, and an upstairs area that offers a nice elevated view of the stage. Overall, it's a solid spot for a night out, whether you're catching live music or a comedy show.
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Daniel L.

Yelp
I've had the pleasure of attending multiple events at The Independent, including Emo Nite and a performance by Anna Akana, and each experience has been nothing short of incredible. Located on Divisadero Street, the venue's intimate yet energetic atmosphere makes it the perfect place to enjoy live music and performances up close and personal. The acoustics at The Independent are top-notch. Every song during Emo Nite was crystal clear, and Anna Akana's performance was equally immersive, thanks to the exceptional sound quality. The layout ensures that there isn't a bad spot in the house, and the lighting setup perfectly complements the vibe, creating a fantastic visual experience. The staff are friendly and efficient, from the ticketing process to the bar service. The drinks are reasonably priced, and the selection is excellent, catering to all tastes. I also appreciated how well-organized everything was, from entry to exit, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable evening. One of the standout features of The Independent is its eclectic lineup of events. They consistently book a diverse range of shows, making it a go-to spot for all kinds of music and performance lovers. Plus, the late-night food options around Divisadero Street are the best in the city, making it easy to grab a delicious bite after the show. Overall, The Independent offers an unforgettable experience. Whether you're there for a themed night like Emo Nite or a captivating performance by artists like Anna Akana, this venue delivers on all fronts. I can't wait to return for another amazing event!
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Peggy D.

Yelp
Came on Friday night for the Brijean concert! We bought tickets outside in the ticket booth and the line to get in moved pretty quickly! The staff was nice, I had a tasty cocktail I forgot to take a pic of but was a good drink and reasonably priced! The sound was good in here too, would definitely come back again for another concert/event
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Brandon S.

Yelp
I would recommend heavily to come back for any concerts you may be interested in. Their drinks weren't too expensive for a concert venue. We saw Tokimonsta and they had 1 opener. It was a very chill environment. It could be SF in general, but the other concert goers were all very respectful and the main floor wasn't very packed. We were close to the stage without being bumped into constantly. Staff was all friendly and I have nothing but good words in all my experiences with them.
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Sarah B.

Yelp
Every show I've seen at The Independent has been great. The sound quality is always good, the bar staff is always great, and the rest of the staff (front door, security, etc.) is top notch. I love this venue over bigger ones because it feels more intimate and way less packed. There are pricier VIP seats, but the venue has otherwise been GA when I've been. The crowd usually has great vibes, and The Independent's location make it easy to have a pre- or post-show bite to eat/drink. I get excited whenever I see that an artist I really like will be playing here!
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Alicia F.

Yelp
The Independent is legit an intimate, no-frills live music venue. A rad lil spot in the NOPA district featuring some great underground indie bands. I haven't been here in a few years so I was super excited to catch my favorite band EVER for an Outside Lands Night Show. This concert was sold out and the line was wrapped around the street. They did will call only for this show which was wild! I haven't had a physical ticket in a long time, but that definitely explained the longer lines. We waited for a little under an hour to get inside. Unclear if they do this for all shows. The venue itself is amazing. Sound quality is beautiful. Ceilings are high so you won't feel super crammed. Be mindful that you will most likely be standing up the entirety of the show but whatever spot you end up in, you'll have a perfect view. It really is a tiny venue but that's definitely part of its charm. If you end up in the front, you are literally close enough to feel blood, sweat, and tears. When I was here watching Banks n Steelz a few years back, I was close enough for them to pour me shots!!!!!! There are so many gems on Divisadero to check out. We ended up at Che Fico for dinner and Fly Bar for the pregame. Merch table and bar moved very fast. Staff is super friendly. Parking sucks, don't do it.
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Sherry G.

Yelp
I came here to watch Anna Akana's stand-up show titled "It Gets Darker." One of the things I liked was how easy it was to take BART and Muni to get to this location without needing to walk a lot. I ended up getting in line a little after the doors opened at 7. Originally, I was bummed that I had gotten there so early, but it ended up being good in the long run because it allowed my spouse and me to sit in chairs in the center area (as an aside, we opted to leave table seats open for others --even though they were also in the center area --because we didn't plan on drinking). The ticket confirmation had noted that the event was "Partially Seated," and people that came closer to the start of the show at 8 PM had to stand in the back. The show started on time. We watched the opener for maybe 30-40 minutes and then Anna's set for about another hour. The sound was pretty loud for me, so I actually had to use my earplugs, which are normally reserved for clubbing and concerts. One of the things I particularly liked about this place was that I was not required to buy drinks, which is something that other comedy clubs may require. I don't like getting drinks because I don't want to have to go to the restroom during the show. Not requiring people to buy drinks also has the benefit of reducing waste and saving money since it didn't make me buy drinks that I wouldn't have wanted anyway. Unfortunately, for those that did get drinks, it looked like they got a single-use plastic cup, so I'm hoping the venue will use reusable plastic cups in the future. All in all, I enjoyed this venue and had a great experience watching Anna's stand-up set (which was amazing, BTW).
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Vanessa D.

Yelp
Came here for Em Beihold concert. Apparently this was the first time they were doing an under 21 concert as well so we had to have 21+ wrist bands if we wanted to drink. And when I bought a drink for my bf who was holding our spot, the bartender asked that my bf come to prove he's over 21 (ie a to leave his drink at the bar a then switch places with him). Not mad at it, and the bartender was sweet/apologetic about it but that was something new for me and apparently for them too. Service was 10/10. Though I got a dirty Shirley made by each bartender (don't at me), and only one made it taste yummy (the others made it taste like it was a Saturday night back in college ha) I got there right at door opening, line moved quick. The place got busywouldn't say packed packed only because you could get to the bar easily and without a line, so that area was pretty open. Had an absolute blast and would absolutely be back for another event
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Morgan V.

Yelp
I had an amazing time at the Independent. I went there with some out of town friends to see Dry Laundry. The staff were so nice and friendly, everyone from the ticket check to the bartenders. I really liked this venue because it wasn't too large and there was still enough space to dance around. The vibe was so much fun and there is so much to do around the area afterwards. It was such a fun night!
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Justine Ray M.

Yelp
This spot is kinda dusty in the atmosphere. I can feel it! Staff was pretty friendly checking me in and there was a great bartender that took my order when I was ready. However, I took one star off from one of the bartenders that lied about the upstairs being for only friends and family VIP. Because another staff directed excess guest upstairs. Folx can be pretty shady with the mixture of answers and I guess that one bartender was probably not having a good day or just was being silly. But I'm happy for the coke I ordered and also the view upstairs. It was a packed venue and probably would return and come earlier to get a seat.
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Jill U.

Yelp
Super easy to get in and get seated for Michael Che. We had to lock our devices up because he was trying out new material. They used yondr pouches for our phones. What a weird but nice experience to not be with our phones for a few hours. They don't serve food and didn't have any wait staff. Only one bar in the back. This show was filled to the brim with seats etc. once you sat down it was difficult to get up again the seats were that tight. But we had a bunch of good laughs.
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Linda M.

Yelp
Great place for an intimate show. Bartender Jacob took great care of us and added to the festive vibe. I love live music small venues, and The Independent fits the bill.
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Craig T.

Yelp
Small venue; done good shows. Pregame elsewhere though; the charge stadium prices for beer.
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Christopher B.

Yelp
Our first time at The Independent was such a pleasure. We were at the Sour Widows show on the 13th of July. It's a terrific place to see a band, it's well laid out and has great sound. The night we were there they went a bit hard on the AC so it was colder inside than outside and SF was cold that night! I'm sure that is an exception as they clearly have everything else just perfect! Highly recommended!!! Certainly my favorite place to see a smaller show!
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Dawn F.

Yelp
MIKE, 454, Niontay and all were epic (May 8)!! The full set I saw was MIKE's, but I caught parts of other artists' sets + encore. The crowd was energized and happy. Re: the venue, I have to say this was one of the better/ best experiences I've had there. I've both worked with artists performing there and attended shows (at the Independent) since 2004. Staff were kind, seemed deeply committed; they added to the vibe.
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Laura D.

Yelp
Great venue for a smaller show. I love their process of getting in. So quick. So easy.
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Christina K.

Yelp
Love this smaller venue! All of the staff was polite and helpful. There is a bar available. I didn't want to drink before driving home, so they made me a fairly priced mocktail! Fun fact: They don't allow pepper spray, but they will give it back to you when you leave. Their bathrooms were clean until someone puked in a stall. I highly suggest taking BART or an Uber due to the lack of parking nearby. Overall it was a great experience and intimate vibe!!
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Vijay N.

Yelp
I've stopped by here for a few shows since moving out here and each time has been fantastic. The Independent is very accessible via public transit and not too difficult to get to. I'd reccomend getting there early for shows - it gives you a chance to appreciate the space a bit and also get close to the front of the stage if that's what you're in to. The venue itself is not massive and that gives it a more intimate feel - which I really appreciate compared to massive venues like 1015 Folsom or the Midway. TLDR ; One of my favorite venues I've been to in the city. Will definitely be going here again
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Kristine S.

Yelp
After several shows here, I think it's safe to say that this has to be one of my favorite SF venues. Overall ambiance depends on who is performing and the crowds they attract, but of all the times I've been, everything from start to end has always been great. When you enter and off to the side of the stage is an elevated platform with some benches against the wall (aka "sitting" section). As far as I know, this space is open to everyone and doesn't require a special ticket. However, please know that closer to showtime, patrons will start standing in front of the benches and some even will perch themselves on the ledge of the platform, so you will have an obstructed view if you choose to sit. As a fellow shortie, I think this is a great spot to see the stage/artist (if you can't be upfront) & still have some breathing room. I love that the venue isn't "large" so every performance feels intimate. There's two upstairs / balcony areas but it usually seems like it requires special access. Sometimes the sound is great and sometimes the sound system can be intensely deafening so I recommend bringing ear plugs just in case it's an off day. Plenty of food and drink options nearby. There is a bar in the venue (beers and cocktails) and I've noticed some artists will even have wait service come out and serve drinks during the performance. Minus one star because of parking. Even on a weeknight, expect to circle neighboring streets for at least 30 minutes before luckily snagging a spot. To save some stress, I would 1000% opt to BART + Uber to the venue the next time I'm here.
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Jadalynn C.

Yelp
Very nice place the area seemed nice. I really liked how during the concert it didn't get too stuffy or hot, which was nice. But I didn't like the lights. I would say that was the only problem because it really messed up my videos. The lighting was only good some of the time and I wish it was nice for most of the show.
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Deven B.

Yelp
Haven't had to leave a concert for a while, but this venue blasts the bass so loud that it made the singer sound worse. I saw multiple people around me plugging their ears, and my headphones + musicians earplugs were not enough. The only time I enjoyed Em Beihold's singing was when the other instrumentals walked off stage, she played her guitar, and sung. Her voice sounded good and I enjoyed it! And then we immediately went right back to bass so horrible that it warps the sound of her singing voice. No wonder the first singer kept saying she needed more instrumental in her ears, I doubt she could hear anything over the bass. It's so disappointing that the horrible taste of sound designers can ruin solid live experiences. I saw on The Independent's FAQ website that, if you think the music is too loud, you should buy earplugs or have a drink. It's unfortunate that the hearing of the staff is so bad that they think any amount of earbuds or alcohol could fix their horrific sound design. Live music is wonderful, and it's sad to have it ruined by venues like this.
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Kurt O.

Yelp
I flew in for one night to see one of my favorite bands. Such an amazing intimate experience. Not a bad seat in the house.
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Henri Suzie H.

Yelp
What an amazing venue to see some good music. Very intimate setting, great bartender too. We were there Cinco De Mayo to see Kendra Morris with Danie opening, both outstanding performances.
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Jon B.

Yelp
I went here on Sunday, april 23, 2023 to watch Jeremy passion perform with other amazing and talented artists! This is such a beautiful venue with great acoustics for performances! The staff were friendly and easy going and the vibe in the venue was chill and inviting. I don't know if they offered food but the bartenders were attentive and made great drinks! They had a large pitcher of water with cups available which made it convenient for attendees to get a non-alcoholic drink without having to stand in line and bother the bartenders. If you haven't been here before, it's a must when you're in SF. Keep in mind that it's on a busy street so parking can be tricky so come early since you need time to find parking. We parked a few blocks down and it was only about a 10 min walk from fell street (next to a park on one way road) to the venue. Highly recommend to check out other artist or visit when hanging around the city. The security guard mentioned 2-3 performance per week so follow them and check out their website! The Emporium is a couple doors down and another spot to check out (review coming soon)!
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Allison D.

Yelp
The ambiance is setting is so perfect for a great show. Nice area, food and things to do nearby beforehand
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Daw M.

Yelp
I am sooo happy I brought EARPLUGS which is a must. Parking sucks. Staff is friendly. Bathrooms average. Venue is intimate Sound system is extremely deafening
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Jay A.

Yelp
I've been to a LOT of shows here in the past. From Toro Y Moi, to Corinne Bailey Rae, to Vince Staples just to name a few, and every time I go to a show here, it's always so memorable! The intimacy, the sound system, the vibe, the atmosphere, just everything about this place keeps me coming back. I went to a show last night to catch Puma Blue for their tour, and it was so good to see people just vibing out and enjoying it. The staff here is super friendly too, they've always been really chill when it comes to checking tickets and stuff. The only thing that bothers me the most is the parking situation. If you're ever planning on catching a show here, make sure you give yourself enough time to find a parking spot cause it can definitely get tough to find anything in this area since it's primarily residential. Other than that, a 5 star experience every dang time!
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Taylor T.

Yelp
Such a great venue! The space is a perfect size if you want to have an intimate music performance! The bar in the back is clean and so are the bathrooms!
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Daniel C.

Yelp
This was a great venue to see a concert! We walked there from the hotel to not have to deal with parking but I did see street parking and parking lots that were close.

Melysa O.

Yelp
Went to go see Fletcher last night and immediately securtity would not let us in. Awful experience waited outside for over an hour. literally was just talking to other people in line and waiting said we were not sober enough???? but we were absolutely fine. it was so confusing and also just straight up heartbreaking i would understand if there was actually a problem but we literally were just standing in line there was other ppl in line clearly intoxicated that got in. Would never even try coming here again bc apparently if minding ur own business and standing in line doesn't get u into a concert u spent over 80 dollars on doesn't get u inside.
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Victor N.

Yelp
Parking is really hard here. It took me 20 minutes to find a spot, driving around the neighborhood. However, the venue is in a really nice location. There's a froyo spot 10 seconds away, plenty of nice restuarants with long waits, or a mediterranean place that's hella fast that you can get to eat togo when you're in line. The line can look long, but it actually moves really quickly. It's nice being in a small venue and seeing independent artists. There's little seating so expect to be standing unless you're one of the first people or something (props to you). The audio is good and the stage is visible from anywhere in the venue (perks of small venue). Would go again, just plan your parking situation first. There's parking near buena vista park, just walk to bit.
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Sophia B.

Yelp
I was here in November for Mareux with Cold Gawd as an opener. Wouldn't recommend driving here as there's virtually no parking and the traffic can get really bad as there are surrounding restaurants/ bars. I arrived a little late as I couldn't find my bus stop, regardless I showed the employees at the door my ticket and they ask you if you plan on drinking and if so they'll ask for your ID and give you a wristband. I managed to get right in front of the stage on the left side which happens to be very close to the bathroom so it was incredibly easy to reach and return to my spot. All of the employees were nice and the bartenders have no problem recommending drinks. The drinks were great and relatively cheap(my sister got a couple of drinks for $13 each). It's pretty dark inside, but the sound system was good for me at least because I was in the very front. Towards the middle my sister wasn't feeling well and the employees were nice enough to help her outside and offer her water and soda AND help her get back to our spot in the front. Overall it was a great show and the employees were the sweetest!
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Bryce C.

Yelp
came here for emo night tour. this is such a cool small venue. i definitely recommend ear plugs because it's such a small space and you'll leave with your ears ringing if you don't. staff was kind, quick, and very appreciative of tips. if you get a chance, check this place out. as a side note, the performers had such great vibes and had just as much as the crowd did.
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Brian B.

Yelp
The Independent is such a great spot... it's definitely a gem worth checking out. I've been here a few times and I love the ambiance, the diversity of artists that perform there, and the ability to be around people without getting crushed in an absolute crowd. The staff is friendly, people are generally well-behaved, and it's not difficult to go to the bar and get a drink. People (rightfully) complain around parking, which is very difficult to find near the Independent. Instead of driving, I recommend taking a cab and getting dropped off. Otherwise, you will either a.) not get a parking spot anywhere close to the venue or b.) spend 20+ minutes looking for a spot (unless you get lucky). The Independent brings with it good memories!! I plan on going again next time I'm in the area and recommend others go if they haven't already.
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Catherine M.

Yelp
Horrid acoustics. We went last night, and my ears hurt. My husband and I wound up leaving 30 minutes into the main act, because our ears had been accosted by the opening act's sound. I knew it would be loud, but the sound level was so high that the lyrics became hard to hear and the music became noise. Be prepared to show not just ID, but also your vax card-no exceptions, even though your birthdate is in your vax card. $13 cocktails, and they ran out part way through the show. Credit card only-venue is cashless.
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Mika B.

Yelp
It was Friday evening May 13, 2022 . Moonchild was the headliner act that my spouse and I purchased VIP tickets 6 months in advance . Never did we think a torn acl would occur on my spouse's left knee . However it did . She had surgery on this knee about 3 weeks before the show date . Unfortunately she was still unable to walk and had 2b confine to a rented wheelchair because she refused to miss out on the show this night . When we arrived the staff accommodated us while in the line waiting for the doors to open . After the doors open the staff escorted to the best location in the house . All staff and I mean all the staff including the bar tender extended themselves in a manner I never / we never expected . When my spouse needed to use the restroom right in the middle of the crowded act the staff assisted her by bringing the wheelchair to her and assisting her in the wheelchair and wheeling her directly to the restroom located behind the scenes . Then they gracefully escorted her back to where we were seated and returned the wheelchair back to the place they kept it for safe keeping . Again all the staff were incredibly kind , sweet , generous, polite , down to earth and not to mention THE INDEPENDENT was one of the BEST places I've enjoyed a concert . It's not to small not to big and any spot your at you have great views to the stage . Very personal touch / vibe going on at THE INDEPENDENT. That's my new spot and I'll continue to catch any of my fav musicians who will perform there .... IT WAS ALL THE WAY LIVE !!!
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Mark B.

Yelp
It's not a perfect place to see a concert but it's darn good ~4.5 stars if I could. Good drinks but pricey. Great staff - even security! Good sight lines and the sound was good. Parking is the only worry going to this place and as I was told over the phone, "If you get there early, you will find a parking space!
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Ter L.

Yelp
Came to The Independent for the first time for a concert. Shout out to my boo D!! This amazing night wouldn't have been possible without you!!! Parking is a bit of a drag- don't say that you weren't warned. Come prepared with some comfortable shoes or look into a ride sharing option. Luckily for me, my girl is extremely patient and isn't a stranger of The City. We circled quite a few times and eventually found street parking a few blocks away. The venue in itself is cozy, intimate, & is sure to provide you with an amazing view of the performer [regardless of where you stand]. This is a 21+ establishment, no exception will be made and a valid ID is required to enter. Seating is limited and is located along both sides of the venue so come early if you don't anticipate standing|dancing all night long. There is no dress code enforced and The Independent offers a full bar. I'm an absolute fan! A trip here is guaranteed to be fun & memorable !!
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Joe W.

Yelp
A Covid super spreader! If you're looking to get sick, this is the place for you. Nobody follows any safety protocols, and they spray their droplets everywhere. If you like ending up in the hospital, then by all means, take yourself here, so you can get deathly ill, and have regrets later. You've been warned.
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Grachelle L.

Yelp
I recently went to The Independent to see Emily King, my first since the beginning of the pandemic! Show was sold out so the venue had a good crowd. We had to show our vaccination card at the door through Clear App so I would suggest downloading the app before getting to the show. As far as the show, i enjoyed every minute of it even if I had to stand for more than 2 hours in heels, which I haven't done in almost two years now! I always love Emily King but the lighting and the sounds were just perfect! I was pretty close to the stage so I thought the music would be blaring in my ears but it was just right.
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Effy B.

Yelp
The independent, how much I love you. Each time I've been here in the past decade, I've had such a great time. I am disabled and it's very hard for me to get out and feel safe. Here at the Independent everyone has always been kind to me and very diligent. I really like how thorough they've been checking for Covid vaccination cards and matching the ID to the name. The sound is fantastic and layout for the venue is perfect. This and bottom of the hill are my fav intimate venues. Really nice plus is they've also never had a dirty woman's restroom and it's been fully stocked.
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Chris M.

Yelp
Didn't even see the artist we went there to see due to a couple of interactions with one particular rude, and aggressive security guard within 20 minutes of being there. No need to act like that especially when we are there early and your club is basically empty. Overpriced drinks too, $15 for a beer. Pretty small room as well. Should have gone to the emporium next door instead looked like a better time. TLDR No prop policy in place Rude and aggressive security guard won't be the one to sat that though the coat check girl will as she's apologizing for his behavior Won't be going again
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Autumn J.

Yelp
There is a reason why I continue to go to this venue. The sound is amazing. In the open floor it doesn't favor anyone so it feels really friendly. This venue holds its own and because of the amazing sound I think it's one of the best in the city.
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Stefanie C.

Yelp
I have a friend who always tricks me into going out to a music venue, which is not usually my scene. My favorite place to hang out is in a near-empty dive bar that has regular customers and pool tables. Or some cutesy little cocktail bar. Usually it's too crowded when everyone is drinking and sweating and crammed into a tiny space while trying to push and shove their way to the front. To some extent, my experience at the Independent was like this, but it was one of the most enjoyable music adventures I've been on. My friend took me to see Peking Duk, an electronic music duo from Australia. Never heard of them before, but I loved them! This was the first time I actually stayed until the end of something. They didn't attract the biggest group, so there was plenty of space to stand. When I arrived, the doors opened promptly, and because my friend was incredibly late, I took a seat at one of the benches along the sides of the venue. It felt a little like a nightclub with the glowing red lights but more chill than one. Great selection of beers at the bar, and the bartender was nice, not dismissive like other music venues. While I'm still not thrilled when I get invited out for a music performance, I know that whenever it's at the Independent, I'll be in the most capable of hands.

Trogdor B.

Yelp
Awesome venue. Great music choices. Wonderful place to suffer permanent hearing loss and lifelong tinnitus. The staff will helpfully not inform you about the need to use earplugs, because they are old school and don't care about silly things like basic human compassion.
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Porsche C.

Yelp
The Independent has blown (the phuck) up in popularity! This place is always LIVE, but parking still remains the same (it's terrible to find a park) do yourself a favor and take Uber or public transportation. Spare yourself a headache, like seriously! The Independent is the BEST venue to watch a cool ol' concert in the bay area and has been around for a while. Its home to other music venues over the years. The event venue brings in some of the best concerts in the Bay Area and attracts many lovers of music from all over the world. It features a variety of genres and the crowd on any given night reflects the kind of music that is being performed. Now, you won't see many of those annoying young people in this crowd. Naahh, honey! This is a 21+ up type of venue (only for the sexy and classy!), which means there aren't any restricted bar areas. The venue is mostly a "stand up" type of venue. However, there are a couple seating areas on the side, all-in-all, it's mostly open space. Nothing fancy. Last time I came here was for the T-Pain concert, ahh, how I LOVE that man! Whoa! Anywho, there is a balcony upstairs which offers a lovely view from the top. There is also plenty of space in the middle of the dance floor in case you wanted to shake your tail feather (cough, cough). I love that the stage is raised high enough that everyone can see (even if you are short standing in the back). The stage is not too small but also not too big for the patrons that enough an intimate feel. If you haven't had the opportunity to watch a concert at The Independent, I strongly encourage you to start looking for your next best band or artist that is playing here, and get your tooshie here FASSTT! P.S- The tickets are hella cheap! Make sure you snag some good deals quickly. They have a list of performers that are performing at least a month in advance. Get your tickets ASAP, tickets do sell out!
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Andrew R.

Yelp
Went here for the first time to see Wild Belle and loved the venue! They have sitting and standing room (the sitting area filled up first, pretty quickly). We showed up right around the time the opening act started and were able to stand right in front of the stage. It was nice that the speakers weren't too loud to the point that your ears are ringing after the show. The venue is an intimate size (there were like 200 people maybe?) but it still has great audio/lights! I will definitely be on the lookout for more bands at this venue!
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Quynh T.

Yelp
What a great venue with a disco ball, accessible bathrooms, balcony, full bar and minimal seating. My boyfriend and I arrived late so we were stuck standing in the back, and we were still able to see the artists on stage! There's a full bar and bar staff will deliver drinks to you in the audience without an additional fee We didn't order any drinks though so I'm unsure of the cost and service. There's a balcony to stage left, which most likely has to be reserved. The bathrooms are to the right of the stage, which also happens to be where the seating is. Coat check is $2 and located right next to the restrooms. The seats are limited so arrive early if you want one. There's a smoking area right outside, and when they opened the doors, the breeze felt great but it also pulled in a ton of smoke. Which is my only complaint about this venue. Parking is difficult, street parking only. Overall, this is a great, small, intimate venue with reasonable ticket prices. I'd definitely want to come back!
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Joseph A.

Yelp
This is an excellent venue to visit for all live entertainment, their calendar boast many big name artists from all genres of music ranging from bluegrass to rap and hip hop and their ticket prices are always fair considering the size of the venue and the acts that they book. Lines can get very long as show time nears, but as long as you have your tickets and identification in hand, you will move through the entrance at a fairly quick pace. There are many great aspects of this venue, but two of their greatest are the fact that they have a full bar with multiple bartenders and reasonable prices and the large floor area for standing room. If you prefer to be seated during the show, they have areas off to the sides of the stage that can be reserved for an additional fee that offer both an excellent view of the show and a more intimate setting.