If you're in Solana Beach you have to do Happy Hour at The Independence. The espresso martini is GOOD! The food menu was available in half portions. We ordered almost everything on the menu! Wings, Brussels sports, salad, pasta... and it was all delicious!!!
Donna E.
Great place to meet up with friends, enjoy a wonderful brunch and close enough for a stroll on Santa Monica pier or the mall to continue a fun day!! The service was fantastic and the food was everything you picture for California cuisine.
Jenny G.
One of my least favorite meals I had in SoCal. Huevos Rancheros: Plate of black beans with minimal toppings. Coconut Cornflake French Toast: Outside was crispy and dry, but inside was undercooked and soggy.
Sedra D
The food was good. The table was not balanced. It was rockey. The waitress could have been more attentive. Other than that it's a good place to eat.
DeeAnna S.
First time here was July 4th weekend. We'd passed by here many times before and put it on our list of places to try. It was mid afternoon so not as crowded (other then outdoor tables) as other times we've passed by. It was Happy Hour and they have a limited but respectable HH menu. Their Margaritas were excellent. The fish and chips were a solid 4 and the Frito Misto was average. The place is beautiful inside and it's on a prime corner of downtown Santa Monica so convenient to everything. Our server Malcolm was brand new and did a wonderful job. We'll be back.
Ash David
Food was amazing. Highly recommend the half chicken with seasonal vegetables. Well worth a visit!
Simone Evans
Went here during my birthday weekend for brunch and I had a great time! Love the bottomless mimosas for 27 dollars! (90 minute limit) and I devoured the egg sandwich that I ordered while my boyfriend could not get enough of his steak and eggs. We'd definitely come back.
Ant Sol
First time here. Family of 5. Definitely recommend. Food was amazing. Staff was great.
Veronica E.
Stopped by on a late Sunday afternoon. We were looking for a place to have a cocktail that wasn't loud and "happening". This place fit the bill.We were happily surprised to see they have an "everyday HH from 3:00-5:30 pm,.We tried the Hibiscus Gimlet, so good, perfect flavor, balanced sweetness and refreshing. The traditional margarita, also very good.For food we tried the HH:- Fish and chips, nothing special, but not bad- Hot wings, crispy and good flavor- Caesar salad, traditional - Lamb Bolognese, so flavorful, lamb was cooked perfectly, very tender and the pasta and sauce were delicious.The dining room has a modern decor and airy feel. Our server Emily was amazing, despite being the only one there, she was attentive and friendly (thank you!). If you're in the area, stop by, you will be happy you did.
Jen S.
We were checking in late and asked the front desk where to eat. This lovely gentleman in line said to try The Independence-said it was some of the best food he has ever had!We went and we agreed! Sadly they are closed M & T so we were not able to come back until Wednesday brunch.Paige was our waitress both times and so so nice! She even remembered us and said "welcome back"Clean, friendly, excellent service and amazing food
Lovely little bar/restaurant. Good beers on tap, if a small selection. The staff is super friendly, reasonably priced, and in a great location. The restaurant has an early happy hour from 3-6 pm, $6 cocktails, and $6 small plates.It was hard to choose from their house cocktails until my husband suggested the "Coldwater" with vodka, cucumber juice, lemon, and soda. Delicious and refreshing!
The service and people are so welcoming and helpful....gave us several incredible recommends on other places during our 5 day vacation. We tried several which were all excellent and also ate at The Independence 3 times because the food was amazing on top of the warm and welcome service.
maxschroder
This restaurant is great in all aspects. The burgers were juicy and cooked to perfection and the fries were outstanding. The drinks were very good. The service is the best you could ask for. Special thanks to our waiter- she was very professional and kind. This spot is perfect for a casual dinner if you are visiting Santa Monica or the surrounding area.
MichaelW
Awesome skinny margarita and overall great food. Loved the burrata, Brussels sprouts and fries. Great salads and pasta. The burger is always a hit. Great location near the beach and shops.
Winter Wyatt
Great service. I ordered the waffles and chicken, which tasted amazing. I also ordered a side of fruit and bottomless mimosas.. I had to tell them no more champagne because I was too tipsy lol I highly recommend this restaurant.
If you're in Solana Beach you have to do Happy Hour at The Independence. The espresso martini is GOOD! The food menu was available in half portions. We ordered almost everything on the menu! Wings, Brussels sports, salad, pasta... and it was all delicious!!!
Great place to meet up with friends, enjoy a wonderful brunch and close enough for a stroll on Santa Monica pier or the mall to continue a fun day!! The service was fantastic and the food was everything you picture for California cuisine.
One of my least favorite meals I had in SoCal. Huevos Rancheros: Plate of black beans with minimal toppings. Coconut Cornflake French Toast: Outside was crispy and dry, but inside was undercooked and soggy.
The food was good. The table was not balanced. It was rockey. The waitress could have been more attentive. Other than that it's a good place to eat.
First time here was July 4th weekend. We'd passed by here many times before and put it on our list of places to try. It was mid afternoon so not as crowded (other then outdoor tables) as other times we've passed by. It was Happy Hour and they have a limited but respectable HH menu. Their Margaritas were excellent. The fish and chips were a solid 4 and the Frito Misto was average. The place is beautiful inside and it's on a prime corner of downtown Santa Monica so convenient to everything. Our server Malcolm was brand new and did a wonderful job. We'll be back.
Food was amazing. Highly recommend the half chicken with seasonal vegetables. Well worth a visit!
Went here during my birthday weekend for brunch and I had a great time! Love the bottomless mimosas for 27 dollars! (90 minute limit) and I devoured the egg sandwich that I ordered while my boyfriend could not get enough of his steak and eggs. We'd definitely come back.
First time here. Family of 5. Definitely recommend. Food was amazing. Staff was great.
Stopped by on a late Sunday afternoon. We were looking for a place to have a cocktail that wasn't loud and "happening". This place fit the bill.We were happily surprised to see they have an "everyday HH from 3:00-5:30 pm,.We tried the Hibiscus Gimlet, so good, perfect flavor, balanced sweetness and refreshing. The traditional margarita, also very good.For food we tried the HH:- Fish and chips, nothing special, but not bad- Hot wings, crispy and good flavor- Caesar salad, traditional - Lamb Bolognese, so flavorful, lamb was cooked perfectly, very tender and the pasta and sauce were delicious.The dining room has a modern decor and airy feel. Our server Emily was amazing, despite being the only one there, she was attentive and friendly (thank you!). If you're in the area, stop by, you will be happy you did.
We were checking in late and asked the front desk where to eat. This lovely gentleman in line said to try The Independence-said it was some of the best food he has ever had!We went and we agreed! Sadly they are closed M & T so we were not able to come back until Wednesday brunch.Paige was our waitress both times and so so nice! She even remembered us and said "welcome back"Clean, friendly, excellent service and amazing food
Restaurantji Recommends
Lovely little bar/restaurant. Good beers on tap, if a small selection. The staff is super friendly, reasonably priced, and in a great location. The restaurant has an early happy hour from 3-6 pm, $6 cocktails, and $6 small plates.It was hard to choose from their house cocktails until my husband suggested the "Coldwater" with vodka, cucumber juice, lemon, and soda. Delicious and refreshing!
The service and people are so welcoming and helpful....gave us several incredible recommends on other places during our 5 day vacation. We tried several which were all excellent and also ate at The Independence 3 times because the food was amazing on top of the warm and welcome service.
This restaurant is great in all aspects. The burgers were juicy and cooked to perfection and the fries were outstanding. The drinks were very good. The service is the best you could ask for. Special thanks to our waiter- she was very professional and kind. This spot is perfect for a casual dinner if you are visiting Santa Monica or the surrounding area.
Awesome skinny margarita and overall great food. Loved the burrata, Brussels sprouts and fries. Great salads and pasta. The burger is always a hit. Great location near the beach and shops.
Great service. I ordered the waffles and chicken, which tasted amazing. I also ordered a side of fruit and bottomless mimosas.. I had to tell them no more champagne because I was too tipsy lol I highly recommend this restaurant.