Welcome to The Independent
The Independent Bar & Cafe is Seminole Heights' Original World Class Beer Hall and has been a favorite neighborhood gathering spot serving craft beer, boutique wine, and cafe fare since 2009. Our founder, Veronica Danko, purchased a 1937 filling station in 2008 with a vision of bringing European beer culture to the Tampa, Florida beer scene. Veronica lived in Bavaria and traveled extensively throughout Europe and loved the European way of appreciating and celebrating beer. She sought to emulate that excitement locally. With so many Belgian, German, English and other European beer brands and styles available in Florida, in addition to the amazing local beer offerings, The Independent has been showcasing the best beer in the world for 15 years and running! We also offer live music every weekend, and plenty of fun beer and wine events throughout the year! Stop by for a visit, hang with the locals and experience some local and European beer culture!
Knighthood & Accolades
Founder Veronica Danko and The Independent staff are serious about beer knowledge and training. Veronica and several of the Independent staff have been invited to Belgium, Germany and other countries over the years to tour breweries and to immerse themselves in the history, brewing processes, and culture of some of the best breweries in the world. In 2024, Veronica attended the Belgian Beer Celebration in Brussels, Belgium, and received an Honorary Knighthood by the Belgian Brewers Guild, acknowledging Veronica's efforts in celebrating Belgian Beer Culture and selling Belgian beer for nearly 20 years. Veronica also served on the Board of Tampa Bay Beer Week numerous times and helped bring attention to and drive the focus of Tampa Bay's annual beer week. You can be assured that you are in good hands with the staff at The Indie!
Our Kitchen Is Small But Mighty
The Independent also boasts a popular cafe featuring European and American influenced appetizers and sandwiches, a charcuterie board, soups, salads and many vegan friendly items! We also offer locally roasted brewed coffee, specialty sodas, seltzers, teas, and kombucha. Our "cafe" started out very simple in the early days, but we have proudly grown our Cafe into a proper "Kitchen"! Our extensive and diverse menu caters to every palate, whether you're looking for a leisurely dinner with loved ones, a quick lunch catch-up with friends, or a solo meal at the bar. Come as you are, and leave with a full stomach, and a smile. Watch for our weekly and event oriented food specials!
A Place of Celebration
We bring the world's best beer and wine cultures and the local community together under one roof. Our many exciting events showcase the finest German, Belgian, and American craft beers, as well as boutique world renowned wines, thoughtfully paired with delicious food specials. As your neighborhood gathering spot, we create an inclusive atmosphere where friends can explore global beer and wine traditions, hang with the locals, and enjoy the warmth of our welcoming neighborhood bar!
Prost!
