In The Beginning, There Was The Independent…

In some ways, seven years does not seem like a very long time.  But when you stop to think about what has happened in your own life over the past seven years… what has happened in the world… the distance we have traveled can feel like a millennium.  Seven years ago, it was 2005.  The only craft breweries in Tampa Bay were Tampa Bay Brewing Company and Dunedin Brewery.  Bottle laws had only changed in 2001, so access to good imports and microbrews were still limited, and there was very little craft beer culture in the area.  Finding a good beer bar in St. Pete was basically impossible.

Until The Independent opened.

In what at first glance looks like a hole in the wall, owners John and Veronica have created an intimate beer hall in the German tradition.  And with an impressive selection (quality, not quantity) of beers on tap, as well as in bottles, lovers of European brews will be in heaven.  St. Pete owes a lot to John and Veronica for paving the way for good beer in St. Petersburg.  They were here before World of Beer, before the Ale and the Witch, 400 Beach, or anyone else.  Their vision of a comfortable, casual-but-nice place to enjoy well crafted beers laid the groundwork for all who have come since.

This Sunday, April 15th, The Independent is celebrating their 7th Anniversary.  From 3pm – 9 pm, there will be draft beer specials, German brats and pretzels and featuring live music by The Florida Kilos, Sons of Hippies and the Urbane Cowboys.  Beers will be $7 for German draft liters, $4 for German draft half-liters.  Food is complimentary.

The Independent is located at 29 3rd Street N in downtown St. Pete.  For more info, call (727) 820-9514, or email to drink@independentbeer.com.

~ by Sean Nordquist on April 12, 2012.