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The Independent

The Independent

Rock Club, Music Venue, and Concert Hall
Alamo Square, San Francisco
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9.3/10
896
ratings
  • Stars
  • Stars
    The experts at SF Weekly and SFist recommend this place
    • SF Weekly
    • SFist
  • Tips
    Ani L.
    "My favorite venue in sf! Great bands, good sound"(9 Tips)
    Patrick N.
    "One of the most intimate venues to catch your favorite band play."(13 Tips)
    Brodie O.
    "I've never seen a bad show here."(2 Tips)
    Jennifer C.
    "Great venue, small enough to get a good view!"(6 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon107 Tips and reviews
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  • Daniel S.
    Daniel SalinasAugust 15, 2011
    Been here 5+ times
    What a great venue -- small and intimate, but large enough that you'll get the occasional last minute show from a big name. Be sure to get on their mailing list to get last minute concert updates.
  • Roy S.heart icon on user image
    Roy ScopazziSeptember 12, 2014
    Been here 50+ times
    One of my favorite music venues in SF. Almost always a good band playing and at reasonable prices. Get there early if you want a seat on the sides. Comfy atmosphere.
  • Megan Allisonheart icon on user image
    Megan AllisonJuly 17, 2016
    Been here 10+ times
    If a band you're really into is playing here, get here before 9pm and you can score a spot mere feet away from them. Tiny room, good bar, always a great place to get sweaty and happy.
  • Crowe
    CroweNovember 28, 2013
    As an SF newcomer (three days!) this is my first concert venue in the city. Western Addition is a cool neighborhood, let's to keep you busy pre/post show. Venue is intimate with great views all over.
  • Ryan K.
    Ryan KellyFebruary 1, 2014
    Their band curation is perfect. There's never a bad show. If you feel like live music, but have never heard of who's playing, trust them, go, and you'll love it.
  • Patrick N.
    Patrick N.December 17, 2011
    Been here 5+ times
    One of the most intimate venues to catch your favorite band play. I've been backstage here once too!
  • kev/nullheart icon on user image
    kev/nullAugust 13, 2015
    Been here 5+ times
    One of the few venues that allow you to bring a DSLR camera for that kickass concert shot.
  • gail.heart icon on user image
    gail.October 22, 2014
    I love going to shows at smaller venues & this is a great one. Slim's is still my love in life, but The Independent has more activity & dining options in the immediate vicinity.
  • LG
    LGJuly 30, 2022
    Great place to see a show. Small enough that you feel connected pretty much anywhere but plenty of seating and space. Highly recommend.
  • SFist
    SFistAugust 3, 2014
    Acts range from big-name national acts to '90s reunion tours to Dave Chapelle's surprise standup shows. And the drinks won't break your bank either. Read more
  • Remezcla
    RemezclaJanuary 25, 2015
    From Austin, the alter ego of psych-funk collective Brownout and Grammy Award-winning band, Grupo Fantasma, Brown Sabbath, will be at The Independent in San Francisco on February 10th. Read more
  • ChaunceyCC
    ChaunceyCCJune 15, 2011
    Love this spot. Great sound and even greater staff. You'd be surprised how many clubs in SF treat their customers like they don't want them to come back. IE The Warfield. Keep it up, Indy!
  • John L.
    John LitzOctober 10, 2011
    Great small live music venue. The Double Door of Chicago. Approx 400-500 capacity, unobstructed sight lines, great PA and sound. VIP section is designed nicely. Staff is friendly.
  • Brian S.heart icon on user image
    Brian StraussFebruary 19, 2020
    One of the best venues in SF. Small, good sound, nice bartenders, and lots of international acts.
  • J S.heart icon on user image
    J SOctober 28, 2014
    Been here 10+ times
    Big enough to have your own space, intimate enough to see the artist up close. Great venue!
  • Fernanda M.heart icon on user image
    Fernanda MartínezJune 2, 2017
    Amazing music space, great sound. Intimate experience between bands and public
  • Zipcar
    ZipcarJune 6, 2011
    One of the oldest (and best) venues around. One night you’ll take a chance on a new band, the next you’ll see someone who’s already a star. Either way, pray the place sells out so you snag a poster.
  • Anthony Y.heart icon on user image
    Anthony YoungJuly 2, 2017
    Great vibes w #TheWailingSouls that night ... Great Staff
  • Rob R.heart icon on user image
    Rob RayJanuary 18, 2012
    If you get the opportunity, hit up the balcony all the to left. You're practically on top of the stage. Great spot for some wide angle photos of the band and the crowd.
  • Crillmatic
    CrillmaticNovember 2, 2013
    Been here 25+ times
    Make dinner plans. Get here at least an hour before doors open so you can have decent parking. Go eat. Come back and enjoy the show.
  • Kenny L.
    Kenny LiaoFebruary 15, 2011
    Been here 50+ times
    A small venue that's a great place to see your favorite band. Get tickets from the box office to save on fees (M-F 11a-6p). For an elevated view of the stage, stand on the raised areas.
  • Wesley H.
    Wesley HodgsonAugust 26, 2011
    Great music venue. I've seen a couple of shows there while in town, and also a wedding reception! Lots of good memories and great sound.
  • 🐐 .heart icon on user image
    🐐 🐙December 5, 2015
    Been here 10+ times
    Great venue, obviously buy your tickets online ahead of time. Show up super early if you want a side seat.
  • Rachel R.heart icon on user image
    Rachel RothJune 13, 2017
    Bartenders are friendly & fast, lots of great music at this intimate venue
  • Karla T.heart icon on user image
    Karla TimmonsOctober 12, 2018
    Not a bad view in the house. One of my favorite concert venues
  • Joseph L.heart icon on user image
    Joseph LeFebruary 10, 2018
    Great, intimate venue. No such thing as a bad view here
  • Sarah T.heart icon on user image
    Sarah TrottFebruary 16, 2018
    There’s a coat check. Bar is cash only
  • Rudyheart icon on user image
    RudyOctober 19, 2016
    Great venue. Impecable sound and great size.
  • Brian L.heart icon on user image
    Brian LAugust 20, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    Stand towards the back, stage left... Right under the AC vent. (Also a great venue to see rock shows, ha)
  • Listener Approved
    Listener ApprovedOctober 6, 2012
    Fantastic venue, The acoustics are amazing, the layout is perfect, and the stage visibility is great from anywhere.
  • Brodie O.heart icon on user image
    Brodie OlmsteadJuly 24, 2015
    Been here 10+ times
    Great sound, chill vibes, awesome staff. I've never seen a bad show here.
  • Shane T.
    Shane TobinApril 9, 2011
    Been here 10+ times
    My favorite club in SF. The sound is great, I can always see the band and the bartenders are solid. I'm usually here once a week.
  • Noel Y.heart icon on user image
    A very intimate venue. You should probably bring protection for your ears. It gets loud!
  • Angelica W.heart icon on user image
    Angelica WDecember 4, 2016
    Great intimate venue with attentive employees who keep the audience acting right.
  • Trevor H.heart icon on user image
    Trevor HillOctober 18, 2015
    My favorite venue in the city, small and intimate but never overly crowded
  • 🐍Ssstephanieheart icon on user image
    🐍SsstephanieFebruary 17, 2014
    Been here 10+ times
    Excellent little venue. Get there early to save an upper corner by the stage.
  • Matt C.heart icon on user image
    Matt ClineDecember 14, 2014
    Been here 25+ times
    One day I'll come here and people will be dancing. Until then you're all just too cool. Get over yourselves.
  • Ian W.heart icon on user image
    Ian WalterOctober 14, 2014
    Small venue with great sound. One of the best venues in SF.
  • Alex N.
    Alex NorcliffeMarch 28, 2014
    Awesome venue for London Grammar. Small, sold out but not packed.
  • Emily R.
    Emily RoseSeptember 12, 2014
    Very small but didn't feel crowded for a sold out event. Good view of the stage at any angle, with fair drinks. Good times!
  • Rich Y.heart icon on user image
    Rich YannaconeSeptember 20, 2015
    Awesome place for up close shows!!
  • Graham G.heart icon on user image
    Graham GeiselmanMarch 26, 2015
    Favorite venue in SF. Small but pulls great talent.
  • Doublejack
    DoublejackMarch 9, 2010
    Been here 10+ times
    If you come for free movie night, grab a sandwich to go from Mojo cafe across the street. Plan to get in line at least 1/2 hour before doors open. If you're pressed for time grab your table first.
  • erinsauceheart icon on user image
    erinsauceJune 3, 2015
    Been here 10+ times
    Buy your tickets well in advance, as shows tend to sell out quickly.
  • Aamir A.heart icon on user image
    Aamir AliAugust 24, 2013
    Amazing venue, reasonably priced drinks.. Catch a show here if you still haven't!
  • Andy J.
    Andy JiangAugust 19, 2014
    Great venue. Small enough to be intimate, but big enough to move and dance around.
  • Ani L.heart icon on user image
    Ani LDecember 10, 2014
    My favorite venue in sf! Great bands, good sound
  • Melissa W.heart icon on user image
    Melissa WJune 11, 2016
    Gets hot and sweaty like an armpit so wear layers. 2 drink min at the bar (or $ only).
  • Bommyheart icon on user image
    BommyOctober 26, 2015
    Perfect size for a venue.
  • Jennifer C.heart icon on user image
    Jennifer CarterMarch 26, 2016
    Great venue, small enough to get a good view!
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