Finally, a bar for adults. No smoking. No TVs. No internet jukebox. Just all the taps pouring local beer, which gets to highlight the terrific microbrewery renaissance happening in SouthWestern PA right now.
Outdoor seating and the doors that open outside are great on a pleasant night. Service is friendly, if a bit disorganized when they first opened - but it's gotten great. The food has also gotten really good - props to the grilled romaine salad, and I love their barreled cocktails and innovative guest bartender nights. Plus the $4 nightly beer keeps things on the cheap, no-frills (in a good way) side.
I don't understand anyone who is upset that there are no TVs here. Almost every other bar in Pittsburgh (Kelly's is the only exception I can think of) has a TV, often gigantic TVs that are always on, no matter what is happening. If you want to watch sports, great - go to every other bar in Pittsburgh! If you want to have an evening of fun conversation with adults, come to the Independent. Now if we just had 5-10 more bars like this in Pittsburgh...