I lived in Squirrel Hill a number of years ago and knew that this neighborhood was lacking in decent bar choices, but also understood that what makes Squirrel Hill so family-friendly is this "lacking." Does every neighborhood really NEED a craft beer bar? Probably not. Does it make it slightly more attractive to come to Squirrel Hill? Perhaps.
"Independent" features all PA craft brews and cocktail concoctions. It was nice to see a couple of breweries I didn't initially recognize including Costar (been living outside of PA for 3 years). Their saison they had on tap wasn't half bad and it was served in a tall glass. I did like that they served the beers in their proper glassware for each type.
What surprised me the most was that 2 of their cocktails were offered in a draft form, and I almost wished I had tried those instead of having a beer. One was called the Roman Holiday with some kind of blood orange bitters while the other one seemed like a spiced up gin and tonic.
My friends that came with me were long-time Fanatics bar-goers so they didn't know what to think of the craft beer bar set up in its place except that it felt "odd."
I liked the atmosphere of this place, but I still don't think I would warm up to it being in the more low-key, quiet Squirrel Hill neighborhood. Perhaps a place like this needs to exist in East Liberty (although Kelly's Bar probably has the beer-cocktails thing covered in that neighborhood). I might have to give this place a second try on my next trip to the Burgh.