About us

The Independence is a modern American restaurant in motion by the ocean. Serving up great cocktails and even greater happy hour deals -- we are your favorite neighborhood tavern. Powered by local and seasonally inspired food, good energy, and the spirit of our namesake railroad, the Los Angeles & Independence. In 1874, Santa Monica was no more than picturesque bluffs and Pacific sunsets - until Silver baron John P. Jones came along with the vision of a seaside resort town. However, a 16-mile carriage ride separated his dream from reality. The baron put his silver to work and built a rail from DTLA to the Santa Monica Bay waterfront. He christened it the Los Angeles & Independence Railroad. The new Expo metro line, which opened in 2016, brought Jones’ dream back to life. The train stops a block from The Independence. And here we are. Any other website text: We are a modern American tavern in the heart of downtown Santa Monica. Roll with us for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch!