Planning a trip to San Francisco?
Foursquare can help you find the best places to go to.
The Independent
Rock Club, Music Venue, and Concert Hall
Alamo Square, San Francisco
Has a stamp of approval from SF Weekly and SFist
"My favorite venue in sf! Great bands, good sound"(9 Tips)
"One of the most intimate venues to catch your favorite band play."(13 Tips)
"I've never seen a bad show here."(2 Tips)
"Great venue, small enough to get a good view!"(6 Tips)
107 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- venues in sf
- concerts
- dancing
- DJs
- scenic views
- (15 more)
Sort:
- Popular
- Recent
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.
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.
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.
CroweNovember 28, 2013As 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 KellyFebruary 1, 2014Their 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.- One of the most intimate venues to catch your favorite band play. I've been backstage here once too!
One of the few venues that allow you to bring a DSLR camera for that kickass concert shot.
LGJuly 30, 2022Great place to see a show. Small enough that you feel connected pretty much anywhere but plenty of seating and space. Highly recommend.
gail.October 22, 2014I 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.
ChaunceyCCJune 15, 2011Love 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 LitzOctober 10, 2011Great 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 StraussFebruary 19, 2020One of the best venues in SF. Small, good sound, nice bartenders, and lots of international acts.
Big enough to have your own space, intimate enough to see the artist up close. Great venue!
Fernanda MartínezJune 2, 2017Amazing music space, great sound. Intimate experience between bands and public
ZipcarJune 6, 2011One 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.
Rob RayJanuary 18, 2012If 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.
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.
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 HodgsonAugust 26, 2011Great 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.- Great venue, obviously buy your tickets online ahead of time. Show up super early if you want a side seat.
Stand towards the back, stage left... Right under the AC vent. (Also a great venue to see rock shows, ha)- Great sound, chill vibes, awesome staff. I've never seen a bad show here.
Listener ApprovedOctober 6, 2012Fantastic venue, The acoustics are amazing, the layout is perfect, and the stage visibility is great from anywhere.
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 Yuri-BermúdezJune 1, 2018A very intimate venue. You should probably bring protection for your ears. It gets loud!
Angelica WDecember 4, 2016Great intimate venue with attentive employees who keep the audience acting right.
Trevor HillOctober 18, 2015My favorite venue in the city, small and intimate but never overly crowded
Excellent little venue. Get there early to save an upper corner by the stage.
One day I'll come here and people will be dancing. Until then you're all just too cool. Get over yourselves.
Emily RoseSeptember 12, 2014Very small but didn't feel crowded for a sold out event. Good view of the stage at any angle, with fair drinks. Good 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.
Buy your tickets well in advance, as shows tend to sell out quickly.
Aamir AliAugust 24, 2013Amazing venue, reasonably priced drinks.. Catch a show here if you still haven't!- Andy JiangAugust 19, 2014Great venue. Small enough to be intimate, but big enough to move and dance around.
Melissa WJune 11, 2016Gets hot and sweaty like an armpit so wear layers. 2 drink min at the bar (or $ only).
2,260 Photos
Foursquare © 2025 Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA
The Independent
628 Divisadero St (btwn Hayes & Grove St)
San Francisco, CA 94117
United States
San Francisco, CA 94117
United States
Closed until 11:00 AM (Show more)
- Mon–Fri
- 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
(415) 771-1421
Features
Credit Cards
Yes
See More
You might also like
- 9.1
"Beautiful, intimate venue. Easily one of the best venues in SF."
Brodie Olmstead - 8.3
"A new San Francisco favorite gig. What a great, authentic vintage vibe."
Georganne Calyanis - 8.8
"Great small place where some of the best bands played before they got big. Great food, nice outdoor space in back, easy parking, and friendly staff."
Roy Scopazzi
Places people like to go after The Independent
- 9.2
"Best pork chop I've ever had. Surprised that it's a pretty great spot for cocktails. Bar closes at 1 AM."
Christine Ngo - 8.5
"great selection of booze and neat interior. check out the house-infused vodkas. decent live music. cash only. a chill cross-section of san francisco life. too bad they close at midnight."
joanne - 8.4
"Great divey beer spot in the Lower Haight. Everyone is super friendly. Good luck finding a place to sit though."
John Doherty
Upcoming Events
- Wallice
8:00 PM on February 20, 2025
- Jeremie Albino
9:00 PM on February 21, 2025
- Circles Around The Sun
9:00 PM on February 22, 2025
Powered by
Appears on 447 lists
Music Venues in San Francisco, CA
Created by Listener Approved
120 items • 174 followers
Created by Kent Rudd
165 items • 142 followers
Created by M M
106 items • 120 followers