You’re walking through Union Square in Somerville, and honestly, it’s a lot to take in. There’s the smell of donuts from Union Square Donuts, the rattling of the Green Line extension, and that specific, slightly chaotic energy that only a neighborhood in the middle of a massive "glow-up" has. But right there on Union Square, tucked into a building that looks like it has seen some things, is The Independent Union Square Somerville MA. Local regulars just call it "The Indo."
It’s been around since 2001. Think about that for a second. In the world of restaurants and bars—especially in a place like Somerville where rents are skyrocketing and luxury condos are popping up like mushrooms—twenty-plus years is basically an eternity. It’s a lifetime.
The Indo isn't trying to be a sleek, glass-walled cocktail lounge where you feel like you need to check your bank account before ordering a second round. It’s a gastropub, but even that label feels a bit too formal for what’s actually happening inside those walls. It’s a community anchor. If you want to understand why Somerville people are so protective of their neighborhood identity, you kinda just have to spend a Tuesday night here.
What Makes The Independent Union Square Somerville MA Different?
Most places pick a lane. You’re either a "dive bar" where the floor is sticky and the beer is cheap, or you’re a "fine dining" spot with white tablecloths. The Independent Union Square Somerville MA refuses to pick. It exists in that sweet spot where you can get a world-class craft beer or a properly made cocktail, but you’re also allowed to just hang out in a hoodie and talk loudly about politics or the Red Sox.
The layout is intentional. You have the pub side, which is dark, woody, and classic. Then you have the dining room side which feels a bit more structured but still carries that "living room" vibe.
The Food is Surprisingly Serious
People come for the drinks, sure, but the kitchen isn't an afterthought. We aren't talking about frozen mozzarella sticks. The menu leans into high-end comfort food. Their burger is consistently cited as one of the best in the city—not because it’s piled high with gimmicky toppings, but because the meat is good and they actually know how to sear a patty.
They do things like duck confit poutine or pan-seared salmon that feel like they belong in a place charging twice as much. But because it’s the Indo, it feels accessible. It’s the kind of place where you can take a first date if you want to look cool but not like you’re trying too hard. Or you can take your parents when they visit from out of town and want "something local."
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Why the Location Matters (A Lot)
Union Square has changed. A lot. Ten years ago, the Green Line didn't come here. You had to take a bus from Harvard or Sullivan Square, which kept it a bit of a "locals only" secret. Now, with the Union Square station open, the floodgates are officially apart.
The Independent Union Square Somerville MA sits right at the nexus of this change. It’s located at 75 Union Square. Being right there on the plaza means it’s the default meeting spot. "Meet you at the Indo" is a phrase uttered a thousand times a week in Somerville.
The Evolution of the Square
The Independent was founded by Ken Kelly and the team behind other local staples like River Bar and the now-closed (and dearly missed) Precision Speakeasy. They saw the potential in Union Square long before the developers did.
Back in the early 2000s, Union Square was gritty. It was the heart of Somerville’s working-class roots. The Independent managed to bridge the gap between the old-school residents and the "Slumerville" artists, and eventually, the tech professionals moving in from Kendall Square.
The Drink Program: More Than Just Guinness
While the Guinness pour here is respected (they take it seriously, as any proper pub should), the craft beer list is the real draw. They were early adopters of the craft movement. You’ll find locals like Night Shift or Lord Hobo on tap, but they also source rare finds from across the country.
If you're not a beer person, the cocktail program is tight. It’s not "mixology" in the pretentious sense where someone spends twenty minutes bruising a mint leaf. It’s just good drinks. They lean into the classics—Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, and seasonal mulls when the Massachusetts winter starts biting.
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The Atmosphere Factor
Lighting matters. The Indo gets this. It’s dim, but not dark. It’s loud, but you can still hear the person across from you. There’s no jukebox battle because the staff generally has a decent handle on the playlist—lots of indie rock, some soul, maybe some 90s nostalgia if the vibe is right.
It’s also one of the few places that actually feels like a pub in the British or Irish sense—a public house. A place where you are welcome regardless of whether you’re spending $10 or $100.
Survival in a Changing City
Let’s be real: Somerville is expensive now. The "Independent" name isn't just a brand; it’s a statement of intent. As corporate groups buy up more real estate in the Boston area, having a locally owned, fiercely independent spot is becoming a rarity.
The Indo survived the pandemic. It survived the years of grueling construction outside its front door while the T was being built. It survived the shift from a sleepy neighborhood to a transit-oriented development hub.
That resilience comes from loyalty. People go back to The Independent Union Square Somerville MA because it feels consistent. In a world of "concept" restaurants that change every three years, there is something deeply comforting about a place that knows exactly what it is.
Misconceptions About the Indo
Some people think it's just a "bar." It's not. If you show up at 6:00 PM on a Friday, you’ll see families with kids in the dining room. If you show up at 11:30 PM, it’s a totally different crowd. It wears many hats.
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Another misconception? That it’s too "hipster." While Somerville certainly has its share of beanies and artisanal everything, the Indo is remarkably diverse in its clientele. You’ll see city hall workers, construction crews, biotech researchers, and starving musicians all sitting within five feet of each other.
Planning Your Visit
If you’re heading to The Independent Union Square Somerville MA, here is the reality of what to expect.
Parking? Forget it. Don’t even try. Union Square parking is a nightmare of permit-only side streets and confusing meters. Take the Green Line to the Union Square stop. It’s a two-minute walk from the station. If you must drive, there’s a small public lot behind the square, but it’s usually full.
The weekends are packed. If you want a table on a Saturday night, you’re going to wait. The bar is first-come, first-served, and people tend to linger.
What to Order (The "Expert" Picks)
- The Burger: Seriously, just do it. It’s the baseline for everything else.
- The Fish and Chips: It’s crispy, the tartare sauce is house-made, and it feels right in a pub setting.
- The Seasonal Specials: The kitchen likes to flex. If they have a seasonal risotto or a weird taco special, it’s usually worth the gamble.
The Social Impact of The Indo
The Independent does more than just serve booze. They’ve been involved in neighborhood festivals like "What the Fluff?" (the celebration of Marshmallow Fluff, which was invented in Union Square). They support local artists. They are part of the fabric.
When you spend money at The Independent Union Square Somerville MA, you’re not sending profit to a corporate headquarters in Chicago or Vegas. You’re keeping a piece of Somerville’s soul alive. That sounds cheesy, but if you’ve seen how many independent spots have closed in the last five years, you know it’s the truth.
Actionable Next Steps for Visitors
- Check the Tap List: They update their beer menu frequently. If you’re a beer nerd, check their social media or website before you go to see if they’ve tapped a limited-release keg.
- Timing is Everything: If you want a quiet meal, go for an early dinner around 5:00 PM. If you want the "Somerville experience," arrive after 8:00 PM when the energy picks up.
- Explore the Square: Don't just go to the Indo and leave. Walk around. Visit the local shops, grab a coffee at Diesel, or check out the Saturday Farmers Market if it’s the right season.
- Try the Outdoor Seating: In the summer, their outdoor patio is one of the best spots in the city for people-watching. It’s prime real estate.
- Talk to the Staff: The bartenders here generally know their stuff. If you aren't sure what to drink, ask for a recommendation based on what you usually like. They aren't snobby about it.
The Indo isn't just a business; it’s the living room of Union Square. Whether you’re a lifelong "Ville" resident or you just moved in last week, it’s the place that makes you feel like you actually belong in the neighborhood.
By supporting The Independent Union Square Somerville MA, you’re participating in a long tradition of Somerville hospitality that values character over polish and community over corporate trends. It’s a place that has stood the test of time for a reason. Go see for yourself.