When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
The Independent Sports Bar & Grill
Why The Independent Sports Bar & Grill is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Independent Sports Bar & Grill in Portland is a vibrant and spacious venue perfect for meeting up with friends, catching your favorite games, and enjoying a lively atmosphere. Known for its abundance of seating and numerous TVs, it ensures every guest has a great view of the sporting action. The bar offers a diverse menu featuring crowd-pleasers like chicken nachos and the whiskey burger, alongside signature sides such as rosemary and garlic fries that come highly recommended. With a welcoming ambiance amplified by good music and attentive staff, The Independent serves not only as a sports hub but also as a social gathering spot where friends can relax and enjoy quality food and drinks together. Its convenient location across from The Benson makes it an accessible and popular choice for both locals and visitors looking for a casual yet engaging dining experience. Whether you're in the mood for classic bar food or a well-crafted cocktail, The Independent provides an inviting environment tailored for groups wanting to share good times and great flavors.
Here's what people think of The Independent Sports Bar & Grill
As of recent, The Independent Sports Bar & Grill holds a 4.1-star rating based on 1033 reviews.
Reviews for The Independent Sports Bar & Grill highlight its status as an excellent sports bar with a lively atmosphere and well-prepared food. Across over a thousand reviews, customers praise the ample seating and multiple TVs, ensuring a great viewing experience of sports events from any seat. Positive feedback frequently mentions tasty dishes such as the whiskey burger, chicken nachos, and rosemary garlic fries, with some reviewers emphasizing the quality and presentation of the food. The friendly and attentive staff, along with a clean and safe environment, also receive commendations, contributing to a comfortable visit. On the other hand, some negative reviews point out occasional issues such as inconsistent food flavor (notably the thick, bland coating on fish and chips), missed drink refills, and discrepancies in the posted hours of operation which can lead to visitor inconvenience. While these critiques reflect opportunities for improvement in service and some menu items, the overall consensus remains favorable. In conclusion, The Independent excels as a sports bar and grill with a solid reputation for great food and a social atmosphere, making it a recommended destination despite sporadic service hiccups.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Josiah Wallace
The place is decent enough. The prices definitely don't need to be that high with the quality of food they serve.
Kat L
Love their atmosphere. Servers and bartenders are great! Lots of space for larger parties and tons of TVs - they even have a private space for events. Espresso martini is so yummy. 30+ taps and video lottery! Love this place
laura garcia
Came in to town for work and was referred by the hotel since it was near by! The accommodated me by playing the Astros game while all the other tv’s were playing the Eurocup. Great atmosphere and plenty of tv’s. Food was good. We tried the wings, nachos, patty melt, and quesadillas. We got there early but it did get packed to where there were people standing. Would go again if I come into town again.
Omar Pedraza
Great food, friendly staff! Very clean and roomy environment. Music was definitely a little loud and abnoxious for a sunday evening. Walked in here a little after a Thorns match to see a television Portland Timbers match. Signs at the door say they always got the Timbers game on (they didn’t). Not a huge deal, got the bartender to get a tv near on near our table. So other than the loud music, was a cool spot! Wouldn’t mind the music on friday/saturday, that’s why I have a 4
Rebecca Mullarkey-Rae
We really enjoyed our visit. Reasonably priced beer. The food was delicious! The sliders on the Hawaiian rolls.. so damn good! The Cajun tots were a good time too.
How to reach The Independent Sports Bar & Grill
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Why The Independent Sports Bar & Grill may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Independent Sports Bar & Grill with your friends? If you are looking for a lively, welcoming, and fun atmosphere to gather with friends or family, The Independent offers an ideal setting that balances great food, sports entertainment, and an inviting social vibe. With a solid rating of 4.1 out of 1033 reviews, this sports bar and grill located in Portland, Oregon, has earned its reputation as a top choice for groups looking to enjoy a casual yet exciting experience. Whether it’s catching a big game on one of their many TVs, indulging in mouth-watering American cuisine, or simply enjoying the buzz of a well-frequented local hangout, The Independent delivers. Its central location on Southwest Broadway makes it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. Plus, the environment is perfectly designed for socializing — plenty of seating, table service, and a vibrant bar atmosphere ensure there’s always something to keep a group entertained and connected. In short, The Independent is a place where stories unfold, friendships strengthen, and memorable moments are created, making it the perfect rallying point for any kind of meetup.
What kind of activities can you enjoy at The Independent Sports Bar & Grill? Watching live sports is, of course, front and center here — the venue boasts TVs everywhere, ensuring that no matter where your group is seated, you won’t miss a second of your favorite team’s action. This quality makes the bar a go-to destination for game days or major sporting events, providing an electric atmosphere as fans cheer together. Beyond televised sports, the bar frequently hosts special events and gatherings that bring people together around different themes and celebrations. The casual yet spirited environment invites conversation, laughter, and camaraderie among patrons. Food and drink specials, including a popular happy hour Monday through Friday from 4-6 pm, offer additional incentives to stay longer and savor the moment. For those who love variety, the menu caters to diverse tastes with classic bar fare like wings with multiple flavor options, burgers, hearty salads, and tempting nachos, allowing your group to customize their experience. All these activities combined create a lively and inclusive setting where friends and family feel right at home.
Why is The Independent Sports Bar & Grill perfect for group meetups? First, its layout and many large tables make it exceptionally comfortable for groups both big and small. Whether it's a casual brunch, a midday get-together, or an evening celebration, there's ample room for your party to sit together without feeling cramped. Moreover, the attentive table service ensures that your group can relax and enjoy the occasion without worrying about constant trips to the bar or kitchen. Another key aspect is the bar’s vibe—it strikes a harmonious balance between energetic sports bar excitement and the relaxed feel of a welcoming neighborhood pub, making it conducive to both watching games and meaningful social interaction. Accessibility is also carefully considered; The Independent is wheelchair accessible and centrally located for convenience. The combination of excellent service, delicious food, and a dynamic atmosphere tailored for socializing makes it an ideal venue to host birthdays, reunions, or casual hangouts with friends or family.
How does The Independent cater to different tastes and preferences in a group setting? The menu at The Independent is thoughtfully designed to satisfy a wide range of appetites and dietary needs. It offers traditional favorites such as their smash burger and chicken wings tossed in sauces like BBQ, Buffalo, or garlic parmesan, perfect for meat lovers. For those seeking lighter or vegetarian options, dishes like the Caesar salad and vegetarian-friendly fries provide satisfying alternatives. The bar also allows customization, such as adding grilled chicken to salads or extra toppings on nachos, ensuring that everyone in your party can find something they enjoy. The combination of scrumptious, reasonably priced food alongside an extensive drink menu—including carefully curated beers—ensures your group's diverse tastes are well accommodated. This variety makes it effortless to cater to mixed preferences and guarantees that no one leaves feeling overlooked when gathering for a meal or snack.
What makes the atmosphere at The Independent conducive to long, memorable gatherings? The Independent’s design and ambiance foster an engaging and lively yet comfortable environment ideal for groups who want to spend hours relaxing, socializing, and celebrating together. The presence of multiple TVs playing sports encourages an energetic buzz, but the space also accommodates intimate conversations without overwhelming noise. The staff’s friendly and professional service adds to the hospitable atmosphere, making visitors feel welcome and cared for. Regular patrons rave about the inviting vibe that combines the best of a classic sports bar with the charm of a local hangout, creating a unique and memorable setting for meetups. Additionally, the bar's hours, open until late on weekends and evenings during the week, are flexible enough to fit diverse scheduling needs, from casual dinners to late-night social sessions. All these features contribute to an overall experience where groups can create lasting memories while enjoying great food, beverages, and company.
How does The Independent support special events and celebrations for groups? Whether you’re planning a birthday party, a post-game celebration, or a casual family gathering, The Independent provides an accommodating space that suits a variety of event types. With its spacious seating, the bar can handle groups comfortably without sacrificing the quality of service. The staff is experienced in catering to group needs, helping ensure smooth and enjoyable occasions. The availability of a varied, crowd-pleasing menu and drink options means your guests will be well-fed and refreshed throughout the event. Plus, the lively sports environment adds a layer of excitement and engagement, especially if your celebration coincides with a major game or event on the numerous TVs. While the business is unclaimed online, this leaves room for personalized arrangements and flexible hosting opportunities. Overall, The Independent creates a friendly and festive atmosphere that elevates any social gathering into a special occasion full of fun and connection.
In summary, The Independent Sports Bar & Grill offers an excellent combination of location, atmosphere, and amenities making it a top choice for hosting meetups with friends or family. The comprehensive sports viewing experience, diverse menu accommodating all tastes, comfortable group seating, and welcoming vibe come together to create a space where camaraderie thrives. This is a place not just to eat and drink, but where moments are shared and friendships deepen. Whether for watching the big game, celebrating a special event, or just spending quality time with loved ones, The Independent is a dependable, enjoyable destination for groups looking to rally and make memories.