THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED The Independence

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED The Independence Restaurant Review:

The Independence, a modern tavern near Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade, inhabits a huge space with colorful, graffiti-style murals. Booths and a communal table occupy one side, followed by a long bar flanked by high-top tables, then another area of regular tables. Concrete floors and lots of glass mean the decibel levels can get high. The attractive menu of New American fare provides many reasons for a return visit. Kick things off with starters of scallop ceviche or kale chopped salad. Move on to mains such as a lamb burger with jalapeño aioli, tomato jam and feta; whole branzino with couscous and harissa; or garlic and lemon chicken. For dessert, the kitchen may prepare an orange caraway crème brûlée. There's a limited wine list plus several local craft beers on tap and more offerings by the bottle. You’ll also find non-alcoholic "mocktails" as well as tempting tipples such as the Wolfskill, composed of Bourbon, mezcal, rhubarb liqueur, elderflower liqueur and Jerry Thomas Bitters. Happy hour (daily from 3 p.m.-6 p.m.) offers $8 featured cocktails and $6 wines and select drafts.