The Independentsimilar businesses >

St. Petersburg's bohemian scene cracks wide open at the Independent, where Belgian drafts and thick red wines pour faster than the strumming of the guitar and ukulele duo that anchor the corner of this dimly lit bar with a central European feel. The dark red walls host a montage of campy beer posters and framed mountain vistas from throughout the continent. A long plank table takes up most of the room, where long-skirted flautists and bearded accordionists clamor in intermingling groups, debating world politics and, of course, the changing face of indie music. The livelier patrons entertain ceilis, group folk dances, or hurl darts with laughing unconcern for scores or who goes next. The sidewalk tables, cluttered with ashtrays and glasses of Chateauneuf du Pape, are casual gatherings where tabletops provide seating as easily as chairs, and groups offer panhandlers a seat and a drink before spare change. The prices are surprisingly steep for such a seemingly socialist outpost, but the camaraderie is free. -- Rachel Ahmed

Categories: Bars

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