This is the coolest bar I've ever been to in Iowa, if not one of the coolest bars I've ever been…read moreto- PERIOD! The Sanity Room takes "theme" bar to a whole new level. There is a state mental facility outside of Independence, Iowa, and hence the theme of the Sanity Room. But don't think it's cold and creepy. No. The owners have gone to great lengths to make this an inviting place complete with the unique chairs, private small booths, and kitschy motto signs surrounding the place (one of my faves: "I can only please one person per day. Today I choose me."). They serve shots in pill bottles and syringes, and the staff will even make you don a patient gown, sit in the old hospital bed (vintage and they claim it came from the state hospital), and then administer the shots while wearing a doctor's coat. Genius! After you are vaccinated, you get a sticker. As if the booze wasn't awesome enough! And let's talk about the booze. This is a full bar that also features some great craft and local beers, as well as a local wine. Iowa wine, you ask? It was by far the best I sampled and I bought a bottle. Yeah, you can buy their stock too, if they have enough. As for specialty cocktails? Look no further than the bloody mary made with Chardonnay. That's right, I said the bloody mary is made with wine. And it's delicious. Since wine doesn't have as much alcohol as vodka, you might have to drink a lot to get the same effect, but with a taste like this you won't mind. The Sanity Room does seem to be a work in progress as they only have one unisex bathroom but they are working on more accommodations. Still, it's small so you can't imagine there would ever be a long line. It also sits in the back of an antique store, so blink and you might miss it. I know we did the first time we walked by, but the second time we took a chance and walked in and I am so glad we did! There's even a back patio area that overlooks the Wapsipinican River. The only bad thing would be that there are no TVs in the Sanity Room. I question if this would change the integrity of the bar, as it might compromise the theme and inviting nature. But I am a sports nut and there would be nothing better than belly up at the bar, drinking a glass of La T Da & watching the game! Seriously, if you're ever in Independence and you don't stop in here, you're missing out. I can't wait to get back and get my dose of Sanity!

Such a great name for the town that includes the mental hospital. Eclectic, fun decor and the…read moreowner/managers obviously love their work! A deck in the back gives a nice view of the Wapsie River, and an antique shop with all sorts of fun things, from tools to quilts. Thanks for the hospitality!

This was a nice bar. It was clean, spacious, nice staff and the other people that were there…read moredrinking were very friendly!

Not a bad little bar...clean, well-lit, and spacious. Friendly staff, cold drinks.read more

I have given these guys three times to improve and they just can't do it. Today I ordered a Rachel…read morewith baked potato. Who makes a Rachel without Thousand Island dressing? These guys. The turkey lacked flavor, so was way overpowered by the kraut. The baked potato clearly had been baked days before, then a weak attempt to reheat was made. It didn't even start to melt the butter. Mealy and gross.

We came for the Mother's Day brunch buffet and had a very disappointing experience. The brunch was…read moreadvertised as running until 1:00 PM, and reservations were still being accepted up until that time. However, when our party arrived for our 12:30 reservation, almost all of the food was gone and nothing was being refilled, despite there still being 30 minutes left in service. The little food that was available wasn't even very good, and everyone in our group left hungry. The service was also extremely poor. After ordering drinks, we waited about 15 minutes to receive them, and by then we had already finished the minimal food we were able to get. Throughout the rest of the meal, we were largely ignored and had no idea how to even check out. While the manager did comp 50% off the buffet cost, we still paid full price for drinks. For a group of six, we spent around $80 and left disappointed, hungry, and frustrated. This event was clearly not planned well, and both the food quality and service need major improvement.

A trip to Independence, IA is not complete without a trip to Pat's Tavern. You will never drink…read morewith a finer group of people anywhere in Iowa.

This place is closed and gone. Site needs updating to reflect such. Franklin Street will be…read moremissed by many in the area.

Sad to say, they have announced closing the brewery. Such a great place, decor, and beverages.read more

Excellent food! Service is working out the kinks…read more Went twice in one week for dinner. Beer cheese soup is to die for! Steaks are flavorful and cooked just how one orders them! Service could use a little work - there seemed to be almost as many employees in the building as customers both times we visited and service was pretty slow. We sat for twenty minutes at the bar without even being acknowledged.

I hear from my friends Carmen and Brian that this is the place to go for the greatest steak dinner…read more Next time I'm back in the area. Let's all go! I know from past visits that the live music and beer is outstanding.

Absolutely incredible! JJ, the owner, let us enjoy the establishment while in the middle of closing…read moreon a Sunday night! Great vibe, best staff around, incredible atmosphere! You should be here! Also, the options for food is incredible!

From the owner: Family Owned and Operated Licensed and Insured…read moreOver 7 Years of Experience

Absolutely the worst dining experience of my life! Last…read morenight we tried Bent's, Walk in, stood in doorway for a few minutes, not knowing their procedure, no sign saying please seat yourself, or wait to be seated. Never greeted by anyone. We go sit near bar area. Saw 1 bartender and a server. 10+ minutes later a server greeted us took our order, dropped off our drinks, needed more time to look at menu. So server went to another table for nearly 20 minutes. My girlfriend and I had a lengthy conversation about walking out. But we didn't have cash on hand to leave for payment of our drinks. Finally order, food came out in 5 min. Minus 1 side. Sampler platter. Pulled pork, molten hot, huge amount, and good! Brisket, at best warm, and the fattest slab of meat I've ever seen. Most prime rib has less fat. 50-50 ratio of meat and fat. Oh I had to use my pocket knife to cut because my gf had the only knife we were provided. Then the ribs..... Warm ish, tried using my fork, then pocket knife. Considered asking for a Sawsall to cut them. We ate about 15% of our food. The take home is going to the dog!

Great place! Great bar tender& wait staff awesome food & awesome drinks. Pork tenderloin is huge…read moreRack of Ribs huge &yhe brisket was superb and the prices were fair!

The food is awesome. The service and ambiance is great. We always stop there when we are in town…read more Best place to stop for a late night meal.

Great pizza, service and vibe. Good jukebox. Nice outdoor view. Perfect local spot. Good for groups.read more