Bar Review - Freedom from swank at the Independent

Midtown’s venerable pool hall, Dupree’s, was once a destination for those in search of quality billiard tables in Atlanta, but lately it was showing its age. Now called the Independent and under new ownership, the upstairs tavern in Midtown Promenade has received some much-needed remodeling, including new carpet and improved bathrooms. The eight full-sized pool tables have been refelted and leveled, and the two dart alleys remain intact for the Anglophile set.

Even with the changes, the vibe is still one of a laid-back gaming room for intown scenesters on busman’s holiday. The decor leans toward the grungy pub side, with well-worn tables and chairs, rows of trophies — for what, we don’t know — lining the walls, and neon beer signs in the window. The nondescript brown carpet was replaced with ... nondescript brown carpet. The brass lights and beautiful mirrored back bar manage to beguile the strip mall setting somewhat.

Lovely Courtney, from Atlanta grrrl-power band the Moto-Litas, can be found behind the bar. The staff and patrons generally tend toward the tattooed and black-clothed crowd from Atlanta’s heavy rock scene that can also be found frequenting the Highlander downstairs. Don’t worry, they don’t bite; in fact, they are quite friendly.

After getting its regulatory ducks in a row, the kitchen reopened last week and features items ideal for tempering your alcohol consumption, such as fried vegetables, quesadillas and panini sandwiches. The liquor selection isn’t huge, but it should serve for most purposes. Stella, Hoegaarden, Bass and Guinness are on draught, and there’s a decent selection of bottles.

On a casual evening after work, our crew hung around the bar and perused the free entertainment magazines, shot a few games of stick and watched a little TV while catching up. Downtown workers can take advantage of free pool during the week from 5-6 p.m., and free wireless Internet access has just been added.

Whiling away the time is pretty much the order of the day here, making it a good place to meet up before or after a movie at the Midtown Landmark Arts Cinema or before heading out to the late-night scene in Midtown. If you are a regular here, though, you probably wouldn’t be caught dead at eleven50 or Halo.-- Jeff Holland

The Independent. Mon.-Sat., 5 p.m.-3 a.m.; Sun., 5 p.m.-2 a.m. 931 Monroe Drive, Suite 201. 404-249-9869.