The Sanity Room

Such a great name for the town that includes the mental hospital. Eclectic, fun décor and the owner/​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 is the coolest bar I’ve ever been to in Iowa, if not one of the coolest bars I’ve ever been to– 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!

We found this little hole in the wall bar and it is in the back of an antiques store. Independence IA has a state mental health facility there. They serve their shots in pill bottles and what looks like a hypodermic needle on steroids (minus the actual needle). The have a signature drink and their own twist on the Bloody Mary that the ladies said was wonderful. Great selection of craft beers too. It was soooo much fun!