Havana, a new bar on the Pike-Pine corridor opened late last week. Some friends and I dropped in on Friday, where we found the bar remarkably and pleasantly uncrowded. That is, after we found the correct door [flickr]. I suspect that the relative quietness — most of the other patrons were there for a going away party, while the owner padded around in soccer slides checking out all of the angles — could be attributed to the fact that many other neighborhood bars were abuzz with those reveling in the weekend’s celebration of a certain deadly sin. Once people figure out that Havana (1) exists, (2) is open, and (3) learn where the entrance is located, I’m guessing that it will be something of a hit.

First, the space itself is pretty neat. You get in through an awning-covered parking lot entrance, pass through a small foyer to find a modest open dance floor. Large comfortable booths line the windows looking out on the underdeveloped stretch of 10th Avenue. The other sides are home to another seating alcove, a towering well-stocked faux-vintage bar, an and a ledge with barstools. From a half floor up [flickr], a D.J. worked his way through a PowerBook playlist. Below, occasional flurries of dancing broke out. Above, a small, well-placed seating area provided view of all the action going on below.

When she wrote about the bar earlier this month [slog], Hannah Levin noted that it was being built by Quentin Ertel, who’d previously managed Viceroy and Linda’s. Like those places, Havana succeeds in providing a transformative environment without succumbing to EPCOT syndrome (see the nice, but too-cute Cafe Metropolitain). Just as Viceroy instantly drops you out of Belltown and into an Ice Stormish rec room, Havana provides a dramatic change of scene from its lovably coarser Pike Street neighbors. High celings, hardwood floors, live plants, subtly classic decorations, nice paint, and that small dance floor set a mood suitable for drinking, chatting, and (if you’ve been imbibing and are not me) dancing.

As of Friday night, they were still working out the particulars of their drink menu, with only wine lists available. Still, the service was both friendly and helpful and our uncomplicated drink orders were quickly filled. I’ve also heard reports that the women’s bathroom has an amazing collection of mirrors; the men’s restroom was suitably unremarkable. As nice as it was to easily find a place to sit, I have high hopes for the bar’s success. It’s a great addition to the neighborhood.

edit: the bar has a website [havanasocial.com/]; it is located at 1010 Pike Street.