At 8:00 last night, Solo was completely empty.

I volunteered at the ballet last night, and instead of the usual post-ballet grilled cheese and tater tots we headed next door for tapas. (A little tip from me to you: volunteering for the PNB is a good way to see the ballet if you’re like me and most of the people in your life look at you like you’ve just suggested they wear a coat made of babies when you bring up the ballet.) Solo is filled with tall bar tables and a couch overlooked by a silver male mannequin.

We took a seat and I started with a glass of the sangria, which was smooth and tasty. After a certain amount of heated discussion we ordered the Pan de Ajo con Queso (bread with garlic and cheese), the Pan con Tomate, Ajo y Jamon (bread with garlic, tomato, and smoked ham), and the Frico (fried manchego triangles with a sun-dried tomato cream cheese).

I could go on at length about how delicious it all was, but I’m honestly very bad at talking about food. The important thing to note is that even though I’m mildly allergic to garlic we order another round of the Pan con Tomate and the Frico–and it was completely worth it. The entire time we were alone, and behind my friend’s head the movie Badlands was projected on the wall. A young and sexy Martin Sheen on a murderous rampage was an oddly perfect touch for the curiously empty bar.

Solo is the new project for Val Kiossovski, bar manager at the Crocodile for the last 10 years, and Bill Gould, former bassist for Faith No More. We couldn’t figure out who the target demographic for the space is, and although no one walked into Solo the whole time were were there, McMenamins next door was bustling. Solo hasn’t been open for very long, and once word gets out it could get very, very busy. If I were you, I’d beat the rush.

Solo is located at 200 Roy St. in lower Queen Anne.

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1. Metroblogging eats: The Black Bottle
2. Cheap Eats: Lunchbox Laboratory
3. Better Late Than Alone?: Solo on Queen Anne
4. Cheap Eats: Mike’s Chili Parlor
5. Meet Your Farmers Market Vendors: Black Sheep Creamery