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Friday, June 2, 2006

A New Capitol Hill Bar That Even I Can Love

Posted by on June 2 at 15:24 PM

With the obvious exception of the live music venues which I frequent and the occasional stop in Linda’s, I don’t go out for cocktails on Capitol Hill—I’m much more fond of neighborhood bars in Ballard and other North End environs. However, Havana—the new establishment being built by former Viceroy manager Quentin Ertel—has the potential to keep me on the Hill for happy hours this summer.

Set to open in late June, Ertel’s space is located between 10th and 11th on Pike Street. It’s not easy to find at the moment, as its side entrance is tucked into the parking lot that faces Vita. Kelly O and I went over there recently, chatted with Quentin and took a couple of photos, including this one that gives a sense of what the ornate and pleasingly old-fashioned bar will look like (Quentin wants it to feel like a vintage bar that was just re-discovered):

havana-1-1.jpg

The space has the advantage of some pretty sweet contrasting elements: soaring, pressed tin ceilings and elegant, enormous picture windows alongside cavernous enclaves and cozy balcony seating, creating the potential to be both visually dramatic and invitingly intimate:

havana-2.jpg

Color choices as of now are blessedly free of local design cliches (read: the walls will be avocado green, not blood-red), and Quentin is using his exceptional thrifting skills to collect great light fixtures and accessories that reflect the old-world look he’s going for. What’s more, the boy has a killer track record—he’s managed a ton of successful local bars, including the Showbox, Linda’s, Chop Suey, and was the key element that made Viceroy such a hit. I’ll leave it to your imagination what sort of DJs and theme nights he’ll be drawing to Havana—and I’ll be writing about it more in a future edition of my Rocka Rolla column.

An additional note: He’s keeping the menu simple—essentially just a rotating artisan cheese plate. However, he has worked out a deal with the folks over at neighboring Via Tribunali to run over their Neapolitan-style pizzas, an idea I heartily support.


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Hannah Levin is Havana Lovin'... that is so cute.

A artesian cheese plate sounds like the perfect treat for the affluent after work crowd. I like the "vintage place rediscovered" concept. Capitol Hill had way too many white trash bars that made me feel uncomfortable. Just like the old Rendevous downtown was really tacky before the makeover. I prefer artesian cheeses to hot dogs and beer nuts myself.

I can't wait to check this place out. I am curious if anyone knows anything about Vessel currently going in next to the 5th Ave theatre? Looks kinda swank.

what used to be in this spot?

I'm pretty sure it was just a big, vacant office space with too much storage.

Anyone know if they have staffed the place yet?

This place looks great. Can't wait to try the artesian cheeses, I love tangy flavors with my libations. Places like this are why I moved to Seattle from Milwaukee.

back in the day, i had the pleasure of working with quentin at chop suey. he ran the joint, i did booking and promotion. we became fast friends and i have long admired his ability to run a bar.

cheers to you hannah for spotlighting his new endeavor. it will be a lovely addition to seattle's nightlife landscape.

havana sounds like a joint one must frequent to sip kuba libres y mojitos on the hot nites to come this summer*

the description of the space from the article also leads me to expect that havana will host an adequate dance floor, where patrons can enjoy a nice bolero, son, cha cha cha, or get a lil' gritty to some reggaeton & latin hip hop beats?*

here's to lookin' forward to an oasis of cubanified culture right here in our own backyard.

thanks Ertel y Hannah for the heads up*

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