Havana

In an e-mail about his new bar venture, Havana, former Viceroy manager Quentin Ertel promised it'd be "A Palace for Drinking," and—on opening night, at least—there was little to disprove his boasting. Still unmarked and with two unassuming entrances, Havana has an interior that belies its owner's famous fascination with casual glamour. Sparkling vintage sconces (reclaimed from the junkyard, we hear) illuminate walls painted in washed-out shades of blue, red, and yellow throughout the foyer, intimate balcony, and expansive main room. Outfitted with tropical plants and candlelit wood tables, this is not a bar for PBR (try the Comet a few doors down) but the perfect setting for a mojito or a Hendrick's on the rocks. Nevertheless, local shindig organizers Death of the Party are in charge of the tunes on Tuesdays, with skilled DJs Four Color Zack and N8 on weekends, so rest assured, there'll be some dirty dancing going on. 1010 E. Pike St., 206-323-CUBA, www.havanasocial.com.