40C is now Batista

Several weeks ago I noticed that a new venue had been added to our fall session APA roster. The name of the bar, Batista, was unfamiliar, but the address, 40 Avenue C (at 3rd Street), definitely rang a bell. That's because the bar located at 40 Avenue C used to be called 40C and had since been renovated and renamed Batista (you can click here to read my brief review of 40C, from nearly three years ago). I'm a few months behind in reporting this, and many thanks to EV Grieve for the information. According to a photo posted on EV Grieve, of a note posted to the front door, here's what the situation at 40 Avenue C was as of August 14, 2009:

"Thank you for coming to 40C....

You may notice some changes over the next few weeks: we are busy transforming 40C into our new vision, "Batista." This new space will become an L.E.S interpretation of a 1950s Havana Cafe & Bar. Batista will retain all of the energy that 40C had, but with a new look, some food and lighter atmosphere.

So there you have it. I learned that the Monday team now playing at Batista is a recently relocated team, from ten or so blocks up Loisaida Avenue, where they used to play at Musical Box. I'm not so sure about the intended "1950s Havana" vibe at Batista, but the atmosphere is definitely lighter now than when it was 40C. Actually, the very first place I was reminded of walking into Batista was Whiskey Ward. The two bars share nearly identical layouts: bar on the right, seating all along the left, high ceilings, exposed brick walls, DJ area and restrooms in the back near the pool table.