The Windup Space is the first bar/art venue in the Station North Arts District to open with an actual liquor license. It also managed to adhere to capacity codes, which makes for a vast improvement over other recent upstarts, where opening night saw bar-goers shuffled out by cops. (No, Lo-Fi, we did not forget.) Even Metro Gallery, which, due to owner Sarah Williams' efforts, has been a huge success in terms of programming, doesn't have a liquor license yet. Being legal and fully operational on opening night is something of a novelty for the neighborhood.

What's immediately noticeable and what Windup Space owner Russell deOcampo says is "no accident" is the large bar. "We want to be like the Creative Alliance in terms of art and film, but with a huge bar," emphasizes deOcampo. That's not to say that art and music take a backseat to drunkenness, but this way the average person can access the bar easily and get a drink quickly. This is valuable, since fighting diva-esque bartenders for Natty Boh is no way to spend an evening.

The atmosphere in the Space is pretty swanky, with a stainless steel back bar, black and orange walls and recessed lighting. There is currently a blank wall, which will be painted over with luminescent paint for future movie screenings. The sound system is top-notch, and the crowd seems genial and enthusiastic as bar crowds go.

Right now a group show occupies the vertical real estate. Group shows are usually pretty disjointed, especially if the works weren't created specifically for the show. It's no surprise, then, that the eclectic mass of random paintings and drawings currently on display at the Space varies in quality and theme. That said, some of the works are very interesting and detailed, with subtle subversive elements. (Look closely to find the penises!) With any luck, come July there will be a two-month long exhibit featuring rock photography (catering to musical interests, not geological ones). That show should be a bit more cohesive.

DeOcampo's laid-back attitude seems to be reflected in the Space's overall vibe, including the background music, the art and even the classic-style, black and red checkered tiles on the bathroom floors.

Crowd: Despite this attitude, opening night was slammed with every familiar face in town. Those who weren't there largely claimed they arrived after the joint shut down for the night. The Windup Space had to close its doors at midnight, an hour early, due to the crowd and the fact that the beer supply was dwindling.

Food: While the Windup Space doesn't currently serve food, the owner says a menu is in the works. It does offer free munchies such as pretzels and plans to offer freshly-popped, flavored gourmet popcorn.

Booze: Everything you can imagine in the way of cocktails, beer and wine is pretty much available and reasonably-priced, the exception being blended drinks. If you order a margarita, expect to get it on the rocks. This is not the kind of bar you wear your Parrot head to.

Digs: North Avenue's not swank just yet, but the Windup Space is as close as the area's come to changing all that. The atmosphere is chic and hip, without being pretentious—a balance that's always difficult to strike.

Vibe: The vibe seems chill, but with a dash of the Club Charles crowd peppered in. That's not to say that the Space is a hipster heaven, but a bar this closely aligned with the art scene can't escape a bit of that cool cat vibe. The bartenders are friendly and the service is good, though, so you don't have to feel like you're waiting to get an autograph when you're trying to order a drink.

Bottom line: If opening night was any indication of future success, everyone in Station North should be pleased.