Funk 500, in an Unlikely Home, Is a Primo Place to Groove

Sure, this job has its evenings. But those of you who think it’s all glamour and thrills should try dancing in our boots on nights when we’re stepping to the same old same old around the county.

Which is why we delighted in discovering Funk 500 at, of all places, Avila’s El Ranchito restaurant in Huntington Beach.

This Thursday-night-only gem, just 2 months old, is still in its developing stages. It draws fewer than a hundred patrons throughout the night, though that number is increasing weekly. But, even now, Funk 500 can be one of the primo places to groove.

James Brown, Roy Ayers, Bernard Purdie and Rufus wail through the night, along with other timeless soul, funk and rare groove classics that seem surprisingly fresh--especially when compared with the standard rotation of disco hits that everyone is doing. The playlist seems to get under the skin of even non-dancers and set a very cool mood; dancing fools can get stoned silly on these vibes.

An occasional punk oldie from Fear or the Vandals may also slip in, sending some of these twentysomething locals into junior high nostalgia. It works as long as it’s kept to a novel minimum.

Credit goes to promoters and deejays Kenwood (former drummer for the now-defunct fabulous funk outfit Sol) and Paul Stream and John Lorey (bassist and singer, respectively, with O.C. fave Bitch Funky Sex Machine). The trio will expand the night’s groove in the next month when it starts showcasing local bands with a funk and jazz feel.

Many local musicians have already plugged into this cozy cantina on Thursdays, as have a fashionably on-it clientele and the assorted beach urchins. The quality of club-goers outweighs quantity sometimes, but that’s OK--this bar only holds 150 anyway. And if Funk 500 never achieves sardine status, so be it.

A single pool table receives greater attention than any of the swinging singles, even with its frustrating tendency to not return the cue ball once it’s swallowed. Some regular players take a twisted pride in mastering this table, which they swear has a mind of its own.

If good music and the absence of a cover is not enough, the house offers well drinks and Coronas for $2, domestic drafts for a buck. All other domestic beer is $2.25, and sodas are $1. Trays of complimentary quesadillas, burritos, nachos and other Mexican fare are available through the evening.

* FUNK 500

* At Avila’s El Ranchito, 8082 Adams Ave., Huntington Beach.

* (714) 960-8226.

* Thursdays only, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

* No cover.