What is it about a loft — living in one, sipping a Stella while sitting in one, watching your favorite underground band perform in one — that illicits a sense of cutting edge hipness in whoever ascends the stairs to the second-floor haunts?

Whatever the reason, the fact remains: If you have a loft, people will visit.

The folks at Ichiriki, the popular Japanese nabe restaurant on Pi'ikoi Street, have a loft and they're open for business. The Ichiriki Loft, located directly above the restaurant, is Ichiriki's turn at joining the Honolulu nightlife scene with the 1,500 square-foot space that is equal parts lounge and bar.

It opened officially last week Thursday.

Ichiriki Loft specializes in hand-crafted cocktails — like its signature Shiso Mojito — and offers a late-night menu of hot and cold appetizers, steak, seafood, pizzas and pasta.

Located at 510 Pi'ikoi St. (across from Ala Moana Center), the loft is open daily from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Information: 591-5638.