Given the price range, I'd recommend a Kona Paddy Wagon.
Singlespeed/fixed, road geo, bottle mounts/braze-ons for commuting, a bit of money left over for contact point upgrades when you're ready.

IIRC, Pistas aren't drilled for rear brakes (though this may have changed recently), and Mystic Rats = Cinelli price jack without Italian craftsmanship.