The Ranstead Room

Great Philly joint to review for my 300th!  Probably the coolest place I've ever had a drink.  Won't find it if you're not looking for it, which just adds to the experience.  Walked through the first door and it was dead quiet, which made me question what I was walking into, but walking through the second door and into the Ranstead room I knew I was somewhere special.  Bartenders look like they're straight out of the Mad Men days.  Took a seat in one of the booths and one of the two bartenders immediately came over with glasses of water and a drink menu.  Drinks go for $12, but you're getting a quality cocktail.  I had two of the bulldog coolers and they were delicious.  If you're really into fine drinks and a bit adventurous, I definitely recommend going for the bartender's choice.  Tell him what types of alcohol you enjoy and they'll whip something pretty unique up for you.  Such a great place to just go and chill after a night out in the city. Dark, cozy, great drinks, great company.  Can't beat it.

I like Ranstead Room, but it doesn't compare to it's nearby neighbor 1 Tippling Place. Plus, the waitresses with odd and fake accents really rub me the wrong way.

If Tippling Place is closed or packed head over here, but otherwise you're just in the wrong place. Sorry Ranstead Room!

About two weeks back, a friend proposed we grab a bite at El Rey. Having only been there once before, prior to achieving legality, I decided to accept his invitation and check it out again. Little did I know his true intention behind suggesting Starr's take on traditional fish tacos.

After we finished our meal I was drunk off of margaritas and the night was already looking up. And then my friend surprised us all.

"Want to check out this bar?"
"Sure, where is it?"
"Through there."

He was pointing at the wide swinging double doors behind which stood a poorly concealed kitchen. Surely he was mistaken. As we waited for our check I studied the door and noticed a striking peculiarity; about once every 3 minutes, a waitress would lead a group of recently finished customers through the exact doors my friend had indicated earlier. We anointed him the "asker" and he got our waitresses attention after she had taken our check. He asked her to show us to the Ranstead Room and she obliged.

This place was a gorgeous throwback to a time when booze was illigal, and indoor lighting hadn't quite been figured out. Luckelly, I read somewhere that not having lights helps you taste better. That would be one explanation for why the drinks were so amazing. The bartenders were clearly craftsmen of the highest degree and I loved the touch of having them come out from behind the bar to take our order.

This was a throwback to simpler time/ A time which, if the Ranstead Room is any indication, might just have been a better time.