Ranstead Room
Speakeasy, Cocktail Bar, and Lounge$$$$
Center City West, Philadelphia
The experts at Philadelphia Magazine and Visit Philly recommend this place
"Get the bartender's choice!"(10 Tips)
"It's not all about the drinks, they have snacks from El Rey."(6 Tips)
"Forget the pretense of Hop Sing and the smell of Franklin Mortgage."(4 Tips)
"Nice speakeasy feel."(3 Tips)
73 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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- good for dates
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- el rey
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Jessica PuglieseJune 7, 2018The cocktail list is creative and hits all the right notes. There’s definitely a cocktail for everyone, and the place has a 20s speakeasy feel. The food is also great and is perfect for snacking.Upvoted Dec 28, 2024
Donovan DasherMarch 30, 2016Such a cool spot. Great music and drinks, personable staff, all around great vibes. Let the bartenders do their thing, but be ready for a few questions to steer them in the right direction for you.
Kelly AApril 29, 2017Love the interior and the vibe. The cocktail I had was nasty though. Way way to strong, and I am never one to complain about strong drinks. I like that they have beer here, though.
- RCDecember 29, 2014This is the best "speakeasy" in philly. Forget the pretense of Hop Sing and the smell of Franklin Mortgage. Sit at the bar and enjoy your stay. It's worth it.
Bullfrog & BaumJanuary 24, 2011Definitely a place to try and have a interesting delicious cocktail with their hand-cut ice. Try a Casino Cocktail or leave it to the bartender (mixologist) to make your own personal drink.
Ricardo SeixasOctober 25, 2015Cool, friendly and quiet speakeasy bar with mostly cocktails. Good with 4 friends or date.- Betty MakSeptember 21, 2012It's not all about the drinks, they have snacks from El Rey. Guacamole Dip is good and excellent to share, but skip the Shrimp Cocktail - you might have to rock, scissors, paper to see who gets one.
Matt DermodyDecember 11, 2018The Carver's 106th peanut butter bonded bourbon cocktail was incredible. Great cozy and intimate atmosphere with knowledgeable mixologists.
HomeSpeakeasyFebruary 3, 2012Dim and cozy, the Ranstead Room is a real treat for those willing to go out of their way to find the place. Let go of the reigns and go for the Bartender's Choice, they won't let you down!- Rob McGowanJuly 17, 2018Speakeasy-style bar with an often long wait. Tip: have dinner at El Rey and ask to be added to the waiting list. Once you finish dinner the staff will sneak you in.
Julia RDecember 9, 2014VERY comfy cozy. Bring a hot date. I ordered the "Ash Wednesday" - never disappoints if you fancy blackberries!
Joe CFebruary 14, 2015Bring a date, order a Bartender's Choice, put your phone away and enjoy the best bar in town
Kelly By.May 18, 2015Dine at El Rey and let your server know that you wanna go to Ranstead Room. I don't want to reveal the rest, but you're gonna find a secret passage way to Ranstead Room from there.
Red & BrownAugust 13, 2015A speakeasy style cocktail bar with a good mix of originals and classics. Don't be afraid to go off menu.
Philadelphia MagazineDecember 7, 2011Put yourself in the excellent care of the bartenders at Ranstead Room. Order the Bartender's Choice, it'll be one of the best drinks in town. No matter what winds up in your glass. Read more
Philadelphia MagazineJanuary 3, 2012A more authentic backup for when you can’t get into Franklin Mortgage. A perfect makeout bar because it’s pitch-black and has pictures of boobs everywhere. (Plus, the craft cocktails are delicious.)
Ben K.May 18, 2010The menu is small but don't be afraid to ask them to mix you up some custom cocktails. Don't forget to eat with all that alcohol, there are a few tasty morsels on the menu from the El Rey kitchen.
Super cosy and dark. Paintings of naked ladies on the wall. Great bartenders and awesome cocktails.
Dominique ComerAugust 8, 2014Blown away by this spot. Very intimate, not good for groups. But the mixologists know their stuff. Order the Bartender's choice :-)
Sarah ChambersJune 13, 2012Let them make up your drinks. My favorite spot for drinks with 1 or two people. Get there early. No seats no entrance.
Nina PaparattoDecember 31, 2015Great hidden gem. Had the oui oui cheri and it was awesome. Boobs on the walls for boob enthusiasts ;)
Shahrzad ShamsJuly 13, 2017The interior design is dark and cosy. The hangings on the wall a bit creepy. Nothing to die for tbh! But worth a visit.
KathrynNovember 2, 2012Sexy dark bar with delish cheese plate and popcorn and even better drinks. Applejack 75 is my new go to drink
STARR RestaurantsJune 17, 2011Enjoy your cocktail in an environment with a speakeasy feel. Each cocktail will feature hand-cut ice, house-made mixers and fresh-squeezed juices.
Hannah GMJune 2, 2016Excellent cocktails, but I've found the bartender's choice to be hit or miss. Food from El Rey is a welcome addition.- Cosy booths, and sexy paintings. Come with a special someone, but midweek is better for avoiding the crowd.
Bre BonnerMarch 3, 2017Try to sit at the bar if you can. Order bartenders choice and the nachos from El Rey!
- Christine ShepherdSeptember 15, 2012Nice speakeasy feel. Dimly lit and naked paintings. The staff knows their alcohol... go for Bartender's choice.
AdrianAugust 13, 2013The drinks were very good, but to be honest I'm not sure what all the fuss is about. If you can't get in right away, I'd checkout (and I prefer) Franklin Mortgage Investment Co. Just a few min away
My favorite drink here is the Water Lily! Try one and you will understand why!
Perfect, cozy, late-night date spot. Better than Franklin Mortgage.- Karen FlamMarch 30, 2012Love it here. Try the Blackmail, Meloni Swizzle or a simple Marquis de la Tour with Raspberry.
Lucas FeijóSeptember 14, 2017A little too fancy for what I was going for that day, but the drinks are well made.
John KhuuDecember 20, 2014Drinks are spot on. Space is very limited. Have your phone ready to read the menu because the place is super dark.
Beat the crowd. Come when they open at 7p or on any night that ISN'T Friday or Saturday
- Philadelphia MagazineDecember 2, 2011The drinks are strong, the lights are low, and breasts are the decoration theme. What better make-out bar could you looking for? Read more
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Ranstead Room
2013 Ranstead St (btwn Chestnut & Market St)
Philadelphia, PA 19103
United States
Philadelphia, PA 19103
United States
Closed until 6:00 PM (Show more)
- Mon–Sun
- Midnight–2:00 AM
- 6:00 PM–Midnight
(267) 475-4812
Features
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. Visa & American Express)
Wi-Fi
No
Outdoor Seating
No
Food & Drink
Drinks
Beer, Full Bar, Cocktails
See More
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- 7.9
"It is amazing how good cocktails can be when created with excellent spirits and fresh fruit juices. Believe the hype."
Philadelphia Magazine - 7.7
"Unique experience. Great people!"
Kim Elliott - 6.8
"Came on a Saturday with a reservation. It took about 45 minutes for our cocktails to arrive. When they did, they were fine but not worth the price at all. Not coming back until they hire more staff."
Rachel Shifman
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