Ranstead Room in Philadelphia

Ranstead Room is worth seeking out if you're in town & looking for a different speakeasy type experience. The drinks were top notch & snacks from neighboring El Rey were good. Seating is very limited & very tight at the bar, so perhaps try to go at an off time if that will bother you. I'd recommend the Old Fashioned, and try to get a seat at the bar if you enjoy watching the bartenders do their craft.

This is a quality place, inside is dark with a row of 4 person booths and a row of 2 person booths, plus bar seating. The drinks are around $14 per drink; however, they go above and beyond. The bartenders are all very talented and informed about the drinks they’re making and if you get bartenders choice and remember the name you are usually able to get it again even though it’s not on the menu. Very intimate setting, not for large groups. Drinks are usually pretty strong and use fresh ingredients. They have some snacks, but I wouldn’t expect a large selection of food.

Drinks are good, but front door people are way too strict and serious for a place like this. You’re supposed to have a little bit of time to get here if you’re eating at El Rey. However, I was apparently 5 minutes late after paying bill at El Rey, and that wasn’t quick enough and my spot was given up even though it was around midnight. Not worth the trouble.

Solid cocktails, great dim lit atmosphere

Vibe was unlike anything I've experienced before (granted I don't get out a whole lot). This was the first speakeasy style bar I e been to and I enjoyed it. The drinks were good, you can tell these bartenders really know their stuff. I definitely plan to stop by again in the future.

Overall: decent cocktails, spotty service, NYC prices Two visits in the last month:1) A Sunday evening shortly after they opened around 6:30 pm. We were seated immediately at the bar. Good service and solid but not amazing cocktails, probably worth the price.2) Thursday evening around 10. We were put on a list and called back around 30 min later, waited another 5 min to be seated in a booth. Server took our orders and did not return for 40 min, despite asking the hostess to check on the status of the drinks.We left without being served.

Great drinks, friendly barmen, outstanding room. Make this alley spot your last stop.

Went to the Ranstead Room with a few friends. We were able to be seated at a table with minimal wait, late on a Saturday night. Very cool vibe and atmosphere inside. Quiet and able to easily converse with a group of friends in the dimly lit space. Drinks were phenomenal. I would recommend anyone to check out this speakeasy.

Great atmosphere, expertly crafted cocktails.

I enjoyed myself. The drinks were good, the atmosphere was comfortable and the service was really good. I will definitely go again.

Excellent experience here.We did have to wait for about 15 minutes before being seated. They offered to text us when our seats were ready, but without American numbers, we opted to wait in their red lit room. We were lucky enough to get seats at the bar, where all the magic happens! It’s a lot of fun to watch the bartenders so their magic and make yummy drinks. We each tried a drink for their menu, but then went with “bartender’s choice” and were not disappointed! This was our first speakeasy experience, so i don’t know how it compares to others, but we had a great time and recommend going here!

Really rad vibe, velvet wallpaper, amazing cocktails, candlelit ambience and fab art. Worth a wait for a seat, but waited on a Saturday night only 15 minutes for a party of 4. Remember to be nice to the hosts, bartenders, and servers

If you like dark bars and tasty cocktails, this is the place to be. It's great for dates and small groups. They seat you so it's never crowded. Get there early or you're going to wait.

The front of the bar has no sign just two small red R's facing opposite directions on a black door and considering it's in a back alley it does make it rather hard to find but when you go in it's completely different. Very dimly the only source of lights is a low watt Chandelire and there dozen candles, the drinks they make are spot on delicious just really really expensive so if you have the money or are just trying to impress then this is the spot. Jazz playing in the back ground this is a through back to the 1920's. Remember that it is connected to the Mexican restaurant so ask for their food menu along with theirs.

Take a trip around the world with the Northern lights (photo below) and Phuket Nights. Two drinks that have stunning presentations and taste as good as they look. We also ordered the Lion's Tail. We asked the bartender to add nutmeg, which rounded out the tropical slant of this drink.We came on a Saturday night and there was a wait Got drinks at the Helm while we waited to be called. Worth waiting for.

This is a great place for craft cocktails and light fare. The moment you step inside you'll feel like you are somewhere special. It's that dark, alluring bar you've seen in movies. And that's just the start. The craft cocktails are the focal point of The Ranstead Room. You'll notice a dozen or so bottles of house made bitters along with fresh fruit at the center of the bar. There is a real pride that goes into each cocktail. Each libation is made with care and precision. You aren't getting sloppy pours mixed haphazardly. Snacks include popcorn, which is perfect between drinks. You'll also enjoy the fried calamari and the cheese plate. This is a great place for a date, out with friends or even solo when visiting Philly. I know the next time I'm here I'm stopping by for a quick one... Maybe a couple. 5 Stars All Night!

Beautiful spot but the magic went away by the rude bartender. There wasn't anyone at the door, and we felt unwelcomed. The opening hours on google was until 2am. But they last called drinks at 12am. Cocktails were good but we felt rushed.

Love a good speakeasy. This place is tucked away and offers a solid cocktail experience. The space is interesting (note the artwork) but not overwhelming. It can get quite busy so put your name in early. The drinks are delicious, but a bit on the pricier end.

Fantastic drinks however to a while to find. That part of why it’s a cool place very exclusive.

Got there near seven, it wasn't very crowded. I had a brother come into town and asked me to take him back here. This place has an awesome feel to it.

Great place for drinks, the vibe is very chill and not too loud on weekdays."

Great for drinks and you can order food before 10pm.

Great spot to just chill and feel like you are part of an exclusive venue.

Nice place for a date night. The book theme was perfect for an avid reader like myself, felt right at home., very intimate. One side is a sitting area with the books, then right across the bar, they have your regular bar settings with music and flat screen tv's. The food selection was limited, literally they have about 5 main dishes and a few appetizer. Overall liked it a lot, will be back for sure.

Great place for drinks, the vibe is very chill and not too loud on weekdays. Can get pretty packed on weekends. Happy hour is alright. not too many specials