The Ranstead Room

"Stephen Starr’s red-walled speakeasy-esque bar isolated in the alley behind his Mexican restaurant El Rey is lit almost solely by candlelight. The intimate space is a perfect spot for a cocktail date and the bartenders here are top-notch." - Annemarie Dooling, Ernest Owens

"When Stephen Starr is involved, one thing is pretty much guaranteed: There is going to be a concept. Swing around the corner from his lively Mexican restaurant El Rey and down an alley to find the speakeasy-style Ranstead Room. Inside the intimate spot, choose a drink from a focused menu that takes its cues from spirit-forward, classic cocktails, including throwbacks like smashes and flips." - Tierney Plumb, Ernest Owens

"This is what adulting at a bar looks like in the fall: Enjoying this seasonal cocktail that’s made with bourbon, Braulio, Amaro Sibona, and orange bitters that’s prepared by some of the city’s finest bartenders." - Ernest Owens

"This semi-hidden speakeasy is known for being kind of hard to find, and while they serve food, too, that’s not really why you go here. The dark Rittenhouse spot is a place where you can drink a daiquiri or mojito (fancy versions, of course) and see where the night goes. It’s less prohibition-era looking and more secret room at Hugh Hefner’s mansion—nude paintings and red lighting included. Order whatever your favorite classic cocktail is, or go for the bartender’s choice. Either way, it’ll take a few minutes to make and be one of the best drinks you’ve had in a long time." - candis mclean

"A bartender’s bar, the Ranstead Room has entered the summer cocktail chat with seasonal libation that’s made with mum, amaro, apricot, and lime juice." - Ernest Owens