Speakeasies: Philly Style

After visiting NYC and going to PDT, I really wanted to try the Speakeasies in Philly.

First up was Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company. It’s not a secret, but it is kind of hard to find if you’re just walking down the street. It’s below ground, and the only way in is to walk up to the gentleman standing at the top of the stairs and wait in line for a table to open (no standing). We didn’t have to wait that long, which is pretty nice.

Inside it’s dark & you have the option to sit at a table or at the bar.

The drinks were…strong(!). Pictured above is the Blonde Redhead (cognac, fresh lemon juice, house raspberry syrup, rosewater & served up with champagne) & the Well Deserved Punch (jamican and haitian rum, cacao, fresh line and pineapple juice, house strawberry and basil syrup, and aromatic & orange bitters).

Both were drinks were really good.

While inside FM&ICo we remembered that just around the corner was another small speakeasy we have been meaning to try. It’s located behind Steven Starr’s El Ray and you can get in through a door on Ranstead Street (an alley) marked with an “RR.”

Walking in the doors to Ranstead Room you have no idea where you are going. When you walk in there is a hostess sitting on a stool that asks how many are in your party. Luckily, there was no wait, so she led us in to the small bar and we took 2 seats up at the bar.

Not pictured is an option for Bartender’s Choice. You can mix and match the options from other drinks, and let the bartender know what you’re looking for.

Pictured above is a Bartender’s Choice & a Golden Delicious (apple jack, honey & lemon juice). Also, not pictured, was our awesome guacamole & chips!

I really enjoyed sitting at the bar because you can watch the bartenders make the drinks. They keep all their ingredients in small glasses and somehow they know what goes in every drink. Very cool.

Overall, highly recommend both and will definitely be back to visit them!