"She Could be a Farmer in those Clothes"

That quote (from Clueless) really has nothing at all to do with this post except for the fact that they both have the word, Farmer, in common.  And, I guess if you were heading to The Farmer's Cabinet you would need to throw on some clothes...so, there's that too, but we might be stretching it here...

Anyway, I recently had the opportunity to check-out The Farmer's Cabinet, and I guess if one wanted to be rather difficult they would mention the fact that Philly already has a few Whiskey/Speakeasy type bars (Village Whiskey/Franklin Morgage/Ranstead Room), so it might be getting a bit overdone, but I say, who the hell cares (or, As If!)!?  Isn't it great that we have one more option to add to the list of great/stand-up/over-priced(but worth-it) bars where a fabulous cocktail is easy to come by without having to stand next to a group of fist-pumping, teens ordering cherry vodka with sprite, make that diet.  I think so.  And not only are the cocktails worth-it, but the ambiance and decor are appealing and transforming.  Who doesn't wish they grew up in the Roaring Twenties?  Flappers/Jazz/Illegal Liquor....my true calling.

Although it may not be the first of it's kind, The Farmer's Cabinet is A-Okay with me.  The mason jars, filled with glowing candles hanging from the ceiling and the live band of banjo/violin/old-school piano players makes the experience authentic.  The Cab. also offers up the option for a sit-down lunch or dinner which is something you can't find at Franklin Mortgage or Ranstead Room.  And, while I didn't try the food menu (it looked mighty tasty), I did drink enough calories to make it count as a meal.  The Whiskey Sour, my first ever, was simply divine.  Although, I must say, I think I slimmed my chances of finding another that's just as pleasing.  And word has it, they're mixing up a new cocktail list today, so you know I'll be popping over to try.

Franklin vs. Ranstead

Franklin Mortgage and Ranstead Room are two bars that have very similar concepts.  Both play on the 1920s prohibition/speak easy era, neither serve vodka, and the drinks are marvelously inventive and delicious.  I’ve been to both recently adding to the handful of visits in the past, and while I am never disappointed with what my bartender is serving, I have come to the conclusion that I do prefer one bar over the other.  So, let’s break it down.

  

Franklin Mortgage                                                                                          

The entrance is off the street, down a set of stairs, and guarded by a man dressed in black.  With no windows or visible sign, it is easy to pass up or probably never notice; true speakeasy qualities!  The décor is handsome/cozy/true to the 1920s, and the lighting is perfectly balanced, providing a subtle and appealing sexiness to the environment making everyone around seem mysterious and intriguing.  The wait staff is attractive/witty/charismatic wearing stylish attire that has hints of that old world glam while still being modern.  While there is not a food menu, the cocktails more than make up for any appetite that would be cured with a fork and knife.  The little black book of drinks can be overwhelming with its ingredients and combinations, but you can easily rely on the fact that any selection made will be divinely pleasing.  Whether I am gathering with one or five friends, I have never been disappointed by Franklin Mortgage, and honestly there isn’t one bad quality I could find there.  The concept and its offerings are quite a success! 

On to the next one…

Ranstead Room

The entrance is located in the middle of a dark alley, and the only light provided is shown dimly on the front door that is labeled with an “R”, making its appearance temptingly forbidden.  The décor is straight out of the 70s, complete with questionably themed paintings and photos of pirates/hookers/driver’s licenses/porn stars, and the lighting is dim, so that reading the cocktail list by candlelight is actually necessary.  The wait staff carry tea lit candle holders creating an eerie, glowing orb of light reminiscent to scenes from Are You Afraid of the Dark?.   And the outfits , they remind me more of a 1950s saloon keeper than chic 20s speakeasy.  I am not quite sure what the intention is behind the music.  The volume is usually a little too low creating that weird, awkwardness where your voice is in between a whisper and a normal tone trying not to be the loudest person in the room yet also wanting what you’re saying to be heard by those sitting next to you.  And, there also happened to be one too many disco beats for my liking.  Food can be ordered from El Rey’s menu, since Ranstead Room shares a wall with the kitchen.  And although it’s appealing to be able to order a few small plates while at the bar , I am not quite sure how Mexican cuisine ties into the theme?  The cocktail menu has about a dozen drinks to choose from, and a “bartender’s choice” option for the adventurous.  I have taken the bartender up on their offers numerous times and I have never been disappointed.  Cheers to you, bartender!  But, excellent cocktails aside, overall the appearance(from what I could actually see) and vibe of Ranstead Room can be  quite confusing and sometimes uncomfortable.  It is not a place to gather with more than one or two others without feeling like all eyes are on you (and not in a good way).  However, if you want a smashing drink and pirate hookers are your thing, you might find this spot to be rather appealing.   No judgment!

The Conclusion…

While I’m not one to turn down a good drink, Ranstead Room has a discomforting and crazy, randomness to it that leads me to cast my vote towards Franklin Mortgage.  I enjoy the atmosphere and crowd, and the bar, overall, just seems a bit more sane than its contender.  Franklin Mortgage all around!