Description:

Since nearly everyone encountered on the streets of Asheville knows where TOPS shoe store is, I’ll use that as a marker to find the Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge. This local hang out, since it’s opening in 2008, quite simply has edgy, interesting, developing every single day cocktails for those who really enjoy creativity in libations. Though famous for their house Marguerita and Cucumber Martini they have so many rabbits in their hat, that to name just these well-established faves would be to sell this place short. Every season of the year, Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge crafts reflections of the season employing all the tricks of the trade, coupled with patron input to create distilled magic.

The Vault, Asheville vernacular, is located near the corner of College and Rankin and living is easy with the Rankin Street Garage right there. Though this innkeeper does not drink, I take very seriously my reporting duties, so upon arrival I took note of several things. There is a very cool walnut bar to the left of the main entrance. There are also stairs going up to the second floor home to a few high tops and a line of bar seating that faces the floor below so it can all be one big happy gathering space.

I sought out a table of four to assess the drink scene in this lively local hang out. I report as follows: Patron A: A Pabst Blue Ribbon man. He is a self-described man of simple tastes and the quality, cost containment factor and perfectly chilled temp of his glassed beer served him perfectly. Patron B and Patron C: Martini ladies both, though neither succumbed to the allure of the very popular Cucumber Martini. Patron B: The Espresso Martini. Chosen both for it’s “wake’em up” qualities imbued by the “house made” coffee liqueur and brought to heaven by the inclusion of Kahlua and the addition of cold cream. Though Patron B was completely aware this was a drink, she stated it falls nicely into the confection arena. Patron C: An Argentinian native, stated she has enjoyed Martini’s from all over the world. She’s visited both Asheville and also Rankin Vault each time she finds herself Asheville bound. She is a citrus girl and always goes for the Blood Orange Martini; a blend of blood orange puree, citrus and gin. She described the drink as refreshing, yummy and really well done. Lastly, Patron D. was a fan of one of Rankin Vault’s Specialty Drinks, prophetically named, Perfect Storm. A blend of light rum, ginger puree backdrop, Gosling’s Black Seal, Fever Tree Ginger Beer & fresh lime. He said he would order it again but thinks it a drink best suited for those ginger lovers of the world.

Now, on to the reason we found ourselves there. The hamburger! It is quite simply….Superb! The Vault Burger, though they have everything from sandwiches, burritos, nachos & sliders to salads and more…Absolutely, their piece de resistance is called the Vault Burger. A fine bun, Hickory Nut Gap meat perfectly done to individual specifications topped with white cheddar, bacon, fresh arugula set off with some spicy mayo. It was a killer burger. Definitely facilitated the interview described above as we were some hungry renegades when we first cleared the door.

So, whether you are up for a state of the art libation, craft beer, wine or the Best Hamburger in WNC~You will be well served at Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge.