Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge

Let's go spring!

2010-02-16T07:59:00.001-08:00

It's that time of year again... Winter seems to be in full swing at the same time as we all hope that it is coming to an end! Yesterday was a perfect example of the little teases that we get so often. The sun was out for several hours and the afternoon was almost warm! Now of course it is snowing a bit!

New Year's Party at the Vault

2009-12-26T07:31:00.001-08:00

New Year's Eve should be a great party this year at the Vault. Marley Carroll will be spinning dance and party tunes from 9 - 2. We will have an hor d'oeuvres buffet all night long and a champagne toast at midnight. There will be a cover charge. Please get here early to make sure you get in. We have capacity issues and will fill up!

Egg Nog Martini

2009-12-21T08:46:00.000-08:00

Remember these? We're serving them again.

DJ Marley Carroll - Wednesdays at the Vault

2009-08-24T17:01:00.000-07:00

The Vault is excited to have Marley Carroll playing the next two Wednesdays. If all goes well we will continue to have Marley spinning records all night long every Wednesday night for the rest of the summer and who knows how long. Marley plays all sorts of music and you can hear a couple of things he has done at his websight - marleycarroll.com

So come on out this week and hear him play - and sample a cocktail or two or have the drink special of the night - $3 glasses of house red or white wine. See you there!

Peach Martini

2009-08-21T15:38:00.000-07:00

Dustin brought in some fresh peaches the other day and we were playing with different recipes for a peach martini! Tried Stoli Peach vodka with a muddled peach and fresh sour mix, tried it with peach schnapps, and other ways... Ali said it was the best thing she ever tasted! Not sure if we can really keep peaches around all the time and muddle them to order... and certainly not on a hectic Friday night! But we are going to start infusing some liquor as soon as we get the ok on our recipes from the ABC. Soon the Cucumber Martini will be made with cucumber infused vodka!

Thank You Bartenders & Staff

2009-07-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

...a night off and a night out for the fantastic staff at the Vault (who all survived Bele Chere). Thank you for working so hard to make it a great place.

Chef Mo (Chef in Motion) served up a delicious meal.

What a great night.

Bele Cher is winding down

2009-07-26T09:13:00.000-07:00

The 2009 version of Bele Chere has been a fun weekend downtown, but is now winding down. Sunday afternoon still offers the funnel cakes (yes I am going to have another one!) and meat on a stick, but the street are beer free. And that means that the whole scene is just a little bit more controlled and a little less hectic!

Downtown was crazy the last two days, especially Saturday night. There were at least a few arrest made, with one person literally being carried down the Rankin Avenue last night by four uniformed cops! But the crowd at the Vault had a great time both nights and there were no real problems here.

Sunday night of course means Vinyl at the Vault, with Chris Ballard on the turntables. We expect to see several of our regulars and a few less tourists as we get back to our normal routine. Of course, just to keep you on your toes, we will not really be in our normal routine for a couple more days. We will be closed on Monday, July 27 for our employee party and be back for regular hours on Tuesday.

Bele Chere this weekend!

2009-07-23T15:41:00.000-07:00

Asheville's annual street fair kicks off this Friday. We will be selling PBR cans to go for only two bucks and having other drink specials all weekend long. Also, Dylan is serving up a great special sandwich - a chicken salad melt sub!

We expect the Vault to be super busy both Friday and Saturday nights but are not sure what the afternoons will be like. Last year was our first Bele Chere and not many people even knew we were open. That certainly isn't the case this year, so it might be hoppin' all weekend long!

Check out all the goings on at www.belecherefestival.com or mountainx.com/belechere

Remember that parking will be a hassle and if you are planning on having some beers on the street or cocktails at the Vault you should either get a designated driver or a cab!

One year!

2009-07-21T13:26:00.000-07:00

They say that half of all start-up bar and restaurants fail during the first year! Well, we are happy to say that we are still open and going strong!

One year ago, to celebrate our grand opening, we held a fundraiser for the Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity. This year we decided to celebrate our one year anniversary the same way. We are happy to say that we raised over $700 for Habitat by donating 50 cents of every dollar sold on Monday, July 7! We plan to make this an annual event and hope to raise even more money next year for a very worthy cause.

Thanks for everyone who has supported the Vault thru its first year, and especially to all those who came out for the anniversary party!

Don't forget about the daily specials!

2009-04-02T14:59:00.000-07:00

Lyla-tini

2009-03-14T07:03:00.000-07:00

Check us out here too: LYLAS

Valdez at the Vault

2009-03-10T07:50:00.000-07:00

Well, the Ramble Writer (ramblewriter.com) came thru Asheville recently and put up a post on a bunch of nice spots to eat and drink that all of us WNC people love. But he gave an enormous, glowing, and yes - rambling, review of the Vault and the Pisgah Valdez coffee stout that he had while stopping by with a friend. Check it out at ramblewriter.com

Gin & Ginger Martini

2009-02-16T08:16:00.000-08:00

RECESSION SPECIAL

2009-01-19T10:59:00.000-08:00

The Vault is pleased to announce our new afternoon food special. Every day of the week, before 7 pm we now offer all of our food menu on a Buy One Get One Free discount! So tell all your friends, come on in and eat for cheap!

Holiday Schedule

2008-12-20T17:29:00.001-08:00

We will be closed on the 24th and 25th of December for Christmas, but are open again on the 26th.

And be sure to join us for NEW YEAR'S EVE on December 31st to usher in 2009! As usual, we will not charge a cover, but remember, if you want to be here when the ball drops for the free champagne toast, you'll have be here in advance--our capacity is 49.

Then you'll have to excuse us while we recover from NYE: we'll be closed the afternoon & evening of January 1.

Happy Holidays, All!

The Egg Nog Martini

2008-12-17T18:23:00.000-08:00

Egging you on: Bartender Alli Wainwright serves up an eggnog martini at the Rankin Vault. Photo by Jonathan Welch

Read the rest of Hanna Rachel Raskin's article in the Mountain Xpress: Not just for nog anymore: Bartenders re-embrace the egg

Vault T-Shirts

2008-12-16T18:35:00.000-08:00

Need a gift idea?

Get info on Rankin Vault specials and more...

2008-12-15T16:44:00.001-08:00

Want to become a Vault insider? Sign up to receive a weekly text update about the Rankin Vault's weekly food and cocktail specials, new menu items and upcoming events by texting "VAULTinfo" to 46786.

all spruced up for you and your festive friends

2008-12-04T16:07:00.000-08:00

Downtown Panic

2008-11-28T06:25:00.000-08:00

If you are heading downtown tonight to see Widespread Panic (or just to get out of the house after your turkey induced coma yesterday) you can stop by and see us at the Vault. We were closed yesterday to celebrate Thanksgiving with our families, but are back to normal hours today! And don't forget to try one of our new Egg Nog Martinis.

Feeling Cold? Try....

2008-11-26T06:46:00.000-08:00

Tuesday Night

2008-11-25T13:05:00.000-08:00

They say the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the second busiest bar night of the year, right behind New Year's Eve. With that in mind, we recommend all the regulars visit us down here at the Vault tonight. Dustin and Ali will be pouring drinks and Jameson and Bushmill's Irish Whisky are on special. Of course, everyone is also welcome to come out on Wednesday night as well, to get away from the family and prep for some turkey dinner by downing several drinks and having a snack or two.

Ali in Verve

2008-11-24T16:34:00.000-08:00

Check out the nice write up on classic cocktails that features a photo of Ali pouring a martini and lists several of our specialty drinks. You can find it in Verve Magazine.

photo by Maggie West

Sunday Groovy Sunday

2008-11-20T12:07:00.000-08:00

Cool Shadow

2008-09-09T09:01:00.001-07:00

If you've been to the Vault at night, you've probably seen this shadow cast by the parking garage light. But keep your eyes open for when cars on the upper levels of the parking-deck turn on their lights and the logo-shadows dance all over the walls.

Hint, Hint

2008-08-21T12:32:00.001-07:00

To vote for the Mountain Xpress "Best of WNC" issue, click here. Make sure you've voted AND confirmed your vote by September 12.

The Results Are In...

2008-08-20T16:36:00.001-07:00

Thank You to the folks from Habitat and everyone else who came in Sunday afternoon/evening for "Cocktails for a Cause."

Your participation generated $735 for Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity.

To find out more about Habitat or to donate independently, visit this link.

The Olympics in High Definition

2008-08-10T18:48:00.000-07:00

Tired of watching the Olympics on your blurry TV? Come watch them in HD in the Vault! It's just as comfortable as your living room, plus it's already clean and you don't have to cook or mix your own drinks.

To reserve the Vault call 254.4993 - otherwise it is first-come-first-serve.

Cocktails for a Cause

2008-08-10T18:40:00.000-07:00

Our "one month of business" celebration. Hope you can make it out on a Sunday evening.

Reps from Habitat will be present to answer questions and make available more information about volunteering or individual donations.

Top 10 rejected slogans for "Cocktails for a Cause"

2008-08-08T06:31:00.001-07:00

With no drum roll and none of the charisma of David Letterman...

#10 - Raise a glass to raise a roof.
#9 - A risotto of the day gives folks a place to stay.
#8 - Have a drink to buy a sink.
#7 - Get hammered for Habitat.
#6 - Get soused = Get housed.
#5 - Live it up so others have a place to live.
#4 - Rankin Vault serves to serve.
#3 - Make a toast to someone's ability to play host.
#2 - Make your 'calls' build walls.
#1 - Drink ethically.

Habitat Reps on Hand

2008-08-08T06:29:00.000-07:00

Representatives from Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity will be on hand on August 17 to answer questions about how you can donate individually or sign up to help on a building project.

Props to the Charlotte Street Pub

2008-07-26T14:16:00.003-07:00

Yay! for the Charlotte Street Pub who gave us gas! Beer gas, that is. Yup. We're Bele Chere newbies and ran out. (Flat beer just doesn't have the same appeal.)

Y'all seriously ROCK & we love you for it. (Love the green beans too!)

And props to the Yacht Club & Jack of the Wood for being willing (though our systems weren't compatible). The spirit of Bele Chere lives!

Finding Us Just Got Easier

2008-07-24T16:42:00.000-07:00

Exuding Vibe - a Kiss from AC-T

2008-07-23T19:10:00.000-07:00

From Tony Kiss on his Things to Do

Kick back
Wednesday’s a hard day to find something to do. Why not call up your friends and have them meet you at Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge (7 Rankin Ave.), across from the Rankin Street parking deck? Light bites and outdoor seating, this place exudes vibe. Opens at 3 p.m.On the Net: www.rankinvault.com.

Now, I'm not sure what it means to "exude vibe," but I like it.

Review

2008-07-23T06:16:00.000-07:00

Our first review is in from the Mountain X:

"But the single best feature of the Vault might be that it’s reasonably within budget for those of us who don’t own three homes or have trust funds backing up our social drinking. At a time when far too many bars are charging double digits for the elegant but minimal appetizer, this establishment keeps costs within reason. The Vault’s top-shelf cocktails still run safely in the single digits, making this one of the better bargains for those with discriminating tastes but a tight budget.

The food offerings (salads, appetizers and paninis mostly) are light but tasty—and they don’t skimp on the portions. The $4 bruscetta offers enough to serve two people. The emphasis seems to be on keeping the food fresh enough to retain its flavor: It lacks much of the grease often found in bar cuisine."

For the full review click here (David Forbe's Bar Beat).

Thanks to kind (and very photogenic) folks from Kimmel , Applied Solutions, and Charlotte Street Computers for letting me snap pictures, interrupt their client meeting in the Vault, and bore them with inane drivel.

(Check out the Charlotte Street Computer blog too.)

(Great smile!)

Happy 29th Birthday!

2008-07-21T08:49:00.001-07:00

Happy 29th, Birthday Girl!

Official Welcome

2008-07-18T16:36:00.000-07:00

I don't think we've given official blog props to the newest Vault employees.

Welcome aboard Ashley and Dylan.

Topps Annual Penny Sale: Shopping vs. Drinking

2008-07-18T16:01:00.001-07:00

Come on, guys.

You can't tell me that doesn't look better than an afternoon with your girl (woman/womyn/ wife/partner) as she bargain shops for shoes.

We're conveniently located by the back entrance to Topps, so she can just drop you off and pick you up once the painful part is over.

Conversely, gals, wouldn't you rather have him happily occupied as you charged away?

City Bakery Breads

2008-07-17T09:28:00.000-07:00

We now use City Bakery breads for our paninis--which makes them even better than they were before!

The Alan Love Show

2008-07-15T18:31:00.000-07:00

Tune in nightly for the Alan Love Show (co-hosted by Dylan) for the REAL reality kitchen program.

House-Made Dressings

2008-07-15T18:06:00.000-07:00

It may not look like much, sitting there in the little dish, but just try the Balsamic Vinaigrette. (I'm not the one who makes it.) In fact, I'd never had it until I ate there last week, but WOW. I don't often feel the need to stick my finger in a dressing just to try it, but I did with this one. What makes it remarkable is its viscosity. Too many balsamic vinaigrettes just pool on the plate under the lettuce. Not this one.

I won't leave out the Caesar salad dressing, which is also house-made. It is certainly worth a try too!

PBR - $1.50 for 12 oz $2.50 for 20 oz

2008-07-14T07:27:00.000-07:00

Try all our micro brews, sure, they're tasty. But it's hard to top a cold PBR on tap in the summer. And it's hard to top that price.

Busy Weekend

2008-07-14T07:15:00.000-07:00

The glass block windows really make a difference in atmosphere depending on whether you're at the Vault in the day or night. Glad to see so many people out this weekend.

A shout out to the folks from Charlotte Street Computers & to the Asheville Beer Blog's "Kilgore Trout."

Patio Seating Open

2008-07-09T05:04:00.001-07:00

The permit from the city came through, so now you can eat & drink on the lovely tiled sidewalk extension.

How You Know Your Bar Cares

2008-07-09T04:56:00.000-07:00

Have you ever sat at a bar and wondered where to hang your purse or bag? Setting it on the bar gets in the way, hanging it on the back of the barstool doesn't always seem safe, and putting it on your lap is cumbersome.

That's where the under-bar hooks come in handy. Keep your purse, bag, or coat right there by your knee. You might not ever know they're there if you didn't know to look for them.

It's one of those little extras that lets you know Rankin Vault cares about its patrons.

And the FAB Wives

2008-07-05T19:00:00.000-07:00

And while all the other stuff is great, did we mention the wives are FABULOUS!?!

(Can you tell who does all the PR and web work? Not to mention the hours sewing, painting, mopping, framing, dusting, grouting, furniture shopping...)

Speaking of which, check out our MySpace page and become a Friend. Or find us on Facebook.

Great Night (Pre-Opening)

2008-07-04T05:46:00.000-07:00

great space

great owners

great staff (And Lucy said she was the one who wasn't photogenic?)

great friends

Thank you all for your help getting the Rankin Vault ready and we hope to see you soon.

Open Evening Hours

2008-07-03T06:40:00.001-07:00

Main Room Make-Over

2008-06-28T20:24:00.001-07:00

ABC Permit

2008-06-28T20:22:00.001-07:00

The guys just returned from Raleigh with their ABC Permit in hand. They've even hired a few bar staff.

Welcome to Jessica, Rich, Alan, Lucy & Will!

Vault Make-Over

2008-06-28T20:10:00.000-07:00

Before & After

Fast and Furious

2008-06-02T12:11:00.001-07:00

Before....

The drywall goes up...

You can see the beginnings of the walnut bar...

The mudders on stilts...

The painters put in a full day...

(Thanks to everyone who helped!)

More Progress

2008-05-08T04:43:00.001-07:00

Couches moved in.

A meeting of the minds over the plans.

Work is Good

2008-05-06T09:46:00.000-07:00

The contractors are working.

Joel is building boothes.

Paint is going up on the walls.

The Board of Health is pleased with our plans.

Random people are emailing to ask when we open.

It's happening. It's really happening.

History of the Building - Part One

2008-05-06T09:12:00.000-07:00

Curious about the vault itself, I started doing some research on the original insurance company: Imperial Life Insurance Company. The building was built in 1925. Interestingly enough, one of the founders was the maternal grandfather of novelist and great patron of North Carolina arts and literature John Ehle. If you haven't read any of Ehle's novels about Western North Carolina, you are missing one of the greats. His novels clearly show he is a man who wrote ahead of his time.

But back to the building. It sits on the corner of College Street and Rankin Avenue, but back in the 1920s, College Street was actually called Government Street.

2008-04-12T10:54:00.000-07:00

Close call. The city almost required that we remove the door, but if we screw a "doorstop" into the floor that will prevent the door from closing we can leave it.

Why is it called Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge?

2008-03-31T08:56:00.000-07:00

#1 - Location: 7 Rankin Avenue
#2 -The 11 x 16 Vault inside for private seating.

#3 - They serve cocktails.

Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge

2008-03-11T05:14:00.000-07:00

The guys just signed the lease on the space yesterday (7 Rankin Ave - in the same building as Table). They will convert the space from its current form as an art gallery into an upscale cocktail lounge featuring seating (and a flat-screen TV) in the old 11' by 16' vault that was a part of the original owner's mortagage company.

Keep checking back for updates on the progress.

~ the management