The Vault at The Ritz Carlton

I felt straight outta «Pretty Woman» when I joined two of my gentlemen friends here recently for a cocktail. Not only was I wearing my famous black acid wash skinny jeans and a leopard print shirt, I was also sporting purple and black hair and stood out like a rainbow in such a conservative crowd.
But who cares? Certainly not the bartenders (or my friends, who appreciate me just for being me, I guess). The service was awesome, the atmosphere was sexy without being overtly so, and my drink was made just the way I like it — strong and sweet. So the answer to this one is yes.
My only complaint was that such a stately lounge had a television with a soccer game playing. International, yes. Pedestrian, for sure. Lose the TV and I’m all over you, Vault. You’ve got that intimate, uniquel feel that makes a girl feel oh-​so special (especially when someone else is buying the drinks!).

oooohhh. me likey. sexy bar with great service and nice wines by the glass. its a great change from the regular bar scene. no youngins, no funky bass. just sleek and warm. i havent tried any food. but something tells me its great, like everything else at the ritz.

If you’re feeling fancy, and want to drink your dirty martini in an olé boys’ club environment, the Vault is your place.
Located off the main lobby in the Ritz Carlton, it’s an intimate bar decorated with dark wood and leather furniture. It’s a very friendly spot, the type of place where everyone chats. The bartenders are always top notch — attentive and heavy-​handed. They also serve food in here, though I have never tried it.
While this spot was once known for its stogie-​smokers, they are no more. Thanks to Philly’s non-​smoking laws.

This is the type of bar that fat business dudes like to come to to smoke their stogies. I like cigars so this doesn’t bother me. In fact, the seating is so intimate that the other people are superfluous. The bartender was so helpful that he tried to help us find a micro cassette recorder (we were conducting an interview).
It’s a classy establishment. If you are in the mood to go upscale, have a couple adult beverages and you don’t mind cigar smoke, it’s a nice change from the dive bar routine. The food was pretty good too – not over the top, just really good bar food.