Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge

I enjoyed the vibe of this place. The Vault Burger was extremely salty. Kind of a bummer given that this is supposed to be one of the better burgers in Asheville. The tater tots just seem like tots from a bag. I’d say come here to drink and hang out and that’s about it.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 5

Everything was great except for the food. I tried the famous vault burger and genuinely found it disgusting. I paid for a burger I really didn't like out of integrity, as I don't believe in asking for refunds after I order something. I found it slimy and extremely salty, only managing a few bites before I just left. While many others have come before me and enjoyed this burger, I really didn't. I have every right to share my honest experience, whether the owner likes it or not. Businesses don’t get to decide which opinions are valid. And this passive aggressive response has ruined any possibility of me giving this place a second chance.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 1

Service: 4

Unfortunately this site has been taken over by a certain political movement (flag behind the bar) and it shows. I didn't catch this until after my order or I would have left, keep the flags on the exterior or the building people!

1. First they had me wait to order without acknowledging my existence for a couple minutes.

2. They got my burger order wrong I wanted to try the smash burger but got the vault burger.

2a. The burger tasted weird, I've had their burger many times, most of which are good. But now after the hurricane it tastes off, perhaps they had a change of staff?

3. Their beer selection made no sense, they had 1 stout that tastes like a Guinness and a Guinness, it's redundant.

4. The chairs feel like they're falling apart.

5. General lack of maintenance, dirty bathrooms, dead lights etc.

6. Tipping structure starts at 20%! It progresses from 20%, 25% and 30% if I remember correctly.

7. Their sides for the burgers are tiny. Look at the other reviews to see it's not just me.

+ Their Mac and cheese tastes good.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 3

It was very slow on the Friday night that we went.
Staff was friendly but the atmosphere wasn't great for a lounge...

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

Recommended dishes: The Vault Burger, Lavender Lemonade

10:30p Sat night: TOO loud, too crowded, bad smell. I did not stay to meet up with friends

Atmosphere: 1

They were cooking food for those in need. It was delicious! (They insisted we try it.)The people there were absolutely the kindest too.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Burgers good but very small portion. Where’s the beef? Tasted great though.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: The Vault Burger

First, the burgers are the BEST in town! The Mac and Cheese is out of this world GREAT! They have a mixed menu and you will find something for liking.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: The Vault Burger, Avocado Melt

It was recommended to come here for a fabulous burger so ventured over to try…we came shortly after they opened for lunch and sat inside as all the outside tables were smoking. Greta service from the bartender and food came pretty quick. No kids menu but the slider will suffice. The burger was good but I’ve had better. Tater tots were crispy (a side order is ALOT) and the potato wedges were great with rosemary.

Kid-friendliness: during the day is ok inside with kids and unfortunately all the outside tables are taken by smokers. Wouldn’t recommend evening times as most come to just drink.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: The Vault Burger

Still to this day since 2019, after having had so many burgers throughout the country, The Vault remains atop my list for the best burger I have ever had. Living in Chicago since 2017, a food utopia, has been unable to unseat The Vault from my top spot. So thank you for leaving that indelible mark on me! Can't wait for the next one!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We are Asheville locals and sometimes end up at Rankin Vault. "The best burger in Asheville" That always makes me laugh. It is self-proclaimed. (If you truly want the best burger in Asheville, go to Corner Kitchen.) I always do get the burger but it isn't anything to brag about. It is as basic as they get. It's a fine burger, okay! Last time we were here, it was empty, maybe like 4 pm on some day. The love of my life ordered a cheese steak and I got my usual burger, medium. We were the only ones dining inside and there were two couples eating outside. It took over 20 minutes to get our food. That seemed a little long for the situation - empty, and it takes about 5 minutes to make each of these items we got. We both enjoyed our meal and will maybe be back - actually probably not, there are so many better places in Asheville. Unless there is no other option, no need to come here.

Things to note: Very dark on the inside - even mid day, minimal lighting.
There are no waiters or waitresses.
Seat yourself. You order food at the bar when you're ready. You get your own water. You order your own drinks at the bar.

Parking: There are so many parking garages in downtown Asheville. The Rankin parking garage, literally right across from Vault, is usually a good option, 1st hour is free!

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 2

Service: 2

Recommended dishes: The Vault Burger, Vault Burger and Fries, Burger & Tater Tots

Perfect place to share with friends, atmosphere is amazing you feel very comfortable there.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best burger. Fast service. Unique atmosphere. Strongly recommend. There is even a vault you can eat in. Take me, I'll show you.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: The Vault Burger

First time there and it lives up to reputation in town as great food and cool staff.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Burger & Tater Tots

Just had the slider it was incredible. I am making myself order the full burger now due to how good it was. Yes!

While my edit doesn't change the 5 stars...the full on burger does not disappoint! The mac n cheese is hands down the best I've ever tasted. I'm well over 50. It was complex and creamy....unbelievable!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: The Vault Burger