Rank & File Social Club Offers Cool Drinks, Retro Vibe in Flagler Village

With so much hustle and bustle in Flagler Village these days, the closings and openings and makeovers, and even more fever about whether Fort Lauderdale's burgeoning arts district will be the next Wynwood, the recently opened Rank & File Social Club should offer some sophisticated and welcoming relief.

Rank & File's 3,000-square-foot bar and garden patio feels like, Hey, it's time to relax.

The place is decked out with distressed furniture, scuffed leather-bound books, and a vintage motorcycle. Barbagallo brothers Mark and Stefano, both hospitality veterans, doubled down on Rank & File's retro vibe by having dart boards and board games, and by installing two billiards tables and a dance floor. The Barbagallos say they see Rank & File growing into a neighborhood bar. "We want to be that staple that people visit two, three or four times a week," Stefano says.

They also have live music, featuring local and acoustic acts, as well as a DJ on hand every night Rank & File is open — which is exactly five, Wednesday through Sunday.

Rank & File's grand opening was planned for the long Labor Day weekend, but Hurricane Dorian ended up stealing the show. The Barbagallo brothers weathered the storm and now Rank & File is humming along.

Located in Flagler Uptown, the club is the first joint venture for the Barbagallos. Mark, a veteran of some influence in South Florida's music scene, brings to the club a promotor's know-how and his still-fresh excitement for live music and entertainment. Stefano, the former director of Barteca Restaurant Group, says he worked his way up in the hospitality business, from dishwasher to general manager, opening restaurants like Cheesecake Factory up and down the east coast.

“We have a passion for service and watching people genuinely have a good time," Stefano says.

Seasoned bartenders man Rank & File's 35-foot island bar, mixing up craft cocktails with names like Huckleberry and Who TF is Jade, add a healthy float of neighborly cheer.

Rank & File has no kitchen but will deliver fresh options every night by food trucks, such as Frankie’s Dogs and Battle Rig BBQ, although options will vary.

Rank 7 File Social Club. 704 NE First Ave., Fort Lauderdale; 954-928-8794; rankandfilesoialclub.com. Wednesday and Thursday 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Friday and Saturday 4 p.m. to 3 a.m.; Sunday 4 to 10 p.m.