Philadelphia’s Hotel Monaco, with its urban setting and view of the historic Liberty Bell, recently debuted a snazzy new look. The 268-room boutique escape is nestled inside the Lafayette Building and now features a bi-level restaurant called Red Owl Tavern. The new restaurant will serve rustic, modern American fare from the region such as curry-coconut mussels, St. Louis baby back pork ribs, and crispy blacked striped bass. In addition, the renovations also include the Stratus Rooftop Lounge, a chic, cosmopolitan outdoor space with a view. Guests can enjoy sky-high, city vistas while sipping a cocktail or indulging in a few of Stratus’ small plates, like baked goat cheese and apple cider donuts.
Brought in especially for the renovations, New York designer Mark Zeff and Bastille Metal Works handcrafted two cast zinc bar tops to serve as a main focal point for the Red Owl Tavern’s “farmer’s market” aesthetic. In keeping with the theme, Chef Guillermo Tellez Cruz, who oversees operation for both Red Owl Tavern and Stratus, will source all meats locally and butcher the cuts on-site. In addition to dinner, the Red Owl Tavern will also serve breakfast favorites, Belgian waffles and smoked salmon folded on a bagel with tomatoes, onions and cream cheese, as well as gourmet sandwiches during lunch.
In contrast to Red Owl’s simple approach, Stratus’ décor is edgy and contemporary. A Japanese maple and enclosed pavilions decorate the space while imprinted concrete and a bar backed by steel-made wings create an industrial feel. A Kimpton hotel, the Philadelphia-based Hotel Monaco is located in the Center City just blocks away from Independence Hall amidst a bevy of historical landmarks.
