Red Owl Tavern and Stratus Rooftop Lounge to Open October 4

By Danya Henninger

A date has been set for the grand opening of the two Kimpton restaurants in the just-built Hotel Monaco Philadelphia, which now towers over Independence Mall at the corner of Sixth and Chestnut. On October 4, doors will open at both Red Owl Tavern and Stratus Rooftop Lounge (included in our Fall Preview), and we’ve got details about the menu and decor.

On the ground floor, Red Owl Tavern will be a rustic American restaurant helmed by chef Guillermo Tellez, who also runs the kitchen at Kimpton-owned Square 1682 in Rittenhouse’s Hotel Palomar. Look for locally sourced meats, butchered on site and served in simple cuts as well as housemade sausages, bacon, scrapple and hot dogs. Seasonal veggies, pies and Pennsylvania Dutch desserts will also be on the menu. A to-go counter called On the Fly will sell deli sandwiches and salads. Seating for 115 inside and 25 outside will feature three-tops along with the more common two- and four-person tables. As befits a hotel restaurant, the tavern will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, with respective check averages at $12, $19 and $47, respectively.

On the 11th floor rooftop, Stratus will feature a large open air patio, an indoor bar and two enclosed pavilions that allow for up to 300 guests. In contrast with the rustic decor of the lower restaurant, the rooftop lounge will be sleek and cosmopolitan, with a black concrete bar, a steel sculpture and eclectic furniture. The menu consists of small plates meant for sharing, plus a wide selection of wines, champagnes, local beer and signature cocktails. The deck will open daily in the late afternoon, and there’s also a 30-foot fireplace - we may have found our new go-to autumn happy hour.

437 Chestnut St.; 215-923-2267