Red Owl Tavern Rooftop Lunch and Dinner Service

The “Red Owl on the Roof” Move

January and February in Philadelphia are beautiful in that sharp, cinematic way—cold air, clear skies, and streets that feel a little more intimate once the holiday rush fades. It’s also the season that makes a rooftop meal feel like a small victory. That’s the spirit behind the Red Owl Tavern Rooftop lunch and dinner service, as Red Owl Tavern shifts lunch and dinner daily into its sister venue, Stratus Rooftop Lounge, on the 11th floor of the Kimpton Hotel Monaco, while the restaurant undergoes minor renovations. The concept is dubbed “Red Owl on the Roof.” This is a smart, temporary pivot that turns a maintenance moment into a winter-only experience you’ll actually want to schedule.

It’s still Red Owl’s contemporary American comfort—with a polished edge—just relocated to a room that feels elevated in every sense. Instead of losing momentum during renovations, they’ve turned the season into a reason to come back, gather, and linger over something warm while the city does its chilly thing outside. And because this is a daily lunch and dinner service, Red Owl Tavern Rooftop feels less like a pop-up and more like a dependable winter residency for anyone who lives, works, or escapes into Center City and Old City during the week.

Red Owl Tavern Rooftop: What to Eat Up on the 11th Floor

If you’re going to brave January winds for a rooftop table, the menu has to deliver more than vibes—and the all-day lineup at Red Owl Tavern Rooftop is built to do exactly that. Executive Chef Charles Vogt leads the kitchen with contemporary American fare that reads like cold-weather craving insurance. Grassfed Meatballs land with the kind of hearty confidence you want in winter, arriving with spicy tomato-long hot sugo, whipped ricotta, and prosciutto di Parma.

Crispy Gnocchi alla Romana is baked with brown butter, porcini, and Parmigiano-Reggiano, which is essentially a warm, savory blanket in a bowl. The Heirloom Beet Salad brings a brighter, composed counterpoint—Solebury Farms apples, pistachios, whipped goat cheese, and rosé vinaigrette—so your table can balance richness with something fresh and sharp.

Then there are the mains that feel tailor-made for a long, relaxed dinner that turns into “maybe one more drink.” Hearth-Roasted Murray’s half chicken comes with sweet and hot peppers, garlic, white wine, and rosemary—classic, aromatic, and exactly the kind of plate that earns a slow pace. Lasagna Verde arrives with béchamel, bolognese, and Parmigiano-Reggiano, and if you’re the type who measures restaurants by their ability to execute comfort food with precision, this is the move.

The flatbreads are another highlight at Red Owl Tavern Rooftop, crafted using organic, unbleached artisan flour and naturally fermented dough, then baked in the hearth. Winter Truffle + Mushroom leans deep and earthy, while Spicy Longhot + Guanciale brings heat, richness, and that unmistakable porky snap that keeps you reaching for another bite.

Red Owl Tavern Rooftop: Drinks, Reservations, and How to Get In

Red Owl Tavern Rooftop runs from 11 am until close daily, and the transformed space is set up for 30 seated guests at tables with 10 bar seats available. That size gives it a slightly exclusive feel without becoming inaccessible—especially if you plan. Reservations can be made via OpenTable, which is the smartest way to lock in a time if you’re going with friends or making it a proper date night.

Drink-wise, the rooftop shift doesn’t skimp. Seasonal cocktails and non-alcoholic alternatives from Lead Bartender Christopher Devern anchor the beverage program, backed by a full lineup of spirits, brews, and wine available by the bottle or by the glass. In winter, I always appreciate a place that treats non-alcoholic options like a real part of the experience, not an afterthought, and Red Owl Tavern Rooftop is clearly building that in alongside the cocktails.

There’s also one important operational detail: Stratus Rooftop Lounge will be closed for standard service until March 2026, except for previously booked private events, because the space is effectively hosting the Red Owl on the Roof transformation. For access to Red Owl Tavern Rooftop, enter the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia and take an elevator to the 10th floor, followed by one flight of steps leading to Stratus Rooftop Lounge. It’s simple, but it’s worth knowing before you arrive—especially if you’re meeting people and want the entrance plan nailed down.

Images: Christopher Devern

About Post Author

Allan Lane

Philadelphia born and bred, Allan Lane is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of digital magazines. He launched his first publication, SportBikes Inc Magazine in 2010, followed by dosage MAGAZINE in 2019. Recently, Allan launched his third online publication, Club For Man. As a journalist, Allan covers fashion, lifestyle, culture, art, and motorcycles.

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