Rooftop Bar Stratus Is Closing for Months for a Major Makeover

Stratus Rooftop Lounge, the bar atop the Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Old City, is closing after its 2019 New Year’s Eve bash for a few months of renovations. If all goes according to plan, it should reopen next spring with a whole new look.

The chic 11th-floor bar at the corner of Fifth and Chestnut first opened in 2012. It’s year-round, indoor/outdoor space with a long main bar, cozy seating areas, and two enclosed rooms flanking the big outdoor area, which has a 40-foot glass-enclosed fireplace. It often has more of a clubby vibe, with DJs and a party atmosphere. Downstairs, restaurant Red Owl Tavern is located on street level in the hotel.

The Stratus redo is being led by Kate Rohrer’s Rohe Creative, the Philly design firm behind another rooftop destination, Irwin’s in the Bok building. Rohe also did Michael Schulson’s bi-level spots Harp & Crown and Double Knot, the retro Bud & Marilyn’s, funky Cheu Fishtown and its next-door neighbor Nunu, and Louie Louie in University City, among other projects.

Here’s a reminder of what Stratus looks like now, until the end of the year — expect something very different when it reopens.

Cris Molina

Cris Molina

Cris Molina

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