The restaurant Red Owl Tavern is part of the Hotel Monaco, a historical building
When we planned our trip to Philadelphia, which just happened to also be our first wedding anniversary, we decided one of the dinners had to be special. After months of being separated, this first trip together in the United States deserved a special occasion. We looked for restaurants in Philly with not only outstanding food, but atmosphere to help us toast our happy first anniversary. We hit the nail on the head with the restaurant Red Owl Tavern.
The restaurant Red Owl Tavern is part of the Hotel Monaco, a historical building situated with views of two of the most important points in the city: The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. As you enter, you are struck by the Tavern’s atmosphere which mixes the appearance of an old tavern with a modern, sophisticated restaurant – a place that makes you want to stay, eat and perhaps have an after dinner drink later on. We did all these things!
The waiters and waitresses made us feel comfortable from the beginning. For me, this is one of the most important details in a restaurant and creates a unique connection with the clients. They seated us at one of the tables on the upper level. From here it was possible to see all of the restaurant and the giant television – perfect for watching a football game while you are having dinner!
We took our time and studied the menu. The Tavern offers a lot of options. While we looked at the menu, we were able to enjoy a glass of wine. As an appetizer we ordered a dish of fried calamari with avocado, cilantro and lime. Although in the states, calamari are usually associated with Italy, they reminded me of my dear Malaga in Spain. As the main entre we chose the grilled trout with shrimp, arugula and lemon butter. The other option was a cider brined kurobuta pork chop with mustard spaetzle, caramelized pearl onions, lardons, apple butter and onion crisps.
For dessert we shared a pineapple upside-down cake. This cake is baked with the pineapple on the bottom. When you flip the cake out of the pan, the pineapple ends up on top – perfect! We decided we couldn’t leave the Red Owl Tavern without enjoying an after dinner cocktail on the lower level. The television was broadcasting a baseball game, so I was able to learn a little more about American culture.
The restaurant Red Owl Tavern left us enchanted. If you have the opportunity of visiting the hotel and the roof-top bar, you will love it. The central location, atmosphere of the restaurant, courteous service (a true reflection of Philly people) and the good food, mixed together perfectly. We ruskommend the restaurant Red Owl Tavern with 5 boquerones. If you have the chance to visit, you will be sure to leave satisfied.
