A little birdie — actually, it was a large, feathered creature that says “hoo” — told me about Red Owl Tavern, the lounge and bistro in Hotel Monaco, the newish Kimpton property at 433 Chestnut St. in Philadelphia’s historic district.

But just because Red Owl is located in a hotel doesn’t mean it caters only to travelers. The restaurant has a warm and welcoming vibe and creative American fare that is sure to attract locals, as well.

We like the tavern’s soaring ceiling, and walls of barn boards and exposed bricks. It has the feeling of an old, industrial loft, even though the decor was created specifically for the restaurant.

As we relaxed and watched horse-drawn carriages roll down Chestnut Street, we enjoyed drinkies. I sipped the signature Red Owl cocktail a frothy, $12 blend of Belvedere vodka, grapefruit juice and spiced berry and pepper syrup shaken with egg white. Dale raised a classic old-fashioned ($10) with Wild Turkey, fine sugar and angostura bitters.

Any questions about the menu? Our attentive and well-versed server helped us to focus our choices. Do try the fork-tender short ribs and lamb shank, a reminder that food cooked on the bone is especially flavorful. Chicken pot pie is rustic comfort food, oozing herbs and creamy gravy.

We settled on a perfectly cooked, medium rare prime cut of beef with onion marmalade  and house-made steak sauce for me and red beet pasta,  with house-cured pork belly, sweet peas and Kennett Square mushrooms for Dale. We ordered a side of kale, which was so hearty we almost forgot it’s good for us.

The final bite: mocha in a jar. Yes, indeed, it’s as rich and decadent as it sounds. So share!

At $9 a glass, the 2008 Primaterra Primitivo is the least expensive wine on the list. It’s an earthy food-friendly red that proves wine doesn’t have to cost a lot to make a good impression.

Red Owl Tavern’s balanced mix of laid back atmosphere and attention to detail made a good impression on us, too.