Rouge 98

Meg Rodgers collaborated once again with legendary restaurateur Neil Stein to create Rouge 98. Full-height folding doors across the façade and the location on Rittenhouse Square allowed for seating outdoors, ushering in a new era of sidewalk dining in Philadelphia. Tasked with converting a small wine store to evoke the essence of a Parisian street café, Rodgers created a cozy, elegant bistro anchored by a petite round bar beneath a dome and large-scale chandelier. After twenty-one years of Rouge’s success, Neil’s daughter Maggie and her husband, Rob Wasserman, returned to partner with Marguerite Rodgers in 2019. Their objective was to retain what was beloved, refresh the finishes, and increase seating without enlarging the 750-square-foot space. In a big gesture, Marguerite Rodgers moved the bar and changed its shape to accommodate more diners. The familiar scalloped white bar top, eglomise tree of life mirror, and color palate remained to preserve the classic, belle époque essence of Rouge. Enchanting, the space exudes a new level of sophistication and romance.

  • Photography: Rose Colored Glasses Photography and Matt Wargo Architectural Photographer
  • Contractor: Star Contracting and Painting
Elegant hotel bar with plush chairs, round tables, a long marble counter lined with stools, mirrored walls, shelves of liquor, soft lighting from wall sconces, and a large chandelier hanging from a decorative ceiling. No people present.
Elegant bar with round leather stools, dark wood tables, striped upholstered chairs, a marble counter, and soft wall lighting. Chandeliers hang from a coffered ceiling. Large windows line one wall, letting in natural light. Room is empty and inviting.
Elegant bar with a scalloped-edge counter, round red leather stools, dark wood accents, shelves of liquor bottles, ornate chandelier, decorative sconces, and a large mirror with gold designs behind the bar. Warm, inviting lighting fills the room.
A lively evening scene at a restaurant called ROUGE, with people dining at outdoor tables. The restaurant has a black sign, warm lights inside, and wicker chairs outside. A tree stands to the left, and the entrance is on the right.