Like us, since March, you crammed to understand Strongbox Lounge, the Rittenhouse bottle-service joint that, upon its opening in the spring, became synonomous with the words “douche” and “Kade.” But we all should have known: Such an inspired class-war fever could have never lasted for long, and like an impetuous love affair, Strongbox 1.0 shut down last week after just one season of hot-ass, ball-ass luxe lounge stylin’. Michael Klein first broke the news last week, along with the tidbit that Strongbox would be back in the fall with some big changes — a notion which drove us to distraction. Would Strongbox 2.0 be stronger? Boxier? We asked proprietor Brett Perloff what was the what, and it turns out, there’s quite a lot. “We are adding LED lighting, Plasma TVs, additional HVAC, video projection, reupholstering (already a lot of holes in the banquettes),” he said, prompting us to wonder, then hold our ears and go “LALALALALALA,” just how and in what fashion those holes were made. But also, he said, there will be “additional painting, bathroom improvements, additional design features, structural changes to the bar (this is the big one) and structural changes to the back elevated room.” Which, basically, means that Strongbox is basically completely doing itself over, although Perloff also says the room will be open for private parties over the summer should the need arise for you to get your Strongbox on and you just can’t wait until the fall. Best of all? “We are installing a ‘Kade Room’ but its only for the city’s ultra uber super duper social elite.” Huh. Wonder what’ll go on back there.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009 at 11:26 am.