The Monarch Public House
Since 1894, The Monarch Public House has been the center piece of Fountain City. The brick building was built by the Odd Fellows, using the second story as their meeting hall. Until the Odd Fellows disbanded in the mid 60’s, the tavern was considered their 'domain'. Even women weren't allowed in the bar until that time.
The ornate hand-tooled oak backbar, along with the tables and chairs, have been part of The Monarch since it opened in 1894. The tavern has never changed names, and has been continuously open throughout its history.
For almost 90 years, the room now called Preservation Hall housed a grocery and general store. First owned by Knaub and Wunderlicht, later it became Abts Grocery. The interior brick wall separated the bar from the grocery store until 1996, when the 2 halves were connected by removing 2 sections of brick. The kitchen facilities were added at that time. The beer garden, the decks, and the fountain are more recent additions. At the same time, the interior has been restored to its original glory - including the pressed tin ceilings and hardwood floors throughout. Another part of Fountain City's history is preserved here at The Monarch too!
From 1864 to 1965, The Fountain City Brewing Company produced the local favorite - Fountain Brew. After a little research, we recreated the Original Fountain Brew recipe and now serve it on tap. After re-establishing The Fountain City Brewing Company, Inc. in 1997, we proudly serve these specialty beers based on the original pre-prohibition American lager recipe:
• Fountain Brew
• Eagle Valley Harvest Gold
• Prairie Moon Red
• Irish Valley Spring Bock
• John Robert Porter
Because of Fountain City's rich history, there are many artifacts in the tavern with their own stories. In the cellar, which was once a storage area , we have added a party room - The Absolute Rock Bottom Pub. The huge stone slabs that make up the floor were quarried in the hills around Fountain City, and laid by hand. Also gracing the Rock Bottom, is the full body mount of the original Albino Buck, which roamed the area for many years.
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Bar Rating
Rated: 
based on 8 reviews
Reviews For this bar:
Paul M Gibson (Guest)
Submitted on July 27, 2010
Very nice!!! Throughly enjoyed my first visit there a few weeks back and plan on going back soon. Beer was good, conversation about the Monarch & Baseball-NWL in particular was great, and the atmosphere was special. Just wish I had found it earlier!!!
kathy (Guest)
Submitted on June 19, 2010
The Monarch has always been a favorite place to fequent, but after visiting Ireland my husband & I realized how this great place embodies the look and feel of the Irish pubs we experienced. Friendly atmosphere, good food and drink and a place you love to bring friends and family to.
Richard (Guest)
Submitted on April 27, 2010
Excellent pub with good food. Very historical with old antiques and wonderful atmosphere. I grew up in Fountain City and there was a song that went with the beer:
Cheer, cheer, cheer
for Fountain City beer,
Hail, hail, hail,
We drink it by the pail!
Sandy (Guest)
Submitted on March 18, 2010
Grand place. Great beer selection, over-the-top friendly people, family friendly,emaculate and the food is fantastic. A warm and inviting place to stop and enjoy. Take in the view and the history.
Barry Drazkowski (Guest)
Submitted on March 14, 2010
You could be in one of the fine Irish taverns in Washington, D.C., Ireland, or anywhere else. You can enjoy wonderful food, great beers, incredible scenery, and people that you only read about in Irish travel guides. PLUS, yes Plus, you sit in a restored tavern, the same ceiling, bar, and even a few of the same tables, that Mississippi Rivermen, sat and enjoyed cards and drink. It is an incredible experience.