About Monarch Public House

Nestled in the bluffs on the Mississippi River, The Monarch Public House in Fountain City, Wisconsin, has been a destination for travelers since 1894.

The historic tavern and restaurant still features the original hand carved oak back bar, ornate pressed tin ceilings and 100 year old tables and chairs. The display of authentic memorabilia and the details of meticulous restoration enhance its turn-of-the-century charm.

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 it's history.

For almost 90 years, the room now called Preservation Hall housed a grocery and general store. First owned by Knaub and Wunderlicht, and 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 it's 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 pre-prohibition American lager recipe and now proudly serve this specialty beer on tap. 

Our flagship beer, Fountain Brew, springs from the pages of Fountain City’s own history. The original Fountain Brew was brewed here from 1862 to 1965. After the brewery was closed and later demolished, the popular local beer disappeared.

In 1997, with the help of retired assistant brew master Wilbert Schmitt and some historical brewing records, the original recipe was reborn.

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.

Feel free to take a tour!