A new coffeehouse and wine bar is preparing to open inside one of Cincinnati’s most recognizable historic buildings.
According to the Cincinnati Business First, The Monarch House has signed a lease for the Flatiron Building at 1833 Sycamore Street in Mount Auburn. The concept, founded by local entrepreneur Heather Barrow, is expected to celebrate its grand opening in early August, although an exact opening date has not yet been announced.
The Monarch House will occupy the first-floor café and wine bar space previously home to Flatiron Cafe, which closed in January 2025. Barrow signed a three-year lease for the space in April and has expressed interest in eventually purchasing the property from current owner Brad Lauck of Lauck Properties.
The 4,000-square-foot mixed-use building also includes two upper-floor residential units that operate as short-term rentals. Guests visiting The Monarch House will have access to an outdoor patio overlooking Mount Auburn, as well as additional seating on the lower level.
The concept will offer traditional and specialty coffee drinks, a rotating seasonal menu, craft cocktails, beer, and wine. Food offerings are expected to include breakfast sandwiches, pizza bagels, light bites, and appetizers. A grab-and-go beverage refrigerator will also be available for customers seeking a quick stop.
Barrow told the publication that the location appealed to her because of its proximity to nearby hospitals. Reflecting on her family’s experiences, she noted that “sometimes you just need time away to walk and get out of the four walls of the hospital room and clear your head,” adding that the team was drawn to the location for that reason.
The opening marks another chapter for the historic Flatiron Building, which underwent a significant renovation in 2022 and has since become part of the ongoing revitalization efforts taking place throughout the Mount Auburn neighborhood.
What Now Cincinnati reached out for comments and additional information regarding the opening timeline and future plans for The Monarch House. Updates will be provided as more details become available.
