The Patton Block Grill and Brewpub is a new restaurant that opened up this summer, just a short distance from the college; on the square in downtown Monmouth. Patton Block offers a classy dining experience, specialty items and locally brewed beverages.
The restaurant is located in a historic building, called Patton Block, which was built in 1891 by a Monmouth businessman and politician, Robert S. Patton. In 1990, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The historic building has held a number of businesses including a grocery store, a bakery, a business college, movie theater, paint store, video store, and an economic development center.
The brewpub even has a connection to Monmouth College. Brad Sturgeon, a chemistry professor at the college, with Steve Murmann, a local dentist, work outside of their full-time jobs to manufacture craft beer, known as DeNovo Beverage, LLC. This pair began manufacturing their craft beers in June of 2014. They began bottling for Market Alley Wines, then moving on to include 1/6th barrels served at the Bijou, Danny’s, Petey’s, Monmouth’s annual BaconFest and locations throughout Galesburg. DeNovo has served over 20 styles of beer.
In fall of 2019, Sturgeon and Murmann began talking with Chris Gavin, president of Midwest Bank, about establishing a restaurant that could include their craft brewery. Kevin Cerar, formally associated with Cerar’s Barnstormer, Petey’s Bar and Grill in Monmouth and The Packinghouse in Galesburg, was hired as manager. From there, The Patton Block Grill and Brewpub came to be.
The restaurant offers appetizers, salads, steak, chicken, fresh ground burgers, some vegetarian options and desserts.
Allison Barrington - Staff Writer