The Monopole
Throughout the tides of societal waves and changing times – the Monopole remains situated on 7 Protection Ave as a staple in Plattsburgh. Many ponder how a tavern managed to stay open for 126 years and counting. This once opulent establishment continues to stand the test of time as a provider of livelihood via live music, impractical jokes and rich history. 
Philip Blair, acrobat, deserves the credit for the impractical jokes during the inception of Monopole’s success. Many urban legends surround the founder and the lengths he and his wife, Lucy Blair went to attract customers. Supposedly, P.Blair would fascinate pedestrians by doing handsprings and cartwheels, walking on stilts and some say they even staged a fake funeral service!
The Blairs served as dog breeders, military boxing judges and savvy innovators. The integrity planted within the soil of the Monopole allowed this place to blossom. Thanks to incredible groundwork and wise torch-passing, this tavern became an incredibly poignant mainstay within the North Country of New York State.
The Space Between
Within the walls of this legendary bar & grill lies a fifteen foot oak bar, oak-paneled walls/cabinets and even an old-school bracketed television. Notoriously, decadent tales of grandeur continue to swirl atop the Monopole. Those incredibly potent folktales attracted original visitors and turned them into repeat customers.
A major cause of Monopole’s longevity deals directly with disciplined leadership. Not one owner allowed the original vision to expire. Via influential connections and iconic visitors like Jack Dempsey – the allure of this inflation-proof bar and restaurant grew by the minute.
Lake Saranac and Lake Placid attracted many wealthy visitors and luckily those Lakes exist within close proximity to Monopole. When thousands gathered for the 1980 Olympic Winter Games in Lake Placid – many circled the Monopole on their map as a must-frequent.
Gigging the Monopole
There have been a few notable bands who have gigged the Monopole such as the Talking Heads. They stayed in the second story of the Monopole for a week before continuing their tour in Burlington. Additionally, founding Phish member and bassist, Mike Gordon and Mike Grippo and the Grippo Funk Band tore the roof off this joint at some point in the late eighties.
Once filled with eclectic businessmen and affluent influencers – this adaptable tavern mostly provides entertainment for SUNY Plattsburgh students in the present day. The establishment donates $1,500 to deserving Plattsburgh students annually. It is safe to say – students return that favor heartily.
Above all else, innovative ownership remains the reason why this place stood the test of time. Add in some popular patrons, incredible scenery and a dash of good fortune and you have a tall tale of a tavern – The Monopole.
