River House Soda Fountain Cafe and Antiques offers history, treats in Plattsmouth

PLATTSMOUTH, Neb. (KOLN) - A historic building that once served as one of the longest-operated bars in the state now offers ice cream treats, sandwiches and antiques to visitors.

River House Soda Fountain Cafe and Antiques was built around 1900 as a distributorship for the Gund brewery out of La Crosse, Wisconsin, according to owner Jennifer Roby. The building operated as a bar until 2004.

“It was supposedly the longest operated bar in the state or even west of the Mississippi, even during Prohibition, because that particular brewery brewed a low-alcohol content beer,” Roby said. “So, it was still able to be served.”

Roby and her husband bought the building in 2004. They ran an antique store before adding the soda fountain and food service.

The building features a three-dimensional cartouche of King Gambrinus, the patron saint of beer, above the door with the Gund logo around him. Inside, a 25-foot-long mahogany bar and bar back remain from the building’s bar days.

The River House has an old soda fountain that came out of a barn in central Nebraska. The business serves old-fashioned sodas, ice cream treats, sandwiches, soups and salads. Antiques are also available for sale.

The original tile floor and a tin ceiling from the 1920s are still intact.

The business also has a player piano that Roby found through a free listing in the Omaha World Herald. The piano, built by a man as a hobby, has been restored to working condition. It plays one song per dime, and sometimes two if the dime sticks.

Roby said customers appreciate the reasonable prices and small-town atmosphere.

“There’s just that small-town vibe, which makes people feel comfortable and welcome,” Roby said.

The Plattsmouth downtown area underwent a renovation that added park benches, trees, flowers and lighting. The area includes businesses that have operated for many years alongside newer establishments.

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