Midway has a new coffee shop, lounge with ties to actor Steve Zahn
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- Serendipity Public House opened at the end of April at 137 E Main St., Midway.
- Owners Caitlin Battaglia and Henry Zahn renovated the 1850s building for over a year.
- Menu: coffee, tea, pastries from The Midway Bakery, six beers on tap, wine, cocktails.
The coffee drought in Midway is over.
Almost two years after Black Type Co. closed, a new coffee shop and lounge is open at 137 E Main St. overlooking historic downtown Midway.
Serendipity Public House opened at the end of April with a menu of tea, coffee, pastries, beer, wine, specialty cocktails and small bites including charcuterie and butter boards.
The 1850s building was renovated for just over a year by Caitlin Battaglia and Henry Zahn, who is the oldest of two kids of actor Steve Zahn and author Robyn Peterman Zahn.
Battaglia and Zahn say the Hollywood actor, known for “That Thing You Do!” and “The White Lotus,” and the New York Times and USA Today best-selling author, are not involved in the business but supportive from their nearby Georgetown home.
“We hope to be a destination spot because Midway’s in a good spot between Frankfort and Lexington and Georgetown and Versailles,” said Zahn. “We wanted to make a cozy third space for people to come and sit down and hang out and listen to some vinyl and have some good drinks.”
“Loitering is encouraged,” added Battaglia.
Zahn says they got the inspiration and idea to open Serendipity Public House after traveling to “cool eclectic places like meat markets, plant shops we love and cafés and bars.”
The relaxed, cozy atmosphere has lots of intimate seating to go with its new floors, ceiling, bar and other custom-made decor, including vinyl playing in the background. There’s even a small outdoor patio in the back.
What’s on the menu at Serendipity Public House?
The new downtown Midway coffee shop and lounge has a coffee and tea menu of staples like chai ($4), latte ($4.50) and cold brew ($4.50). There are seven house-made syrups that can be added to any drink for $1 more.
There’s a selection of wine by the glass ($7.50-$11 for a 5 ounce pour) or bottles can be purchased.
“We’re gonna have a lot of cool products on draft and by the glass that you can’t get around here,” said Zahn.
This includes the six beers on tap such as Narragansett Lager ($4 for 16 oz.), Fat Orange Cat ($6 for 16 oz.) and Delirium Tremens ($7 for 8 oz.).
There is also a menu of craft cocktails, highlighted by a matcha martini ($12).
Serendipity has partnered with The Midway Bakery and Cafe, offering a selection of baked goods such as scones and brownies.
The local coffee shop and lounge also offers a charcuterie board ($21) and plans on adding sandwiches and expand its hours after they “get a little more comfortable,” Zahn said.
But for now, the couple is happy they are finally open and able to bring a coffee shop back to Midway.
“We were anticipating opening last fall and I think that’s what people were hoping for as well,” said Battaglia. “People have been up against the window, watching the progress as we’ve been watching the progress. So it’s been building a buzz. A lot of people have been excited.”
Serendipity Public House
Where: 137 E Main St., Midway
Hours: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tue.; 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Wed.-Thur.; 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Fri.-Sat.
