A First Look at Serendipity Publichouse

At Serendipity Publichouse in Midway, Kentucky, loitering is encouraged.

A “third space” is described as an informal place where people can gather to connect and relax outside of their home or workplace. Residing in a pre-Civil War building across the train tracks in historic Midway, Kentucky, sits the new Serendipity Publichouse–the new “third space” that the quaint town has welcomed with open arms. 

Co-owners Henry Zahn and Caitlin Battaglia dreamt of opening a space like this at some point in their lives, but didn’t anticipate the pieces coming together so seamlessly and soon. “We always told ourselves that other people get away with it, so why not us?” Battaglia said. Despite extensive renovations–“old building, old problems”–stripping back the place to its bare bones allowed the couple to create the exact space they’d envisioned. “We had the entire back room rebuilt, along with the bar and bench seating in the front room. It is a night and day difference from when we first stepped foot into the building to now, and [it was] absolutely worth it,” she continued. “It’s the perfect spot with a wonderful community. We also get to live right upstairs (it’s very Hallmark)!”

The idea of Serendipity was sparked by the couple’s travels to Europe and their adoration for its culture. “We fell in love with the sense of community that is rampant across many establishments,” Battaglia said. “We were inspired by the feeling we would get walking into a number of these places, and that was our ambition in creating our space.” The duo both grew up in nearby Kentucky, and returned home for this endeavor, after some time living in Chicago. “Our entire networks are here, and we truly love Midway and its charm,” she said. 

The late-night coffee house, which opened its doors this past May, not only offers a creative list of coffees and lattes—think: blueberry banana bread latte with a blueberry cold foam—but also an inventive cocktail menu that utilizes their tea collection from Elmwood Inn Fine Teas in Danville, Kentucky. “We were most excited about experimenting with our craft cocktails and incorporating the coffee and tea aspect as much as possible, not only through a good espresso martini, but by also infusing our spirits with teas and adding tea to ice cubes,” Battaglia said. 

Take their old fashioned for example, where the bourbon is poured over a bourbon black tea-infused cube; or, the So It Goes cocktail, which combines their hibiscus tea-infused gin with orange liquor, lemon, a housemade honey lavender syrup, and El Guapo rose cordial for a summery and herbaceous sip. “Our favorite (cocktail) might be our Chinelo, which is a caipirinha maracuja that tastes and looks like summertime. It’s made with a Brazilian cachaça with muddled lime and sugar, but we add some passionfruit and strawberry syrup to add an extra punch and it is oh so delicious,” she said.

Looking ahead, the owners are excited to celebrate artists through live music, art on the walls, poetry and theater readings, and more. “We are very serious about this being Midway’s home, and are just so happy to settle into the role that our community can define for us,” Battaglia said. “We hope that’s apparent to everyone that walks in our door, and that they are welcomed into a cozy, inviting atmosphere that can be a ‘third space.’”  

Battaglia’s current favorite: Blueberry matcha latte with a housemade honey lavender syrup

Zahn’s go-to: Cortado with a housemade caramel

Keep Reading

First Look

A First Look at Cafe Patachou

Lexington, Kentucky will fall in love with the new go-to brunch and lunch spot, Cafe Patachou for its tasty food and shared community pride.

First Look

A First Look at 3TEN

This Pan-Asian restaurant is changing Lexington’s cocktail game and unifying downtown.

First Look

A First Look at The Bakehouse Texas

Joy the Baker launches preorders this month for The Bakehouse Texas a pop-up at her new Belleville, Texas, location just outside Houston.