Athenaeum mixes books, beer and wine

MEDICAL LAKE – A new downtown business is offering a mix of wine, beer and books.

The Athenaeum, 116 N. LeFevre St., is setting itself apart from other restaurants here with that mix.

“Me and my husband opened Roam Coffee House in 2021,” Co-owner Shelley Quigley said. “The opportunity arose to buy the current building; we wanted to facilitate another business coming in.” Both former educators, they initially envisioned a bookstore, but opted for the beer and wine aspect first, aiming for a curated space inspired by European coffee houses.

“It’s based on the ancient Greek word Athenaeum, a gath...