Skep & Skein reopens, the Wayside moves and Row appears set to open
The Skep & Skein Tavern, a west Olympia destination known for mead — a honey-based, alcoholic beverage — has reopened after being closed for five months, owner Dave Ross said this week.
The tavern at 2106 Harrison Ave. NW, in the shopping center that includes Grocery Outlet, has expanded its outdoor seating. In addition to an existing outdoor space, Ross said the landlord and the state Liquor and Cannabis Board have allowed the business to use three parking spaces for six tables.
The business is open 3-9 p.m. daily. Ross said the business is offering 10 percent off all to-go items.
Other business happenings
The Wayside Cafe & Deli, known for its vegan comfort food, is moving north just more than a block to the corner of Fifth Avenue and Capitol Way. That corner spot used to be home to a cafe and store called Seed & Bloom. Before that, it was known as Little General.
The Wayside will be open 4-8 p.m. daily, according to a sign on the door.
“We didn’t want to be one of those vegan places that everyone who’s not vegan would expect, like where we just have salads and quinoa bowls,” Wayside co-owner Kevin Rainsberry told The Olympian in a 2018 profile. “Nothing against those things, but it’s not an exciting thing to go out and eat.”
The Lurana, an apartment building that has sprouted on the former Les Schwab site at Columbia and State in downtown Olympia, has opened, offering apartments ranging from 425-square-foot studios to a two-bedroom with 1,020 square feet. Rents range from $1,100 to $2,100, according to listings on Apartments.com.
A seafood restaurant called Row appears set to open on the ground floor of The Lurana, according to an Olympia Downtown Alliance newsletter.
“The restaurant space at the Lurana, named Row, is almost complete. Patrons will have access to al fresco (outdoor) dining that borders the Percival Landing boardwalk,” the newsletter reads.
Falls Terrace, a longtime landmark restaurant in Tumwater that overlooks Tumwater Falls, is still closed. A voicemail message says: “We are currently closed and hope to reopen soon.” The message goes on to say: “To our guests and to all in our community, we hope and pray you keep healthy and stay safe.”
Do you drive an electric vehicle? A new charging station is under construction in the South Sound Center parking lot in Lacey. The charging station has several chargers designated for Tesla-brand vehicles.
If you know of a retailer, restaurant, coffee shop or other business that is opening, closing, expanding, remodeling, or changing its focus, send an email to reporter Rolf Boone at rboone@theolympian.com.
This story was originally published August 28, 2020 at 5:45 AM.
