Congress convenes: New name, offerings for Green Frog

PALOUSE - The Green Frog in Palouse has been made over into a refined watering hole under the new name of the Congress.

The format has shifted from coffee shop and cafe to funky restaurant and bar, said Tiana Gregg, a founder of the Green Frog.

The establishment still serves lunch. But espresso drinks have been swapped in favor of a full bar.

The food on the menu is mostly the same, Gregg said. One of the most popular items is a grilled sandwich with turkey, ham, Swiss cheese, tomato, mayonnaise and lettuce ($8).

One of the specialty drinks is named Rumors after a 1977 Fleetwood Mac album. It contains vanilla blackberry syrup, gin, mint, lime and club soda ($8).

The new name is a reference to a hotel and theater for live events that was located on Main Street before it fell into disrepair and was demolished, Gregg said.

"The atmosphere is more like chandelier meets exposed brick with a full bar," Gregg said. "... We have a record player and table service for lunch and dinner."

The reboot coincides with changing business partners. After moving to Palouse in 2003, Gregg operated the Green Frog with Paula Echanove. The two met a goal of being open for 10 years, Gregg said.

Her partner in the Congress is her friend Eric Jessup, a full-time associate professor of economics at Washington State University in Pullman.

The Congress is at 100 E. Main Street. It is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.