Rosemary’s Guidebook
Food scene
My favorite restaurant in Richland, hands down. Fresh, flavorful ingredients, but casual enough that it's not stuffy. All kinds of different foods, and I've never had a 'miss'. My chef sister says their pizza is the best anywhere in the Tri-Cities. I'm partial to the chickpea curry (only served at dinner; the lunch and dinner menus are different). Cocktails are always on point too.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Dovetail Joint Restaurant
1368 Jadwin AveMy favorite restaurant in Richland, hands down. Fresh, flavorful ingredients, but casual enough that it's not stuffy. All kinds of different foods, and I've never had a 'miss'. My chef sister says their pizza is the best anywhere in the Tri-Cities. I'm partial to the chickpea curry (only served at dinner; the lunch and dinner menus are different). Cocktails are always on point too.
Chinese food and sushi, perfect for an inexpensive takeout dinner. 5 min away in the Uptown, the iconic retro mall in Richland. This is our go-to when we don't feel like cooking, and a good excuse to enjoy some hot saké with our sushi.
Family Garden
Chinese food and sushi, perfect for an inexpensive takeout dinner. 5 min away in the Uptown, the iconic retro mall in Richland. This is our go-to when we don't feel like cooking, and a good excuse to enjoy some hot saké with our sushi.
Yummy Laotian, Thai & Vietnamese food. Our go-to place for phô. Casual vibes, and the service is always excellent. They also do take-out.
Lao Kitchen Restaurant
1375 George Washington WayYummy Laotian, Thai & Vietnamese food. Our go-to place for phô. Casual vibes, and the service is always excellent. They also do take-out.
Their tamales are of course delicious, but their pozole (a traditional Mexican soup with pork and large soft white corn kernels called hominy) is life changing. It's somewhere between a soup and a stew, and it's what I get over and over again. The flavor is so good. Make sure to dump in the toppings of sliced cabbage, onions, and radishes and stir it all in!
MissTamale
Their tamales are of course delicious, but their pozole (a traditional Mexican soup with pork and large soft white corn kernels called hominy) is life changing. It's somewhere between a soup and a stew, and it's what I get over and over again. The flavor is so good. Make sure to dump in the toppings of sliced cabbage, onions, and radishes and stir it all in!
This is Moonshot Brewery's second and newest location, in one of the oldest buildings in Richland. Built in 1904, it used to be a bank, long before the rest of the 'secret city' of Richland was built up during the Manhattan Project of World War II. And the building has a ghost! Multiple craft beers on tap, including a rotating local cider, and a delicious filling menu of food. I love the Korean BBQ loaded tots. Sit outside on the patio, and enjoy the river view.
Moonshot Brewing Pub at the Park
This is Moonshot Brewery's second and newest location, in one of the oldest buildings in Richland. Built in 1904, it used to be a bank, long before the rest of the 'secret city' of Richland was built up during the Manhattan Project of World War II. And the building has a ghost! Multiple craft beers on tap, including a rotating local cider, and a delicious filling menu of food. I love the Korean BBQ loaded tots. Sit outside on the patio, and enjoy the river view.
Fiction is a real treat for a fancy date night. J. Bookwalter is one of the area's oldest wineries, and Fiction is their fine dining restaurant. They also have a brand new casual restaurant, Fable, and a food truck, Non-Fiction. That's right―it's all book themed, so for a bookish weekend, make this one of your stops.
Fiction @ J. Bookwalter
Fiction is a real treat for a fancy date night. J. Bookwalter is one of the area's oldest wineries, and Fiction is their fine dining restaurant. They also have a brand new casual restaurant, Fable, and a food truck, Non-Fiction. That's right―it's all book themed, so for a bookish weekend, make this one of your stops.
The casual (but still good food) restaurant from local winery J. Bookwalter. They have a cool 19th century giant wooden bar thing that is so beautiful. A good lunch or dinner place if you're in Kennewick, and the cocktails are good.
Fable: Craft Bar, Wine Saloon, Food Joint
The casual (but still good food) restaurant from local winery J. Bookwalter. They have a cool 19th century giant wooden bar thing that is so beautiful. A good lunch or dinner place if you're in Kennewick, and the cocktails are good.
Museums, history & science
The Tri-Cities' largest museum. Half of the museum covers the area's nuclear history, the other half natural history. Don't miss the outdoor exhibits, especially the Hanford bus that took workers out to the site (look for the posters inside) and the water fountain made from an old fuel cell assembly from a nuclear reactor. The sound of the trickling water is so satisfying.
25 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The REACH Museum
1943 Columbia Park TrailThe Tri-Cities' largest museum. Half of the museum covers the area's nuclear history, the other half natural history. Don't miss the outdoor exhibits, especially the Hanford bus that took workers out to the site (look for the posters inside) and the water fountain made from an old fuel cell assembly from a nuclear reactor. The sound of the trickling water is so satisfying.
This cool little museum is housed in a former Carnegie Library built in 1911, one of 2500 in the country. In fact, the display cases were built with wood from the former bookshelves! The museum covers the prehistoric times of our area (giant camels! the 12,000 year old Marmes Man!) to modern day. Get tacos at Don Rubio's for lunch afterwards―they won "Best Tacos" in Pasco's annual Taco Crawl in 2022.
Franklin County Historical Museum
305 North 4th AvenueThis cool little museum is housed in a former Carnegie Library built in 1911, one of 2500 in the country. In fact, the display cases were built with wood from the former bookshelves! The museum covers the prehistoric times of our area (giant camels! the 12,000 year old Marmes Man!) to modern day. Get tacos at Don Rubio's for lunch afterwards―they won "Best Tacos" in Pasco's annual Taco Crawl in 2022.
Richland has the world's first full-scale nuclear reactor, and the role it played in WWII changed the course of history. The Tri-Cities has been designated as the only American World War II Heritage City in Washington state. Now, B Reactor, as it's known, is a National Historic Landmark you can visit today. The National Park Service holds free public tours from April to November. You sign up in advance on the website, and slots fill up quick. It's a 4 hour time commitment (but worth it!) so block out a whole morning or afternoon to do this.
Manhattan Project National Historical Site - B Reactor
Richland has the world's first full-scale nuclear reactor, and the role it played in WWII changed the course of history. The Tri-Cities has been designated as the only American World War II Heritage City in Washington state. Now, B Reactor, as it's known, is a National Historic Landmark you can visit today. The National Park Service holds free public tours from April to November. You sign up in advance on the website, and slots fill up quick. It's a 4 hour time commitment (but worth it!) so block out a whole morning or afternoon to do this.
LIGO stands for Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory. It is essentially a giant 'ear' that listens for the 'sound' of gravitational waves caused by colliding black holes or colliding neutron stars billions of years ago. The work that the LIGO scientists did proved Einstein's theory of general relativity and earned them a Nobel Prize in Physics. There is a small Exploration Center museum at LIGO where you can see the gold Nobel Prize medal and play with the interactive science exhibits that teach about waves, light, and gravity. Fun fact: we now know that the heavy metals on earth were forged in the heart of a neutron star. That means the gold in your watch or in your wedding band came from a NEUTRON STAR in SPACE. Doesn't that blow your mind?!
LIGO Hanford Observatory
127124 N Route 10LIGO stands for Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory. It is essentially a giant 'ear' that listens for the 'sound' of gravitational waves caused by colliding black holes or colliding neutron stars billions of years ago. The work that the LIGO scientists did proved Einstein's theory of general relativity and earned them a Nobel Prize in Physics. There is a small Exploration Center museum at LIGO where you can see the gold Nobel Prize medal and play with the interactive science exhibits that teach about waves, light, and gravity. Fun fact: we now know that the heavy metals on earth were forged in the heart of a neutron star. That means the gold in your watch or in your wedding band came from a NEUTRON STAR in SPACE. Doesn't that blow your mind?!
Practicalities
The Tri-Cities' local visitor information center. Staff can recommend things to do, and you can get a free visitor guide magazine and brochures.
Visit Tri-Cities
7130 W Grandridge BlvdThe Tri-Cities' local visitor information center. Staff can recommend things to do, and you can get a free visitor guide magazine and brochures.
Kadlec Regional Medical Center
Closest hospital for emergencies. Or, call 911.
If you need to refuel before heading out, the Chevron on Jadwin is close. The Conoco at 2201 Stevens Dr is closer, but the Chevron is nicer. You can easily hop onto the highway after either.
Chevron Richland
If you need to refuel before heading out, the Chevron on Jadwin is close. The Conoco at 2201 Stevens Dr is closer, but the Chevron is nicer. You can easily hop onto the highway after either.
BestMed Primary Care
Closest urgent care. For non-emergencies.
The closest drive-thru car wash I recommend. If you prefer a drive thru car wash plus towel dry by hand, go to Spanky's Car Wash at 2544 Queensgate Drive instead. Vacuums at Mister are free, but you need to ask for a token for the vacuums at Spanky's.
Mister Car Wash
The closest drive-thru car wash I recommend. If you prefer a drive thru car wash plus towel dry by hand, go to Spanky's Car Wash at 2544 Queensgate Drive instead. Vacuums at Mister are free, but you need to ask for a token for the vacuums at Spanky's.
Shopping
Nearest grocery store that will have whatever you need. Quick 3 minute drive away.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Safeway
1803 George Washington WayNearest grocery store that will have whatever you need. Quick 3 minute drive away.
Open on Fridays from May to October, 9 am - 1 pm. Huge variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and baked goods, plus local wines, spirits, and artisans. Grab lunch while you're there!
Richland Farmers Market
Open on Fridays from May to October, 9 am - 1 pm. Huge variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and baked goods, plus local wines, spirits, and artisans. Grab lunch while you're there!
Super popular books/games/comics/records store with an attached coffee shop. A geeky delight.
Adventures Underground.
1391 George Washington WaySuper popular books/games/comics/records store with an attached coffee shop. A geeky delight.
A quirky and eclectic bookstore started by two former Hanford engineers who turned their many years' collecting of all things science fiction, fantasy, and horror into a bookshop. Don't miss the side room that's like a mini Manhattan Project museum. Look for the letters from Einstein and Oppenheimer. You can also buy Manhattan Project National Historic Park merch here.
Xenophile Bibliopole
A quirky and eclectic bookstore started by two former Hanford engineers who turned their many years' collecting of all things science fiction, fantasy, and horror into a bookshop. Don't miss the side room that's like a mini Manhattan Project museum. Look for the letters from Einstein and Oppenheimer. You can also buy Manhattan Project National Historic Park merch here.
The Tri-Cities' main shopping district is in Kennewick. Columbia Center is the one mall in the Tri-Cities, and other big box stores like Target are near by, too.
24 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Columbia Center Mall
1321 N Columbia Center BlvdThe Tri-Cities' main shopping district is in Kennewick. Columbia Center is the one mall in the Tri-Cities, and other big box stores like Target are near by, too.
Breakfast & brunch
5 min drive to this brunch place in the Uptown retro mall. Go early, especially on the weekend―it gets busy. My favorite savory crepe is the Monte Cristo, and favorite sweet one is the Nutella and banana. They can do all crepes either gluten free or regular.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kagen Coffee & Crepes
270 Williams Blvd5 min drive to this brunch place in the Uptown retro mall. Go early, especially on the weekend―it gets busy. My favorite savory crepe is the Monte Cristo, and favorite sweet one is the Nutella and banana. They can do all crepes either gluten free or regular.
If you're willing to drive a little farther out, you'll not find a better hipster-style brunch than Endive. Plenty of options for gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian. Their food is super fresh and always changing, so ask them for their current recommendations.
The Endive Eatery
If you're willing to drive a little farther out, you'll not find a better hipster-style brunch than Endive. Plenty of options for gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian. Their food is super fresh and always changing, so ask them for their current recommendations.
A Richland institution since the 1940s―donuts made with potato flour. You'll hear Richlanders talk about it a lot, but they do hold up to the hype! Maple bar is my fav.
18 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Spudnut Shop
228 Williams BlvdA Richland institution since the 1940s―donuts made with potato flour. You'll hear Richlanders talk about it a lot, but they do hold up to the hype! Maple bar is my fav.
Coffee & tea
Super cute bakery and cafe in downtown Richland that makes much of their stuff from locally sourced whole grains that they stone-mill themselves. They also do fresh-pressed juices, and in the warmer months there's ice cream! Take home a bag of the fresh-milled flour or pancake mix.
Ethos Bakery
Super cute bakery and cafe in downtown Richland that makes much of their stuff from locally sourced whole grains that they stone-mill themselves. They also do fresh-pressed juices, and in the warmer months there's ice cream! Take home a bag of the fresh-milled flour or pancake mix.
NOTE: Novel has now moved to their bigger, better location at 950 George Washington Way! I can't have a library-themed Airbnb without recommending a book-themed coffee shop. Novel does coffees with clever names like Author or Biblioteca, and bubble teas, and the interior is super cute.
Novel Coffee and Teas
950 George Washington WayNOTE: Novel has now moved to their bigger, better location at 950 George Washington Way! I can't have a library-themed Airbnb without recommending a book-themed coffee shop. Novel does coffees with clever names like Author or Biblioteca, and bubble teas, and the interior is super cute.
A local roaster and cute coffee shop that is all peacock-themed. I love that they use fair trade sustainable coffee and a zero-emissions roasting process, plus recycled and compostable products.
Peacock Coffee Roasting
A local roaster and cute coffee shop that is all peacock-themed. I love that they use fair trade sustainable coffee and a zero-emissions roasting process, plus recycled and compostable products.
Cute little coffee & books food truck on the Howard Amon waterfront trail. A good stop for coffee or tea while walking/biking the river path.
Milieu Coffeeworks
Cute little coffee & books food truck on the Howard Amon waterfront trail. A good stop for coffee or tea while walking/biking the river path.
Nightlife
Local nearby craft brewery. Has a casual vibe and great outdoor space, with fire pits and a large grassy area for games. Often has live music on the weekends.
Iconic Brewing
Local nearby craft brewery. Has a casual vibe and great outdoor space, with fire pits and a large grassy area for games. Often has live music on the weekends.
Funky and eclectic craft Asian street food and cocktail bar. Often has live music on weekends. Try the Rumdog Millionaire cocktail, which has edible money tucked into it as a garnish!
Soi 705
Funky and eclectic craft Asian street food and cocktail bar. Often has live music on weekends. Try the Rumdog Millionaire cocktail, which has edible money tucked into it as a garnish!
Lively wine bar, often with live music, specializing in primarily international wines and craft spirits, though some local, too. Service is always top notch.
Wine Social
Lively wine bar, often with live music, specializing in primarily international wines and craft spirits, though some local, too. Service is always top notch.
Cool local sustainable distillery that makes all of their stuff with solar power, which I love. They have a tasting room open Wednesday - Saturday from 3 to 8:30pm where they do cocktails featuring their spirits and some light munchies. It's close by, in the same area as the breweries, so worth a stop.
Solar Spirits Distillery
2409 Robertson DrCool local sustainable distillery that makes all of their stuff with solar power, which I love. They have a tasting room open Wednesday - Saturday from 3 to 8:30pm where they do cocktails featuring their spirits and some light munchies. It's close by, in the same area as the breweries, so worth a stop.