by Jordan Kress

We all know that wine is big (and delicious) business in the Tri-Cities, but why don’t we hear more about the other great intoxicating beverage – beer? As it turns out, you don’t have to settle for Blue Moon if you want craft beer in the Tri-Cities.

Ice Harbor Brewing Company has won several awards for their beer, which you can get on draft at their downtown Kennewick brewpub. Their Columbia Kolsch is the most popular, but the IPA and Tangerine ExBEERience are also delicious, as long as you can tolerate puns. Although not mentioned on their website, their Bourbon Barrel Stout served at room temperature is incredible (I know room temperature beer sounds disgusting, but it really is the best way to appreciate the myriad of flavors in it, from bourbon whiskey to vanilla to coffee). The brewpub serves up plenty of appetizers and sandwiches to sate your appetite while you down your pint.

tasters iceharbor

However, if you have a hankering for barbeque, Shrub Steppe Smokehouse Brewery right off of Highway 240 offers some truly delectable smoked meats. Their sausages are the perfect way to sop up a buzz.

shrub steppe sausages

shrubb

Pulled Pork Nachos at Shrub Steppe – pulled pork, black beans, onions, tom, and I can’t remember what else was on them but they were da bomb diggity!

pulled pork nachos Shrub Steppe

If you’re less interested in food and just want to cut straight to the beer chase, White Bluffs Brewing is practically right next door to Shrub Steppe (I’m not kidding, I think the entrances are about 20 feet apart). Apparently they do serve food, but I was too distracted by their grand selection of bubbly Belgian-style delights to notice. What I do know is that White Bluffs & Etho’s Bakery have a partnership & Ethos can deliver their pizza’s right to your bar seat at White Bluffs.

white bluffs

Etho’s Tomato, mush & fresh mozz

below picture Mary Jane Pizza Ethos Bakery

( delivered to White Bluffs cause we likes to eat and drink!) pesto sauce, chicken, feta. shrooms and sun dried tomatoes

ethos margarita

Mary Jane Pizza Ethos Bakery ( delivered to White Bluffs cause we likes to eat and drink!) pesto sauce, chicken, feta. shrooms and sun dried tomatoes