Our Story

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Founded by Aaron Burks in 1997, Atomic Ale Brewpub & Eatery is the Tri-Cities’ first and best brewpub. We feature a distinctive menu cooked in the Tri-Cities’ original wood-fired oven to complement our fresh, full-flavored hand-crafted ales. Set in an atmosphere that reflects the rich history of the Mid-Columbia basin and the Hanford Site, we work hard to provide an exceptional dining experience.

The Mid-Columbia was home to hearty families who lived and worked in the small towns of Richland, White Bluffs, Hanford, Pasco and Kennewick in the early 1900s. These pioneers laid the groundwork for the rich agricultural heritage of the region. The United States entered World War II in 1941; and promises of high wages, free railway tickets and (probably) exaggerated visions of mountain scenery drew thousands of workers to Richland. Crews worked around the clock to build the Hanford Nuclear Reservation starting in 1943. Hanford is the site of the world’s first operating plutonium reactor - the B-Reactor.

The women’s barracks were located across the street from the building that you are in now. After the war ended and the barracks were leveled, an A&W drive-in was built here, complete with roller skating servers. Rumor has it that one of those servers was actress and Playboy centerfold Sharon Tate. The A&W eventually gave way to a Chinese restaurant or two, but now it is our turn to add to the history of this great location. We are proud of the history of this area and we celebrate the men and women who lived and worked here. Please browse through our dining room and hallway to see our historical photos.

Our handcrafted ales were born out of Aaron’s passion for the fine microbrews of the Northwest. Having been an aficionado (or at least a consumer) of all beer styles since his college days, Aaron continued to hone his taste buds on a world tour, sampling beers in twenty of the twenty-one countries he visited (Vatican City has no beer). After brewing beer at home and visiting and training at brewpubs throughout the Northwest, the result of his efforts can be tasted here today. Aaron crafted the original Atomic Ale recipes and started as the founding brewer; however, he soon realized that managing two restaurants, brewing, and caring for his two daughters was a bit overwhelming; so he decided to enlist and train a dedicated brewer. Over the years, our eclectic group of brewers and beer enthusiasts past and present (an auditor, an engineer, a chemist, a chef, and an environmental scientist) have created new beers and added their unique talents to the brewing tapestry at Atomic Ale. We invite you to sample our beers as well as tour the brewhaus. 

Ask your server if a brewer is available for a tour.

We believe that dining should be a social experience; therefore, in place of televisions, table games are available. Just ask your server for a selection or help yourself.

We also encourage you to visit our sister establishment, Monterosso’s Italian Restaurant, located across the street from the brewpub. Situated in a 1947 Northern Pacific Pullman dining car rescued from a scrap yard in Minneapolis/St Paul and relocated to the Tri-Cities, the train car originally housed a tailor’s shop in its current location. The diner has since been restored to recreate the elegance of original diners complete with tapestry drapes, beautiful stained glass and fine food. We hope you visit soon.

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

From all of us at Atomic Ale Brewpub & Eatery – Our sincere gratitude to all of our customers past, present and future!  We know you have choices and we truly value you as our customers.  We will do everything we can to give you a great experience in a fun atmosphere with excellent beer, food and service.  Thank you for supporting our small local business.  Cheers!