Patio Dining in Phase 1.5

As the Tri-Cities enters into COVID 19 phase 1.5, the patio dining and drinking options are a relief to many who have been missing social normality. The restrictions in place are narrow, causing high demand and limited available reservations, so we must adapt again! Restaurants are allowed to reopen when patios or outdoor seating is available. Each that are open will be practicing social distancing and a maximum of five customers per table. Additionally, the establishment in question must have a full-service kitchen in order to serve at all. So, to offer some hope for an end to this virus and a beginning to enjoying our local restaurants, this blog will be dedicated to some of the local openings in phase 1.5. Just be prepared to plan ahead for your evening out!

Bonefish Grill

Bonefish Grill on Gage offers a full dinner menu and bar. Its house wines are from Goose Ridge, a Richland-based local favorite. At this time, the seating is based on a first come, first serve basis (as is the case with many of these establishments), but you can call ahead and find out an approximate wait time before heading out. There are a few places around the outside of the patio to wait for available seating, and staff will be happy to serve you a drink from the bar to cool off in the midst of the summer heat! The filet mignon at Bonefish is one of the best dishes in the Tri-Cities, so if you are ready for excellent steaks and seafood with friendly service, plan a date at the Bonefish Grill. We spoke recently about Bonefish Grill in a blog highlighting various happy hour hotspots in Richland. Check it out here.

Three Eyed Fish

Three-Eyed Fish is also open for patio and deck service. A relative newcomer to the local food scene, this snazzy wine bar has a unique character backed up by excellent food and drinks. Our personal favorite order is the shrimp tacos, but the fish & chips are equally delicious. Their unique flavors come from a wide variety of homemade sauces and seasonings which make it a unique experience every time. This local restaurant needs all the business it can get during these trying times!

Winery Row

Tagaris and Bookwalter Wineries have reopened their kitchens and wine bars. The food at both patios on Tulip Lane are among the best in the area, and the environment is perfect for unwinding and relaxing. We discussed this row of wineries in-depth in a previous blog post, which you can read here.

Columbia Point

Anthony’s Seafood and Budd’s Broiler are both open for service. Both offer a variety of tasty treats with an equally impressive view of the Columbia River. They are both registered on OpenTable, a website where you can make a reservation online. Recently- due in no small part to the reduced seating rules – tables tend to go even more quickly than usual. Make sure you make your reservations early if your mind is set on one of these two fine restaurants! It is important to patronize local businesses as we move into phase 1.5 of our state recovery, as many have been struggling to pay the bills with the lockdown. With any luck, our community will come out stronger than ever, and with options like these, certainly less hungry!