People’s Choice: Ice Harbor Brewery

Looking for finely-crafted local microbrews, tasty eats and an upscale, yet laid-back atmosphere? Look no further than Kennewick’s Ice Harbor Brewery.

The English-German style brewpub has two locations: the Marina at Clover Island and on Benton Street in historic downtown Kennewick. Both have unique menus, distinct dining experiences and character, but both have the same wide varieties of locally made microbrews, which are what make Ice Harbor truly special.

Most popular among them are Ice Harbor IPA, Tangerine exBEERience, Columbia Kölsch Brand Ale and Lighthouse Lager.

“We do about 20 to 40 seasonal beers per year and usually have about nine on tap at our restaurants,” said Kevin Freeman, general manager of the Marina location. “We usually try and do something different each time.”

It all started in 1997, when owners Mike Hall and Bill Jaquish decided to take their intense love of home brewing to the next level. The first Ice Harbor Brewery location was in Pasco, recounted Freeman. Their beer quickly gained popularity among beer aficionados chasing down tasty brews throughout the Northwest.

Such was the demand that by 2004, Hall and Jaquish decided to open in downtown Kennewick. Three years later, they opened Ice Harbor at the Marina on Clover Island.

“When you come in, it’s just a very happy, positive and upbeat atmosphere,” Freeman said. “Our brewery and pub is like visiting your neighborhood bar for great beer. The waterfront location is more upscale. We have a full-service bar, extended menu and outdoor dining.”

You can find Ice Harbor beers in restaurants and pubs around the Mid-Columbia, including Walla Walla and Yakima. You can also buy the beer to go in grocery stores like Yoke’s Fresh Market, Winco Foods and Fred Meyer.

For a list of restaurants and locations selling Ice Harbor Brewery beers, visit www.iceharbor.com.

This story was originally published May 15, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "People’s Choice: Ice Harbor Brewery."