Get the potato soup. That’s really all you need to know. The End.
Ok, you also need to know about the pizza and the salads and other good things to eat there. Old-timers will remember it as the former A&W restaurant at 1015 Lee Blvd in Richland. Take Wellsian Way or George Washington Way to Lee, and park in the back.
Now, getting back to the potato soup – it’s hearty and warm and thick and tastes fabulous. There might be other soups they offer, but I’ve only had the potato.
The pizzas have unique combinations and are oh-so-good. I don’t usually like to order pizza at restaurants because I can never finish it all. Well, I’ve ordered one with a friend while at Atomic on a couple of occassions and together we were able to finish it. Loved every bite – the sauce was consistently spread across the pie, the seasonings and cheese were just right. Oh, I’m getting hungry just thinking about it again.
I’m a big black bean fan, and they have a wonderful, sort of spicy, black bean salad I would recommend.
And back to the soup one more time – order the rolls along with it. They’re wheat or some sort of dark grain and they serve them split and warmed with a little bit of garlic butter. Oh my gosh. Hot heaven.
I understand they have desserts. I’ve actually never had any there. I am always too full because of the pizza, or the soup, or the black bean salad to try it.
They apparently, as the name suggests, also have a great variety of beers and microbrews. I’m not a big drinker, so I’ve never sampled those. If you have, let me know what you thought in the comments.
I can always find a table at lunch, it’s never horribly crowded. It’s great to tuck in there on a cold, rainy or windy day because it’s warm and dark and has an old-fashioned pub feel to it.
The service is fine – no one is rude but they never seem overjoyed to see you, either. Food comes promptly and special orders are okay with them.
When I want soup for lunch, this is where I always go. They’ll make it to go for me if I call ahead, or other agents and I love to meet here for lunch. It’s convenient and the food is good and the atmosphere is nice.
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11-10, Friday and Saturday, 11-11 and Sundays 11-8
About The Author
I love Atomic! This is one of my favorite places to eat in Richland, if not the greater Tri-Cities area.
Their pizza is the best dine-in pizza in the Tri-Cities, they have the second best locally-brewed beer (after IHB, which has one of the best IPA’s in the nation), and just really cool atmosphere. I agree with Cari, their soup is probably number one in the area now (since Sundance is out of business and no longer making their Salmon Chowder, my previous #1). I love the brick walls and cozy feel — it’s a bit difficult for large groups, but perfect for a small (4-6) gathering. Their desserts… well, it’s difficult to adequately describe their B-Reactor brownie, but suffice it to say that it would be worth NOT eating an entire pizza so you can save room for it. Think “dense like Uranium” and you’re on the right track.
And if for some crazy reason you can’t find *something* on their (pizza) menu you like, ask for “The Book” (or “the Blue Book as I’ve heard it referred to).
I cannot believe that there is apparently an amazing brownie just blocks away from me and I’ve never even tried it. Thanks for the info, Ben!