About our Restaurant

The Tucannon Tavern

The history below paints the picture of the concepts and feelings that Executive Chef Erik, Kitchen Manager Lane, and Front of House Manager Jennifer poured into their menus and teams when creating the unique experience that is the Tucannon Tavern.

The birth of the Tucannon Tavern began in 1992 when our father, Bob Jacobs, purchased a plot of land alongside the Tucannon River from a Columbia County farmer who moonlighted as a real estate agent, Gene Warren. The purchase of the land helped forge a lifelong friendship between Bob and Gene, and our families have remained close to this day. The property, aptly named Buck Spring Ranch, served as a transformative piece of land that brought family and friends together in a picturesque landscape.

Beyond the wonderful friendship that was formed, the ranch itself played a dramatic role in our childhoods. As young boys, we would spend nearly every weekend exploring the impressive landscape and geographical features of the ranch. From step canyon walls with bulging basalt rock formations, to green pastures situated along the river, to natural springs flowing down from deep canyons, to old growth apple trees, to the crystal clear waters of the Tucannon River itself – the entire ranch was our playground. But beyond that, the ranch was a classroom that helped shape our childhood development as much as any school room we ever stepped foot in. We learned how to plant trees and shrubs, run a charcoal grill, cast a trout line, safely brandish firearms, basic construction, hunt game (deer, turkey, quail, pheasants, etc.), build a bonfire, toss a horseshoe, maintain rural landscaping, navigate rapids whitewater rafting, drop fence posts, string barbed wire, roast s’mores, and probably most importantly – spin a mighty tall tale around the campfire.

We encountered all kinds of wildlife including rattlesnakes, cougars, bears, elk, coyotes, deer, turkey, and all sorts of bird species. Our bird dog, Jake, was in absolute heaven every time we pulled into the ranch – it was even more perfect of a playground for him that for us as he would chase critters of all shapes and sizes around the property.

The ranch served as a warm, welcoming gathering spot for friends and family, from all walks of life. The evening bonfires were legendary, especially the mostly true stories exchanged under the stars and moon. Our late grandfather, Lawrence (Larry), fell in love with the ranch and spent countless hours working the land and maintaining the property along with our mother Mary, father Bob, and his business partner Steve. Grandpa Larry also built the lone 200 squarefoot bunkhouse that would many times house parties of 6!

All of these childhood memories and experiences, along with similar memories and experiences shared by our staff, serve as the foundation for the Tucannon Tavern. We have all worked hard to capture the warm, welcoming atmosphere that was paramount to the ranch’s identity. Our kitchen team aims to deliver the highest quality food, while ensuring the menu is approachable and friendly to all. And in true Grandpa Larry fashion, we serve some of the coldest beer and tastiest cocktails West of the Mississippi – at a friendly price point allowing everyone to enjoy a good time with friends and family. We wanted to capture the essence of Pacific Northwest food, drink, and hospitality while paying homage to the incredible people who came before us and worked the land. Hopefully you enjoy some of the artwork and decorations hanging on the walls that feature historical elements of Eastern Washington and the hard-working people who made their homes and livelihoods across this beautiful expanse of land.

From our family to yours, we sincerely appreciate you choosing to dine with us and we look forward to hosting you in the Tucannon Tavern.

Cheers,

Robert Jacobs, Daniel Jacobs, Brett Jacobs, & Drew Westermeyer