About Dovetail Joint

Matt and Maren McGowan previously owned and operated The Glass Onion, an award-winning restaurant in Goldendale, for nine years. They moved to the Tri-Cities area to expand their business and to provide more opportunities for their children to pursue their artistic talents. They started with their food cart, Dovetail Joint Mobile Kitchen, while searching for a location for their new restaurant.

After opening in the Uptown in Richland in 2019, Dovetail Joint quickly gained a following for its funky and cool vibe. Unlike the usual corporate strip mall setting, the Uptown area is home to a variety of interesting shops, creating a unique and eclectic atmosphere that customers appreciate.

The restaurant’s style encompasses not only classic dishes from regions like Lebanon, Italy and Latin America but also includes influences from North Africa and even some Asian cuisine. The restaurant also features wood-fired pizzas, adding another level of variety to the menu. In addition to the diverse food offerings, the restaurant places an emphasis on sourcing local ingredients and supporting other businesses in the area. They also offer a selection of craft beers, ciders, and cocktails, providing a full range of dining options for their customers.

The name, Dovetail Joint, originates from a Beatles’ song on the White Album. Their first restaurant, The Glass Onion, was inspired by the same lyric:

“…fixing a hole in the ocean… trying to make a dovetail joint… looking through a glass onion…”

A dovetail joint is a joinery technique in carpentry that creates an exceptionally strong joint and requires skilled workmanship. Matt and Maren felt a connection to the concept…they strive to bring the elements of well executed service and cuisine together using the best the Pacific Northwest has to offer.