Welcome Diner — Restaurant in Phoenix

This review is based on two experiences. Our first time to the diner was with a small group of friends. The service was a little slow and distracted during our dinner. It took a long time to get drinks and then again to have the server take our order. After dinner, we had to ask and then remind the server of our need for the check in order to get to a show on time. The food was fine but definitely nothing to write home about. The fried chicken on my mac & cheese was VERY dry and the breading was separating from the chicken. It was unappetizing. The rest of our table seem to somewhat enjoy their food leaving quite a bit behind in most cases. If this review was only based on this experience, I would have given three stars.

My second experience with this diner was visiting with my parents. As it was already warm, and my parents are older, I asked if we could have a table inside. There was one booth that could fit 5 or so people and counter spaces. I was offered the counter space but again, seeing as my parents are older, I requested that we sit at a booth or table so that they could be comfortable. I was told that there wasn’t anything available inside at the time and was offered an outdoor table again. I let the server know that it was too warm outside for my parents, and that we would happily sit in the available booth. The server stated that they were going to hold the booth for a larger party (not one that was actually there or had a reservation or anything, just in case one happened to show up) and would not seat us there. They said we could wait 20 to 30 minutes for another table to become available. I asked again if we could just use the open booth as we weren’t planning to be there long. The server stated that it was the “lunch rush” and they were going to save the table. Maybe it would have been a better idea to seat a hypothetical large party outdoors and seat the patrons who were already there at the indoor table they needed? Nope, not at this UNwelcome diner As a previous server, I understand wanting to hold larger tables for larger parties. But if a larger table is the only thing available, they should utilize it for people who are already there. And not doing so, particularly with older people in need of specific accommodations, is just, well, rude! Treating people like this is not okay. This lack of hospitality is very unwelcoming and in combination with our previous experience, does not make me ever want visit this...

This location is nothing like Tucson. The food I remember at the Tucson location was legendary. This place had flies everywhere, staff that was in the weeds and food that was mediocre at best. Tucson location is a hip place you could have a date night in with ambient lighting, this location in the arts district looks like you're walking up to an RV park playground. The old playground horses in the dirt just don't scream curb appeal. We waited a long time to even speak to anyone, then we uncomfortably waited in the doorway to be sat as there's no room for parties who are waiting for a table, and the patio and walk up window are too chaotic to wait in. Plus there was no exchange of names or a wait time so waiting on the patio would've meant you'd be forgotten. We pointed out two empty spots at the counter we'd be happy to sit at that just needed a quick bussing. Request ignored and we waited another ten minutes for a booth next to the bathrooms, joy. I assured my husband the food is worth it. I wish it had lived up. We ordered 2 flavored lemonades that took ten minutes to come back to the table to inform us they no longer had, server was quick to offer a different flavor and another ten minutes to go mix those up. Had to ask for straws because this is another one of those places where everyone loves the environment but hates their parents. Our server was a nice enough guy but the females working there just looked angry to be there. What's sad is the layout is really fun and the place has potential. Having the old school counter around the kitchen setup is something you don't see anymore. Unfortunately what they were turning out of the kitchen was just a very basic burger, a pittance of a serving of fries and the fried green tomato sandwich which was bizarre. The fried tomatoes were flavorless, the toast was painful to bite into, the corn salsa fell out everywhere and the only thing you could taste was the awful chipotle sauce they put on it. This is clearly just a brunch place for downtown ravers to "come down" and to be seen. Priced like an upstanding establishment, but doesn't live up...

Was in the area and decided to go with something a little out of the way. In the middle of, what feels to me to be a very dense residential area, was this little diner. With a patio seating area that must be awesome during cooler days, we sat inside and got waited on by an extremely cute waitress.

No soda that I saw on the menu, so got the homemade fruit punch. It was delicious with a little hint of more than just fruit, it was lovely.

For food, got the Welcome Burger, medium, sans toppings,just ketchup, mustard and something called garlic aoili, with fries. The fries were so very small and light, but just the right amount of greasy and so very delicious. Wish they were not so small, but that's my preference. The burger was spectacular, with everything mixing perfectly and staying together with the tooth pick. It was a bit messy, but not overly so. I did eat it rather quickly because it was that good, and also didn't want to deal with picking it back up.

Overall, the food was heavenly and not too filling, just the exact right amount. I would love to go back.

Only problem was the pricing. For 2 meals, with the 2 fruit punches, was about $46. I know our economy sucks, but that was still hard to swallow.

I'll definitely be going back some time soon, if nothing else to get something I know I love, with a very nice patio...