Welcome Diner

I have Celiac disease which means I can get sick from gluten. I called ahead and understood that the kitchen does their best on this. I ordered and asked them to check a label for olive oil (sometimes its cross contaminated during processing). I overheard the very loud cook smiling and saying the chef in back laughed at the question when he went to go ask about it. So far, not awful. Then it gets bad. The cooks up front are clowning on me and my allergy pretty hard loud enough for me to hear, but not talking TO me. Talking ABOUT me. Super disrespectful. “Imagine just giving him straight up gluten. Just straight bread”. “No, not on the cooktop, got to avoid cross contamination” with a super over the top eye roll and laughter. So as I sat there I didn’t know if they were taking this seriously AT ALL. It was just an awkward, unwelcoming vibe. There was a couple more examples as they prepared the food but i’ll leave it at that. The food: somewhat good but overpriced. Host and waiter were very nice but two people cracking jokes and throwing uncertainty into food Im literally about to ingest is not cool.

The vibe of this place is so fun and truly welcoming. We ate indoors, but the outdoor space is charming, especially when days or evenings are cool. Service was perfect -- not overbearing but not neglectful. Prices are good considering that portion sizes are HUGE. I have to eat gluten-free and while there aren't a ton of options, the ones that exist are good. I got roasted Brussels sprouts as an app to share with two others -- we had plenty. I also got pulled pork fries. I do wish there was a tiny bit more pork, but the flavor was outstanding and, again, portion size was huge. I ate about 2/3 and my son polished off the rest. I also had an Old Fashioned which was OK-only. Square ice cube, but it was cloudy and while I don't like my drinks sweet, this one wasn't sweet enough. Still, that wasn't enough to make me regret my experience. I don't live in Phoenix (I used to) but I have family there and I will definitely return to the Welcome Diner.