Welcome Diner Tucson
Welcome Diner Tucson
POST UPDATED JAN 2023
The Welcome Diner is a portal to the past. If you’re a regular here, you may be aware of my love of the past and how deep it runs. So deep in fact, I made my sister walk in the desert heat to check out a restaurant that I wanted to visit solely based on the building alone. I took us down the wrong road by walking on a bike path along a freeway (I swear I usually have a great sense of direction.) Thankfully we finally arrive there just on the verge of being hangry but it was definitely worth the trek.
Often, I am swayed by a great photo on the ‘gram; that’s how I discovered Sketch in London. Happily, I am able to report that the majority of my quests that are spawned from an attractive photograph have turned out pleasant and have been well worth it. So this is another one of those success stories.
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Googie Architecture
The building, a classic example of Googie style architecture, was fully restored by the Welcome Diner in 2016. It also happens to be walking distance from the Hotel Congress. If you’re into classic cars with futuristic design, the space age, and anything mid century modern, you will most likely be able to appreciate the restoration and design of this diner. It was originally built for the Sambo’s Restaurant chain by Ronald Bergquist in 1964. From the stone facade to the open beam asymmetrical roof – this is a pristine specimen of modernist architecture. This spot has everything I want out of a sixties diner – chrome for days, spacious booths, and the friendliest staff around.
The Menu
The Welcome Diner is serving on all levels since their food is equally as good as their quality of decor. This is what happens when a restaurant has a farm-to-table ethos and scratch cooks everything. Patrons get to enjoy classic diner dishes with elevated ingredients at reasonable prices.
(Update: as a nearly yearly Arizona vacationer, I have made countless visits to both locations. The food is consistently good and the staff are wonderful. This spot is a go-to for me.)
Mid Century Modern Decor
The interior has all the classic hallmarks of mid century modern decor: brushed brass pendant lighting and neon signage. Every detail has been accounted for down to the art. I love the architectural renderings of the building in addition to a few vintage black and white photographs. No classic diner decor would be complete without a few oldie snapshots from the original restaurant. Bonus points if those photos happen to be of a streaker who looks like a 70s dad.
Dine in at the Welcome Diner Tucson
Not only is the Welcome Diner in Tucson, they also have a second restaurant in Phoenix. That location is in a 1940s diner with equally charming ambience. (And the option to sit outdoors!)
Tucson address: 902 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85719
Phoenix address: 929 E Pierce St, Phoenix, AZ 85006
photographs - sandy joe karpetz
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