Say hello to Sidewinder, the new Phoenix dive in the OG Welcome Diner

The owners of Progress and Sottise, TJ Culp and Esther Noh, opened a Southwest-inspired dive diner and bar, on May 2 in the space that formerly housed Little Chef Diner (the original Welcome Diner space).

Little Chef, in Phoenix's Garfield neighborhood, closed in August 2023 so the owners could carry on with their food truck, Culinary Theory.

The new diner's name, Sidewinder, and the dive bar vibe are an homage to Culp and his brother Jake's Tucson childhood.

According to the news release, "It's a brand, a lifestyle, an attitude — a hidden gem reminiscent of old Route 66 with cold beer, hot chow and a cool place to sit."

Jake Culp, previous chef de cuisine of Sottise, helms Sidewinder's kitchen.

What's on the menu at Sidewinder?

Diner food is reimagined with a Southwest touch with snacks like the Cheap Sloppy Joe, fries, jalapeno poppers, Frito pie and elote ribs. Large plates include a chili dog, Not So Sonoran Dog (described as "Chicago meets Tucson") and smoked Bologna sammy. For sides, there's potato salad, slaw, smoked ranch beans and jalapeno escabeche.

There will be daily specials like fried chicken and smothered pork chops beginning June 1.

On the drinks menu, there are shots of Fernet Branca and spicy mezcal; cocktails like the Sunset, made with vodka, grapefruit and tonic; Tennessee Tea, made with iced tea, Jack Daniels and honey; and a variety of beers.

How to visit Sidewinder

The restaurant is open daily from 5 p.m.-2 a.m. The patio is dog-friendly.

Prices: $3-$12 for snacks, $8-$19 for large plates, $5 for sides, $5-$12 for cocktails and shots, $3-$9 for beer.

Details: 924 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix. 602-626-8535, sidewinderphx.com.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Downtown Phoenix restaurant Sidewinder opens in OG Welcome diner spot