We went to dinner at Welcome tonight for the first time after having driven by several times the last year. Our family was immediately seated around 5:30PM next to. Window with most of the tables full. The service from the beginning was great with our waitress friendly, helpful and attentive. We started off with sides of the wings and patacones which were all tasty. Two of the people in our party had nachos and another had the Arepa burger. I had one of tbe salchipapa bowls which we delicious, especially the sausage and pork with the cheese. Fun atmosphere, good family restaurant and something unique which we appreciated. read more

Omg...run, don't walk to this gem of a restaurant. I was recently there for my Moms Bday, and the experience was incredible! The nicest, most genuine staff, clean, and there was not one thing we ordered which wasn't absolutely delicious. I want to come back to order more!! Welcome us they did, and it was perfect! They even sang happy birthday and brought my mom free rice pudding, while singing!!! If I lived in Tacoma I would be there weekly. They are absolutely superb in every aspect. read more

This interesting compilation of American, Colombian, and Mexican was a fun change from the normal Mexican/American restaurant. Food was unique and amazing. It is not a fusion of the cuisines. They are separate. But all on one menu. The empanada appetizer was great. We tried the beef, chicken, jalapeño w/ cheese, and guava wi cheese. Fantastic. Recommend the guava with cheese and a cup of coffee for dessert. We tried the Arepa appetizer also. Good, but not great. The "breading" was a bit dry for my liking. But still good. Also had the beef birria... it was excellent. Many things to try here that are new to our pallet. Atmosphere in the restaurant section isn't great. Basically a very open diner. We went early, so it wasn't noisy. I would guess on busy days it probably is. They have a bar also, but it wasn't open when we were there. Service was very attentive and helpful with recommendations. read more

Welcome Restaurant - Chicken Arepa. A small ground maize flatbread, cut down the middle and filled with chicken. - Colombian Near Me - Ruston, Washington

It's real good if you're a gringo as you can tell from the reviews or people that have probably never ate Colombian food in Colombia so they don't know what it's supposed to be like/taste like. Using whole potatoes was REALLY an interesting choice, maybe they were trying to justify the small portion size for $30 so they tried to take a shortcut by using potatoes instead of fries. Yes you read that right, I'll have a picture attached to this from Yayo's in Barranquilla, Colombia that was enough for 5 to share and leave full for $25.71 USD or 96.900 COP. If there goal is to extort their community, they're doing a great job doing so, along with the super processed mid melted cheese, I would expect more. It's a bad look for the Colombian community and I notice it's usually the paisas or cachacos taking advantage but us costeños simply wouldn't do that. If you're going to charge $30 for some salchipapa, at least make sure there's enough for two people to share AND make sure it's good. Jalapeños on salchipapa is a line that should've never been crossed. read more

Welcome Restaurant - Yayo's Barranquilla - Colombian Near Me - Ruston, Washington

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I'm giving 5 Stars for the Food and the Service but would only give 3 stars for drinks and atmosphere. We tried the empanadas (last three on the menu, none with meat) and they were incredible and served with a fresh green onions and cilantro salsa and creamy sauce. The guava cheese was my favorite. For dinner we tried the Quesabirrea, Arepa Birria, Chicken Verde Plate, and One of the bowls I can't remember which one!! Everything was SO Good fresh and different than what we are used to. 10 out of 10. The drinks we felt were over priced. We each got a cocktail which cost about $14 and they came in small glasses with ice. The beers also seemed over priced... The bar area on the other side was dark and empty. Probably would not come here for drinks until they get that all figured out but the food and service was incredible. Thank you! read more

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Every now and then, you run into a new restaurant that gets everything right. Good vibe, great food, and awesome team taking good care of you. Welcome has all that and more. We were greeted and seated by the super friendly and engaging Carla. From menu to ordering, she was helpful with both food recommendations and getting it to us quickly. We started with a variety of empanadas and all were pretty amazing. Crispy but light corn shells surrounding flavorful fillings: chicken, beef, spinach/cheese/bean, and, our favorite maduro and cheese. Patacones came next (green plantain patties) and were also good. Last but not least, the salcipapa. Think of it as Colombian poutine (see pic). They offer it in a variety of toppings over a base of fries, sausage, cheese, and onion. We had La Toxica and La Mamasita. Both were outstanding and memorable. We'll be back to try the rest! We were too stuffed to try desserts but those are for next time. Welcome makes you feel, uhh, welcome but the food and service will make you a regular. read more

Welcome Restaurant - Mamasita for the win! - Colombian Near Me - Ruston, Washington

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We really wanted to love Welcome, but it was just okay for us. We tried multiple items, the meats in the empanadas were just a glob of mushy meat and no other ingredients, which what I've had in great empanadas. The texture was weird and off putting. The sauces were okay, but nothing was interesting enough for us to go back. The interior is bright, but clean. I also saw people really enjoying their food, so maybe I've just traveled and had better. Wait staff was nice, a little chaotic, but okay. I also thought it was strange that all the empanadas were the exact same size. No imperfections and seemed like pre-made from a producer, versus handmade in their kitchen as represented (I asked). I do wish them well, but we won't be back. read more

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Friday & Saturday night playing music all night! good music, drinks, food and vibes!

If you're craving some Latin flavors and a tasty margarita, the head over to the town of Ruston and check out Welcome Restaurant on Pearl Street. The fusion of Colombian and Mexican cuisine really makes this place special. Recommendation: Definitely try the Arepas & the Empanadas. The pork belly and the birria were our favorite. read more

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Daughter and I wanted an adventure and tried this place. Really enjoyed it. We went on a week day and not busy- we were the only oens but the waiter (said he was Mexican) was very friendly and took care of us. The food was exceptional! Highly recommend. I hope it stays in business. read more

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Wow talk about flying under the radar. Looking from the outside you would never guess how fantastic it is on the inside. It's like being in a tropical getaway. The food is very very good. My wife had the weekend soup. Very flavorful, the soup has a depth to it, just amazing, she loved it! I had the Quesabirrias. They were great as well. The server was Carla, attentive, personable, just what you would want in a server. I think we just found a new Sunday morning tradition. read more

Awesome. It's so nice to have another restaurant in this area. We stopped in after the zoo and ordered the fried plantains, the potato bowl (Le classy) and the steak quesadillas. The sauce that comes with the plantains is so delightful. We were pleasantly surprised by La Classy. The house sauce with the melty cheese sauce was scrumptious. The sausage was also cooked perfectly. A great dish for when you want something warm and filling. The quesadillas were generously filled with cheese and the spicy green that accompanied it was the perfect addition. The servers were super attentive and kind. Food came out in good time. The prices are a little higher than I'd expect, but then again all the food was fantastic- and the location is so convenient. We will for sure be back! read more

Welcome Restaurant - La Classy. Yum!! N - Colombian Near Me - Ruston, Washington

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Gosh, this is a tough review because Welcome is new to my neighborhood and I know many people who love their food. I, however, need to write my review on my entire experience. On our way home last night, we decided to stop in for the first time, even though we've passed it a million times. I was told there was a separate bar area, but unfortunately they were having electrical problems and we were seated in a "bar-like" area, which is basically a counter and two booths in the back of the restaurant. The restaurant part didn't bother me. What bothered me the most was how bright it was. It gave a very daytime, not too comfortable, cafe vibe, rather than a nice evening restaurant. I don't feel like it would take too much to make this a little nicer. There were also several children, which again, is fine, but some of them were a bit loud. We chose to just grab a drink and an appetizer. I got a mojito and three mini arepas. Being vegetarian, I decided to try the chickpea patty in two of them and cheese in one of them. I thought the chickpea patty on its own was fine and the arepa "dough" on its own was fine, but I didn't care for the cheese or the dipping sauce. The prices were also a little high in my opinion. On a good note, the people that work there were so nice that I hate giving nothing but a stellar review. I will probably return and try the empanadas since those have different vegetarian ingredients. Unfortunately, it wasn't my favorite place. read more

Welcome Restaurant - Mini Arepas - Colombian Near Me - Ruston, Washington

The service at welcome was excellent. Our server gave us really good suggestions and explained the menu well since I'm not too familiar with Colombian cuisine. I really enjoyed the arapas and the empanadas. The dining area is spacious, not fancy but clean and comfortable. It had a lunch time kind of vibe rather than a dinner setting. The prices were a bit high but the portions were also large so it compensated. I would come back here for a drink and a snack or appetizer after a day at pt defiance park. It's just street parking outside but there is usually plenty of space. read more

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Food were amazing! We love every single dish ordered. Drink was great! The soursop juice has natural fruit flavor, not too diluted at all. Our server was very nice & attentive. The restaurant wasn't too busy when we're there. Hope they'll get more business. Excited to have new cuisine to try out! read more

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Headed down to Ruston for a walk and decided to try this new restaurant out. It did not disappoint! Wonderful service and authentic food!! Nice ambience, pretty simple inside. The food was outstanding! We had the birria tacos and asked for a small side of the consume, since the Quesabirria tacos come with it, but I did not want that style. They were so kind to include it for us! . The menu is just delicious, we saw other plates come through that looked so authentic and delicious. You do get a pretty good portion of food! I really wanted to try the empanadas but I will have them next time I will definitely be back! Down the hall is a full sports bar with a large selection of alcohol to make any kind of drink I was very impressed!!! Great place to watch the game there was also an area in the back where they can have live DJ or music I suppose. If you have not tried this please give them a try they are a new restaurant and well worth it!! Their signage isn't big outside, but you can find it using Google! The hamburgers looked amazing I will have to try that another time as well!! Very clean, which was nice! Such great prices too!! read more

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This is a 5-star review ... times 17. A group of 17 of us had lunch here yesterday, March 20, 2026. Everyone found everything incredible. The food was superb. Dishes were well prepared and presented. The menu is in three parts - Colombian, Mexican, and American. The one server (Louis?) kept up with our large group without a hitch, taking and delivering orders, and unobtrusively checking in to make sure everything was to our satisfaction. The ambiance was just right--modern with plenty of light to read the menu and see what you are eating. The food was so good that we had the kitchen staff come out and get a round of applause! So, this is a 5-star review times 17 equals an 85-star review! read more

Really tasty and welcome (heh) addition to the neighborhood. I had arepitas and fried plantains. Plantains were 10/10. Arepitas, the birria ones were amazing. I wasn't a big fan of the chicken -- was well cooked, but slathered in a mayo-y sauce that wasn't my thing. Sticking with birria next time because it was so so good. read more

The empanadas were good but the birria tacos were outstanding. Seriously my favorite meal I've gotten from a restaurant in a long time. First time I've ever had birria tacos but it won't be the last. I highly recommend this place. Also the service was top notch. read more

Great new Colombian/Mexican/American restaurant. We had the plantains, empanadas, arepas, and birria tacos, and everything was delicious. The chicharrónes particularly were excellent, probably because they were literally fried pork belly. It was cute how they put the flag of each country on each dish. They also had hamburgers if someone in your party prefers. read more

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I was tempted to go the safe option and get a burger or nachos but the Arepa Rellena sounded tasty. When it came out I had a few nachos off my friend's plate because I THOUGHT the Arepa was too small. I was very mistaken. It was perfectly filling (meaning none of the typical digestion related issues that I get when I'm full) and it was DELICIOUS! I swear the service we received from Carla made the food taste even better - she is such a kind and welcoming young lady. I will definitely be back and I'll bring more friends. Thank you for providing such wonderful food and service to us in your community. read more

Very delicious and tasty food!! The empanadas had a crispy outside and flavorful fillings!! I enjoyed the chicharonnes appetizer also!! Everything was delish!! read more

Welcome Restaurant - Colombian Near Me - Ruston, Washington

New to the area and I hope they're around for a long time. The environment was fun and the staff are friendly. Our table got several things and we split, we were all happy with everything. Some of the things we ordered: fried plantains, nachos, quesabirrias, burger/fries, chicken tacos. Everything was great. Strong recommend. The bar area has a nice setup to watch games. read more

What a lovely find. We stopped in for an appetizer; I could eat those empanaditas all day and night. Really nice that there are vegetarian options. Carla was just delightful; great service with the perfect amount of attention We felt a part of the family from the moment we walked in. Looking forward to going for a full meal soon. read more

Loved the empanadas so much that I got 8 I went somewhere else trying to try empanadas and they were not close to as good as this place and this place is ALOT cheaper glad I got a place I can go for good Colombian empanadas the service was also great and I loved the ambiance . read more

Welcome Restaurant - Beef empanadas - Colombian Near Me - Ruston, Washington

This place is a literal GEM!!! The food the people everything was amazing. As a Colombian living in the PNW it is often very difficult to find a truly authentic place and let me tell you this place is it and more. Every bite I took brought me back to my childhood and my grandma's cooking. Look no further because this place is it and more! read more

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We hosted a company staff meeting at Welcome Restaurant, and honestly 10/10 experience! The service was on point from start to finish. The food? A delicious mix of American, Colombian, and Mexican flavors that kept everyone happy (and full). What really stood out was the owner personally coming out to greet each of us talk about hospitality! Felt more like a warm family gathering than a work event. Highly recommend for any group looking for good vibes and even better food! read more

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Greeted by friendly faces as soon as we walked in the door.Place wasn't too busy,but it had a pleasant feel to it.Conversations tended to bounce around this brand new Columbian restaurant,with a bar to be opening soon.Tried a few Columbian appetisers.You can chose Mexican or American for larger plates.Very satisfied with the empanadas and the dips.The plantain also very tasty,with hogao and guacamole for dipping.Pork belly chunks were very tender.Look forward to trying the larger dishes on our return visit. read more

Welcome Restaurant - Patacones playeros (plantain) - Colombian Near Me - Ruston, Washington

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Wonderful meal!! Reminded me of my childhood and absolutely delicious! Great service by Carlita & Luis. Thank you, we'll be back!

Nice place, every time is clean, frienly staff. Medium food, great prices! Once I had salad and in other time was dish, was great! Can easily recommend read more

Needs to improve service and quality of the cooking. Wings were raw and the pictures didn't match the food. The empanadas were excellent. Sauce was good read more

The avocado smash is really yummy. But those empandadas are freaking amazing! Loved the show Joanna Bang Bang ! Well put together ! Keep the wig!!!! read more

The owner food and drinks are phenomenal Great experience and the bar is very nice and welcoming read more

Amazing food and service from Jesus and his sister who owns this new gem in Ruston. We tried the Picada Welcome and the Quesabirrias. Both were excellent and we will be back, especially to try their new Brunch menu. read more

This is a new place in the neighborhood, so we wanted to give it a try. Definitely an eclectic menu and the service was very friendly but not particularly attentive overall. Maybe it's just me, but a few more veggies on the menu would have been nice - no I'm not a vegan or vegetarian, but this place seemed particularly heavy on the meat and carbs. It was good overall, but the food definitely sat in your gut The menu itself was hard to read - black background, with green type on top of photographs and other images. Seriously....it was a struggle. To end it all I was specifically asked to give them a 5 star review before I left. Not cool. I hope this place makes it - but they'll need to fine-tune some things before I go back. read more

The service was excellent, very attentive, and our food came out in a timely manner. The restaurant was spotless and had a calm atmosphere. Since we went on a Sunday, I appreciated having the TVs with the games on. Our group was two meat eaters and one vegetarian. The meat eaters both loved their dishes, saying it reminded us of something my Tía would make. The vegetarian really enjoyed the guacamole, though most of the other options were fried, which isn't their preference. The sauces and toppings that came with each dish were a highlight for all of us. Overall, we'd definitely come back and recommend the Mexican and Colombian options. We didn't try any of the American dishes. read more

Tasty food with a variety of options! Excellent vegetarian options. Enjoyed the vegetarian empanadas and patacones appetizers and main course of vegetarian arepas rellenas. Customer service and satisfaction was exceptional. Welcome Restaurant feels like a great space to lunch with family and friends. A great addition to Pearl Street dining locations! read more

So awesome. Empanadas were great, Carla our waiter had some amazing recommendations. Definitely check this place out. Patacones were really good, got their fresh blackberry juice that was super refreshing. highly recommend this spot read more

We ordered one cheeseburger and one regular burger. The difference in price was $5.20.-- that's $5.20 for one slice of American cheese

Having never tried Colombian food, I was excited to visit Welcome....its flat out amazing. I mean, REALLY delicious. The portions are huge and the calories high, but it's all worth it! The service is awesome too. Can't wait to be back. read more