Our Sunday breakfast crew ventured from Tacoma to downtown Puyallup, drawn to the West Pioneer Grill. Before stepping inside, I was immediately struck by “Rise,” a captivating public artwork located in the park across from the restaurant. Downtown Puyallup boasts a vibrant arts scene, with creative pieces enriching almost every corner, and “Rise” is a standout example. Crafted from powder-coated stainless steel by Jennifer Corio and David Frei of Cobalt Design Works, this sculpture sparks curiosity. Is it an angel, a woman, or a bird? Its ambiguity is part of its charm, engaging both the eye and the imagination. You can explore more of their dynamic art and design at cobaltdesignworks.com/.
Tearing myself away from the art, I joined my friends inside West Pioneer Grill. Our group, formerly regulars at The Harvester Restaurant, was eager to experience Roccio’s new venture in downtown Puyallup. Roccio, along with her daughter Carla and several familiar faces, has brought her warm hospitality to this new location. For months at The Harvester, Roccio had shared her excitement about opening West Pioneer Grill, and we were thrilled to support her. Carla, recently returned from a three-and-a-half-month trip to South America, adding an international flair to the friendly atmosphere. We value welcoming service, and West Pioneer Grill, led by Roccio, certainly delivers.
West Pioneer Grill distinguishes itself by offering breakfast all day, a definite plus in our book. What’s even more appealing is their diverse menu, blending classic American breakfast fare with enticing Latino and Mexican inspired dishes. For my part, I opted for the biscuits and gravy, confident that Roccio would remember my specific hash brown preference. Our breakfast group is quite mobile, often traveling between Tacoma, Parkland, Vashon Island, and even Hawks Prairie, depending on our cravings. While West Pioneer Grill is a new favorite, we haven’t abandoned The Harvester, having enjoyed meals there just recently. Our usual Harvester waitress already anticipates my order: hash browns “burnt, burnt, burnt” with onions mixed in – a testament to their attentive service across different establishments. The Tveten family, owners of The Harvester, along with The Hob Nob Cafe and Burs Restaurant, are known for quality food in the area.
At West Pioneer Grill, Roccio greeted us with hugs and promptly took our orders. My biscuits and gravy arrived precisely as desired, with perfectly crispy, dark brown hash browns topped with diced onions. West Pioneer Grill makes their biscuits from a mix, enhancing it with their own special touches. On my next visit, I plan to try the sausage and sourdough toast. My friend Donn enthusiastically endorsed the bacon, although he wasn’t inclined to share!
Mike’s vegetarian burrito was another highlight. Packed with eggs, peppers, and delightfully crispy hash browns, it offered a satisfying crunch. Mike appreciated that the hash browns were integral to the burrito, not just a filler, a common pitfall at some restaurants. Typically, the burrito comes with salsa, but Mike opted out, though I was tempted to sample it.
Even on a misty October morning, West Pioneer Grill was bustling with a steady flow of patrons. The restaurant exuded a welcoming vibe, filled with more warm greetings and waves between staff and customers. Debbie chose the Latino Eggs Benedict, a creative twist on the classic. Instead of English muffins, it featured two Mexican sopes, thick cornmeal bases, topped with a layer of black beans. This gluten-free option is a thoughtful addition to the menu. The sopes were then layered with poached eggs, sprinkled with Mexican queso fresco, and accompanied by salsa and avocado. Jan also ordered the Latino Eggs Benedict, requesting a fried egg instead, showcasing West Pioneer Grill’s willingness to customize orders to customer preferences. Sopes, or picaditas, are a traditional and delicious Mexican staple. We were all thoroughly impressed with West Pioneer Grill, delighted for Roccio and her team, and confident that it will become a beloved part of the Puyallup community.
