Sunday after Thanksgiving is always a somewhat dicey proposition. Tired chefs often leave the kitchen in charge of a sub, bloated customers are eating leftover turkey sandwiches for the third day, not many in the mood to go out. So what a delightful surprise at Pony Kitchen on such a slow quiet night. Every dish was prepared with thought and care, all beautifully balanced. As locals we have had many meals at nearby SY Kitchen and Brother's Red Barn. Our meal at Pony Kitchen well exceeded the quality of anything at SY Kitchen. As for Red Barn, Matt always delivers with flawless execution, but the food in this small spot was its equal. More sophisticated than Red Barn's, far better than SYK, and soon to be my go-to in Santa Ynez. Service by Rodrigo was warm and attentive, atmosphere is simple and intimate. Only two minor recommendations: set the AC for the customer's comfort not the staff's since we are not running around. Last, consider a simple less expensive bread service (Bob's does not warrant that price) --- a house-made warm baguette would knock it out of the park. Yet these two small items in no way diminish the love and joy this food is infused with. Il cibo e quasi meglio di quello di mia mamma...ma solo quasi....
James
Though the menu is short on entrees, the food was very good. They did not have the items shared on Open Table reviews . They need more staff as service was slower when restaurant was near capacity. Well worth it!
Irene Paz
We stoped here for brunch, made reservations because we are just those type of people, when we arrived we could’ve sat inside or out, we chose to sit outside which was nice and heated with cozy warmers. We chose Bloody Marys which were delicious, 🤤 along with the lemon ricotta pancakes and the breakfast burrito! We enjoyed it so much we took our food photos as an after thought !!! Enjoy ! Our host who sat us had such a big personality we didn’t catch his name but everyone seemed to enjoy his presence as much as we did 🙌🏽 Great place we will be coming back ✔️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Stefanie Parker
We stopped in for pre-dinner cocktails based on a recommendation from a local at one of the wineries we visited today. The cocktails were excellent—10/10—and the service was equally outstanding. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in town.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Paul
The food and service were outstanding! This was our first time dining there. We will be back for sure!
Laura Hall
Great cocktails and the food was amazing. Great atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
kathryn
We had a wonderful meal at Pony kitchen. Excellent service, beautiful interior design, and the meal was terrific. I had the salmon which was fantastic. Other diners had the Smashburger and they loved it has a good wine list. I recommend it.
Clay-ryan Guinaldo
All around Great. Ordered a lot of food because I had to try everything that sounded good. Everything was beyond expectations. Cocktails were amazing as well. Going back this weekend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Matthew
Warm and inviting, nice menu, good preparation, and exceptional service. Easy recommendation!
Jason R
This used to be our favorite place in town. I’m not digging the new vibe here now. It seems like the employees are intentionally tanking this business. I used to be able to sit down at the counter and be waited on by polite and friendly staff. I guess those days are over. I tried to dine in, but settled for takeout. I wanted a breakfast, but only got a coffee and I was tersely informed that there were no free refills. It’s too bad. This used to be a nice place.
The new Pony is a top-notch addition to SYV! Thoroughly enjoyed happy hour and dinner... Highlights included a seasonal special nectarine, radichio, and bleu cheese salad... yum! Smashburger was/is one of the best... like ever... Try the Nitro Negroni and El Guapo! Thanks, Pony!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
todd tyloch
Everything we ordered was made to perfection, service was excellent as well
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Joe Martin
This was not our first choice. But the Peasants Feast was closed for summer break? Who does this? And the Victor Restaurant doesn’t open until 4:30 - it was noon. So we walked up the street and found this little gem. The food was delicious and Jasmine our server, was delightful! We will be back again and again!
ERIN
Our experience at Pony was perfect. The atmosphere is an upscale casual vibe. But the food, the food is beyond amazing. You can tell the chef has an eye for pairing unique flavors together. Our table order a variety of things and even ordered a second crudo because it is that good. The chef even came out to make sure everything was tasting good and thanked us for coming in. It's our new favorite spot.
Julia
I just found this place on google because I looked up some good breakfast places in solvang. So we came here on a Sunday and I ordered Lemon ricotta Pancakes with Blueberries and also Steak with poached eggs. Everything was delicious. The Owner Alberto was greeting everyone at the door. Amazing Spot! Unfortunately it was too early for me to order a cocktail, but they looked delicious too:)
Sunday after Thanksgiving is always a somewhat dicey proposition. Tired chefs often leave the kitchen in charge of a sub, bloated customers are eating leftover turkey sandwiches for the third day, not many in the mood to go out. So what a delightful surprise at Pony Kitchen on such a slow quiet night. Every dish was prepared with thought and care, all beautifully balanced. As locals we have had many meals at nearby SY Kitchen and Brother's Red Barn. Our meal at Pony Kitchen well exceeded the quality of anything at SY Kitchen. As for Red Barn, Matt always delivers with flawless execution, but the food in this small spot was its equal. More sophisticated than Red Barn's, far better than SYK, and soon to be my go-to in Santa Ynez. Service by Rodrigo was warm and attentive, atmosphere is simple and intimate. Only two minor recommendations: set the AC for the customer's comfort not the staff's since we are not running around. Last, consider a simple less expensive bread service (Bob's does not warrant that price) --- a house-made warm baguette would knock it out of the park. Yet these two small items in no way diminish the love and joy this food is infused with. Il cibo e quasi meglio di quello di mia mamma...ma solo quasi....
Though the menu is short on entrees, the food was very good. They did not have the items shared on Open Table reviews . They need more staff as service was slower when restaurant was near capacity. Well worth it!
We stoped here for brunch, made reservations because we are just those type of people, when we arrived we could’ve sat inside or out, we chose to sit outside which was nice and heated with cozy warmers. We chose Bloody Marys which were delicious, 🤤 along with the lemon ricotta pancakes and the breakfast burrito! We enjoyed it so much we took our food photos as an after thought !!! Enjoy ! Our host who sat us had such a big personality we didn’t catch his name but everyone seemed to enjoy his presence as much as we did 🙌🏽 Great place we will be coming back ✔️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We stopped in for pre-dinner cocktails based on a recommendation from a local at one of the wineries we visited today. The cocktails were excellent—10/10—and the service was equally outstanding. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in town.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food and service were outstanding! This was our first time dining there. We will be back for sure!
Great cocktails and the food was amazing. Great atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had a wonderful meal at Pony kitchen. Excellent service, beautiful interior design, and the meal was terrific. I had the salmon which was fantastic. Other diners had the Smashburger and they loved it has a good wine list. I recommend it.
All around Great. Ordered a lot of food because I had to try everything that sounded good. Everything was beyond expectations. Cocktails were amazing as well. Going back this weekend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Warm and inviting, nice menu, good preparation, and exceptional service. Easy recommendation!
This used to be our favorite place in town. I’m not digging the new vibe here now. It seems like the employees are intentionally tanking this business. I used to be able to sit down at the counter and be waited on by polite and friendly staff. I guess those days are over. I tried to dine in, but settled for takeout. I wanted a breakfast, but only got a coffee and I was tersely informed that there were no free refills. It’s too bad. This used to be a nice place.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
The new Pony is a top-notch addition to SYV! Thoroughly enjoyed happy hour and dinner... Highlights included a seasonal special nectarine, radichio, and bleu cheese salad... yum! Smashburger was/is one of the best... like ever... Try the Nitro Negroni and El Guapo! Thanks, Pony!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Everything we ordered was made to perfection, service was excellent as well
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This was not our first choice. But the Peasants Feast was closed for summer break? Who does this? And the Victor Restaurant doesn’t open until 4:30 - it was noon. So we walked up the street and found this little gem. The food was delicious and Jasmine our server, was delightful! We will be back again and again!
Our experience at Pony was perfect. The atmosphere is an upscale casual vibe. But the food, the food is beyond amazing. You can tell the chef has an eye for pairing unique flavors together. Our table order a variety of things and even ordered a second crudo because it is that good. The chef even came out to make sure everything was tasting good and thanked us for coming in. It's our new favorite spot.
I just found this place on google because I looked up some good breakfast places in solvang. So we came here on a Sunday and I ordered Lemon ricotta Pancakes with Blueberries and also Steak with poached eggs. Everything was delicious. The Owner Alberto was greeting everyone at the door. Amazing Spot! Unfortunately it was too early for me to order a cocktail, but they looked delicious too:)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
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