Food is okay.I wish the staff was better attentive....
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
B “Gonzo” Hong
1st timer. Business trip. Was looking for a spot that had great food and DECAF espresso & quick!Se habla español.Did not disappoint! What a sweet spot on an ole Western street drinking coffee with the local ranchers, businessman, moms, and cowboys.Soak up the ambiance, smell the homemade freshly baked chocolate croissants, and take in the artwork.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amir Baharlou
Cute little place with great/smooth
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Toast
David Allen Cordero
If I could give this place a 6 or more stars I would.From the moment you walk in the atmosphere is chill and the place is warm. There’s seating for those who want to relax in a couch area and those who want to sit at tables.The workers here are all extremely helpful and polite. They explain their menu for those who may need it and they do it with a smile. Also for those who frequent this place a little more they remember you. This is what I liked a lot!!!! I haven’t tried the food here yet so I’ve got no opinion on it yet but I saw them serving breakfast tacos the other day that looked amazing.They are extremely professional, again polite, courteous, and most importantly understand their job as a barista.The prices are a bit on the higher side, ok I’m a bit older, but what isn’t these days.To the Pony Express MGMT:These workers definitely deserve a raise if it’s possible. I feel you have a great team on your hands!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Levon Saryan
A very cute and authentic coffee shop in the
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Richie D.
Prior to hitting up the Chumash Casino, I thought of Pony Espresso as a newer option for brunch. There are limited breakfast options in the Santa Ynez area without going into Solvang or Buellton. Upon entering Pony Espresso, you have the option of getting food to go or for table service. The inside has a modern yet country feel with an expected horse theme. We were sat immediately onto the outdoor front patio. We were impressed with the menu since it has a nice selection of breakfast and lunch options.I ordered the Shakerato as my drink which I've enjoyed elsewhere. This one is a bit different. It is served up, versus on ice, but also with mint syrup (I believe). Unfortunately the mint in this version was way too overpowering. I had to request milk on the side to smooth it out. The latte my sister enjoyed on the other hand, was perfection with a foam heart and had a nice addition of a biscotti sample.All of our food was tasty. I had the Piggy Back Toast which was basically a souped-up avocado toast. It had thick bacon (delicious), hard boiled egg, heirloom tomatoes, avocado slices, micro greens and a red bell pepper sauce. For the price tag of $16, it seemed a bit small in size--though I was surprised that a side of thick-cut bacon costs $8 and hopefully is made locally. The flavors were enjoyable, however, it fell apart so easily. It would have been better to have items placed on the toast in a different order: red pepper sauce spread thick on the toast, bacon strips, avocado slices, hard boiled egg (though sliced and laid out versus simply cut in half), then micro greens. We also enjoyed the B-Lox Platter which was a good size given the price and tasted very fresh with plenty of fixings.In the end, we enjoyed brunch here and I'm happy there's another dining option in downtown Santa Ynez. I think with some constructive feedback and a few changes that it could be even more wonderful.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Mike Dj
Nice place great atmosphere for breakfast and coffee stuff. Menu is interesting and eggs came cold with good texture and taste . Friendly service .
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Reta B.
I was really looking forward to this place! It seems nice and drinks from the pictures seemed good as well. Seating area was nice inside and outside. Staff were great! However food was super pricy in my opinion. The avocado toast was $16 without any eggs or anything and the coffee was basic flat white for $6 without any flavor. I am okay with having a pricy coffee but at least with a nice design or some good flavor. Place is okay, not sure if I'll rerun
Amber R.
Cute little spot, great for coffee, breakfast (and mimosas) to get your day started. Actually came here twice during our weekend getaway because it was a solid and easy spot. Great breakfast options, cute outdoor seating area, and good service. A reliable morning starter.First time we came, I got the salmon + avo toast (so good), and the second time I got the hangover hash and added salmon. Paired with a great cup of coffee and a mimosa and we were ready to get our wine tastings going.Very casual spot, easy parking, friendly staff, yummy food options. Next time you're looking for a cute and easy breakfast spot, Pony Espresso is the way to go!
UnPaquito TV
This an edit because I returned to Pony. The breakfast puff with potato and sausage...BAM!
Prior to hitting up the Chumash Casino, I thought of Pony Espresso as a newer option for brunch. There are limited breakfast options in the Santa Ynez area without going into Solvang or Buellton. Upon entering Pony Espresso, you have the option of getting food to go or for table service. The inside has a modern yet country feel with an expected horse theme. We were sat immediately onto the outdoor front patio. We were impressed with the menu since it has a nice selection of breakfast and lunch options.I ordered the Shakerato as my drink which I've enjoyed elsewhere. This one is a bit different. It is served up, versus on ice, but also with mint syrup (I believe). Unfortunately the mint in this version was way too overpowering. I had to request milk on the side to smooth it out. The latte my sister enjoyed on the other hand, was perfection with a foam heart and had a nice addition of a biscotti sample.All of our food was tasty. I had the Piggy Back Toast which was basically a souped-up avocado toast. It had thick bacon (delicious), hard boiled egg, heirloom tomatoes, avocado slices, micro greens and a red bell pepper sauce. For the price tag of $16, it seemed a bit small in size--though I was surprised that a side of thick-cut bacon costs $8 and hopefully is made locally. The flavors were enjoyable, however, it fell apart so easily. It would have been better to have items placed on the toast in a different order: red pepper sauce spread thick on the toast, bacon strips, avocado slices, hard boiled egg (though sliced and laid out versus simply cut in half), then micro greens. We also enjoyed the B-Lox Platter which was a good size given the price and tasted very fresh with plenty of fixings.In the end, we enjoyed brunch here and I'm happy there's another dining option in downtown Santa Ynez. I think with some constructive feedback and a few changes that it could be even more wonderful.
Nathan Ordonez
Had iced coffee enjoyed it extremely nice atmosphere and staff was
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Evan Gramis
Excellent coffee and great food. My Americano was perfect and avo toast was excellent and very fresh. I might skip the breakfast tacos next time.Vegetarian options: Plenty of veg options and customizations available.Kid-friendliness: Fine spot for kids, especially the patio.Parking: Plenty of parking right outside, including several 30-min spots that are always available.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
nat ersoz
My new favorite coffee place. We stay at Lake Cachuma, and sometimes you gotta get good espresso and WiFi.
simon chapman
Ham and cheese croissants, warmed.Lavender earl gray tea, Oat steamer.
Food is okay.I wish the staff was better attentive....
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
1st timer. Business trip. Was looking for a spot that had great food and DECAF espresso & quick!Se habla español.Did not disappoint! What a sweet spot on an ole Western street drinking coffee with the local ranchers, businessman, moms, and cowboys.Soak up the ambiance, smell the homemade freshly baked chocolate croissants, and take in the artwork.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cute little place with great/smooth
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Toast
If I could give this place a 6 or more stars I would.From the moment you walk in the atmosphere is chill and the place is warm. There’s seating for those who want to relax in a couch area and those who want to sit at tables.The workers here are all extremely helpful and polite. They explain their menu for those who may need it and they do it with a smile. Also for those who frequent this place a little more they remember you. This is what I liked a lot!!!! I haven’t tried the food here yet so I’ve got no opinion on it yet but I saw them serving breakfast tacos the other day that looked amazing.They are extremely professional, again polite, courteous, and most importantly understand their job as a barista.The prices are a bit on the higher side, ok I’m a bit older, but what isn’t these days.To the Pony Express MGMT:These workers definitely deserve a raise if it’s possible. I feel you have a great team on your hands!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
A very cute and authentic coffee shop in the
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Prior to hitting up the Chumash Casino, I thought of Pony Espresso as a newer option for brunch. There are limited breakfast options in the Santa Ynez area without going into Solvang or Buellton. Upon entering Pony Espresso, you have the option of getting food to go or for table service. The inside has a modern yet country feel with an expected horse theme. We were sat immediately onto the outdoor front patio. We were impressed with the menu since it has a nice selection of breakfast and lunch options.I ordered the Shakerato as my drink which I've enjoyed elsewhere. This one is a bit different. It is served up, versus on ice, but also with mint syrup (I believe). Unfortunately the mint in this version was way too overpowering. I had to request milk on the side to smooth it out. The latte my sister enjoyed on the other hand, was perfection with a foam heart and had a nice addition of a biscotti sample.All of our food was tasty. I had the Piggy Back Toast which was basically a souped-up avocado toast. It had thick bacon (delicious), hard boiled egg, heirloom tomatoes, avocado slices, micro greens and a red bell pepper sauce. For the price tag of $16, it seemed a bit small in size--though I was surprised that a side of thick-cut bacon costs $8 and hopefully is made locally. The flavors were enjoyable, however, it fell apart so easily. It would have been better to have items placed on the toast in a different order: red pepper sauce spread thick on the toast, bacon strips, avocado slices, hard boiled egg (though sliced and laid out versus simply cut in half), then micro greens. We also enjoyed the B-Lox Platter which was a good size given the price and tasted very fresh with plenty of fixings.In the end, we enjoyed brunch here and I'm happy there's another dining option in downtown Santa Ynez. I think with some constructive feedback and a few changes that it could be even more wonderful.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Nice place great atmosphere for breakfast and coffee stuff. Menu is interesting and eggs came cold with good texture and taste . Friendly service .
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
I was really looking forward to this place! It seems nice and drinks from the pictures seemed good as well. Seating area was nice inside and outside. Staff were great! However food was super pricy in my opinion. The avocado toast was $16 without any eggs or anything and the coffee was basic flat white for $6 without any flavor. I am okay with having a pricy coffee but at least with a nice design or some good flavor. Place is okay, not sure if I'll rerun
Cute little spot, great for coffee, breakfast (and mimosas) to get your day started. Actually came here twice during our weekend getaway because it was a solid and easy spot. Great breakfast options, cute outdoor seating area, and good service. A reliable morning starter.First time we came, I got the salmon + avo toast (so good), and the second time I got the hangover hash and added salmon. Paired with a great cup of coffee and a mimosa and we were ready to get our wine tastings going.Very casual spot, easy parking, friendly staff, yummy food options. Next time you're looking for a cute and easy breakfast spot, Pony Espresso is the way to go!
This an edit because I returned to Pony. The breakfast puff with potato and sausage...BAM!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Croissant
Restaurantji Recommends
Prior to hitting up the Chumash Casino, I thought of Pony Espresso as a newer option for brunch. There are limited breakfast options in the Santa Ynez area without going into Solvang or Buellton. Upon entering Pony Espresso, you have the option of getting food to go or for table service. The inside has a modern yet country feel with an expected horse theme. We were sat immediately onto the outdoor front patio. We were impressed with the menu since it has a nice selection of breakfast and lunch options.I ordered the Shakerato as my drink which I've enjoyed elsewhere. This one is a bit different. It is served up, versus on ice, but also with mint syrup (I believe). Unfortunately the mint in this version was way too overpowering. I had to request milk on the side to smooth it out. The latte my sister enjoyed on the other hand, was perfection with a foam heart and had a nice addition of a biscotti sample.All of our food was tasty. I had the Piggy Back Toast which was basically a souped-up avocado toast. It had thick bacon (delicious), hard boiled egg, heirloom tomatoes, avocado slices, micro greens and a red bell pepper sauce. For the price tag of $16, it seemed a bit small in size--though I was surprised that a side of thick-cut bacon costs $8 and hopefully is made locally. The flavors were enjoyable, however, it fell apart so easily. It would have been better to have items placed on the toast in a different order: red pepper sauce spread thick on the toast, bacon strips, avocado slices, hard boiled egg (though sliced and laid out versus simply cut in half), then micro greens. We also enjoyed the B-Lox Platter which was a good size given the price and tasted very fresh with plenty of fixings.In the end, we enjoyed brunch here and I'm happy there's another dining option in downtown Santa Ynez. I think with some constructive feedback and a few changes that it could be even more wonderful.
Had iced coffee enjoyed it extremely nice atmosphere and staff was
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Excellent coffee and great food. My Americano was perfect and avo toast was excellent and very fresh. I might skip the breakfast tacos next time.Vegetarian options: Plenty of veg options and customizations available.Kid-friendliness: Fine spot for kids, especially the patio.Parking: Plenty of parking right outside, including several 30-min spots that are always available.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
My new favorite coffee place. We stay at Lake Cachuma, and sometimes you gotta get good espresso and WiFi.
Ham and cheese croissants, warmed.Lavender earl gray tea, Oat steamer.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5