Ponyboy at The Pearl Hotel

Review summary

1. D

   Daniel

   VIP

   San Diego

   13 reviews

   4.0

   13 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 3

   If you like comfort food, and we do, you'll love Pony Boy; however, the food was a little too rich and heavy, which is why I did not give it 5 stars. We had the burger, the stroganoff and the chicken. All were delicious, but i could have stopped after only a few bites, as it was simply too heavy and rich to finish. I hope they offer some lighter menu items in the future.
   

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2. A

   Alan

   San Diego

   17 reviews

   5.0

   17 reviews

   Dined on December 14, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Went to Ponyboy for a birthday dinner. Our service was impeccable!! Every single person greeted us with a smile. We sat outside and had a heater put next to us. The food was excellent. Better that I had expected. It was updated 50-60’s style food. It really took us back to that age with everything from the utensils and dishes to the food. We will definitely be back.
   

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3. B

   Bianca

   New York City

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on December 13, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Always great service and top quality food. I never get tired of it and their subtle changes to their menu keeps le going. I will always try to make it to Prime rib night because it’s Divine. Holly is a great server and always delivers exceptional service.
   

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4. V

   Voltaire

   VIP

   Los Angeles

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on December 9, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Awesome ambiance with superb food. Underrated but not for long!
   

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5. S

   Sandra

   VIP

   San Diego

   10 reviews

   4.0

   10 reviews

   Dined on December 8, 2024

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   We live up the street from this restaurant and had no idea the food was so good. The staff was friendly and efficient. The food was delicious. We had the deviled eggs, oysters Rockefeller, chicken Kiev and a stroganoff. We will definitely go back. Sandy
   

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6. D

   Deana

   Los Angeles

   13 reviews

   5.0

   13 reviews

   Dined on December 6, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We’ve been looking forward to trying PonyBoy since it opened and we loved it! This is elevated comfort food. Old recipes reimagined in the most delicious ways. We started with the Ceviche and The Oysters Rockefeller and both were excellent. The oysters were so delicious I almost ordered seconds! Our drinks were also top notch. I had the Mexican Firing Squad and my friend had the Rosemary Army Navy. They were incredibly imaginative- the entire menu was so incredibly imaginative! We then had the prime rib special with the Dr Pepper glazed sweet potatoes and the tuna casserole. I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to eat sweet potatoes any other way. Our server, Tawny, was fantastic as were all the other staff and help. Can’t wait to go on fried chicken night!!! Very comfortable atmosphere. Cool outdoor dining with old fashioned cartoons playing on the big screen. We just loved everything about it!
   

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7. H

   Heather

   Pinehurst

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on November 22, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Absolutely fantastic experience - this place is such a gem. From the food and drinks to the ambiance and staff, the small but beautiful touches, I can’t say enough good things.
   

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8. A

   Alison

   New York City

   14 reviews

   5.0

   14 reviews

   Dined on November 21, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Unique dining experience, loved every minute, with excellent cocktails, excellent wine, excellent service! Food was perfect in portion size, very fresh and tasted wonderful.
   

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9. j

   james

   VIP

   Los Angeles

   18 reviews

   4.0

   18 reviews

   Dined on November 21, 2024

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Ponyboy is a stylish restaurant located inside the Pearl Hotel, a mid-century modern gem designed by San Diego modernist architect Robert Platt in 1959. As a lover of design, I was drawn to the restaurant primarily because of its unique architecture. Food wise, I enjoyed the Vegetable Tangine - a tasty vegan dish with couscous, grilled vegetables, chickpeas, Moroccan spices, topped with toasted almonds, very good! I also liked the deviled eggs, although I was expecting them to be more savory than sweet. Not a fan of the Caesar-influenced Brussel Sprouts, too crunchy. Ended with the mule float, which was ginger beer with vanilla ice cream. I appreciate interesting desserts such as this, but it could be improved with higher quality ice cream and it needs a touch of citrus (lime?) added to the ginger beer to balance out the sweetness. Overall, an enjoyable experience and I love the thoughtful repurposing of this historic piece of architecture!
   

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10. m

    michelle

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Well, this review is kinda late because I’m going back for my fourth time tomorrow night. I’m obsessed everything about it is perfect! The food is spot on the service is incredible and each little detail to something in the 70s is brilliant. Definitely my favorite place right now.
    

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