Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Pony Room

    4.4 (398 reviews)
    PriceyBars, New American
    Closed 7:00 am - 9:00 pm

    The Pony Room Photos

    THE PONY ROOM ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Intimate
    Romantic
    Classy

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - The Pony Room

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Skewers
    Megan A.

    Love love loved the pony room! Was visiting rancho Valencia for a wedding this past weekend and came across this gem in the hotel. Sat at the bar for some drinks and later for dinner and everything was great. Cocktails are fabulous- made extra special by the amazing bartender Kevin! Shoutout to him! Definitely a great spot for date night, a quick bite / drink at the bar to watch a game or a girls night for a few drinks! If we lived locally, this would be our spot! I will say the only negative was that the soufflé was not good at all, but that's quite alright ! Get the butter cake instead:)

    Main dining room
    Sabina W.

    Wednesday at Pony Room is very nice with live music! I ordered the sword fish bites (expensive but delicious) and my friend has the "Chop Chop" salad which was enormous she had more than enough to take home leftover. HENRY, our waiter was super helpful he even brought out another bread order when our first on was not hot enough. All around great place to chill or take a date.

    Christina M.

    Beautiful Spanish-style restaurant tucked away in Rancho Santa Fe! Servers are attentive and food is excellent. I love to come for brunch and sit on the patio.

    Sulaiman S.

    As soon as we pulled in to the restaurant we were greeted by the valet and they were kind people. We walked in and were greeted by our server for the night, Scott. Wonderful guy, one of the best service experiences so far. The food was very good, a little more on the pricey side but well worth it. The mood of the restaurant feels like a Spanish, Tuscan, kind of. It's a nice feel. Overall 5/5

    Squash
    Crystal Ann G.

    One of the best meals ever! We went for my moms birthday on April 19th and everything was perfection. They helped me with a special cake order before we got there and the whole staff was amazing. I love the cozy atmosphere so much. It's fancy without being pretentious. Every dish was spectacular! They were very accommodating for gluten free options.

    crab salad dip with potato chips... delish!
    Lorean W.

    First time at the Pony Room and venue. Loved it and the festive decor!! The food was delicious with a lovely presentation. Chilean sea bass was tasty. I was doubtful on the fried rice but it was good! The carrot cake is a mist if you like carrot cake... it was decorated with tiny carrots that still had its stems and leaves... so cute! This place is a must visit during the holidays and great place to celebrate special dates. Service was great.

    Strawberry Shortcake Soufflé
    Allison L.

    The Pony Room has everything from great food to a beautiful setting set in Rancho Santa Fe. There are tables inside and out on the front or back patios. Tonight we chose to sit inside by the bar. There was live music and people dressed in everything from tennis outfits just off the courts below to sundresses and casual suits for the summer heat. The servers were on top of our order from the moment we walked in the door. My group came for the Wednesday lobster night. Make sure to left the wait staff know if that is what you want - include it in your reservation if you want. That way you are not disappointed when they run out. The staff was also very conscious about food allergies. Before serving shellfish or nuts to the table we were asked if there are any allergies. The potions are large. We were able to split everything we ordered including the lobster with pomé frites. We started with the burrata and heirloom tomatoes. This was our least favorite of the night. It needed more salt and balsamic to pinch up the flavor. The lobster was cooked perfectly. We were given extra clarified butter to pass around the table. The fried rice with the egg on top is a great addition to the meal. Our waiter informed us that some people mix their whole dinner with the rice or add extra eggs. It is very filling on its own. The perfect end to the night was the strawberry shortcake soufflé. The macerated strawberries and the pipet increased the flavor of the soufflé. I could eat just that for dinner. The soufflé changed a week and a half ago. It used to be s'mores. Don't be surprised if it is a different version when you go since it changes regularly. Overall consistently good! The specials can run out so either go early or reserve yours before you get there. They are all highly recommended. The lobster ravioli is the newest addition to the specials. It replaced the meatloaf.

    Rancho mezze Cocktail shrimp
    Lucy Z.

    We had a lovely lunch outdoors under the blue skies, protected from the sun with umbrellas. The atmosphere was truly beautiful and an escape from our regular lives. We had a gift card and ordered quite a few dishes. Some highlights: Rancho Mezze: the muhammara (red pepper dip) was sweet and rich; the avocado labneh was tangy; the marinated olives were a bit sweet and not overly salty which is rare. Salmon and kale salad: the salmon was crispy and not overcooked. The components of the salad worked together nicely, no one element too overpowering. I don't usually like raw kale, but the goat cheese, tomatoes, and red wine vinaigrette made the combination tasty. Lobster tacos: these were delicious, and there was enough lobster to actually taste the lobster among the other components. Rancho burger: my husband got this and he finished the whole burger. That's all I can say there Side note: all the dishes were larger than I had expected, even the appetizers. We took 2 of the 3 lobster tacos to-go. Service was prompt and responsive. I was happy we got our food quickly too, since I needed to get home in a reasonable amount of time to feed the baby.

    Bar area
    Hope A.

    OMG! Our absolute favorite restaurant for breakfast when visiting SoCal. The resort is absolutely beautiful and The Pont Room is such a lovely restaurant to enjoy breakfast. The servers are wonderful. Always helpful. Always smiling. The food? Goodness! Over the top and very creative. Highly recommend when in the area. Beautiful. Very tasteful. A must!!

    Truffle fries
    Mary P.

    If Hallmark made a movie about food, this restaurant would be the setting, the soundtrack, and the happy ending. We came on Christmas Eve and were immediately swallowed (in the best way) by cozy holiday magic--twinkling lights, festive décor, and just the right amount of seasonal sparkle to make you feel like you accidentally walked into a very chic snow globe. Let's talk appetizers, because wow. The swordfish was so good it briefly made me consider changing my entire personality to "swordfish enthusiast." Perfectly cooked, flavorful, and clearly made by someone who understands that appetizers should not be underestimated. And the buffalo chicken bites? Crispy, spicy, comforting, and gone in approximately 0.2 seconds. I would like to formally apologize to anyone at the table who didn't get enough because I absolutely went back for seconds. Now, dessert. Because it was Christmas Eve and restraint had left the building, we ended with a gingerbread and chocolate soufflé, which felt like Santa himself had personally approved it. Warm, rich, festive, and borderline life-changing. The kind of dessert that makes you stare at the empty dish afterward like, "So... we're really done here?" And the service--phenomenal. Attentive without hovering, warm without being overbearing, and genuinely kind. Everyone made the evening feel special, like they knew it wasn't just dinner, it was a moment. In short: incredible food, magical holiday vibes, and service that deserves a standing ovation (or at least a very enthusiastic five stars). If you're looking for a place that delivers flavor, festivity, and feels--this is it.

    Seared Swordfish and Wagu Bolognese
    Trey F.

    The Pony Room truly impressed me from start to finish. The dining area, bar, and outdoor patio are all beautifully decorated in a stunning Adobe style that makes the entire space feel warm, stylish, and inviting. It's the kind of setting that feels perfect for a date night, celebration, or just a great evening out. The service was absolutely amazing -- hands down one of the best experiences I've had in a long time. Attentive, friendly, and genuinely welcoming throughout the entire meal. The food was great across the board, but two things really stood out to me: the starter peanuts assortment and the ending chocolate -- both were next-level and might honestly have been my favorite parts of the night. Also, their house gin and tonic is officially one of my new favorites -- perfectly balanced and incredibly refreshing. Beautiful atmosphere, outstanding service, and excellent food and drinks. The Pony Room is a must-visit and I'll definitely be back.

    Great place
    Mikey V V.

    What an amazing experience, I enjoyed the atmosphere the people and the staff, highly recommend this place to anyone in San Diego. Enjoy Mikey V Mercedes Benz

    Calamari

    See all

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Melissa M.
    10
    28
    123

    3 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 2
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Tom G.
    14
    75
    9

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    22 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Andy Z.
    40
    20
    0

    18 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Casey H.
    5
    101
    42

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 days ago

    Everything was wonderful. The food was very tasty. Sorry rice was fantastic and the ambience was very lovely.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 3

    7 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bll M.
    0
    35
    1

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mary P.
    4
    34
    47

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Trey F.
    169
    24
    18

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Mikey V V.
    1590
    84
    64

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Anu R.
    0
    23
    4

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Took the wife here on a lunch date. Service could be better. Food was amazing and they're spicy. Margarita is definitely recommended..

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Greg P.
    287
    36
    9

    2 months ago

    Our family goes to the Pony Room at least once a month. The food, the service, the ambiance is always first class!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 2
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Gary S.
    3
    72
    44

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Myrna M.
    0
    252
    1407

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    The service and the food was great! The fish tacos are fresh and enough food. The hamburger with onion rings are perfect! It gets busy

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 10

    The Pony Room Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Pony Room

    Is there a kids menu for brunch?

    I'm not sure, but the brunch is terrible and so is the service

    Is there happy hour?

    A very limited one...3-4 pm Mon-Thu only!

    View All 5 Questions

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Bars 29,383 times last month within 10 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Postino Del Mar

    Postino Del Mar

    4.6
    (499 reviews)
    3.9 mi
    $$
    Happy hour specials
    Catering service

    Two Visits - Happy Hour & Late Night…read more 1st Visit - After reading the reviews for the Postino Del Mar restaurant, I suggested trying it for happy hour to a business associate whom I was meeting for the first time. When I made the reservation, I asked if it was possible to find a place that wouldn't be too close to the bar, as I didn't want the typical happy hour noise that might make it hard to hear one another. And they delivered! My business associate got there before I did and asked how I reserved such a prime spot! She was seated right next to the outdoor fireplace! We decided to take advantage of the $7 glasses of wine they offer until 5pm for happy hour and asked our server, for a suggestion on something to nibble on. She immediately went to the bruschetta board and said we could pick four different types to make up our board. Not only were they a delicious delight, but the fact that arrived pre-cut made dividing them up much easier! Our server treated us to a dessert - hot donut dots, which came with tasty dipping sauces. What a sweet treat, literally and figuratively! 2nd Visit - The next time I returned it was to join some family members who were there dining but because I had already eaten, I just joined them for a drink. So this time I got to sit on the inside, which was just as enjoyable. We had a server who was training another server and they both did an outstanding job. It was a first visit for my family members and they were really impressed with what they had eaten and the service. So whether dining inside or outside, the atmosphere is wonderful, the food offerings are delicious and the service is top-notch! I can see this easily becoming a local go-to place when trying to decide where to go with friends.

    The menu looked very tasty, but our family could not deal with the loud music that is playing…read moreinside and out on the patio. Restaurants are way too loud in general, but some things are outside their control. Playing music too loud for people at the same table to have a conversation is not one of them!! The servers were polite and understanding, so I don't think we were unusual in walking away. Also, the Postino website does not allow you to complete their online survey--at least not if you are giving them a poor rating. I tried several times and concluded that they have it set up to prevent you from submitting a sub-par review. Not really interested in constructive feedback, I guess.

    Photos
    Postino Del Mar
    Postino Del Mar
    Postino Del Mar

    See all

    Nick & G's Restaurant

    Nick & G's Restaurant

    3.7
    (230 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$$

    We had a wonderful dinner last night for Valentine's Day! Despite how busy the evening can be,…read moreeverything was handled seamlessly. We adored Melissa, our server, she was attentive and made the experience and meal enjoyable. The Maitre d' also ensured that service flowed smoothly and that we were well taken care of from start to finish. We both chose the tasting menu, and I added the wine pairing. Each course was beautifully prepared, and the wine selections were outstanding--thoughtfully curated and perfectly complementary. The osetra caviar with potato, lobster bisque, pasta course, and filet were all cooked to perfection and truly memorable. Even the salad was delicious! I'm not typically a dessert person, but I thoroughly enjoyed the crème brûlée--it was absolutely delicious. Overall, it was an excellent dining experience with exceptional food, wine, and service. The decor was also well balanced. Thank you--we look forward to returning! This might just be our anniversary spot!

    What a disaster!! My wife and I thought we'd treat ourselves to a nice dinner at Nick & G's this…read morepast Saturday. Our table was reserved for 7.30pm, we were seated at 7.45pm. Then another 15 minutes to get served, and by the time we received our first course it had been 1 hour 15 minutes (we didn't even get the bread we asked for) My wife ordered a filet steak, medium temperature, what she received was a tough piece of beef that was terrible. Our Crème Brûlées were tasteless as well. We finally left 2 hours after we arrived, this restaurant needs serious help in every department. I could go on and on but I'm sure you'll get the gist. The family on the table next to us got up and left after being ignored for 20 minutes

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Nick & G's Restaurant
    Nick & G's Restaurant

    See all

    Beeside Balcony

    Beeside Balcony

    4.3
    (1.1k reviews)
    5.1 mi
    $$

    What a gem in La Jolla! We started with fresh oysters that were beautifully chilled and incredibly…read morefresh. The seafood stew was the highlight of the meal--loaded with mussels, calamari, and seafood in a rich, flavorful tomato broth that paired perfectly with the toasted sourdough bread. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming, with a lovely coastal vibe that made for a perfect lunch. Service was friendly and attentive, and every dish felt thoughtfully prepared with high-quality ingredients. If you're looking for fresh seafood and a great dining experience in La Jolla, Beeside Balcony is definitely worth a visit. We'll be back!

    Came for the happy hour, and there were definitely some pluses and minuses to the experience:…read more Pluses: the oysters were good, I enjoyed my bees knees drink, and there's an ocean view. Minuses: when the waitress was clearing the oyster plate from the table, she spilled a bit on my boyfriend. Okay, mistakes happen, but rather than responding with an apology and a napkin, she just said that there was too much ice on the plate ??? After my boyfriend cleaned it up, he kindly requested another napkin... she said okay then brought the napkin over to another person at the table. It felt very weird and uncomfortable. Also, the happy hour food we received (crab cakes and a slider) were laughably small... i wish I took a picture but it was nothing I wanted to remember. This place has potential but the customer service has room for improvement and the food portions should be reconsidered... or at least be consistent- the table next to us said they also ordered from the happy hour menu but their crab cakes looked nothing like ours. Disappointing

    Photos
    Covered patio brings outside in
    Covered patio brings outside in
    S'mores cake
    S'mores cake
    Bubbly H20

    See all

    Bubbly H20
    Rustic Root

    Rustic Root

    4.1
    (380 reviews)
    4.9 mi

    I made a reservation on OpenTable for 3 people at 6pm, requesting an outdoor table. My group…read morearrived early and we hung out at the outdoor bar till our table was available prior to 6pm. We got a beautiful outdoor seat along the walkway. My friends took advantage of the happy hour bites still offered but I was committed to the chicken pot pie which came with a side salad. It took awhile for the food to arrive but that was ok because I was catching up with old friends. Everyone thought their food was pretty good. My chicken pot pie was on the salty side but the chunks of chicken were nice and the flaky crust was delicious. The vibe was upscale yet approachable. Even better was a free underground parking garage under the restaurant! Bathrooms were outside, shared with other businesses. They were keypad locked and a bit messy, but sufficient. I look forward to visiting again!

    The cocktails here are amazing! The French fries were also very good…read more The place has cool vibes and the bartender's service was quick and friendly. She had multiple regulars come in to see her specifically, so you know she does a good job. The only negatives about Rustic Root is there is no bathroom located inside the building, you have to use a shared one outside. Also, it's a bit pricey. The cocktails were honestly worth every penny but I don't know that I would spend that much on a meal in the future.

    Photos
    Inside dining area
    Inside dining area
    Rustic Burger
    Rustic Burger
    Margarita and kiwi sangrias

    See all

    Margarita and kiwi sangrias

    The Pony Room - bars - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...