Ponderosa — Restaurant in Amber Township

I haven't been to a Ponderosa in like 13 or more years... So I was pretty excited to check this one out.... I have no clue if it's because of the pandemic but let's just say I was extremely disappointed. The only reason I even gave 2 stars was because the staff was ok-ish, and that's stretching it. First I don't know its a practice for all Ponderosa cashier's, but being asked if I wanted cash back so I can tip was just wow, I mean most places just have a suggestion of the tip amount at the bottom of your receipt... Not this place, they pretty much let ya know hey your getting a buffet but don't forget to tip the server and we will remind you again at the bottom of your receipt. I typically always tip, and will tip at a buffet if the "server" and I mean that lightly as they are only serving you drinks and clearing your plates, was as attentive as she could have been. That was not the case, said I'll be right back with your straws for the drinks we finally got after everyone had made it to the buffet a 2nd time, and she never came back with the straws had to ask for them. The selection of food was just sad compared to what it used to be, and most not all but most of the employees just didn't seem to care about the customers (not that there was many of us there for a Friday night), or their jobs. Extremely disappointed and will...

Seems to always dissapoint now days. There was a time where this was my favorite chain to visit. The endless buffet with amazing wings and rolls, stakes were on the cheaper side but were cared for. On all of my visits over the last few years it has always let me down. The last several times I ordered a steak there was always an issue. I hate sending a steak back, as a customer you have to play roulette on whether you are getting a steak on the second attempt that is either messed with, intentionally miscooked or done correctly. On my most recent visit I ordered a steak med rare. When I got it it was Grey all the way through, I was content just not eating it because I could get the buffet. The server in an attempt to make it better when she noticed I wasn't eating it, asked to make it right. I obliged and told her it was suppose to be med rare and cut through the center for her to show her. 15 minutes later I received what I can only describe as a seared raw piece of meat. I asked her for a box because I didn't want to risk it going back to the kitchen. I finished cooking it myself at home that night. This seems to he a trend with them over recent years so I think I will be avoiding this location...

We decided to stop here while traveling because you never see Ponderosa anymore and it was a bit nostalgic. We weren't expecting much, of course. I ordered the medium top sirloin which came a bit rare but I was okay with it. It was good! My husband ordered the 12oz prime rib that came and was much too tough so we asked to have it sent back and ordered the 16oz porterhouse instead - because like I said, mine was okay. The second steak came gray in color and was rare. It wasn’t cooked much at all. My husband did not even attempt to try it - it looked horrible, and I wish I would have taken a photo. We asked for the manager as was told we’d only be charged for the $17 buffet instead, and the manager promptly removed the steak from the table without apologizing for the food served as it wasn’t even presentable. My husband decided to tell the manager he was not comfortable paying $17 when all he had from the buffet was a salad and asked to be charged for a salad instead. The manager told him she just wasted two steaks on his poor taste buds and she’ll refund him if he agrees to never return. This facility has beyond poor management and nothing served here is fresh. Don’t waste your money or your...