PONY COCKTAILS + KITCHEN — Restaurant in California

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...

Today I visited this place, and got an iced tea. I sat down outside. I had been sitting there for over 15 minutes when the waitress came up to me and told me that another party of two wanted my table and that I had to move. I didn't understand how they could ask me to move because another person wanted my table. I'm a paying customer, I have a right to be there just like anyone else. I was sitting at a very small table and there were many empty tables around. I didn't understand why I was being asked to move when there were many other tables open. She insisted that I move to another table so another party of two could take my spot. So I just left. I won't be coming back ever again. I've been coming to this coffee shop since it opened. Now that its turned into more of a restaurant, I've noticed that the staff is rude and they don't want people there just drinking coffee. I never get food when I come here because it's not very good. Often, in the past, I've ordered the breakfast sandwich. It usually comes mostly uncooked. I always have to ask them to cook it completely. I've stopped ordering coffee here because it's been really sour the last few times I've had it. I've had enough of the rudeness and bad food. I won't be...

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...