PONKO Chicken Duluth — Restaurant in Duluth

I was here the other night the food is great I was very happy with my order. The fries are my absolute favorite! I wanted to address this because I saw one of the customers leave a bad review the night I was there (Alisha P.) I was behind them when they ordered they stated they wanted take out. They ended up dining in instead, 30mins before the restaurant was about to close they asked for plates because they ended up dining in when their food was prepared for take out because that’s what they stated they wanted. The lady at the cash register was very sweet and attentive to them, a couple did come in last minute but they wanted grilled food and the grill closes early which that happens at every restaurant so that’s why couple decided to leave that they mentioned in their review. And I left at the same time as Alisha P. no one escorted us out rudely and the lights were not cut off on us as we dined in. I came here to write a good review and saw a lie I just had to address because I was there as it all happened. The only thing I suggest is they change the time on the door because customers think it closes at 10pm but it closes at 9pm. I will definitely be back in the future the place is very clean and the atmosphere is bright and inviting.

This is my second time coming here and I recommend eating the food inside, everything is made fresh to order so it tastes better when you dine in. The ranch sauce with the fries are top tier and the spicy sauce with the tenders are really good and they give you a good portion of food. If you like to over eat then go to McDonald’s this isn’t the place for you.

I wouldn’t say it’s healthy but you can tell the grease is never old and the it’s a bit lighter than eating at other fast...

Went to Ponko last night around 8:15. When we ordered our food we were asked if we wanted to dine in or to go. We said dine in. When our food came it was packed up and we were told they didn’t want to use plates bc they were about to close (okay fair). As we were eating a couple came in and were told they’re closed, it was about 8:40 and the door said they were open till 10. They locked the door and more people came to the door and ended up leaving. While we were finishing up our dinner, the woman who took our order (think she was a manager) said hey just fyi we’re closed basically implying we needed to hurry up. We were cleaning up our trash around 8:50ish and they straight up closed the lights! A guy came from the back and opened the door for us and was like okay good night ladies. It was 8:55 when we walked out. On Google it says close at 9, but it was obvious they were just trying to get us out of there and even refused people service beyond 8:30ish. When we placed our order for dine in we weren’t told they would be closing soon otherwise we would’ve taken our food home and eaten. We practically were kicked out politely before the actual closing time (whether it was 9 or 10). I typically dine at the Chamblee location but was in the Duluth area with a few friends so we decided to eat at this location. Great food but...

Got take out from this location. Cashier was very patient and explained what some popular choices were when asked since it was the first time. Chose the chicken plate with 5 tenders, a side of Ponko rice and Sweet fries.

Food was delicious! Even after 15 minutes in the take out box, there was still a light crunch from the chicken and fries which I did not expect. The main highlights were definitely the sweet fries (sweet potato) and the buttermilk sauce! The sweet fries has amazing seasoning and crunch which left me wanting more. The buttermilk ranch was included which I didn't know about, but I'm so glad they added it! Many places say they offer buttermilk ranch; they don't. I can guarantee you this one actually does. It went amazing with the tenders and fries.

I didn't really care for the rice as it felt like it lacked something. HOWEVER, it did come with a garnish of ponko pickles. Those were amazing! They're like half sours but are more on the cucumber side which I prefer. I would have gotten that over the rice anytime.

I do plan on going back to try out their wings as I'm not the biggest fan of tenders in general. The place is in an unfortunate spot that makes it kinda hidden or seem like there wasn't much traction. Maybe it was just the time I choose. Either way, I hope they can relocate or get their location...