Pink Pony – Scottsdale Oldest Restaurant Reopens

The Pink Pony, the oldest restaurant in Scottsdale, has 60 wonderful years of history as part of Old Town and Arizona baseball. Many people in town fondly remember their parents and grandparents taking them here during Parada del Sol or Spring Training. Long known as the “Best Baseball Restaurant”, it was a favorite watering hole for baseball fans, players, coaches and scouts. Mickey Mantle himself visited the Pink Pony and the pictures on the walls and baseball memorabilia told the tales of the many people who loved the Pink Pony and made her famous.

It was with much sadness that we said goodbye to the Pony in 2009 and watched as she shut her doors and signaled what many thought would be the end of an era. Now back open again with new ownership, the Pink Pony still retains the look and feel that made her home away from home to so many people over the years including the 19 black booths and the pink bar (although much of the baseball memorabilia is gone, sold in auction by the prior owners).

Schmooze spent several hours with Tom Cook, proprietor, who assured us that the Pink Pony is in good hands. As passionate about the pony as the locals, Tom impressed us with his insight into turning the Pink Pony into a more modern establishment without sacrificing the ambiance of the historic restaurant. Finding the balance between present and past was a challenge for Tom, who was on a mission to update the pony but still retain her ties to the past. One of the hardest things to tackle was the menu. It was Tom’s goal to provide period food (favorites from when the Pony was in her heyday) but also to offer people a great upscale steakhouse experience. Yesterday Tom treated us to a whirlwind tour of the new menu and frankly Schmooze was impressed. There is truly something here for everyone!

So how can I describe the new Pink Pony to those of you who love her? What is the new Pony like? Let’s start with the thing closest to many people’s heart, Happy Hour! To kick things off right the Pink Pony now offers a great Happy Hour weekdays from 4 – 6 pm with great $5 appetizers and drink specials. Schmooze was impressed by the quality and size of the appetizers not to mention the fabulous choices to select from. How about Meatballs Bolognese, Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy or Welsh Rarebit with Crispy Pork Belly. This is not your typical Happy Hour fare and all appetizers (except 2 & 3 pc Fish and Chips) are just $5. That’s a great meal for the price. Schmooze tried the meatballs and the Bolognese sauce was exquisite! We also enjoyed the Pot Roast and Mashed Potatoes which we begrudging shared with friends. The pot roast was scrumptious and tasty, full of flavor, and the mashed potatoes and gravy were amazing, better than Thanksgiving (no lumpy gravy here), all for just $5.

Two Big Meat Balls Bolognese

 Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes & Gravy

During Spring Training the Pink Pony will be serving lunch, so plan on making the Pink Pony a historic stopping off place before the game. You can treat yourself to one of the one of the two best Hamburgers in town (This One or That One), a Vienna ¼ lb all beef Hot Dog or Bratwurst or the Pink Pony signature dish, a “3 Pigs” Sandwich featuring a crispy pork cutlet, smoked ham, thick bacon and a sunny side up egg. If a steak is what you are craving, the Pink Pony is a steakhouse after-all and you can get That Famous Top Sirloin Steak during lunch as well. It is tender and juicy and rumor has it that it will soon make it’s appearance as an open faced sandwich if enough people ask for it!

“3 Pigs” Sandwich

At dinner the Pink Pony really struts her stuff by transforming into an upscale steakhouse but don’t let that scare you away, the Pony still serves up some great Meatloaf with mashed potatoes, peas and gravy. There are plenty of steaks to choose from and all are served with relish tray, bread and soup or salad but don’t expect your typical boring side salad or tasteless soup. The Pink Pony House Salad is The Little Wedge Salad with blue cheese, tomato and bacon and the soup is New England Style Clam Chowder with all clams and NO POTATOES. Schmooze got to sample both the salad and soup and was very impressed, no skimping on quality here!

Pink Pony Special Top Sirloin Steak

Looking to experience historic Old Town? Make the Pink Pony Steakhouse your destination and you’ll go home with more than a great meal, you will have a story! Oh and if you see Tom, ask him about the restrooms, they were originally the walk in coolers!

Pink Pony Steakhouse
3831 N. Scottsdale Rd.
480.945.6697