Opening this week inside The Pearl Hotel in San Diego's Point Loma is Ponyboy, a new restaurant inspired by mid-20th century Palm Springs and helmed by former employees of three-Michelin-starred Addison.
Two alumni of Southern California's only three-Michelin-starred restaurant Addison, Ian Ward and Danny Romero, recently formed Service Animals hospitality group to open Ponyboy restaurant within The Pearl Hotel. The duo had previously operated a variety of pop-up concepts around San Diego, including Ward's Irish Goodbye, which served reimagined Irish-style bites, and Romero's Two Ducks, which he ran for several months with his brother Dante at the Lion's Share in downtown San Diego.
Service Animals Hospitality has now taken over the onsite restaurant space at the historic Pearl Hotel in Point Loma to open Ponyboy, named after the main character and narrator of S.E. Hinton's classic 1967 novel, "The Outsiders." Inspired by Palm Springs restaurants of the 1950s and '60s, the restaurant aims to convey the spirit of individuality and rebellion in a time when hope and resilience were pivotal to navigating the challenges of a changing world.
Service Animals Hospitality has now taken over the onsite restaurant space at the historic Pearl Hotel in Point Loma to open Ponyboy, named after the main character and narrator of S.E. Hinton's classic 1967 novel, "The Outsiders." Inspired by Palm Springs restaurants of the 1950s and '60s, the restaurant aims to convey the spirit of individuality and rebellion in a time when hope and resilience were pivotal to navigating the challenges of a changing world.
The menu at Ponyboy is designed by executive chef Josh Reynolds, and will feature era-inspired dishes such as deviled eggs, oysters Rockefeller, chicken Kiev, tuna casserole, beef Stroganoff, cherries jubilee, ambrosia salad, and more, complemented by a full bar. There is also exciting shareable plates like fondue for two, accompanied by farmer's market fruit and veggies, and handhelds like the Juicy Lucy cheese-stuffed burger. Seafood will be sourced from local celebrity fishmonger Tommy Gomes' nearby Tunaville Market & Grocery, including some of the dry-aged cuts.
The Pearl Hotel in the Point Loma area of San Diego has a rich history dating back to its original opening in 1961. Originally named the Sportsman's Lodge, the hotel was designed as a mid-century modern retreat, epitomizing the sleek, stylish aesthetic of that era. The design and architecture reflected the period's trends, featuring clean lines, geometric shapes, and a focus on functional elegance.
In 2007, the property underwent a significant transformation and rebranding, emerging as The Pearl Hotel. The renovation preserved much of the original mid-century charm while updating the facilities to incorporate a retro-chic decor. Now owned by Casetta Group, The Pearl Hotel is well-known for its distinctive features, including the iconic oyster-shaped swimming pool.
Ponyboy will soft open on August 7 at 1410 Rosecrans Street in San Diego's Point Loma. For more information, visit theponyboy.com and check out the menu below.
