The Poni Room - New York

This restaurant appears to be popular for hosting bridal showers and bachelorette parties. It focuses more on aesthetics than the quality of food, which is not to my liking. While it is not exactly an Izakaya, it leans more towards being a Japanese fusion restaurant.

Pros: The Happy Hour Deal is amazing. $25 for self-service rose on tap and kitchen snacks that were quite considerable. They served edamame, chips and fried seaweed. It was quite empty and quiet, I'm not sure if many people still know about the place. The waitress was really informative and attentive. Con: The departure was our reservation for 6pm (the Happy Hour Deal is 6pm-7:30pm). We came there in time and said they were waiting for things to be put down. They didn't set us until 6:25 and then cut us off at 7:30, so that it was quite disappointing. Other than that, it is still a great amount that they only change to 1 hour or to 6:30 instead of right when they open.

The Happy Hour Deal included two very small snacks for sharing 2 people), so the whole point is only rose wine, definately dont go for enjoying food. Wine is served from water classes and comes from a tap. The Poni room is also underground and in the Happy Hour there were only 2 more guests. I wouldn't go back there.

This is my second review of the Poni room and a bit of an update on the first. Only downside of the first visit was a small snafu in terms of seating, but I am pleased to report that there were zero issues the second time around. I was late for the reservation, but we were seated the moment I got there without issue. The food was again top notch and same goes for the cocktails. Also, the service was Grade A. Our server this time around was Becky and she was fantastic. Also, our previous server Anne came by to say hi, to chat with us, and make menu suggestions when we asked. The service at the Poni Room is really excellent and probably reason enough for me to go back. Also, the playlist is sneaky good and can be found on Spotify!

The Poni Room is delicious! Great share plates that definitely fill you up, and love the self-service wine aspect also (for your initial drinks only). The music was a little loud at first as when we got there the place was almost empty, but once you have a drink and the space fills up you forget about it!