La Ponderosa

FOOD
The casado vegetariano can be made vegan by swapping out the butter for vegetable oil; the entire dish (rice, beans, caldillo de papa, vegetables, ripe plantain).  Patacones were fantastic - not too oily, crispy, yet meaty at same time. Would definitely return for both dishes.  No home-made sauce / hot sauce here.  Would give 3 stars due to how pricey they are for local standards, but it is catered a bit to tourists, plus location. But deserves 5 stars due to good service and accommodating to dietary needs.

Friend thought the costillas de cerdo were fantastic, as well as their shrimp ceviche.

PARKING
Plenty of spots right in front of restaurant.

SEATING
Some bar seats. Several types of beer served. Many tables for dine-in.

BATHROOMS (Women)
2 larger than typical stalls, clean, with toilet paper. Watered-down soap in soap dispenser at single sink.

AMBIANCE
There is 1 TV that blasts shows / local news on high volume, but the waiter was kind and receptive when I requested the volume lowered (my friend and I were the only ones dining).

Noise and exhaust from the road was loud and you get strong whiffs of the odor when the wind is in the right direction.

ENGLISH / SPANISH
No English spoken; Spanish made the ordering easier, but of course vegano and sin lacteo are common dietary restrictions.

I’ve been to Ponderosa dozens of times throughout the years.

In the past year or so, it has been operated by a well known local restauranteur.

Friendly staff and usually it is a family member of the the operator.

Large portions.

The rice dishes are a great value as the portions are large. There is also a bar here so that is nice as not all local restaurants have a liquor license.

Nice owner and good food. Not fancy or gourmet, but hometown Tico fare at very reasonable prices.

Good food for a good price 🙂

Amazing family owned and run. Good food, fair prices.

Lovely fresh comida typical prepared by friendly chef Frederico. The patacones (smashed fried plantain) are fantastic!

Breaded fish was great 👍

Super

Desde un turista español, EXCELENTE, ambiente agradable, comida estupenda
Uno de nosotros tiene problemas de estómago y le hicieron comida especial a precio normal

Muy recomendable

Muy rica comida y excelente servicio. Muy bonito, precios cómodos.

La comida es estupenda y el trayo miy agradable

Gran lugar con buena atención al cliente y con comida deliciosas 😋

Muy lindo lugar y agradable para la familia con servicio de cabinas y piscina

Excelente lugar, áreas verdes hermosas y atención super especial

El mejor ceviche del área. Muy tranquilo, con una piscina deliciosa y muy buen servicio. Hay que volver!

Excelente lugar muy buenas comidas

Excelente servicio y muy rico

Un lugar agradable para pasar el día 😊

pura vida

Lindo ambiente familiar