The Best Restaurant in Columbiana County
While there are several places to eat in Columbiana County Ohio, there is one that stands head and shoulders above the rest. A place that has existed for over 100 years, reinventing itself as times, and peoples tastes changed, while remaining the favorite destination of nearly everyone the has tried anything from their menu.
Sitting in what was originally a home that doubled as a restaurant, Pondi’s is the main draw for foodies for miles around.
One of my favorite dishes from their standard menu is the Angry Chicken Alfredo. Creamy, homemade Alfredo sauce, mixed with hot pepper rings and bacon crumbs gets generously tossed over Linguini noodles. This is them topped with a chicken breast that is pounded out, breaded and fried like Chicken Parm, but rather than topping it with red sauce, it is smothered in hot sauce.
It is a true treat for anyone who loves heat and Alfredo sauce.
Another of their offerings that rates high on my favorites list would be their grilled pork chops. Tender and juicy, I like to pair them with mashed potatoes, using the potatoes to capture all the delicious juice they excrete to add extra flavor to the potatoes.
When it comes to daily specials, they always bring something a little extra to the table. If you happen to be passing through on a day when they are offering their Chicago Beef Sandwich, I highly recommend it. Just be sure to ask for extra napkins.
If you are in the mood for a steak, Pondi’s steaks can go head-to-head with any steak house in the country. Grilled to perfection, each steak begins by being aged by their own butcher shop before being delivered to the restaurant to be grilled and served to a special guest.
Each cut is a perfect specimen that truly defines the style of the cut. The Ribeye is one of my personal favorites.
The New York Strip is also amazing. When paired with the grilled shrimp, it is a feast fit for a king.
Perhaps their most popular steak is the Steak Salad. When topped with their house Italian dressing, it is one of the best salads you will ever enjoy.
If you think the food looks good, the staff is even nicer. Several of them know my family and me on site and will visit our table to talk even if they are waiting other tables in different sections of the restaurant.
They have a couple waitresses who have been there since my wife, and I were dating. They have watched our children grow up.
When they underwent an expansion a few years ago, they also opened a market in the lower level. If you love their steaks, but want to have one fresh at home, you can pick up fresh steaks, sides and if you want some beer, they have that in the cooler as well.
There is a good chance that while you are reading this, we are discussing the possibility of going for brunch or an early dinner.