© Molly Smith

THE PINK PONY

Because of its appeal among fans, players and managers during spring training, The New Yorker once called the Pink Pony "the best baseball restaurant in the land." Since then, it's been through a renaissance of sorts, and now offers a "Seventh-Inning Stretch" happy hour and an updated menu. We recently talked with owner Reed Groban, who purchased the restaurant after its legendary owner, Charlie Briley, passed away.

What's been the biggest challenge in renovating the Pink Pony?
We're still a steakhouse, but now we're working to take American classic comfort food and make it modern. We've also added some patio doors and a large window, where before you couldn't see in at all. The height of the ceiling has even been increased to update the feeling of the dining room.

Does the Pony still live up to its title of "the best baseball restaurant in the land?"
It still is. We miss Charlie, but we still have the memorabilia. Caricatures, Sports Illus-trated photos, baseball bats and jerseys still line the walls.

Are people adjusting to the new menu?
Some of the old regulars come in, and people are trying new things, like the Tomahawk Chop ribeye, the prime rib and the meatloaf cupcake, which is shaped like a cupcake with potato frosting. People say we've kept the nostalgia of the old Pink Pony.

— Maggie Pingolt

The Pink Pony is located at 3831 N. Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale. For more information, call 480-945-6697 or visit www.pinkponyrestaurant.com.

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