If you’re a beer aficionado, you’ve probably heard of Ponysaurus Brewing! Based out of Durham, Ponysaurus was known for its excellent beer and pizzas. Ponysaurus location #2 ended up in Wilmington but as luck would have it, Ponysaurus location #3 was slated for a new space at the Raleigh Iron Works. And after months of stalking the construction, I am happy to say the Ponysaurus Raleigh is now open! Curious about the Oak City’s newest brewery? Here’s some details from my first visit.
Ponysaurus Brewing, Raleigh – Location, Interior
Inside Ponysaurus Raleigh, it’s got a bit of an industrial vibe. This new building (Forge at Raleigh Iron Works) is all about big windows and high ceilings, Ponysaurus has added poured concrete booths, metal-backed chairs and a large dinosaur skeleton in the center creating a funky and different space. The bar in back is long and wide, sporting a red tile backsplash and large, hanging projector lamps. It’s definitely one of the better beer bars/rooms I’ve run into in the Triangle.
Ponysaurus Brewing, Raleigh – Menu, Food
Once you’re seated, you can order food off your smartphone (ToastTab), based upon the QR code at your table or chair. The current Ponysaurus food menu (about 30 items total) includes appetizers ($8 to $15), salads (pizza ($15 to $20), burgers, sandwiches, and ice cream sandwiches from Simon says dip this. Some of the more interesting looking food items include a clam pie, chicken parm pie, and chicken schnitzel. For drinks, you can order right at the bar, whether you’re in the mood for beer ($5 to $8), wine or cocktails ($11), pretty affordable! But given the culinary talent in the kitchen (Chefs Jeff Seizer and Roxy Garza – Royale, 21C Durham, Crawford and Son), I suspect the food menu will get more expansive and deeper once they get running.
For my first visit, I went a bit overboard and ordered up way more than I should have! The beer-braised mussels were solid but of course the pizza (hot coppa) was top-notch with a great crust. Given the original Ponysaurus Durham partnered with Oakwood Pizza Box for their pies (originally), I would not have expected any less. And the ice cream sandwich was pretty awesome (tiramisu) although I probably could have forgone the extra calories!
Tiramisu ice cream sandwich at Ponysaurus, Raleigh Iron Works – nctriangledining.com
Ponysaurus Brewing, Raleigh – Service, Conclusion
Service at Ponysaurus was solid but just be patient in their opening months. But call me impressed, I’m already looking forward to my next visit to Ponysaurus Raleigh! With Brodeto opening up across the street and Jaguar Bolera soon to come, Raleigh Iron Works is quickly filling out its ranks with some top-notch food and beverage offerings. And yes, there is a slide across the street so you won’t want to miss that too. Roar on, Ponysaurus Raleigh and welcome to the Oak City!
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