The Pink Pony rides again

Customers celebrate return of spring training hot spot

Baseball executives, scouts and scores of fans would flock to the Pony for food and refreshment after a long day at the diamond.

Mickey Morabito recently returned to the Pony hoping its new owners had maintained the ambiance that has made this place such a special stop for regulars at spring training year after year.

The steakhouse menu still features many of the old classic comfort foods like chicken pot pie and meatloaf, and the cuts of steak the Pony is so famous for -- along with the staple sides of starches and salad, like the loaded baked potato.

"People driving down the street do a double take, 'Oh, it's open again,'" said bartender Jason Bonner, part of the latest Pony regime.

Bob Murch stopped by the Pony bar for a couple of beers and fried calamari on a recent Tuesday for his first return visit since the reopening.

Much of the baseball stuff is still there -- bats on the walls, photos, a black San Francisco Giants flag.

Briley's late husband, Charlie, had opened the Pony and it became a hot spot for everyone from the baseball brass, coaches, players and fans on their way to games or heading home from the ballpark.