Ponderosa Bar in Limavady

Lovely place, lovely people, lovely food. We really have zero complaints. My wife had the Beef & Guinness Pie, and I had the Katsu Chicken Curry. Both were excellent. I don't eat peppers, and my request to leave them out of the curry wasn't a problem. Nice vibe to the place, too. Overall, a very nice experience.

Stopped in for early evening meal on route to Belfast Ferry port Friendly prompt service. I choose the daily special of salmon and champ.My husband requested the Shepherd pie unfortunately it was no longer available he then settled for Guinness pie was happy with 2nd choice as it way tasty with lots of meat.We finished meal with a pavlova and coffee. Would recommend restaurant as a stop when travelling lots of parking and just off the Glenshane pass main road

We have been meaning to stop here for years as frequent visitors to Donegal. We arrived today at 3.30pm and were told the kitchen was closed until 4.30pm and was asked to wait in the bar. The website does say the dinner menu starts at 4pm by the way, not 4.30pm. My mistake for not checking the website before arriving (though do you normally expect a restaurant to close in the late afternoon?). The barman was friendly and the hour went by quickly, so no issue. When we arrived back into the restaurant, we started to believe they were going to turn us away as they started to look around for a table for two. Seems we were the only people they did accept before turning a number of couples and groups away. We were seated with no menu and waited about 5 minutes before being given one. The tablet itself was tiny and not big enough for two people. It was also so close to the table behind it that the whole table would have needed to be moved to allow a man at the other table to get up. Our drinks order was taken, but we were not asked if we were ready to order food. We sat for quite a while before anyone approached us, it’s a very strange set up. The food took quite a while to arrive, but we were presented with someone else’s food before we got our own. The food itself was nice, but the portions are small. Four chicken goujons and a handful of chips seems fairly small compared to other restaurants and for £14.00, it’s a bit disappointing. They were busy, but it’s off-putting to see the same young female waitresses walking past each other rolling their eyes every time they encountered each other. They did have a booking of 20+ people, but if your staff cannot handle the stress of it, don’t accept such bookings. I have to agree with other reviews, I think this restaurant relies on the fact they are Ireland’s highest pub to keep the customers coming in. I think this place is a bit overrated and not really what people make it out to be. It’s fine for a small bite, but don’t bank on being full when leaving (or leave feeling like your custom was wanted).

Stopped here many a time, something of a ritual on our way home. Always a good meal, highly recommended. Looking forward to returning soon. Full Irish breakfast is excellent, as is the fish. Probably the only negative is its popularity - book in advance, it's generally quite busy.

Lovely restaurant and bar. Great food. Always stop here when travelling between Belfast and Donegal. Good portion sizes and value for money. Recommend!

Have been visiting for Years. The team Never falter on the welcome. The food. The service and atmosphere. All absolutely wonderful. Came For Lunch twice on our most recent trip To Park. So accommodating for our party of 8. Would highly recommend stopping for bite.

Excellent atmosphere and friendly staff. The food was quality starter main course and the profiterole’s were just devine. Will be back soon.

Disappointed in the new menu! Our two favourites, stew and fish cakes, have both been removed. Just won't be the same!

Called in for Sunday lunch on way home from Derry. Friendly greeting by staff. Found the restaurant spotlessly clean and warm. No better location, amazing scenery. Service was excellent, food also excellent and price was great value. Will be calling again on my next trip.

We visit Derry regularly and have passed this place so many times and never been in. Well I don’t think I’ll ever pass it again, it’s my new favourite restaurant! It’s Saturday dinner time, the place was pretty busy but they found us a table, took the order and the most delicious 2 plates of food arrived about 5 minutes later. Would give both meals (the chicken stack with peppercorn sauce and the sticky chilli chicken) 10 out of 10. Staff were so friendly and efficient, atmosphere was great and food was amazing! We will definitely be back!

Was passing so called in for lunch. Great service, and ultra fast service. Food was great, very tasty and plenty of it. Quality ingredients used and it shows. A new lunch spot for me now.

Stopped on way home after holidays. No reservation, no problem. Straight to a seat. Great menu with locally sourced dishes. We had “shepherds plate” and “honey chilli chicken “. Both dishes very good, full of flavour and taste. Piping hot and fresh. Great service, friendly staff, definitely recommend. Not first time we’ve stopped here, and will definitely stop again.

I have driven past this pub on many occasions but only recently stopped. What a find, the food was wonderful, the staff friendly and lots of historical information scattered around the walls. As Ireland's highest pub, it regularly gets cloaked in mist or even snow, hence why I have always driven past it. However, it will now become one of my favourite stops on the road between Belfast and Derry.

We were on our way to red castle hotel for a stay and decided to stop in here for lunch. I got the stew and it was delicious. Service was good also.

I have driven past this pub/ restaurant many times and never had the time or opportunity to call in, today was the day 🤣 The staff were friendly and attentive. The food that I ordered was good…. but it would have been better to see a healthier option on the menu. I would have liked a salad without too much mayonnaise. I would definitely stop again.

Very pleasant and speedy service, my sons food was excellent, I had a slight issue with my main but it was very satisfactorily resolved when I raised the matter. Overall, extremely good experience.

We saw this on our Trip in Ireland and stopped spontaniously. We were two mid 50th, one elderly and three kids. The service was excelent. All wishes of the kids and adults where met perfectly, an we are not easy ;D. The food was delicious. Thank You for this nice stay.

Visited today on our way home from the hospital. Lovely food, good service and reasonably priced. Good selection on menu.

Perfectly set to break up a journey . Good food with variety of choices . Friendly and attentive staff. The decor is really nice and worth having a look at twice as representative to the area . Would always stop here

Great Food, Great Location, Kind service, everything was perfect. The restaurant is a local hangout for young and old, it is situated 5 min south of Dungiven, The facility is modern, clean and well kept. And they serve good food too !! Lots of parking, outside seating available, the view is spectacular

Scrummy sunday lunch just like granny made it with better presentation! It was busy at 3pm so bookings highly recommended. Great staff, service and food. What more could you ask for. My only regret is that I only had room for one course.

Have called in here for a meal quite a few times going to and from Derry, last time we were in my husband got a full breakfast which I was quite jealous off even though I got lasagne which was lovely, called in on Friday...

Some years ago I tried to stop here with a coach. When I phoned to book I was told they would not have 50 cups. Thankfully this has changed. I ordered food it was delicious, served quickly and hot. The music and atmosphere were geared...

Really impressed with the Ponderosa and we are out four times in the last week in a variety of places. Staff are welcoming and friendly. Food well presented and very tasty. We liked it so much we went back the next day.

Visited with friends just after opening time and we all fancied a light bite or a spot of brunch, so we were a little disappointed to find only the full menu of meals on offer. The offerings are fine, but not what you want at...

The bar is in a lovely location although we were seated away from the window so couldn’t really see much. We seemed to arrive just after 2 large parties so it took a very long time to order and get our food.

We called in for quick dinner on way back from Derry. We hadn’t been since you know what. Welcome perfect- seated immediately and drink order taken at same time. Two great dinners - delicious Fish and chips for me and very tasty chicken stack for...

We stopped as we were staying in the Kintala resort for the weekend and although we didn't have food, the wee bar area was lovely and one of the best pints of Guinness I've ever had. Couldn't have spent a few hours in it. Great,...

Stopped here on the way home from Belfast International Airport. Food was amazing, staff were friendly and welcoming, overall atmosphere was great. I would highly recommend this place.

Yet again we called on spec on Sunday evening. Very busy but immediately found us a table, very courteous. Menus supplied and drinks offered. My wife had sea bass and I had a steak. The meal and accompaniments can only be described as excellent and...

Food was good traditional Irish food . The Irish stew was delicious. The staff were efficient and friendly. Glad we stopped to eat there.

We call in to eat on our journeys north and south. Staff are always welcoming, the service is terrific and the food delicious. Facilities are spotless and so it makes a great half way stop as we travel.

Excellent staff that where friendly food was delicious and the drink squenched our thirst. The food was served hot and mouth watering

My wife were on our way to Derry and decided to stop at the top of "The Glenshane" for a meal at the Ponderosa and one hour later we were delighted at our decision! The meal was quite simply superb and the staff were very...

I booked the ponderosa for my daughters communion for 21 people. The staff were so accommodating and went out of their way to make sure we had a lovely day. We dealt mainly with Aimee who was an absolute delight, so professional and helpful. They...

Visited recently for a meal and catch up with a friend. Eat out help out deal was on. Restaurant was relatively quiet which allowed for a relaxing and quiet evening. The normal A la Carte menu was not presented to us but rather a menu...

We had a breakdown coming home from a shopping wk end in derry. We went to the ponderosa with my mum son& his girlfriend. We were bonged with bags & cases. We were trying desperately to get picked up & go hime. We had the nicest experience the staff & locals were extremely helpful they made us hot tea& coffee with beautiful shortbread. They even offered to drive us home to belfast . We stayed for lunch the food was top quality & the barman martin very kindly drove us home to belfast . We will be back as we hv never experienced this high standard of hospitality any where else in the world. We were stuck& looked after& rescued . I would highly recommend a stop off at this place food service staff outstanding . Thank you martin the barman for driving us home so grateful.

A warm welcome with good service and very accomodating of vegan requests. Very reasonably priced, a good atmosphere, and a lovely house red - thank you!

With four of us going to Donegal for a couple of days we booked in to The Ponderosa for lunch as a halfway house and availing of the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ discount but on arrival we were informed that the gas and electricity were both out in the kitchen, we were offered a choose of items that were already warm and decided to stay and eat anyway (middle of nowhere so too far to next stop). We ordered a mixture of things including curry, stew and chicken in ciabatta bread and it was all very good so we ordered sweets... I had profiteroles which were lovely and the only let down was the ‘pavlova’ which came out as two round meringue rings with cream in between, I’m sorry but you can’t call this pavlova and one of my party just wouldn’t eat the shop bought rings. All said, still enjoyed it, the staff were great and at the cost you couldn’t complain (just don’t promote those rings as pavlova when the cost is back to full tilt ;-) thanks.

Today was my second visit to the Ponderosa since reopening. This is a place that has always set the best standards for great food, excellent service and lovely atmosphere. To be able to go back to the restaurant after lockdown was like coming home. The place was spotless and the staff uphold the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene, from wearing PPE to scrupulously cleaning tables and chairs after customers have left. Their attention to detail was superb. What was best of all, of course, was the quality of the food which was ever bit as good as before. Tonight was busier in the restaurant compared to my first visit, which was slightly earlier in the day. But there was no sense of feeling uncomfortable and there were plenty of staff attending to each table. Service was excellent, staff friendly, helpful and attentive and despite wearing masks, it was clear they were smiling and happy to help. The food was beautiful. On this occasion, we opted for the steak sandwich and the fish and chips. Last time we had the chicken goujons and the pasta. Piping hot, fresh and full of flavour - these were the things synonymous with the Ponderosa before lockdown and it is wonderful to know that nothing has changed! It is a pleasure to eat there and also a pleasure to support the hard-working and dedicated team that try so hard to make each visit enjoyable. There are plenty of places my friends have talked about that are not making the same effort as the Ponderosa and we have all decided we wish to support business that are going the extra mile to make customers feel safe but also provide the tastiest food and a lovely atmosphere. Not to mention exceptional value for money. For many of us, the Ponderosa will remain our No 1 choice and we look forward to continuing to visit there as often as we can. Sincere thanks to all the steam for their time and trouble and we look forward to being back again soon.

I must have passed this bar/restaurant dozens of times on my way up and down the Glenshane Pass but never stopped. But tonight I went for a meal with a friend as the Ponderosa was a half way point for us both to meet up. It was a great experience - clean, friendly, busy but not rammed and impeccable Covid health and safely measured in place. And the meal was really good - excellent cod and chips and a yummy steak sandwich with tobacco onions and chips. The desserts looked fab but we couldn’t have managed anything more. I had no idea how lovely it was inside and what great service and food it provided. As Arnie Schwarzenegger would say -I’ll be back !!!

We are a family of five and had a lovely evening in the Ponderosa. The food and service was excellent and the staff were very friendly. No complaints whatsoever. We will definitely call again.

We have stopped here quite a few times. Staff are always great. Food has been tasty and portions have been massive. We have struggled to finish our meals so I think when we next go we will order less! Has been very busy/noisy on some occasions but that can only be a good sign of a business doing well :)

This was the worst experience I have ever had. On Wednesday my family of six having booked a table for 7,30 were seated on time but from there it went downhill. The restaurant was packed and on arrival my son overheard a lady say they were waiting two hours for their food but we assumed she was exacerbating..we should of left then. Three of us ordered soup for starters as they were out of fishcakes, potato skins and chicken wings. Two ordered the rump steak, one fish two burgers and one chicken goujons. After one hour and thirty minutes we got our soup after my husband complained, and although not HOT it was nice, or perhaps we were just starving by this time. One hour and fifty minutes our mains finally came. I wish they hadn't. The bowls which contained the sides of chips were so mismatched that my daughter who had a plain burger got FIVE chips in hers while my son who had steak like me got loads in his large bowl. My garlic cubbed potatoes were eight overdone chips with garlic butter over them. (My bowl was also a small one. Three times we had to ask for things which had either came wrong or not at all. My well done steak managed to be well done on one end, medium in the middle and medium rare at the other end. Meaning I could only eat one third of my steak. How you can not only manage to cook one steak three ways I am at a loss to explain..also how you cannot manage to cook a steak well done in an hour and fifty minutes I do not understand. My chips were cold as was the onion ring sides. The battered goujons were breaded and one of the steak dinners didn't included the crispy onions...the best part of this particular meal as well as the fact my son and I had a third full gravy boat of pepper sauce between us. Most of the staff were very pleasant and run off their feet but unfortunately the £60 discount did not make up for the horrible meal, but at least it helped pay for the Mc Donalds we had to get for our four children afterwards who were still hungry. Unfortunately it seems The Ponderesoa seems to be trying to recoup their losses from being closed by over booking now and it is failing to provide adequate service to any of their customers. We could overhear similar complaints from all the other tables around us. A terrible experience in what once was our favourite place to visit while on holiday in Derry.

Our family of four had booked a table for 7pm but when we arrived there was no table available and we were seated in the bar. Our order was taken quickly and the drinks arrived. It was disconcerting to see how close the tables were together and social distancing was not observed by all, which made us feel a bit uncomfortable. Also there were signs up stating to stay 1m apart. Shouldn't it be 2m?! Some of the staff wore masks and I hope they felt protected.We had plenty of time to observe this because 90 minutes later I had to ask where the food was. Someone went off to check but never returned. No explanation or apology. Three out of the four meals finally arrived including a vegetable curry. I had to chase the last meal which was also a vegetable curry. Again no apology and it took a further 10 minutes. But even stranger, the rice and curry looked nothing like the first curry! We enquired whether it was the correct dish - which it was - but no explanation of the difference... I directly asked why the food had taken so long and was told "the kitchen had been flat out all evening". In my opinion that's a statement of the situation and not a reply to my query. Again no apology. Towards the end of the meal, the original waitress arrived to apologise and offered to not charge us for either curry.At the end of the day we only paid £14.65 for the four of us (after the 'eat out to help out' discount, so can't really complain. But I would suggest that bookings and walk-ins are only accepted if you can provide a safe environment with good service.

Always loved the ponderosa, couldn’t wait to get back after lockdown! Of course the service was outstanding as well as the food, staff very friendly and great social distancing measures they have in place! Made everyone feel comfortable😊

Beautiful meal with family, staff very friendly and a meal was outstanding. Very reasonably priced and quick service

Can't say enough about how good this resteraunt is, hidden in the On the Glenshane pass sits this great place to stop for food.The staff are friendly and always eager to make your visit a great experience, Sunday has a special with a 3 course meal for £17 great value indeed an a nice choice of starters mains and deserts.

Friendly staff Imaginative and well cooked food Good size helpings For the quality of the food the prices are very reasonable That's all the salient points I think I'm happy that I went

We stopped off here on Tuesday on our way to Letterkenny and enjoyed the lunch so much that we stopped off again on our way home today. We both had sandwiches on Tuesday whereas it was one sandwich order today and one portion of stew. All were delicious and nicely presented. Very clean premises and the staff were friendly and efficient. Good atmosphere too and you can pay with sterling or euros which is handy.

Stopped off on way home to Derry. Service was great, good menu with tasty food and served by helpful,friendly staff. Best of all they had jam and sponge cake and custard for dessert.

Stopped off at the Ponderosa on our way to Donegal. It was sunday lunchtime and the restaurant was packed but we were still able to get a table pretty quickly. Three courses are £18.95 and the food is amazing! The toilets are spotless and the waitress who served us was very friendly. I would recommend a visit here and will definitely be back.

Call in here on spec to have a bit to eat and was pleasantly surprised it was very cosy and had a lovely meal in a very relaxed atmosphere.

A group of twenty of us visited the Ponderosa in the way back to Belfast following a day photographing the animals at Wild Ireland. I had organised the trip and had been in telephone and email contact with Aimee prior to our visit. The food, the staff the ambience and service were all excellent. We couldn’t fault it. I will definitely be returning again with family as well as with our camera club on our next visit to Wild Ireland

We were there on a Sunday afternoon after a photography trip. The food was excellent and service was very attentive. Lovely spot after it had had a refurbishment. Couldn’t fault it and will call again sometime.

We stopped in the Ponderosa Restaurant en route from Co Donegal to Belfast last Friday evening. They had just started a Friday Night Curry Evening. I had the Beef Rogan Josh. It was divine! I would nearly go back this Friday just for it! It came with rice, tasty naan and a good portion of chips. There were five of us and everyone was pleased with what they ordered but the curry was a stand-out. For the record the coconut jam sponge and custard was very good too. The service was excellent throughout. Can't wait to come back.

We had sunday lunch . The beef dinner was lovely but the macaroni cheese was fairly boring. Would have been helped by mustard and veg in the macaroni . Staff very friendly and helpful. Beautiful skies and it was great to have a window seat.

We called in this morning to the highest pub in Ireland for tea and a scone. It was beautiful. Martin had us entertained with stories. Beautiful complimentary shortbread with our tea. Will definitely stop again.

Supposedly the highest pub in Ireland, this restaurant sits at the top of the Glenshane Pass on the L'Derry to Belfast Road. The history of this pub is shown in photographs which I found very interesting. The food was home cooked, beautifully presented and delicious. The staff were all friendly and helpful which all added to an enjoyable break on our journey.

Don't be put off by the location of this place and if your heading from west to east or vis versa definetly make the effort to eat here rather than fast food.

Held a surprise party for a friends birthday here and from the day I made the booking until we finished up that eve the service was first class. Beautiful food, friendly and efficient staff, a great night was had by all 👏👏

Stopped here twice on way to Donegal and way back again a few days later. Great food and plenty of variety both times for adults and children.

Stopped here by chance and glad we did. After a weekend break in County Donegal we were travelling back to Antrim to catch the flight home and came upon this place and as we were hungry we decided to stop and eat. Despite being very busy on a Sunday afternoon we were quickly found a table and served delicious food with little fuss. Three great roast dinners and a one delicious chicken goujons later we paid a reasonable price and continued on our journey. Friendly staff, great food and a lovely atmosphere has obviously made this a popular place for Sunday lunch. Will return again and would definitely recommend.

Stopped here on the way home to belfast. Had the Aisan chicken curry

This was a really lovely restaurant, we stopped over for lunch on the way back from letterkenny found parking space no problem was seated straight away and they where very busy on sunday afternoon. i had the squid for starter and it was a big starter but very nice, i had the roadt beef for mains and the hole lot was lovely service was great consisdering how busy they were and we didnt wait long on our food i found the set menu very reasonably price with options for 1,2,3 courses would deffinetly stop in again. would like to try it when not so busy to try the different menu.

We’ve stopped off several times t this location for refreshments. Ireland’s highest pub, offers good food and drink at reasonable prices. Staff are friendly and a nice ambience within the bar/restaurant. Recommended!

We were traveling from Donegal to the ferry at Belfast and I decided to stop for some food.

Passed here many times and has been on the list to call in and have a bite to eat. Today was that day, food was very tasty and wholesome (beer battered cod(delicious) , chicken goujons (lovely crispy batter) and the chips (proper fresh chunky ones)) and there was a great selection on the kids menu as well. Staff were very pleasant and welcoming Would definitely recommend a stopover will be back.myself in the near future

Passing on a trip from Belfast to Derry my sister and decided to stop for dinner. We were seated quickly and told a drinks order would be taken soon. Whilst the manager talked with family on regulars, one of 4 occupied tables, the other members of staff chatted at the bar...and we waited. A couple who seemed to be familiar to staff then arrived and wrte seated and their drink order take....wand we waited. The manager then took our drink order for only my sisters drink to be delivered to our table....and we waited. After 25 minutes the staff member who seated us proceeded to pass our table to take a food order from the couple who arrived long after us. So we left. Apologies were abundant from management who was displeased with staff but took no responsibility for her failings in managing 4 members of staff in a dining room in which there were only 5 occupied tables. Very disappointing and we will not be back

We had a lovely meal here last Sunday, late afternoon. The restaurant and bar area were both very busy. We were glad we had booked a table as there were a number of parties waiting for a table to become available. The service was excellent. Very efficient and friendly staff. We all had something different from the menu and all the food was lovely. Generous portions and very tasty food. It was a little expensive for what we had so was glad the food was so nice. Highly recommended.

Two of us called in for dinner on our way back to Belfast from Derry. Have been meaning to call for ages. Very disappointing fare. I had hot, spicy chicken wings to start, They were neither hot nor spicy and the bed of letter and raw onion they sat on was just tasteless. My friend had chorizo melt breads - he said that were ok but again the salad was tasteless and he asked the waitress for mayonnaise. to "brighten" the salad up. My main course was hake and spuds - bland, I didn't finish it. I ordered an extra bowl of chips and this was the best part of the whole meal, oh and the two pints of Harp Ice! Mr friend had a beef burger - nothing special. Unfortunately, all in all nothing to bring us back pity as rthe serving staff were lovely. Good luck to the Polish lady expecting a baby in June.

Stopped here by chance and glad we did. After a week's holiday in Donegal, we were travelling back to Antrim to catch an evening flight home and were hoping to find a place to eat. Lovely hearty food, great roast dinner and friendly staff. A lovely homely atmosphere and obviously a popular place for Sunday lunch. Will return next time we are over, would recommend.

My husband and I were making our way to the airport for our honeymoon a couple of weeks ago when we got a flat tyre and stopped at the Ponderosa. The wind and rain was so bad making it very difficult to change the wheel when the amazing staff came out to offer their help. Thank you so much to the lady who offered us help and tea or coffee and the man who helped us get the wheel changed and off and on our way. Without their help that day we might not have made it to our flight on time. We really appreciate it!! My husband and I have never had food or drink at the Ponderosa but if the very kind and amazingly helpful staff are any indication of the service here I would highly recommend!! Me & my husband will be back to try some food and drink very soon. Thanks so much again!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Great pitstop coming from Donegal and heading to Belfast. Roughly half way between start and end points on our journey, this is a great place to stop with the kids to break up the journey. It's a very family friendly restaurant, separated from the bar with a new large dividing panel during the day.

Stopped off here for lunch today. Food very good, staff very pleasant and had 4 seasons inside 1 hour lol.

Was here today with my fiancee, the service was quick, and the foos was delicious. Will definitely be back

Stopped off for break on the way to the North-West. We had sandwiches and scones which were freshly made and well filled. The scones came with jam and fresh cream. The staff we helpful and the prices were reasonable. The bar area and facilties were very clean.

Had a lovely Sunday lunch in this restaurant this afternoon. The restaurant was quite busy but we were seated almost immediately in a beautiful location overlooking the hills. Service was first class and the food was lovely, the venue has been refurbished and is spotless.

We decided to call in here for lunch on our way to the Roe Park Resort & we're glad we did. Lovely location, especially with the surrounding areas covered in snow. The atmosphere in the restaurant was great. The menu had a good selection, well priced and staff were friendly. Highly recommended.

Attended a family funeral and called into the Ponderosa Bar on the way home. Staff attended to our needs in a very professional manner and all meals were delivered together and hot. The food was excellent we had no complaints.

On my way back to Belfast from derry and my car broke down on the Glen Shane pass just a wee bit up from the ponderosa today. I walked to the ponderosa just for shelter from the rain and wind while waiting for a tow truck. The restuarnt doesn't open until 12pm, however the fella (unfortunately forgot to ask his name) opened the door and let me in at 11am and made me a coffee while I waited for the tow truck! I'm so impressed and thankful for this as its a very cold and wet day, so the car breaking down close to here was a saving grace! Thank you so much for the coffee and shortbread, will definitely be back for a meal some time soon!

Credit to the chef(s) - the food was amazing - absolutely no complaints there at all. The service however doesn't do it justice. We had a young waitress serve us most of the night and everything just seemed to be a hassle - from the moment we arrived and gave our name for the booking to ordering our food. It just seemed like she really did not want to be there and was constantly trying to stop herself rolling her eyes at us. It was very uncomfortable and made asking for anything very awkward as we felt like we were putting her out - even though anything we asked was because it was something she had forgotten. Another waitress who brought the desserts was lovely but the main girl who served us would really put me off going back I'm afraid.

My Wife and I visited the Ponderosa in early December. We have eaten at the Restaurant before and were greeted by a friendly member of staff, who showed us to a table at the fire.

Stopped here with friends for lunch while on the way to Limaady. The goodness was excellent and the restaurant was very pleasant. Excellent value and the service was very good.

Stopped on way home from Donegal. Staff were so friendly. Lovely atmosphere and welcoming fire. Food was delicious and well presented.

Nice setting and simple authentic Irish theme decor with pictures of local historical landmarks inside, which is nice to see. Beautiful and rugged location with nice views. Food good and staff pleasant .

Over the years the Ponderosa has evolved from a roadside pub with grub to a proper restaurant with pub attached. The stunning location at the crest of the famous Glenshane Pass in the Sperrin Area of Natural Beauty makes it reputedly the highest eatery in Ireland, The cuisine unfortunately is not so elevated. This was a group of three ladies and a gent having lunch. I started with carrot and coriander soup. The soup was fine but the accompanying roll smelled past its use-by date and the pat of butter was straight out of the fridge and totally un-spreadable, the roll falling apart in the attempt. I chose a breaded chicken burger which came with built-in lettuce and mayo and inclusive plain chips on the side. This was all fine, but I persuaded one of our party to order garlic chips on the side for us to share. These came tasting very little of garlic and floating in a bowl of melted fat or oil. Most un-appetising and we didn't finish them (see photo). There was a lunch buffet on offer with a selection of self-serve dishes and one lady chose the chicken curry on rice and said it was fine. Another had the Ponderosa Special Wrap which was also said to be fine, although she didn't actually eat the tortilla bit. The fourth diner opted for a small fry: bacon, egg, tomato and soda. This was deemed to be the worst fry fry she had ever had. The tomato was served as a big lump and the soda bread seem to have never hit the pan at all and was horrible (see photo). So some good and some bad on the mains. I skipped dessert and the ladies shared a plate of profiteroles which they scoffed with delight. The interior of the restaurant is very pleasant and the service was quick and pleasant. They were also quite busy as it is undeniably popular..and that view! As far as the food was concerned. thare are some things to pick up on - if someone has a word with chef perhaps we might give it a try another time.

stopped on the way home from Donegal with Family and I must say, service was fantastic, Food was amazing and the atmosphere was relaxing, couldn't fault it. we only called in for a light lunch and ended up having 3 courses. I will certainly visit every time I pass.

The restaurant is pleasant and the menu is inviting but the food served was poor and very disappointing. We were a party of four, the restaurant was quiet at the time. I would not recommend the Ponderosa Bar.

This used to be our favorite place for Sunday lunch, 2 weeks ago, apart from the hard dry bread roll, with the soup everything was good. We went yesterday, only to discover that they have stopped offering vegetarian menu. The only vegetarian main course was a stir fry! The easiest dish to make, I can make a stir fry at home, oil in a wok, throw in some veg, fry then add soy sauce, not exactly hard work or imaginative. I would’ve happily walked out but I stayed because of the other 2 dining party. I asked for another choice of main course. There used to be a lovely goats cheese salad, with fresh beetroot & caramalised walnuts, I asked if this was possible. Instead I got deep fried goats cheese balls, with salad & pickled beetroot from a jar. It was the worst meal I have had their, disappointing to say the least. The roast potatoes on the main courses were over cooked & too hard to eat. As this restaurant cannot be bothered to offer vegetarian choices, this vegetarian along with the other 2 diners, will not be bothering to travel all the way up there, we will not be visiting again unless the menu is changed. The lack of vegetarian options is not acceptable so I would not recommend. Credit where credit is due, the staff are wonderful.

Called in one Sunday on the way back from Belfast. At 6pm the place was packed, no table booked but the quickly found us a table for 2. Ordered 2 chicken dishes and I ordered a side of mast - it arrived piping hot. Just enough food on the plate.

This bar and restaurant goes by the highest bar and restaurant in Ireland.It is at the top of the Glenshane Pass.Beautiful Views.Very friendly staff and really good food.We had lunch.

We stopped off while touring Northern Portion of Ireland and had really nice meal. Speciality Sandwiches with Soup and two beautiful latte's .

Our family ate here tonight and I have to say we were very disappointed the food was tasteless my chicken was over cooked, dry and under seasoned. My husbands starter of chorizo and garlic melt was bought in frozen garlic bread with pepperoni not chorizo with a whole red onion and some rocket garnish. He enjoyed his steak and my son enjoyed his pasta. But the biggest disappointment of all was the desert my sons chocolate fudge cake was over microwaved which made it like lava and made the cake like rubber and my salted Carmel cheesecake was just so salty i was unable to eat it. They should of used some of that salt to season the rest of the food. The staff was friendly there was one young girl in particular who was so nice and helpful and had all the time in the world for our son but they were all very disorganized and there was no communication between them.

We were dropped off for supper (we eat after 8 at home and hadn't considered places in Dungiven, not exactly a tourist town, would be mostly closed by then) and enjoyed a delicious meal in a quiet nook of the restaurant. The owner herself gave us a lift back to our place! We really appreciate the service and attention, in addition to the hearty food.

So much better on the inside than the outside suggests. Good choice of food for the family, The food was well prepared and quick. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Great location. Just sorry I haven't dropped in sooner given how often I have passed it.

I have often driven past the Ponderosa but recently decided to stop for Lunch. The greeting from the waiting staff was welcoming and enthusiastic.

Don't go near it....just paid 16.50 for poached eggs with wrong bread....toast cold and my partners fry was luke warm never be back time they had an apple green on that bit of road

Stopped off on our way back to Belfast 6pm on a Sunday evening, 2 adults, 2 kids. Have been going to the Pondarosa for years and have always enjoyed the food / location and friendly staff however on this occasion we were particularly disappointed in the drop in standards since our last visit. 2 kids pizzas were deep-pan frozen bases smeared in strong tomato purée and some cheese. I had the chicken goujons which were greasy and pretty tasteless, my better half had a veggie dhal which was tasty but the sauce was made from paste from a jar and some raw (actually raw) veg. Disappointed!! Appreciate it was the tail end of a busy Sunday but based on the price you expect a bit more, Pondarosa, up your game!

We arrived as a family if 2 adults and 2 kids and my son wanted the kids cheese burger. When it arrived it was almost black it was so over done and it was curling up at the edges!...I mean, how hard is it for a trained chef to cook a burger? And you're meant to give it to a child to eat??! Disgraceful. Also the battered cod I had was mostly batter and contained hardly any fish inside. All the glasses we were given for our water were all covered in fluff around the edges as if they'd been sitting on a tea towel or been dried with something dusty. They were just gross so we didn't drink any water. We've been to the ponderosa a couple of times but we'll never stop there again. The prices are ridiculous for a sub standard meal. The only positives are the friendly young staff and smart restaurant.