Ponderosa Steakhouse - (Near Vandalia, IL)

5 /5 Foodie Rideshare (Recommendations): Ive been wanting to visit this place for years during my food tours across the 50 states driving Uber as (The Rideshare Foodie) I finally had my chance. This place exceeded my expectations. I ordered the 16oz Tbone (medium) and steak fries cooked well done (extra crispy) as my side. I included the buffet for an extra 6.99 I believe and went to sit down. I was immediately greeted and served their soft and delicious yeast rolls. Maybe 10 minutes i receive my meal cooked and seasoned to perfection. My steak was cooked perfectly and was tender and juicy. I asked to shake the cooks hand (when the food is this good) and out comes 17 year old Jaden who told me hes only been working there a year! The buffet favorites for me was the meatloaf, chicken, veggies and vegetable soup. My only gripe was the dessert section with cobblers and cookies and such which couldve been because of the time coming in... around 730p (they close at 9p) Im not huge on desserts so not a big deal for me but this week I have to drive back to Chicago and I will be making another stop. I highly recommend it. I went around 730p which saw no lines, easy parking and more attention, service wise. It may be different during lunch time but my experience was excellent!

4 /5 Amputee Ant: Chicken nd mashed potatoes still gud. Taste the same Mac was horrible lol and corn wasnt sweet. But the server Tim, was Kool nd attentive. It was worth the hr drive. Price wasnt bad neither for buffet...

5 /5 michelle johnson: I stopped here on New Years day. Found magnificent black eyed peas, cabbage, collard greens, and Ribeye Steak with sauteed mushrooms. Fantastic start to 2026. Warms my heart. Many thanks to the Chef and Service Staff.

5 /5 Brian McFarling: This is one of the best ribeyes I have had in a long time. My steak was well done and still moist and not dried out like a place with Texas in the name. A great salad and dessert bar. So if you are ever in the area stop by and treat yourself. Oh and the music was excellent not to loud but great tunes. Anywhere that plays Jim Croce knows music. Oh and did I mention the well done steak that wasnt dried out like other places. The atmosphere very laid back very nice people that work there polite and courteous. So treat yourself. Oh and did I mention the steak. I know I did 3 times it was that good. Sorry half way through the steak before I remembered to take a picture.

5 /5 Alicia Maze-McKelvin: I had the 10oz Ribeye & loaded baked potatoe.. it was delicious. My husband has the T-Bone steak & loaded baked potato. He says his steak wasnt cooked the way he asked, but it was still good & moist. The rolls are banging (meaning theyre good). The Dinner salad/buffet bar was just as good as I could remember some years ago. Many great selections. The service was great. The employees there are very nice. We dont live close by, but Well definitely go back when passing thru AGAIN next year.