Lisa H.
Yelp
I've liked Ponko ever since I had a sample at a Yelp event years ago and have been meaning to revisit their restaurant in Chamblee. I recently randomly stumbled upon this location, didn't know they were planning to open up in downtown Decatur, in the old Steel City Pops (RIP) space.
You order and pay inside, and someone will bring out your food if you want to sit outside where a few tables are set up. I ordered the 5 piece Ponko Chicken plate which comes with two sides ($12), and honestly, I was not expecting too much food. But a feast emerged! The tenders were piping hot and quite crunchy with sturdy breading on the outside. Ponko offers three chicken flavors: OG, spicy, and BBQ. I went with OG which is reminiscent of a sweet soy sauce. My sides were a side salad and Ponko fries. The salad consists of romaine lettuce, red cabbage, carrots, wonton crisps, and a dressing of your choice. I selected sweet sesame, and it was awesome. The fries were crunchy and dusted with a light sprinkling of "foodie flakes" [furikake/dried seaweed]. I wasn't sure what to do with my tray, but the employees cheerfully told me that it's okay if you leave your dishes on the tables outside.
On the topic of parking, there's a pay lot right next to Ponko, but I saw several people just park in front of the restaurant, dash in to grab orders, and leave promptly. Seemed to be fine.
For your Japanese American chicken tender needs in downtown Decatur, why not pop over to Ponko?