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… PondStreet. PondStreet. Restaurant. . Follow. Details. . 3 Reviews. . Closed now. . 1303 east main st., Urbana, IL, United States, 61801. Photos. See all …
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Local eats specializing in Katsu Fish Sandos Inside VFW post 630 at 1303 E Main St, Urbana, IL Tuesday-Saturday 12-4pm & 6-9pm. Photo by PondStreet on …
Pond Street restaurant now open in VFW Post 630 – Smile Politely
A … Urbana, Illinois. Chef Benny DelValley at Pond Street Restaurant; Photo …
Reviews
Culinary Chronicles of Central Illinois SevenMALKIN
Pond Street Restaurant: Urbana’s Under-the-Radar Hotspot is Serving Up Heat and Heart
Hold onto your taste buds, Central Illinois foodies—Pond Street restaurant is redefining what a catfish sandwich can be, and trust me, you need to experience this.
Tucked inside the VFW Post 630 at 1303 East Urbana Avenue, this newcomer might catch you off guard with its location, but Chef Benny DelValley’s culinary vision will blow you away. With his rich background in the restaurant business, Chef Benny has created something special that’s quickly becoming Urbana’s worst-kept secret.
The Star of the Show
Let’s talk about that Urbana Hot Fish Sando. This isn’t your typical Friday night fish fry—this is catfish elevated to an art form. We went EXTRA HOT on the side, (be advised this is HOT) and the perfectly balanced heat hits you with flavor before the spice, showcasing the tender, flaky catfish underneath a crust that’s got serious crunch. This sandwich alone is worth the drive to Urbana, and it’s the kind of dish that’ll have you planning your next visit before you’ve finished your first.
Beyond the Fish
The Kalbi Smash Burgers ($15) bring Korean-inspired flavor to classic American comfort, while the Furikake Onion Rings Basket adds a Japanese twist to bar food perfection. Chef Benny’s menu is a masterclass in creative fusion that respects both tradition and innovation.
Service That Shines
Exceptional food deserves exceptional service, and bartender-server Krissy delivered exactly that. Knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely enthusiastic about the menu, she made our experience feel personal and welcoming—the kind of hospitality that turns first-timers into regulars.
Plan Your Visit
Pond Streets open Tuesday through Saturday with lunch service from 12pm-4pm and dinner from 6pm-9pm. Pro tip: call ahead on Thursdays and Wednesdays to check availability due to VFW business. This is definitely a place to drag your fish-loving friends—or any friends who appreciate bold flavors and creative cooking in a laid-back atmosphere.
Chef Benny DelValley is a name to watch in Central Illinois dining, and Pond Street is proof that amazing food can pop up anywhere when passion meets skill.
Culinary Chronicles Rating: A must-visit for adventurous eaters and catfish enthusiasts
… moreHold onto your taste buds, Central Illinois foodies—Pond Street restaurant is redefining what a catfish sandwich can be, and trust me, you need to experience this.
Tucked inside the VFW Post 630 at 1303 East Urbana Avenue, this newcomer might catch you off guard with its location, but Chef Benny DelValley’s culinary vision will blow you away. With his rich background in the restaurant business, Chef Benny has created something special that’s quickly becoming Urbana’s worst-kept secret.
The Star of the Show
Let’s talk about that Urbana Hot Fish Sando. This isn’t your typical Friday night fish fry—this is catfish elevated to an art form. We went EXTRA HOT on the side, (be advised this is HOT) and the perfectly balanced heat hits you with flavor before the spice, showcasing the tender, flaky catfish underneath a crust that’s got serious crunch. This sandwich alone is worth the drive to Urbana, and it’s the kind of dish that’ll have you planning your next visit before you’ve finished your first.
Beyond the Fish
The Kalbi Smash Burgers ($15) bring Korean-inspired flavor to classic American comfort, while the Furikake Onion Rings Basket adds a Japanese twist to bar food perfection. Chef Benny’s menu is a masterclass in creative fusion that respects both tradition and innovation.
Service That Shines
Exceptional food deserves exceptional service, and bartender-server Krissy delivered exactly that. Knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely enthusiastic about the menu, she made our experience feel personal and welcoming—the kind of hospitality that turns first-timers into regulars.
Plan Your Visit
Pond Streets open Tuesday through Saturday with lunch service from 12pm-4pm and dinner from 6pm-9pm. Pro tip: call ahead on Thursdays and Wednesdays to check availability due to VFW business. This is definitely a place to drag your fish-loving friends—or any friends who appreciate bold flavors and creative cooking in a laid-back atmosphere.
Chef Benny DelValley is a name to watch in Central Illinois dining, and Pond Street is proof that amazing food can pop up anywhere when passion meets skill.
Culinary Chronicles Rating: A must-visit for adventurous eaters and catfish enthusiasts
Joe Sushinski
Best catfish sandwich. Furikake spice on bun adds an earthiness to balance fish. Fries extra crunchy w great seasoning, w lemon aioli. Chef delivered n explained dish.
… moreKai Yoshisato
Let me give you lesson on hope. You find hope in the most unlikely of places. Sometime you find it in a church. A concert or narrow spot you’ld walk past, while chase some other louder promise, but then you stop look at those doors and walk in.
You order a Pork katsu Sando.
What arrives is not just a sandwich, but a manifesto. A decloration that something humble can be sublime and perfect if you give a damn.
You take that bite and the first thing you get is sound of a crunch. The panko crust on the pork isn’t a suggestion, it’s an exclamation. A shattering crisp, giving way to meat that is juicy and tender. Playing it’s part with silent dignity.
The genius isn’t in the solo. It is the symphony. The sharp clean pickles slicing its way through the richness. The cool crunch of shredded cabbage, the sly bite of red onion. The the sauce. Oh the sauces. A chill pepper mayo that doesn’t just bring the shuttle heat it brings the low thrumoing funk. A miso Katsu sauce that brings a sweet, salty depth. They are not fighting, but conspiring.
The bun, for damn. The the furikake dusted brioche. This is the stroke of a mad brilliant mind. It brings the umami right to the door. It’s the beachhead of flavor,, it soaks up everything without falling apart, a loyal, flavorful soldier.
You eat this thing and think, someone is awake in that kitchen, someone is paying attention. This isnt and assembly. This is a composition a balance of texture and flavor. It’s an sandwich that makes you silent. A sandwich that makes you look at the last bite on your hand and feel a profound and simple gratitude.
Pondstreet remember it’s name. It’s not just a meal it is a lesson in craft.
… moreYou order a Pork katsu Sando.
What arrives is not just a sandwich, but a manifesto. A decloration that something humble can be sublime and perfect if you give a damn.
You take that bite and the first thing you get is sound of a crunch. The panko crust on the pork isn’t a suggestion, it’s an exclamation. A shattering crisp, giving way to meat that is juicy and tender. Playing it’s part with silent dignity.
The genius isn’t in the solo. It is the symphony. The sharp clean pickles slicing its way through the richness. The cool crunch of shredded cabbage, the sly bite of red onion. The the sauce. Oh the sauces. A chill pepper mayo that doesn’t just bring the shuttle heat it brings the low thrumoing funk. A miso Katsu sauce that brings a sweet, salty depth. They are not fighting, but conspiring.
The bun, for damn. The the furikake dusted brioche. This is the stroke of a mad brilliant mind. It brings the umami right to the door. It’s the beachhead of flavor,, it soaks up everything without falling apart, a loyal, flavorful soldier.
You eat this thing and think, someone is awake in that kitchen, someone is paying attention. This isnt and assembly. This is a composition a balance of texture and flavor. It’s an sandwich that makes you silent. A sandwich that makes you look at the last bite on your hand and feel a profound and simple gratitude.
Pondstreet remember it’s name. It’s not just a meal it is a lesson in craft.
Tara Imm
Always a delight to eat here and knew within the first visit I would become a regular! Thank you so much for the amazing food and memories, can’t wait to see what else you create!
… moreEndertube Subscribe
PondStreet is an absolute hidden gem. The fish sandwiches are next-level—perfectly cooked, fresh, and packed with flavor in every bite. The bread is just right, the portions are generous, and everything tastes like it was made with real care. It’s the kind of place you think about long after you’ve finished eating. If you’re even slightly into fish sandwiches, PondStreet is a must-visit. I’ll definitely be coming back.
… moredan jabs
Benny has a nice setup inside the VFW. Food is fantastic, not your typical fried food or pizza you usually find at the Legion and VFW.
… moreCarmen Blubaugh
DELIGHT!! this will be my only statement regarding pond st.
… more