11/05/09

Pure Contentment in New York City

by AlwynPhipps

The first time I went into Podunk, six years ago or so, a magnificently self-possessed pug was parked outside, waiting patiently for his tea-drinking owner, I guess, and just inside the door a cadre of young women were cooing over an kicking, smiling infant, held aloft by one of them for all to admire. It was hard not to be smitten at once. A savory scent was in the air, and the sound of cups clinking and silverware tapping and conversation filled the place, which is larger on the inside than it appears on the outside.

I met a friend there, who also took note of the pug outside, and who was similarly pleased by the general atmosphere; actually, it was a very specific atmosphere, and my friend commented that being there was "like being in a room from childhood that you can't quite remember but know you loved." I didn't grow up in a house where there was a lot of baking going on, but I understood the sentiment and felt at home immediately.

We went to the counter and saw the source of the savory scent--a wire rack had a line of tarts on it, and I picked a red-wine carmelized onion one that was covered in cheese. We each picked out a pot of tea from the list, and were handed trays which included my friend's choice of scones (she's a snob about them, having spent time in Ireland and Wales) and jam with cream. The scones were hot and so I had asked for butter, which turned out to be lemony and sweet. We sat back down and began to talk, while all around us other people came and went, sometimes with huge trays of tea sandwiches and little tarts, and sometimes with a pot of tea, milk and sugar. We both remember exclaiming a lot and sharing bites, but what I really remember was how transported I felt.

Podunk is not in my neighborhood, so I don't get there often, but that day, that first visit, is the one I tell friends about whenever they want a recommendation for a tea place. It was like a daydream, where every detail is just what you hoped, and where the pleasantries of tea are not something abstract or from a novel, but right there in front of you. A friend, a little bite of something delicious and real, and transcendent conversation facilitated by said friend and food. I'm writing this now instead of six years ago because I saw some other reviews online and wanted to add my two cents. It's a decent little place, and I love it.

• Pros: Great tea and food, good atmosphere

07/18/09

Save Your Time & Money

by Bromography

The decor aims for homey and/or kitchsy but is more reminiscent of a garage sale. It boasts uncomfortable mismatched benches, minuscule tables, myriad dust collectors and hanging ice skates angled to stab diners. (The bruise on my right shoulder is a testament.)

The lack of a restroom may explain why a teapot is only filled with 1.5 cups of water. But there was no apparent explanation for the dry mediocre pastries and slightly stale tea. The menu's pricing and descriptions would seem to indicate more significant portions than the microscopic servings we actually received. Although the flustered woman behind the counter was quite pleasant, she was horribly insufficient to the task at hand, as evidenced by the long wait for some tea and three cold pastries. After spending $68, we had to run to another restaurant to seek satisfaction.

• Pros: Teahouse concept
• Cons: Decor, food quality and value.

06/26/09

Great Bridal Shower and Iced Tea, too

by KatieGreat

After a month of awful parties for all my marrying friends I revisited this place and found nothing has changed: Perfect baby cupcakes, wonderful "small plates" of fresh seasonal food (berries in the scones, veggies with a curried dipping sauce for those of us going gluten free), gorgeous cakes (I lapsed, it was worth it), and amazing selections of teas, hot and cold (in tall pitchers with fruit). My very picky foodie friends (including the bride-to-be) pronounced the scones superb and the cream (not clotted, and not supposed to be) delicious.

I think everyone has said everything about this place. I still have fond memories of the bridal shower tea there, and was really impressed by how this tiny tea room handled 35 people without a hostess, wait staff, or sous chef in sight. It couldn't have been more welcoming, and the owner was lovely. We tried to leave a tip with the bill (which broke down, I think, to about $24 per person) but she wouldn't hear of it. It's now my monthly go-to for relaxation and just-baked goodies, as well as the occasional full-on tea splurge. As I said before, loved it.

• Pros: Small endearing tea room with good food
• Cons: Lots of quirkiness to embrace, if you can

01/15/09

A damn good cuppa

by gvinton

The scents, sounds and tastes of Podunk all combine into the most peaceful spot in the East Village, if not the whole city. The tea is delicious and wonderfully presented. The food is yummy and comes in decent portions. The price is even reasonable if you consider that you're getting a full meal, plus a beverage, and gratuities are included. I am in LOVE with the owner, she always takes the time to get to know you and is a hoot. This is my new favorite place!

• Pros: Wonderful owner, delicious tea and food (seriously yummy), good sized portions
• Cons: Maybe the price, but it's not that bad

08/22/08

Great place to go with girlfriends or even ALONE

by chopgame2

I caught this place while walking back from brunch on E5th street in March. It looked so cute on the outside and I could smell it too so I took a peep inside and fell in love right away. As a student, I saw that the menu was a bit out of my price range so I waited until I had some money to go back. I fell in love again when I finally tried the place out in May. I had the Nibbler which comes with scones, cheddar cookies, almond tea cakes, and dried apricots with blue cheese and an assortment of jams and cream! A recommended kettle of tea is included with the dish and while the place has over 100 teas I go for the food (pastries, haven't tried the tea sandwiches yet) because it is just that good! The teas I have tried are also fab! I love the woman that works there; she makes recommendations and tea substitutions for me and we always seem to make nice small talk. She has even thrown in a couple extra free cookies for me and my friend! I have already been 3 times this August and I plan to take my mom there when she visits next week & return before school starts up again. You are a fool NOT to discover this place! Last time I went I was happy to see a group of 6 girls and I overheard them saying how excited they were to order and try something new. I thought I was the only obsessed fan!

Only con: a bit pricey, although worth every sip & bite

• Pros: Delicous! Comfortable atmosphere. Friendly service! Feels like you're drinking tea and eating pastries at home!
• Cons: For me, a bit pricey but again...worth every bite!

08/06/08

A wonderful oasis of calm and home baking

by HansGlib

After a sweaty day in NYC I needed a cuppa and Podunk came to the rescue. Down what appears to be a residential street lies this bizarre and wonderful tea room. Furnished with assorted garden tables and chairs, giving it a little junk shop chic, the owner bakes up a storm and serves a wonderful tea (you choose from a list of over 100 blends). The day I went the place was filled with the scent of freshly baked cinnamon apple cake (which tasted as good as it smelt). My daughter and I sat and had a quiet cup of tea and cake and it was lovely.

As for the moaners below, may I suggest you stick to the usual suspects and leave Podunk to those of us who truly appreciate the peace and tranquility of one of New York's gems?

• Pros: quiet, wacky, delicious food
• Cons: no loos, but now you know, it's not a problem

04/26/08

My home away from home

by cityconc

My best friend introduced me to Podunk a month after it first opened. Now, 6 years later, I still find this haven to be my home away from home. I go in atleast once a month and, against some reviewers' opinions, have never had an experience less than excellent. Elsbeth (the owner) takes great pride in her 'shop' and even more pride in her patrons. Beyond the never failing tea recommendations, amazing cupcakes, and that really yummy coconut and chocolate thing that I can never remember the name of, I always find Podunk the perfect place to catch up with a new-old friend (Elsbeth) and spend some time alone reading or writing. If you are looking for a starbucks type environment where you can linger without buying anything or talk loundly on your phone or click away at the laptop or email incessantly on your blackberry, this place isn't for you. If you are looking for a sweetly quiet oasis without the "typical NY hubbub" this is your place!

04/14/08

Perfect Sunday Afternoon

by wisebrain

The owner of this store is wonderful. She is so sweet and the food/tea are excellent! The prices are a lot lower than most tea places. Seats aren't terribly comfortable, and there is no bathroom! Also, cash only!

03/29/08

Oh BooHoo, They don't have a bathroom

by emeraldgreen307

Do I have this right? You were in a place that, duh, everyone loves, left to go to the bathroom, still came back for tea, had an hour and a half to enjoy the tea and conduct your lesson and when they asked for the table they gave you FREE tea. And this is the worst thing that's ever happened to you in eighteen years? You are one seriously lucky teacher (Mind YOU, your composition skills are sadly lacking.) Also, I'm not sure why Saturday between 2 and 4, a time when Podunk is notoriously packed (since many people associate that time with High Tea Time) struck you as a good time for teaching in a tearoom. Have you considered a Classroom? Maybe your own office?

03/16/08

EVIL OWNERS FORBID USE OF BATHROOMS

by casati

I went into Podunk on Sat. afternoon at 2 pm to meet my student to conduct a private English conversation class. I ordered tea for 2 . When asked to use the bathroom, we were told the there are no bathrooms. We had to go to the Moonstruck diner across the street. About an hour and half later, this gentleman who works in the tea shop rudely came over to my table to take my tea tray away. I told him I wasn't done which he replied to me that I have been here long enough. Then minutes later, the woman with the bonnet and spectacles rudely walked over to my table and told me to leave without even paying for the tea.. She said she needed the tables and that I have been in her shop too long taking up space. Mind you, the tables were not all occupied. I have never been treated soo rude after my 18 years of living in NYC. I am disgusted by the service of this shop. How can a food establishment not allow people to use the bathroom. Why have a tea salon if there is a time frame for how long one is allowed to spend in a shop. I warn anyone who steps foot into this establishment of these nasty owners who dress up pretending to look like humble nursery rhyme characters who then turn into ugly evil witches!