Podunk
(212) 677-7722
231 E 5TH St
New York,
NY
10003
40.7276
-73.9904
Neighborhoods: East Village, Downtown
Reviews & Ratings for Podunk
27 reviews
What users are saying:
Showing 1-10 of 27 reviews
Great Bridal Shower and Iced Tea, too
by KatieGreat
June 26, 2009
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 just attended a 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. Glad I was there. Want to go back.
- Pros: Small endearing tea room with good food
- Cons: Lots of quirkiness to embrace, if you can
A damn good cuppa
by gvinton
January 15, 2009
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
cozy by Cecilia C. at InsiderPages
Contributor
December 09, 2008
It's a really charming little place. It is a bit pricey, but the tea and service make up for the money. There is a huge variety of tea, which come in cute pots that you take on a tray. There are a lot of baked goods as well. The owner is really nice and friendly and knows exactly what you want. It is also a good place to get away from the city and just read. It is very homey and cozy.
Great place to go with girlfriends or even ALONE
by chopgame2
August 22, 2008
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!
A wonderful oasis of calm and home baking
by HansGlib
August 06, 2008
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
My home away from home
by cityconc
April 26, 2008
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!
Perfect Sunday Afternoon
by wisebrain
April 14, 2008
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!
Oh BooHoo, They don't have a bathroom
by emeraldgreen307
March 29, 2008
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?
EVIL OWNERS FORBID USE OF BATHROOMS
by casati
March 16, 2008
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!
This Place is Better than Magic, Cuz You Can Count on It
by daisysugarpops
February 01, 2008
The first time I walked into Podunk--two weeks ago--I was speechless. Every table was full (except a round picnic table in the back--I took it over). The lights are so bright and the place is so clean and cute that I just started smiling as I approached the counter. A woman behind the counter--she looked like a Mrs. Beasley doll--was arranging little buttons on plates--no, they were cookies--and another plate had small dishes of jam in jewel-bright colors, and scones about the same size as the jam dishes. She asked me what was on my mind, and I asked for the tea list. She said, "Make yourself at home, and holler when you know what you'd like." HOLLER. I ordered a cream tea--that was the jam and scones, and when I was done I said, "What kind of tea is this?" I meant the country of origin of this kind of tea service. She said it was just how she liked to have tea and she hoped others would too. Well, others do--that's me. And the room was so noisy with people enjoying their tea, too, and they seemed to share my point of view.
OH. I did see her ask two girls to leave--they said they were waiting for someone but even after I had my tea, they still hadn't ordered. Maybe she needs one of those snooty waiters to manage the room. All I can say is Podunk made me very happy. I will return there soon.
- Pros: Great tea and food!
