Podunk

Stopped by this tea place today, and while my friend haggled over a flavor of iced tea I saw a list of ice cream flavors. I wasn't even hungry, but I had to try lavender-lime ice cream (more of an ice than an ice cream). It came in a little gingery cone-cup, and it was like the best OMG summer day licks I could imagine. My friend ordered rose gunpowder ice cream, which was really creamy, tea-flavored, and very rosy. All the flavors are either tea-based or inspired by their iced-tea list, like the lemon verbena ginger. This British girl was happily lapping up Earl Grey ice cream with caramel sauce and whipped cream. I didn't expect to find ice cream there, but it's like my new favorite thing, and I seriously could mainline the lavender lime one. I am craving it right now. Pros: Really refreshing flavors I'd never heard of Cons: The portions are appropriate, but I could down a quart more

I'm in love. I'm ready to commit. This is not my first tea place, but it's about to become my only tea place. My mother raised her children first on liebsfraumilch and then on tea and so I have to have a daily fix, usually at home. The other day I walked past Podunk, which was nearly empty, and then through the screen door. I could hear someone humming and washing dishes, and I was thinking that their security system might need some tweaking, because I think I could have walked off with most of the place while other patrons kept their noses in their books. Okay, so I waited for all of thirty seconds at the counter, and this lady came out, smiling, and asked what was I up to? and I told her ""tea,"" and after a couple more questions I found myself drinking a pot of blood orange vanilla and eating a warm piece of lemon cake with a sugary glaze. That first day, when I paid, she asked my name and told me hers, and she's remembered it every time I've been in. If I feel bad before I go in, I'm better the minute I step through that door, and if I'm in a good mood (most of the time) it still improves with every minute I spend there. All exaggeration aside, if I can't marry Podunk, can I at least live there? Pros: Long list of teas, amiable atmosphere Cons: That it's not closer to my home? more

I'm going to write a righteous review later, but I just had the best day at this delightful city watering hole. The tea was the best I've had (coconut orange and Earl Gray) and the chocolate chip cookies are to lust after (I am, right now). Loved the place and am taking my mother and father back this weekend--we southerners know TEA and this place, this PODUNK has it. Sweet! Pros: Lovely service, delicious food Cons: No AC, but breezy and homey more

I went to Podunk with my partner and we were treated with such generosity and grace that I could hardly believe I was in NYC. While not a real fan of tea, myself, the food was savory and delicious. It reminded me of dinners with my Scandinavian grandmother. Way to go, Elspeth Treadwell! I will be back! Shelly more

Went to this place on Friday after work, for a farewell party for a dear coworker. This place is very small and there were a few more of us than originally anticipated so we were sitting there trying to decide whether or not to stay there or move on to a bigger space, when a guy (presumably the owner) came out from the back and started screaming on the top of his lungs for us to get out. I was in shock because we weren?t causing any trouble, just sitting there talking quietly and it?s not like the place was packed (we made it packed). I thought it was some kind of joke and I asked him if he was serious, which pretty much sent him into a psychotic fit. It was very embarrassing, especially in front of all my colleagues. I don?t understand how this place stays in business, the prices are that of a high end bakery and the owner does not even have the civility of a hot dog cart vendor. At least the lady behind the counter seemed nice; I hope he doesn?t abuse her. Cannot say anything about their tea or pastries, as I didn?t get a chance to try them. At least I didn?t get called b*tch as some other reviewers here. Do not go there!!! Pros: Cutesey Cons: Nazi of an owner more

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. Pros: Great tea and food, good atmosphere more

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. more

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

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 more

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! 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! more

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

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! more

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! more

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? more

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! more

Pros: Great tea and food! more

Once a month or so, I leave my midtown office (I work in television) for a quiet street in the East Village where I have a ladies' luncheon tea at Podunk. Six buttered cucumber sandwiches bracket a beautiful platter of fresh veggies and greens, and cake or scones and cream finish my meal. I sometimes order bite-size tea pies instead of the sandwiches, when I want something hot. Going to Podunk is like taking a mini-vacation, as others have noticed; the room is usually quiet enough for reading or reflection, even when there are conversations going on at other tables. I've even come to recognize other customers who deeply love the place--I think we all believe we're ""in"" on something special. Everyone I've brought to the tiny tearoom likes it enormously, and the owner has been unfailingly courteous at the minimum and at best, warmly welcoming. So I'm not sure why she's gotten the negative press, or what provoked her, or why people who in their reviews admit that they weren't even paying customers are allowed to comment here. It's not exactly a community center, no matter how welcome you feel there--it's a business. That old adage about the customer is always right only kicks in if, duh, you're actually a customer. Pros: Great place to read or bring friends more

I *do not* recommend this establishment. more

As a regular at Podunk, it is my second home. Sometimes wanting to camp out and waking up to the wonderful aromas of Elspeth's baked goodies. The environment is friendly, relaxing and quite. It's rare to find a place like Podunk , it's my oasis from the busy city. The decor of antiques and vintage furniture draws you in and you fall in love with the place. Then you have the habit of coming back every week and becoming a regular. The selection of teas are vast and impressive. I recommend the toasted coconut It's one of my favorites. All of Elspeth's baked goodies are praise worthy. I recommend trying everything because I love all her baked goods. If I had to recommend a baked goodie on the first visit, it would be the cardamon cake. Just keep going back till you've tried it all. Pros: ambience and baked goods Cons: can't get enough more

I love podunk very much. The scones are fluffy and the cookies are tasty. There are many teas, hot and cold. more