Podunk

I stopped by podunk, which appears to be a charming little tea shop one day, and as I approached the counter, the woman behind it began immediately acting strange and exasperated by my presence. I looked through the tea selection, and decided that instead of having a whole teapot for $14 (you cant just get a cup of tea, you have to buy a whole teapot), my boyfriend and I would each purchase some pastries and sit at their table outside. Upon informing the woman of this, she was very rude and informed me that I had to buy a teapot of tea to stay- If I didnt buy tea, I had to leave with my pastries. I was astonished and replied ""You mean you're forcing me to buy tea or leave?' to which she claimed she was enforcing some 'backroom policies'. It was simultaneously humiliating and infuriating, and I left wondering what had just happened. I would never go back there again, as I found it to be the most unwelcoming establishment I've ever been in, and, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. Pros: Charming appearance Cons: incredibly rude counter service more

Podunk is place I love to go to with friends, or on my own. The tea is refreashing the cookies are delightful, and may people can't see to see what a gem this place really is. All I hear in the negitive reviews are people whining because this place was something they didn't expect. Podunk isn't a place to park yourself it's a place to enjoy yourself and your company. Pros: Everything Cons: people don't always get it more

After hearing about Podunk from a friend who billed it as ""mom friendly"", I decided to take my mother, visiting from out of state, for afternoon tea. We arrived in the late afternoon on Thursday to the small, cute establishment on E. 5th. We easily located a table in the near-empty establishment and the propietor instructed us to read the menus at the table and then return to the counter to place our order. We scoured the menu for any basic tea/scone/sandwich combo and were hard-pressed to located anything for less than $40. We finally settled on the ""Ladies Luncheon"" ($35 + $3 ice tea surcharge)... and proceeded to wait nearly 30 minutes for anything to arrive. When I went to the counter during the wait to inquire as to the whereabouts of the bathroom, the schoolmarm-esque owner replied that it was their ""achile's heel"" -- they had no toilet. I asked her if there might be a sink I could use to wash my dirty hands. She walked away and returned minutes later with a two brown paper towels: one was moist with soap, she told me; the second was drenched in water. She offered this elementary school solution to me in all seriousness, while simultaneously feigning sympathy for my predicament. I returned to my table, aghast, and waited with my mom for our tea to arrive. The owner yelled for me to pick up the heavy tray of tea & food when it was ready, and watched me to struggle to carry it across the place. more

This is a lovely calm oasis in the middle of a bustling city. I went there recently to have tea with a friend. After being happily overwhelmed by the tea selections, we each chose a special Podunk blend. I had orange mint sencha and the mint was fresh, making for a truely fragrant cup of tea. My friend had a chai blend which she loved. We both also really enjoyed the cupcakes with fluffy pink icing. The decor is whimsical and charming and the woman who runs the place was very kind and cheerful--just who you'd want running a tea shop. Don't miss this place. Pros: Tea, Food, Ambiance more

Today was my second time to try Podunk and I live on the block. I had had an unpleasnat experience there once before because the women who owns it was super rude and jumped on us to order or get out before we could even get our coats off. Then today, she proceeded to tell us no laptops as I was meeting old friends and wanted to show them some photos. She said ""Good thing I have not put your order in, since you are not allowed to have laptops in here and you should find another place"" That is just what we did. The biscuits are not worth the price or the aggrevation. This lady needs to chill out. I will never go back again and I hope you do not go there either. Cons: expensive, rude more

I want to recommend Podunk, but after a recent negative experience I must qualify the unequivocally positive reviews it's received! I've been a few times and loved the baked goods -- delicious and truly unique. However, the owner has been frightfully moody and possessive of her space. I stopped by recently with a friend. When we noticed it was empty we opted to go for a walk instead. I apologized and we left having not ordered anything. She shouted after us never to come back! I don't know how our decision not to eat there on this particular day qualifies as offensive (particularly since I've been a good customer in the past) but I regard her reaction as totally unacceptable. She also has a no cell phone policy (which I can respect) but enforces it, while letting obnoxious, LOUD patrons yap away at nearby tables. Pros: Food, Uniqueness Cons: Moody Owner, Inconsistent service, Pricey more

Amazing baked goods prepared by the charming owner. Perfect place for tea along with sweet or savory scones. My friends and I are looking forward to going back. more

wow, what can i say about this little haven? it's totally charming and cute and unpretentious. and the owner is simply lovely and friendly. the teas are great and all the sweets are homemade. i love it here! Pros: cozy, chill, friendly more

This is the kind of gem you don't find often in Manhattan: an honest business based on providing the highest quality service and products without any attitude or strings attached. The savory and sweet scones are melt-in-your-mouth amazing. The cookies are way better than the ones you get in the fancy bakeries. Long list of teas to choose from. The service is efficient and cheerful. And they refuse tips! This place has tons more class than any fancy hotel's high tea. They'll even let you have the whole place for showers or private parties. more

This is one of those little gems you stumble upon and keep coming back. It's a tiny quaint tea salon with a super friendly owner that serves delicious fresh baked goods. The kind you wish you could still get from your neighborhood bake sale. Scones are perfectly sweet, chocolate cake is so moist it doesn't need frosting. And the cupcakes were great. I only hope they make they with chocolate frosting every day (instead of once in a while!) Pros: Great sweets, Tiny, cute location more

Cute and cozy with excellent coffee and tea. Went there today and received excellent service from Espeth the owner. (believe that's how she spells her name). Also had a nice little chat with her. If you're looking for a place to meet and chill, while snacking and drinking some great coffee and tea, plus EXCELLENT service, this is the place. Note that it's closed on Mondays. Pros: friendly service, large tea variety, fresh coffee Cons: closed Mondays more

There seems to be a small tea boom in the East Village, New York. Several tea houses poppped up almost simultaneously. Since I personally prefer tea over coffee, it is a welcome trend. There are a few others that I haven't tried yet, but I recommend Podunk highly. Ambience is probably the most important aspect of cafes, since what drives us to cafes isn't so much what we consume there, but the quality time with our friends or by ourselves. Podunk is very cozy, warm, and friendly. My Jasmine tea and a sticky bun were exeptionally good. It is a kind of cafe that you wish you had on your block. more

My Podunk experience is limited to one perfect, pink-frosted cupcake to go...but that's enough to sound my approval. The incredibly nice woman behind the counter (and the pink frosting) will ensure I come back. more