PONGAL

Horrible. Even if you get free food don’t go there. I don’t know how can an Indian restaurant be so bad at everything!!! Food was garbage. Maybe dig out from there?! It was cold. Every dish had the same serving. Just given different names. There are tons of better restaurants on the same road. Go there. Even if you get free food here-run far away!! We were served uncooked batter for vada. They refused to do anything about it. When we said we want to return it since it is uncooked-The server refused. He was mannerless and arrogant. I asked him how can I eat this uncooked dough?! He literally threatened us. Threw the bill.

Terrible food

this is one of my favorite places - fresh, delicious, low-key and super friendly

I wonder why this place has good reviews. Surely doesn’t seem authentic. Everything about this place is HORRIBLE. There is one particular staff here who is racist, rude and must be fired. We should have known better than to have continued to order when he was giving us the worst treatment from the moment we entered. The food was horrible. We got uncooked rotis, basmati jeera rice in the madras meals ( 🤔 - for a South Indian restaurant this is blasphemy!) We received an undercooked Vada,we didn’t complain even then. The cherry on top was when the staff there started yelling at us because we wanted to pay in cash instead of the card, which btw he didn’t bother asking our mode of payment before he made the bill. The man was an absolute visit to hell and back - he completely ruined our mood. How a staff at a restaurant can yell at the customer, throw the bill on our table and call us colourful names is beyond me . As a female tourist travelling with old parents, this made me feel so unsafe and concerned for the safety of my parents, their health due to the consumption of such low quality food and the mental harassment we had to endure due to this incompetent person. I really hope the owners of this restaurant look into this- please see your video recordings! And do something about the man working there in the dining area. He should never be allowed in any restaurant and I genuinely hope he gets a taste of his own medicine.

Excellent Food, Exceptional Service Pongal is a Must-Visit!!!! we were greeted with warmth and genuine smiles. The atmosphere was inviting, and the service was exceptional especially thanks to **Aman** and "Pretty "who truly made our visit memorable. Their hospitality, professionalism, and attentiveness stood out immediately. They take care of customers as if the restaurant were their own, something you rarely see these days. Aman and Pretty made sure our orders were taken correctly, served the right dishes to the right table, and checked in throughout the meal with care always with a smile. It’s clear they’re hardworking, honest, and passionate about what they do, and it makes all the difference. We started with sev puri which was fresh, crunchy, and full of flavor. It had the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Next was, cheese pav bhaji which was rich, buttery, and incredibly comforting. The cheese added a creamy twist that made it irresistible. Must try THALI was a complete meal and a great way to sample a variety of Pongal’s offerings from flavorful sabzis and dal to roti, rice, and dessert. AND DOSA was another highlight crisp, warm, and served with delicious sambar and chutneys. The batter was clearly fresh and well-prepared. We also loved the **Ragda Puri**, which was full of texture, spice, and flavor — a true chaat lover’s delight. MUST TRY lime soda sweet and salty versions. Refreshing and well-balanced, it complemented the food perfectly. Pongal isn’t just about great food — it’s the people that make it truly special. Aman and Pretty made us feel welcomed and cared for the entire time. We’re already planning to return soon with more friends and family. If you’re in the area, do yourself a favor and visit Pongal..!! You’ll be treated to amazing food and even better service. Thank you, Aman and Pretty we’ll definitely be back soon! From - OfficialDjdraj (Insta)

Expansive variety of very good Southern Indian dishes at very reasonable prices

Best Indian restaurant we have tried in NYC! All vegetarian and so delicious! 100+ items on the menu and we are amazed by all the dishes we have tried. Friendly staff and clean environment.

Food was bland and very pricy with small portions. Service was ok.

I had worst experience from beginning to the end. They did not offer me a seat for nearly 10-15 minutes when I m the only one waiting to get seated. Food taste is ok but the quantity is bad. I’ve got the thinnest Pesarattu ( Moong dal dosa) ever. They even forgot to bring lassi that I ordered. Thank goodness they didn’t charge for it. The place to sit it very conservative. The seat cushions are just falling off of the seat. Very uncomfortable to sit. Also they don’t accept American Express cards. I don’t recommend this place for anything.

We ended up eating here because nearby Saravana Bhavan was crowded. This is a south indian restaurant in name only. We tried the mini tiffin and idli was stale. Fruit juices were good but coffee was not filter coffee but bru. They add a 15% service charge by default - so watch out before adding tip. Staff were good and did their best. Overall poor taste for the price. Im surprised this place is rated 4+.