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Pongal
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Pongal
8.3
Pongal is a long-running vegetarian South Indian spot on Lexington where dosas, uttapam, and thalis fill a narrow dining room packed with regulars. Prices stay reasonable for the neighborhood, and the menu quietly covers vegan, Jain, and gluten-free needs without fanfare.
Must-Try Dishes:
Masala dosa, South Indian thali, Chili cheese dosa
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: All-vegetarian South Indian menu with deep neighborhood roots.
Who should go: Vegetarians and dosa fans wanting affordable comfort
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner before the queue builds
What to order: Masala dosa, a thali, and a chili cheese dosa to share
Insider tip: Use the lunch hour for quickest turnover and best value combos.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce on Lexington Avenue; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual and practical — jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud — lively room where conversation is easy but not hushed.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours without arriving early
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside of the 12–1pm rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the entire menu is vegetarian with wide variety.
Vegan options: Yes — many naturally vegan dosa, idli, and rice dishes; staff can guide you.
Gluten-free options: Good options — dosas, idlis, and rice-based thalis work well for gluten-free diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure first date than a romantic one — it’s bright, busy, and focused on food over ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — Pongal doesn’t operate on reservations, but arriving early for dinner or outside peak lunch hours minimizes waiting.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — dosa, rice plates, and mild curries work well for kids, though the busy room suits school-age children better than toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Authentic South Indian vegetarian cooking with quick turnover and strong value compared to more polished but pricier Curry Hill competitors.
Skip if: Skip it if you’re seeking upscale interiors, cocktails, or a quiet dining atmosphere — this is about flavor and speed, not mood lighting.
Pongal
8.4
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Pongal is a bustling South Indian vegetarian staple in Curry Hill known for its long dosa menu, uttapams, and chaat in a tightly packed dining room. It’s where neighborhood regulars and visiting vegetarians go for reliable, spice-forward plates at fair prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Masala dosai, Mixed vegetable uttapam, Pongal special rice and lentil plate
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: High-volume South Indian spot with one of Midtown’s deepest dosa menus.
Who should go: Vegetarians craving dosas, uttapams, and chaat in a crowd.
When to visit: Early evenings or late lunches to avoid peak waits.
What to order: Masala dosai, mixed vegetable uttapam, Pongal special plate.
Insider tip: Share a dosa and an uttapam so you can sample both formats.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited; garages nearby on Lexington Ave typically run $25–$35.
Dress code: Very casual—jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Loud and bustling—expect to raise your voice during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes around noon; little to no wait before 11:30am
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—entirely vegetarian menu focused on South Indian classics.
Vegan options: Many items are naturally vegan; confirm ghee and dairy usage when ordering.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some rice-based dishes work, but dosas and many chaat items contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates than romantic ones—the food is excellent, but the room is tight, fast-paced, and noisy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a real wait at dinner and on weekends—off-peak hours are your best bet.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy bold flavors; tight seating makes strollers and toddlers more challenging.
Best For
Better for: Fast, authentic South Indian vegetarian comfort food at budget-friendly prices with huge dosa variety.
Skip if: You want a quiet, spacious dining room or polished service—this is all about speed, flavor, and volume.
Pongal
8.2
Pongal is a vegetarian South Indian restaurant in the heart of Curry Hill, known for its long dosa menu, uttapams, and thali-style plates. Families come for shareable dosas and kid-pleasing idlis in a busy, compact dining room that still manages to turn tables quickly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Masala dosai, Mixed vegetable uttapam, South Indian thali
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Vegetarian South Indian spot with an unusually deep dosa and uttapam lineup.
Who should go: Families exploring South Indian flavors with plenty of vegetarian options.
When to visit: Early dinners or late lunches to avoid peak Curry Hill waits.
What to order: Masala dosai, mixed vegetable uttapam, South Indian thali.
Insider tip: Combine a couple of dosas with a thali so kids can sample lots of small bites.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only and very limited; expect to circle during peak hours—garages available on nearby blocks but can be pricey.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—busy dining room with constant table turnover and kitchen energy.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially between 6–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside of the 12–1pm rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—100% vegetarian menu with extensive South Indian options.
Vegan options: Yes—many naturally vegan dosas, idlis, curries, and sides; confirm ghee usage when ordering.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some rice-based dishes like idli and certain curries work, but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual daytime dates than romantic evenings—the food is excellent, but the room is tight and lively rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weekdays and off-peak hours—just be prepared for a short wait during prime dinner times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids do well with idli, dosa, and mild curries, though the space is compact and better for school-age kids than strollers.
Best For
Better for: More kid-friendly and approachable than many Curry Hill spice-forward spots, with faster table turnover and a broader dosa selection.
Skip if: Choose a larger, quieter Indian restaurant if you need space for strollers, long celebrations, or a calm dining atmosphere.