Punky’s … hmm, sounds familiar. Why do I know that name? Punky Brewster, spunky monkey … no wait, that’s not it.
“You know on Forest Ave., by the Burger King,” Elise said.
Ah ha … the yellow sun sign. “Yeah, let’s go there. I’ve always been curious ’bout that place.”
Punky’s, a name drawn from co-owner Joe Estes’s childhood, is just minutes from campus. Estes, who described himself as a moody and mouthy youth, said, “I went from ‘the punk’ to affectionately being called ‘Punky’ by my parents.”
Estes opened Punky’s in 1995, and he and co-owner Garrett Allen will celebrate Punky’s eighth year of operation this April.
Punky’s offers a colossal menu encompassing everything from your basic ham and cheese sandwich to salads, burritos and homemade casseroles. Primarily a take-out restaurant, Punky’s offers a selection of grocery items in addition to the basic chips and sodas standard to a sandwich shop.
A huge customer draw for Punky’s is not only their homemade casseroles and daily specials but their assortment of homemade breads and soups. In addition to these caring touches, Punky’s cooks their turkey and roast beef daily so you can be sure your deli meat is always fresh.
Punky’s also offers a balanced mix of local products such as Maine Coast Pickles, homemade barbecue sauce and sweet treats from the Hallelujah Bakery, as well as more standard corporate fare.
Although there was much to choose from, which usually causes me to anxiously jump from one item to another, evaluating which ingredients would be compatible with my cravings, I decided quickly on the veggie burrito in a spinach wrap. Elise chose the freshly-made American chop suey.
I came bearing $5 in change to purchase my lunch and was hoping the seemingly friendly cashier wouldn’t suddenly transform into a three-headed dog baring its saliva soaked canines. Instead he claimed the change made him happy because he wouldn’t have to make a trip to the bank.
Quite delighted and relieved, I gladly accepted my burrito from the still cheerful cashier and before walking away was instructed in the details of wrap consumption, which is very important in keeping your burrito from falling apart.
I noticed the deli/ordering area was separated from the dining area by a wall of chip racks. Interesting use of resources, I thought. Elise and I made our way to a small table for two up against a wall. The dining area was cozy and snug, holding less than 10 tables. Large plants adorned the front window, which let in an abundance of light to warm the room (even though my toes refused to be warmed). Local artwork decorated the walls.
“I’m never gonna finish this whole burrito,” I said. “Yeah, they’re really good at giving you too much food,” Elise replied. My burrito was pleasantly spicy, with just enough kick to require the sour cream that lined the spinach-flavored tortilla wrap. Elise enjoyed the corn and other various vegetables befriending the beef in her American chop suey. As we reminisced about our childhood experiences with Munchos, we decided Punky’s would be a place we would return to.