Shantok Home

Pros

• The staff are friendly and helpful.
• The store is small but efficient and reliably stocked.
• The staff are knowledgeable about what they carry.
• It is a cool, little package store.
• The store has plenty of options and great staff.
• The service is excellent.

Cons

• The older lady running the store is described as having screws loose.
• She screamed from the back and told the customer to "go to hell."
• The confrontation was described as completely bizarre and unhinged.
• The reviewer left without buying anything and will not be returning.
• The owner is described as an alcoholic drug addict who hits on all the men who walk in.
• People are warned to watch out for her.
• The owners are labeled as racist, rude, and discriminating against other nationalities and religions; one remark claimed she would never sell to "A Dot-Head."
• The parking lot is hard to get out of.
• The pricing is steep for such a small store.

Review

This neighborhood package store comes across in a way that splits opinion more than most similar retailers. On one hand, many customers sing the praises of the people who work there, the ease of finding what they need, and the compact but surprisingly efficient layout. The staff are repeatedly described as friendly, knowledgeable, and ready to help, with several reviewers noting that the store is small but appears to have a lot tucked away in the back. For frequent shoppers, the combination of a welcoming crew and a wide backroom stock makes the place feel like a reliable local hub where others might treat you like a bother.

The consistent thread of praise centers on service. Reviewers point to an easy selection process and generally great prices, especially given the store's small footprint. A few customers emphasize that the staff makes the experience, helping guide choices and making the visit smoother than expected. Some also highlight the constructive energy of the team - people who seem genuinely happy to help and keep things moving efficiently despite the limited space. In short, if you're after a friendly transaction and someone who can steer you toward what you want, this store often delivers.

But there is a noticeable tension between this positive service story and the realities of pricing. Several reviewers flag that the prices here can be fairly steep for a small, local shop. The cost of purchases is a recurring deterrent, even as the staff earn praise for their attentiveness and knowledge. One review even mentions a "monetary beat down," underscoring that, for some customers, the value proposition isn't as compelling as the service is commendable. A few notes also touch on hours during different periods, with one reviewer recalling that during the COVID era the store began shutting around 8 pm, which can affect when people can shop.

Beyond the generic praise and occasional price concerns, a handful of firsthand anecdotes describe tense or troubling interactions with staff. One reviewer recounts a morning encounter with an older woman who runs the shop, claiming she can be unpredictable and even confrontational. In that instance, the customer says a backroom exchange led to a hostile outburst and a decision to walk out without making a purchase. This kind of incident contrasts sharply with the store's otherwise upbeat reputation and illustrates how individual experiences can color overall impressions, especially in a small, intimate setting.

There are also more troubling allegations that touch on character and behavior beyond routine customer service. At least one reviewer claims the owner has personal problems, describing the owner as an alcoholic and drug addict and even alleging inappropriate behavior toward male customers. While these are serious accusations and not something that can be independently verified here, they contribute to a polarized picture: for some, the environment feels welcoming and positive; for others, there are warnings about problematic conduct that make return visits uncomfortable.

Another very harsh review targets potential racial insensitivity, with a claim that the owners were racist and explicitly disrespectful toward a customer of a particular nationality or religion. The language used in that charge is stark and off-putting, framing a scenario where the reviewer felt discriminated against in a way that would drive them away for good. Taken alongside the more routine store concerns, this review injects a strong caution about the possibility of encountering hostile or discriminatory behavior, complicating the store's overall reputation.

Despite the fractures in the narrative, many reviewers converge on a positive conviction about the staff. Phrases like "great service," "extremely friendly," and "great prices" crop up repeatedly, underscoring one consistent asset: the people. Several customers insist that the staff's courtesy and willingness to help outshine the store's shortcomings, and they compare the experience favorably to other local places where they feel less welcome or less supported. The sense that the team here is a core strength persists across multiple, otherwise divergent, opinions.

In the end, the place presents as a small, efficient storefront with a loyal following built largely on its people. The stores' advocates describe a warm, helpful team and a broad backroom selection that keeps regulars coming back, even as critics warn about price pressures, erratic management behavior, and troubling accusations that would understandably deter some shoppers. The overall impression is a mix of admiration for the staff and frustration with certain interactions, set against a backdrop of a product lineup and store layout that remains practical for everyday needs. For many locals, it's still a go-to spot because of the people, even if you have to brace for the occasional rough moment or contentious encounter.

Uncasville, Connecticut is a diverse and vibrant community with a variety of amenities to offer its residents. Located just a short distance from multiple hospitals and medical facilities, including Lawrence Memorial Hospital and Joshua Center-Montville, seniors can rest assured knowing that quality healthcare is easily accessible. Additionally, the area boasts a range of dining options such as Golden Palace Chinese Restaurant and Comix Roadhouse, as well as cafes like Panera Bread and Starbucks for socializing and relaxation. For recreational activities, there are several parks nearby including Leary Park and Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park, perfect for enjoying the outdoors. With convenient access to pharmacies like CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens, as well as transportation options at New London Union Station, Uncasville provides a comfortable and convenient setting for senior living.

Hospitals

• Joshua Center-Montville (0.2 miles)
• Lawrence And Memorial Family Medicine (4.8 miles)
• Lawrence Memorial Hospital (6.8 miles)
• Pequot Health Center (6.9 miles)
• Flanders Health Center (6.9 miles)
• Charter Oak Walk-In Medical Center PC (7 miles)

Physicians

• Kristian Mahan APRN (0.3 miles)
• Cataract & Cornea Eye Specialists (4.3 miles)
• Constitution Eye Surgery Center East (4.3 miles)
• Allergy Associates of New London PC (4.3 miles)
• Cohen's Fashion Optical (4.5 miles)
• Smith Eye Associates (4.5 miles)
• Barri Cosmetic Laser Center (5.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Golden Palace Chinese Restaurant (3.5 miles)
• Comix Roadhouse (4.1 miles)
• Chili's Grill & Bar (4.4 miles)
• Denny's (4.5 miles)
• Illiano's Real Italian Pizzeria (4.6 miles)
• Chipotle Mexican Grill (4.9 miles)
• McDonald's (5.1 miles)

Parks

• Leary Park (3.5 miles)
• The Park 2 (4.4 miles)
• Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park (5.6 miles)
• Washington Park (5.7 miles)
• Fort Trumbull State Park (6.3 miles)
• Toby May Park (7.2 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (4.3 miles)
• Starbucks (5.4 miles)
• Washington Street Coffee House (5.5 miles)
• Muddy Waters Cafe (5.6 miles)
• Starbucks (6.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Temple Emanu-El (4.3 miles)
• St Mark Lutheran Church Elca (7 miles)

Pharmacies

• Target Pharmacy (4.4 miles)
• Medicine Shoppe (4.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5.9 miles)
• Walgreens (5.9 miles)
• Walgreens (6 miles)
• Electric Boat Family Pharmacy (6.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (6.1 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Cinemas Waterford 9 (5 miles)

Transportation

• New London Union Station (5.6 miles)