Duration

3 Hours

West Village Food & History Tour

Don’t fall for the culinary tourist traps when you’re in Manhattan! Sidewalks of NY offers irresistible New York Food Tours in the cultural hotspot of the West Village.

Ask any New Yorker where to find the best pizza, hamburger, cupcake, bagel, dim sum or coffee, and they will undoubtedly reply with a strong opinion. Time Out New York dedicates entire issues to the "Best-of list" in 50+ categories.

Our expert foodies have done extensive and delicious research to offer you the ultimate Best-of Food Tour. The tastes, traditions, and old-world class of these landmark establishments are a true New York experience. It's no coincidence these foods can all be found in the historic and savory West Village. Let the debate begin!

Our 3-hour West Village Food Tasting & Cultural Walking Tour includes:

• A variety of delicious foods from the best specialty food stores to ethnic eateries • Enjoy the quaint tree-lined streets and architecture of the West Village • Our fun, fascinating, and knowledgeable tour guide will divulge tidbits of information only locals know • Walk hidden streets in the West Village, where we may be the only people on the street • View the apartment building where Monica from Friends lived • Learn about the hangouts of the Beat Generation and Bob Dylan • Taste the best bagel, pizza, and cupcakes in the city without the lines

Flavorful food specialties are served from: (subject to change)

• Sweet Revenge – Unique cupcake & drink pairings in a cozy neighborhood setting (Est. 2008)
• Mamoun’s Falafel – The oldest falafel restaurant in the city (Est. 1971) • Faicco's Italian Specialties – Mom-and-Pop shop owned and operated by a fourth generation of the Faicco family (Est. 1900) • Hudson Bagels – Authentic New York bagels; always boiled before baked (Est. 1997) • Artichoke Pizza – Serious pizza aficionados (Est. 2008) • Molly's Cupcakes – Finalist on the Food Network's Cupcake Wars, named after the owner's third grade teacher (Est. 2011)

Behind every great food establishment in this city there is an equally great story of history, tradition and even innovation. On our food tours in New York City, you’ll discover these amazing histories while tasting what has made these eateries so prized among locals.

Discover just what makes Sidewalks of NY food tours the best in the city!

What Is Not Included?

• One bottle of water is included. Additional drinks may be purchased on your own. • Tip for your food tour guide. It's customary to tip your guide 15%-20% of the purchase price.

Meeting Location

Bleecker and MacDougal Streets (New York, NY)

Detailed Directions

The tour will depart from in front of the Porto Rico Importing Co located at 201 Bleecker St, New york (10012). The closest subway stop is the West 4th Street stop on the A, C, E, B, D or F trains. You can also take the 6 train to Bleecker St and walk West about 8.5 blocks. If you are lost or running late, you may meet the group at the first food stop Sweet Revenge (62 Carmine Street)

Directions: The closest subway stop is the West 4th Street stop on the A, C, E, B, D or F trains. Exit subway station and walk in the opposite direction of traffic, going south along 6th Ave. Make a left at Bleecker Street and the Porto Rico Importing Co will be on your left about half way down the block.

You can also take the 6 train to Bleecker St and walk West about 8.5 blocks. Once you pass MacDougal St, the Porto Rico Importing Co will be on your right about half way down the block.

Minetta Garage located at 122 West 3rd Street just off of 6th Ave. Walk right out of the garage and make a right onto MacDougal Street. Take a right at Bleecker Street and the meeting location is at 201 Bleecker Street.

FAQs

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance? May I purchase with cash?

Tickets must be purchased in advance and cash is not accepted. Please make sure you purchase tickets well in advance of your desired tour date, as our tours sell out quickly. Tickets can be purchased online or over the phone using Visa, Mastercard or American Express.

What if there is bad weather?

Tours are given rain or shine. A good portion of our time is spent walking outdoors. However, on our food tasting tours, we do spend time inside establishments, so you will not be subject to the elements the entire tour.

What type of clothing and shoes should I wear?

We do a fair amount of walking on our tours. You should dress casually and wear comfortable shoes or sneakers.

How much food do we eat on the Food Tasting Tours?

You will taste foods from 6 different specialty shops, ethnic eateries, and restaurants. Most people say it's enough food for lunch. We suggest individuals with large appetites, see how they feel after the tour, and order a dish from their favorite tasting.

What if I have dietary restrictions or food allergies?

Please be sure to let us know if you (or anyone in your group) has a dietary restriction (e.g. vegetarian, diabetic, allergy, etc.) when you purchase your tickets. All tastings are prepared in advance at each location, based on the information you provided to us at the time of ticket purchase. We do not offer vegan or gluten-free substitutions. If you are vegan or gluten-free please contact us

How much walking is there on the food tasting tours?

We're on our feet for approximately 3 hours. We walk at a casual pace and stand in place for a few minutes at various attractions. The streets are flat, but you will have to walk up small stairs at some of the establishments. Please let us know in advance, if you have difficulty walking up a few flights of stairs, and we will make arrangements for you.

Is the tour wheelchair and stroller accessible?

Yes. Our West Village Food Tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Are your tours appropriate for children?

Our friendly and knowledgeable tour guides make learning about the history, culture, and foods of the neighborhoods we visit interesting, informative, and fun. Please gauge whether or not you think this tour is appropriate for your child. Children under the age of 5 are free, unless they're going to participate in all of the food tastings. You may bring a stroller on the tour, but it will have to remain outside, if the food establishment is busy.

Are pets allowed on your tours?

Pets are not allowed on any of our food tasting tours. New York law prohibits pets from entering an establishment that serves food or drink.

Is your tour very touristy? Do native New Yorker's take your tours?

Our tours are specifically designed to take you to the "hidden gems" only the neighborhood locals know about. Therefore, our tours take you "off the beaten path," so your not mobbed by tourists on crowed streets. Native New Yorkers take our tours to explore neighborhoods other than the ones they live in, and learn where to find the best culinary delights. None of our tours have a touristy feel to them. Our goal is for you to revisit a neighborhood like a local.

Are there bathroom breaks on the tour?

Yes. There are restrooms located at our two sit-down tasting locations, one at the beginning, and one at the end of the tour. There are no public restrooms at the meeting location, so please plan accordingly.

Are tour guides gratuities included in the price?

Tour guides gratuities are not included in the cost of your tour. While in no way required, we generally recommend giving your guide between 15% - 20% of the purchase price of the tour for a job well done. Our tour guides are dedicated to making your tour the highlight of your stay in New York.

What if I want the gift certificate emailed to the recipient instead?

That's no problem, either! When you purchase your gift certificate, just select the option to have the certificate emailed directly to the recipient and provide their email address. You'll even be able to decide whether you want the email sent immediately or if you'd prefer to schedule it to be emailed on a future date. (For instance, if you want to buy it today so you don't forget, but you don't want it emailed to the recipient until their special day!)

Can I book a private tour?

Yes, private tours are available. To inquire about a private tour, please click on the "Contact SidewalkTour" link to the left.

Where does the tour end?

The West Village Food and History Tour ends at Molly's Cupcakes located at 228 Bleecker Street between 6th Ave. and Carmine Street. It's a brief walk from the staring point at 201 Bleecker Street.

Is there parking close to the meeting location?

Minetta Garage is located at 122 West 3rd Street, between MacDougal and 6th Ave. Walk right out of the garage and make a right on MacDougal St. and a right onto Bleecker St. The meeting location is 201 Bleecker Street

What if I am running late? Can I meet up with the tour group?

In fairness to the group our tours leave promptly at the start time. If you are running 5-10 minutes late, our first food tasting is at Sweet Revenge located at 62 Carmine Street. The 2nd stop roughly 30 minutes into the food tour is Faicco's Italian Specialties located at 260 Bleecker St., near Leroy Street. You may try to meet up with the group but there is no guarantee you will find them.There are no guarantees we will be able to get in touch with the guide as he/she will be conducting the food tour.

What is your refund policy?

We have a no refund policy. In the rare chance that the tour is cancelled due to extremely inclement weather, your tickets will be converted into gift certificates with no expiration date and you may reschedule for a later date. No refunds will be issued if you are running late and can't find the tour group.

About

Sidewalk Tours

The story behind Sidewalks of NY Tours began a decade ago, when it's founder, J.D. Hirsch started taking friends and family on walking tours of the city he loves. His biggest motivation was to make sure his guests experienced The TRUE New York.

Through years of exploration, he had discovered the secret hideaways, and hidden gems that make New York unlike any other city in the world. He combed the streets, tasting authentic ethnic cuisines and culinary delights not found in any guide books. His lengthy walking adventures took him to dinky mom-and-pop specialty food shops, and ethnic eateries, which have stood the test of time. He began compiling a best of list in search of the best delicatessens, bagel and knish shops, coffee houses, bakeries, candy stores, hamburger joints, pizzerias, and so much more. A friend, who was visiting from out of town, noticed J.D.'s passion and enthusiasm showing people his discoveries, and suggested he start a walking tour business. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Our mission at Sidewalks of NY Tours is to give exceptional walking tours of New York, so our customers will revisit these neighborhoods with confidence, and enjoy the various cultural options they provide. Our creative and fun itineraries, and friendly and knowledgeable tour guides are committed to making your tour the highlight of your stay in The Big Apple. Let us guide you on a journey to discover The True New York!

Bon voyage!

Sidewalks of NY Tours

Activity-Specific Policies

Please review the seller’s policies for this activity. Once tickets are purchased, these are binding.

• Non-refundable, cannot be rescheduled. Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded and cannot be rescheduled because your space is being guaranteed at the event.

• Activity takes place rain or shine. The activity runs regardless of weather conditions. In the rare situation where the seller is forced to cancel the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule to another time (subject to availability).