Sidewalks of NY offers irresistible New York Food Tours in the cultural hotspot of the Lower East Side. Join us as we explore what was once an immigrant and working-class neighborhood rich in ethnic diversity and culture. Learn about the history of the tenement buildings occupied by the poor. The neighborhood is best known for having once been a center of Jewish culture. We will view historic synagogues as well as "nosh" on delicacies from the best "kosher style" delis and bakeries in the city.

On this 3 hour tour of the Lower East Side, we eat our way through the streets as we sample delicacies from New York's premier appetizing shop, ethnic eateries, and "mom and pop" restaurants, including:

Mouthwatering food from century-old authentic Jewish delis and bakeries
Explore the Lower East Side's historic tenement buildings and synagogues
Visit an old-fashioned candy store serving the neighborhood since 1937
Taste a tres leches and blackout cake doughnut from award winner Doughnut Plant NYC
Learn about the culture and history of the neighborhood and its gentrification
Check out the funky mix of trendy boutiques, mom-and-pop shops, and cozy cafes

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

Yonah Schimmel’s Knish Bakery - (Est. 1910)
Russ & Daughter’s - NYC’s premier appetizing shop (Est. 1914)
Katz’s Delicatessen - The best delicatessen in New York (Est. 1888)
Kossar's Bialys - The oldest bialy bakery in the United States (Est. 1936)
The Pickle Guys - Pickles made the old-fashioned way. Try a new, half sour or full sour pickle. Pucker up!(Est. 2002)
Doughnut Plant - Unique flavors and a mouthwatering family recipe (Est. 1994)
North Dumpling - Authentic handmade northern Chinese dumplings
Economy Candy - Stocking all types of candy, nuts & dried fruit from floor-to-ceiling. "Noshers' paradise of the Lower East Side." (Est. 1937)

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.

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!

Don’t fall for the culinary tourist traps when you’re in Manhattan!
No waiting in line wrapped around the block for scrumptious delicacies
The personalities of our native New Yorker tour guides will thrill and entertain you

Minimum purchase quantity: 2 tickets
A minimum of 4 people is needed to run this tour experience
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
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
Please, dress casually and wear comfortable shoes or sneakers
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
Please let us know if you or anyone in your group has a dietary restriction (vegetarian, diabetic, peanut allergy, etc) when you purchase your tickets. If you let us know a couple of days prior to your tour, we can usually substitute a food tasting
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
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. Infants ages 0-2 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
Pets are not allowed on any of our food tasting tours. New York law prohibits pets from entering an establishment that serves food or drinks
Our Lower East Side Eats Food Tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible

Cancellation policy

Please note that this experience is non-refundable, even if cancelled in advance.

All food tastings are included
One bottle of water will be provided

Additional drinks will have to be purchased on your own
Tip for your food tour guide. It is customary to tip your guide 15%-20% of the purchase price

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

Location

205 East Houston Street, New York, NY 10002

Meeting point:

Meet your guide outside Katz's Deli, in front of the sign that says "Known as the best since 1888." The sign is on the Ludlow Street side of Katz's. Katz's is on the corner of East Houston Street and Ludlow St. If you're late and miss the group outside, go inside the Deli to find your tour guide.