Book Your East Village Food Tour
Join our East Village Food Tour, a guided walking experience through one of Manhattan's most diverse neighborhoods. Along the way, you'll enjoy 8 food tastings featuring immigrant cuisine from the neighborhood, iconic New York dishes, and a few cult classics from those if-you-know-you-know spots.
As you walk the lively streets, your tour guide will share the neighborhood's layered immigrant history, from its 1800s roots as Little Germany, to its later identity as Little Ukraine, to its turn as the birthplace of New York's punk rock scene. You'll see popular landmarks like the colorful murals of the Bowery, historic St. Mark's Place, and the building featured on Led Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti album cover.
Tour Snapshot
Price: $79 per person
Food Tastings: 8 Included
Duration: 2.5 hours
Distance: 1.2 miles
8 Authentic Food Tastings
On this food tour, you'll enjoy eight unique tastings that showcase the neighborhood's incredibly diverse food scene — from a fresh everything bagel and a classic New York slice of pizza to Venezuelan empanadas, Polish pierogi, and kielbasa with kabanos, plus sweet treats like an old-school egg cream, a fried Oreo, and a selection of donuts. Check out the menu below!
Tour Highlights
Along the way, your guide will take you past some of the East Village's most iconic landmarks. Walk down the legendary St. Mark's Place, see the building made famous by Led Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti album cover, pass by McSorley's Old Ale House, one of the oldest bars in New York City, and stop into East Village Meat Market, a beloved Ukrainian butcher shop and neighborhood institution.
Food Tour Reviews
We think the East Village tour is pretty awesome, but don't just take our word for it. Check out the reviews below to see why guests love our food tours and keep coming back for more.
Tour Itinerary
View the full East Village Food Tour itinerary to see exactly where we go, what you’ll taste, and the landmarks you’ll experience throughout the tour.
Bagel From Apollo Bagels
Our food tour will start at Apollo Bagels, one of the most popular bagel shops in the East Village. Here, we'll try a hand-rolled New York-style everything bagel with a schmear of cream cheese.
Egg Creams and Oreos From Ray's Candy Store
Our next stop is the one-and-only Ray's Candy Store, a tiny East Village icon that's been open since 1974 and is still run by 92-year-old Ray Alvarez. Here, you'll try a classic NYC chocolate egg cream and a fried Oreo, two of Ray's most famous treats. This cult-classic spot has been featured on Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown and Humans of New York.
Empanadas From Titi's Empanadas
Our next stop is Titi's Empanadas, a family-run hidden gem bringing the flavors of Venezuela to the East Village. Here, you'll try a handmade empanada with a golden, crispy shell and bold, flavorful fillings.
St. Mark's Place
Our tour also takes you down St. Mark's Place, one of the most legendary streets in New York City and the cultural heart of the East Village. Once home to punk rockers, poets, and artists, this iconic three-block stretch still buzzes with energy, music, and personality.
Physical Graffiti Building
Our tour also takes you past the iconic building featured on the cover of Led Zeppelin's 1975 album Physical Graffiti. Located on St. Mark's Place, this East Village landmark has also appeared in the Rolling Stones' "Waiting on a Friend" music video and is a must-see stop for any music fan visiting New York City.
Porto Rico Importing Co.
The tour also takes you past Porto Rico Importing Co., one of the oldest coffee shops in New York City. Founded in 1907, this iconic spot has sacks of freshly roasted beans piled high and the rich smell of coffee in the air. You'll have a chance to step inside and purchase a cup of coffee or a bag of beans to take home.
East Village Meat Market
Our next food stop is East Village Meat Market, a Ukrainian butcher shop and true neighborhood institution. Here, you'll sample their house-made pierogi alongside kielbasa and kabanos sausage with spicy mustard. It's one of the last shops of its kind in New York City, and a delicious taste of the East Village's Eastern European heritage.
Pizza Slice From Cello's
No East Village food tour is complete without a slice of classic New York-style pizza, and Cello's Pizzeria delivers exactly that. Here, you'll try a thin and crispy slice of New York-style cheese pizza.
McSorley's Old Ale House
Next, we'll walk past McSorley's Old Ale House, one of the oldest continuously operating bars in New York City. Opened in 1854, this iconic spot has sawdust on the floors, walls covered in over a century of memorabilia, and just two beers on the menu (light or dark).
Donuts From The Donut Pub
We'll finish the tour at The Donut Pub, one of New York's oldest donut spots that's been serving up fresh, hand-made donuts for over 60 years. Here, you'll get to try a selection of their best-selling donuts, hand-picked by your guide.
Photos From The Food Tour
Check out these fun moments from the East Village walking food tour. Got a great photo from your experience? Tag us on social media and we'll share it here!
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the tour below, and if you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us.
Where does the food tour start?
The tour starts at Apollo Bagels, located at 242 E 10th St, New York, NY 10003, in East Village. Your tour guide will meet you outside the restaurant and provide a brief overview before the tour begins.
Where does the food tour end?
The tour ends at Donut Pub, located at 740 Broadway, New York, NY 10003. Your guide will help with directions and recommendations for what to do next in the area.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours from start to finish. This includes all food tastings, sightseeing stops, and walking time between locations.
Is there a lot of walking?
The tour includes approximately 1.2 miles of walking at an easy pace. We stop frequently, with opportunities to sit, rest, and enjoy each location along the way.
Is the tour vegetarian friendly?
Yes, we can accommodate vegetarians by offering suitable substitutions at select stops on the tour. Please let us know your dietary preference when booking so we can coordinate with our restaurant partners in advance.
Will the tour be canceled due to bad weather?
Our food tours run rain or shine. If you need to cancel or reschedule due to weather, contact us at least 24 hours before the tour start time for a full refund or reschedule.
Are gratuities included in the price?
Gratuities are not included in the tour price. Tips are always appreciated if you feel your guide provided a great experience.
Can I do the food tour if I have dietary restrictions?
We can accommodate some dietary restrictions with advance notice, but this tour is not suitable for guests who are gluten-free or vegan. Please contact us before booking so we can confirm whether suitable substitutions are available.
Can kids join the food tour?
Yes, the East Village Food Tour is family-friendly, and children are welcome. Please note that all children require their own ticket.
Check Out Our Other Food Tours
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