Lower East Side Food Tour in NYC: 6 Tastings + Famous Landmarks

Explore the Lower East Side on a small group, three hour walking tour through one of New York City’s most dynamic neighborhoods. Take in the sights, sounds, and savory food of an area experiencing more change than anywhere else in Manhattan while visiting 6+ tasting destinations along the way. The route includes Orchard Street, named one of the coolest streets in the world, the First Romanian American Synagogue on Rivington Street, the Tenement Museum, Kehila Kedosha Janina, the first Greek synagogue in the United States, views of the Williamsburg Bridge, and the Seward Park High School complex. Led by a local guide, this relaxed paced tour blends food, history, and culture into an authentic Lower East Side experience.

1. 1

   Stop 1

   25 min

   What is there to say about this spot which When Harry Met Sally... made even more famous. “I’ll have what she’s having?” You better believe it. The pastrami here is the best on the planet.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   10 min

   Sample delicious Rugelach

3. 3

   Orchard Street

   Pass by

   Named for the actual orchard that stood here before the tenements did. Pushcart market, then garment district, then bargain strip, and Time Out New York recently called it one of the coolest streets in the world.

4. 4

   Economy Candy

   15 min

   Economy Candy has been around since 1937, dishing out chocolates, nuts, gummies and the candy so many generations have grown up on.

5. 5

   Tenement Museum

   Pass by

   Ninety-seven Orchard housed roughly seven thousand people from more than twenty countries before the landlord sealed the upper floors in 1935 and walked away. It's a museum now because of what was still sitting up there when someone finally opened them.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   20 min

   Vanessa's Dumpling House has the most delicious pork dumplings. Happy to substitute to veggie for those who don’t eat pork. You won’t believe how good these are.

7. 7

   Kehila Kedosha Janina Synagogue And Museum

   Pass by

   The only Romaniote synagogue in the Western Hemisphere. The congregation came from Ioannina in Greece, carrying a tradition that runs separate from both Ashkenazi and Sephardic Judaism and goes back nearly two thousand years in the eastern Mediterranean. Built in 1927, still holding services.

8. 8

   Williamsburg Bridge

   Pass by

   When it opened in 1903 it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. It also emptied this neighborhood out, carrying a generation of Lower East Side families across the river and into Brooklyn.

9. 9

   Essex Market

   20 min

   Stop and shop (if you wish) at Essex Street market but before you do we visit my friend Saad who gives us a tasting of Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oils at his Essex Olive & Spice shop.

10. 10

    The Pickle Guys

    10 min

    The Pickle Guys pickles almost everything. We try three of their top sellers. They’re sweet. They’re sour. They’re awesome.

11. 11

    Stop 11

    20 min

    Kossar's Bagels - you bet your babka you’ve never tasted bagels or bialys like this before. And the cream cheese? It’s the best I’ve ever had. Ever.

12. 12

    Lower East Side

    Pass by

    Stroll. Learn. Nosh. Now you can explore an up-and-coming hip neighborhood that's rich in history and stacked with infamously famous eats. The Doughnut Plant Russ & Daughters

13. 13

    Stop 13

    10 min

    World famous and award winning Bobbly Flay defeating cake doughnuts - YUM!

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.