New York City’s reputation as one of the world’s finest destinations for food lovers is well-established at this point in time. However, even as a star-studded cast of contemporary chefs continue to push the city’s cuisine forward, many visitors to New York enjoy exploring the culinary history of the area. Few NYC neighborhoods can boast as rich a food-centric past as the Lower East Side, and Top Dog Tours’ Tastes of the Lower East Side Tour offers guests the opportunity to learn more about this side of New York City in a structured, informative, and entertaining setting.
Tastes of the Lower East Side Tour Background Information
New York City’s Lower East Side neighborhood has a rich history. Located directly south of the East Village, alongside the East River, and surrounded to the west by Little Italy, Chinatown, and NoLita, the Lower East Side was where a significant number of immigrants from Europe during the years between roughly 1840 and 1920 first settled upon their arrival in the United States. As a result, the area became known for its diverse range of cultures, religions, beliefs, and of course, food. Much has changed throughout New York City over the course of the past century, but the Lower East Side’s food scene retains its multicultural dimensions even to the present day. As a result, the neighborhood is popular with visitors hoping to sample a wide range of cuisines, flavors, meals, and various specialties.
What You See on a Tastes of the Lower East Side Tour
Your Tastes of the Lower East Side Tour begins at the Eldridge Street Synagogue, a Lower East Side landmark that stands today as one of the oldest synagogues found anywhere in the United States. Dating to 1887, it has been meticulously restored and currently houses the Museum at Eldridge Street, an institution that specializes in telling the story of Jewish immigration to America via informative exhibits, guided tours, and more.
From there the Tastes of the Lower East Side Tour takes visitors to a whole host of fascinating sites. The walking tour is an intriguing mixture of historic attractions and contemporary food establishments. Along the way you’ll encounter The Jewish Daily Forward building, where the legendary publication was once headquartered; Essex Market, considered by many to be New York City’s most historic public market; and a number of popular food-centric businesses and restaurants like The Pickle Guys, Kossar’s Bagels & Bialys, Economy Candy, Yonah Schimmel’s Knish, Katz’s Delicatessen, Russ & Daughters, and more.
The Tastes of the Lower East Side Tour runs daily between the months of April and December, while January, February, and March see the outing offered only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Regardless of the time of year, the Tastes of the Lower East Side Tour leaves at 1:00pm and lasts approximately 2.5 hours. If you’re going to book your tour spot via an attraction pass, you’ll still be required to provide a credit card number when making your reservation. No additional charge will be made to your card, though, so long as you show up on time for your tour.
Tips for taking the Tastes of the Lower East Side Tour
- Tastes of the Lower East Side Tour is included on several money saving tourist passes including the New York Pass, Go NY All-Inclusive Pass and NY Explorer Pass
- Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind as you prepare for your Tastes of the Lower East Side Tour is that the cost of food is not included in the cost of your tour ticket. As a result, Top Dog Tours recommends that you bring anywhere between $20 and $30 in cash to use to purchase food you want to sample along the tour route.
- The Tastes of the Lower East Side Tour takes you to a number of popular New York City attractions. However, be advised that the tour doesn’t include the cost of admission to several of these sites—including the Museum at Eldridge Street and the Tenement Museum. If you want to visit these attractions, you’ll need to do so on your own time while paying out of pocket.
- The Tastes of the Lower East Side Tour—like all tours operated by Top Dog Tours—runs no matter the weather outside. You’ll definitely want to check the forecast before your tour departs so that you’ll know whether you need to wear shorts, dress in layers, or bring along that umbrella.
- To alter or cancel your Tastes of the Lower East Side Tour reservations, you’ll need to act at least two full calendar days prior to the scheduled departure of your tour. Otherwise, you’re looking at a $20-per-person rescheduling fee.