
The Lower East Side Food Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is The Lower East Side Food Tour worth booking?
The Lower East Side Food Tour is a 2.3-hour experience in New York, United States, from $30 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 63 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (6)
- Duration
- 2.3 hours
- From
- $30 per person
Learn the culture both historic and modern of the Lower East Side, whether it's the delicious pickles (on a street that once had over 100 pickle carts) or the savory knishes, your taste buds will be satisfied! The portion sizes on this pay what you wish tour are rather large. Your guide will explain how to split up every single item. For parties of 1, you are encouraged to team up with other parties of 1.
What you get
About this experience
Learn the culture both historic and modern of the Lower East Side, whether it's the delicious pickles (on a street that once had over 100 pickle carts) or the savory knishes, your taste buds will be satisfied! The portion sizes on this pay what you wish tour are rather large. Your guide will explain how to split up every single item. For parties of 1, you are encouraged to team up with other parties of 1.
What's included
Included
- Guide Fee. Tour cost includes the guide
Not included
- Food and drink are not included. You choose which items, and how much of it you want.
What you'll see and do
Sara D Roosevelt Park
This is where our introduction will take place. We once saw Adam Sandler playing basketball here!
10 minutes here
See the over 100 years old historic bakery and feast on either a savory knish, or the legendary doughy cheese pretzel! Water, coffee, soft drink available for purchase.
10 minutes here
Larn about the first business to be named "& Daughters" in US history.
5 minutes here
24 years old and famous across the city, enjoy a selection of over 300 flavors (48 on display)
15 minutes here
Economy Candy
Get some candy!
10 minutes here
Delicious fried empanadas $2 gets you one empanada. Beef, Chicken, ham and cheese, Mozzarella.
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
New York
We will meet at Yonah Schimmels knishery one block away from the 2n Avenue Subay Station with the F and M train line.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We will finish the tour at the south side of the essex market.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- CityShuffles
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Recommended for anyone that can do 4,000 steps in the weather conditions of that day.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
6 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for The Lower East Side Food Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fabulous Food tour!
This was such an amazing walking tour! Jon is a wealth of knowledge and so personable. It was a highlight of our trip to New York. We’ve done all of his Food tour‘s and one is better than the next! We especially love this one because Jon included so much historyas well as unique places to snack. Thank you, John!
via Tripadvisor
Lower East Side Food Tour with Jon.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We had an amazing time exploring the Lower East Side with our tour guide, Jon. He knew all the best spots to visit—from hidden neighborhood gems to iconic landmarks—and brought the rich history of the area to life with fascinating stories and insights. What really made the tour stand out was Jon’s incredible sense of humor—he had us laughing the entire time! If you’re looking for a tour that’s informative, engaging, and a whole lot of fun, Jon is the guide you want. Highly recommend!
via Tripadvisor
Special Food and experience
Great tour, Jon is a great tour guide. Took us to special food experience. Highly recommend. We stopped at places that I’ve never heard of and loved the experience
via Tripadvisor
Food
Went on a food tour with Jon on the lower east side. It was apparent he loved what he did and put a lot of effort into providing quality information and making sure we enjoyed the food.
via Tripadvisor
If you what to experience local food and culture this is 5 stars
Wow what walk we had today with John. The food was local, excellent and cheap. We learned so much about the lower east side including culture, history and architecture. Well worth going.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- $30 to $34
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by CityShuffles, who run 22 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 55.3.
See everything CityShuffles runsWhy this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
The Lower East Side Food Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for New York.
How much does The Lower East Side Food Tour cost?
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Prices start at $30 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in New York usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does The Lower East Side Food Tour take?
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Plan for about 2.3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in New York is not rushed.
Is The Lower East Side Food Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in New York, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule The Lower East Side Food Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is The Lower East Side Food Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book The Lower East Side Food Tour?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in New York can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in New York and add a light layer if any part of the 2.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does The Lower East Side Food Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central New York within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in New York?
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New York has more bookable experiences than any other city on Outty, and the quality spread is brutal. Observation decks are commoditised, so we score them on timed-entry reliability and sunset slots. Food tours and borough walks are where the ranking really separates operators, and the top scores in the city all come from small-group guides. On Outty we rank every New York experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include NYC Bus Tour of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens: Art, Food & Sports, Half-Day Bus Tour of NYC Top Highlights, SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown Walking Tour in New York. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit New York?
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September to early November, and late April through June. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in New York?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in The Lower East Side Food Tour?
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Included: Guide Fee. Tour cost includes the guide. Not included: Food and drink are not included. You choose which items, and how much of it you want. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for The Lower East Side Food Tour?
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We will meet at Yonah Schimmels knishery one block away from the 2n Avenue Subay Station with the F and M train line. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is The Lower East Side Food Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for The Lower East Side Food Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is The Lower East Side Food Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and Wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to The Lower East Side Food Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in New York. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about The Lower East Side Food Tour?
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Across 6 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, knowledge and storytelling, the guide. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
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