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Find out why Foods of NY Tours is the best tour company to choose. New York City is one of the world’s greatest food destinations, choosing the right food tour can be overwhelming. What differentiates Foods of NY Tours from the rest? Todd Lefkovic (owner) created the walking food tour back in 1998 (that’s 28 years ago)! Todd started researching the food and culture of NY back in 1977 when he was 15 years old. Todd researched everything about NYC until 1998. Todd placed a free test listing in NY Magazine to see if there was any interest in a food tour. The free food tour listing in NY Magazine was a success. Over 60 people left messages about the food tour on Todd’s answering machine. Todd’s first official food tour was in April of 1998. Todd gave food tours…

Chinatown in New York City is one of the best places in the country to explore bubble tea culture. From traditional Taiwanese milk teas to over-the-top modern creations, this neighborhood packs an incredible range of boba experiences into just a few blocks. If you are planning a food crawl or just want to sip your way through Chinatown, here are eight standout spots worth visiting. And if you want a deeper dive into the neighborhood’s food scene, check out Foods of New York Tours here. 1. Teado Tea Shop Teado Tea Shop Address: 145D Hester St, New York, NY 10002 Phone: +12122267687 A true Chinatown classic that has been serving tea lovers since 2009, this spot focuses on high-quality tea flavor first. Expect balanced milk teas and perfectly chewy boba with a more traditional approach. Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Teado+Tea+Shop+NYC 2. Chicha San Chen Chicha…

If you didn’t read Part 1: If you didn’t read Part 2: Part 3: My first solo trip to NYC! As I started planning our next trip to New York, I began thinking about all the great places we had already discovered. I realized that I was the one most excited about these places. While my friends enjoyed the adventure of going into the city, their idea of a great time didn’t include spending a good amount of time exploring each specialty food shop and eatery that we found. They liked finding cool places and trying certain foods but not necessarily learning the history or details behind them. I decided the best approach was to go into New York by myself with a notebook and do some real research for future trips with my friends. That way,…

Moving to New York City is exciting, overwhelming, and a little confusing all at the same time. One day you’re unpacking boxes and figuring out the subway. The next day you’re wondering how locals seem to know the best places to eat, the most interesting neighborhoods, and the hidden streets tourists never find. The truth is that the best way to learn New York is not by reading about it. It is by walking through it, tasting it, and hearing the stories behind the neighborhoods that shaped the city. If you have just moved here, here is a simple list to help you start discovering your new home. 1. Start learning the city neighborhood by neighborhood New York is really a collection of small neighborhoods with very different personalities. Walking through them is the fastest way to understand how the…

Greenwich Village is one of the most iconic food neighborhoods in New York City, and pizza plays a major role in its culinary identity. From legendary slice counters to modern pizzerias experimenting with new styles, the area west of Sixth Avenue in Greenwich Village is packed with incredible pizza spots. This part of the Village is also home to the route of the Foods of New York Original Greenwich Village Food Tour. Guests on this guided walking tour explore the neighborhood’s rich food history while tasting some of the dishes that helped make the Village famous. Pizza is one of the essential foods that defines the area, and many of the pizzerias listed below are located just steps from stops featured on the tour. If you want to experience the neighborhood like a local while learning the stories behind the…

Greenwich Village is famous for its vibrant dining scene, and if you’re craving bold spices, flavorful curries, and authentic Indian street food, you’re in luck. Just steps from Washington Square Park, there are several excellent Indian restaurants east of 6th Avenue serving everything from classic kati rolls to modern Indian cuisine. Whether you’re exploring the neighborhood before a food tour or looking for a quick bite near NYU, these five Indian spots are worth checking out. Thelewala 📍 112 MacDougal St, New York, NY Website: https://thelewalany.com/ Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Thelewala+112+MacDougal+St+New+York If you’re looking for authentic Indian street food in Greenwich Village, Thelewala is a must-visit. Known for its flavorful Nizami rolls, this casual late-night spot specializes in the kind of quick, satisfying dishes you’d find on the streets of Kolkata.  Favorites include the Chicken Malai Roll, Paneer Roll, and traditional chaats like Bhel Puri. The small storefront makes…

If you’ve spent your morning sampling artisanal bites on the Foods of NY Tours: Chelsea Market and the High Line Food Tour, exploring Chelsea Market vendors and walking the elevated High Line park, it’s time to cap off your New York City food adventure with a great happy hour. The Meatpacking District and Chelsea Market neighborhood are home to some of the city’s best aftertour spots for quality drinks, small plates, and laidback atmospheres. Below are some of the best places to enjoy happy hour after a day of tasting and touring. Top Happy Hour Spots 1. Dickson’s Farmstand Meats – Artisanal Meats and Drinks Inside Chelsea Market Official Website: http://www.dicksonsfarmstand.com/
 Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Dickson%27s+Farmstand+Meats Dickson’s is a beloved butcher shop and salumi bar inside Chelsea Market offering artisanal meats, charcuterie, and drinks. Their happy hour is typically Monday through Friday from 4 PM to…

Part 2: Let the Research and Fun Begin! Since my first trip to NYC with my friends was such a blast, I thought, “Let’s do it again!”. The goal was to be in NYC by 11 a.m., do as much as we could in five hours, and be home by 6 p.m. (and of course, do this without our parents knowing about it). Since I was the ringleader, I had to put together a plan a few days before asking my friends if they wanted to go back to NYC. During the late ’70s, the only way to make a specific plan was by remembering what we did on our last trip in. I decided that we should take the train from Cranford to Penn Station instead of taking the bus to Port Authority. I found a map of NYC in our…

Looking for comedy clubs near Washington Square Park? Discover five of the best stand-up comedy venues east of 6th Ave plus a perfect Greenwich Village day itinerary with a food tour, restaurants, and nearby hotels. For decades, Greenwich Village has been one of the epicenters of American comedy. Legendary comedians have tested new material in intimate basement clubs just steps from Washington Square Park, creating a nightlife scene unlike anywhere else in the city. Today, visitors can still experience that same energy by hopping between comedy clubs throughout the neighborhood. Many of the best venues are located within a short walk of the park, making it easy to spend an entire evening laughing your way through the Village. Below are five of the best comedy spots near Washington Square Park. Comedy Cellar Location 117 MacDougal St New York NY Official…

New York City is one of the street art capitals of the world, and some of the most visually exciting murals can be found in Chinatown, Little Italy, and Nolita. These neighborhoods combine immigrant history, culinary culture, and contemporary creativity. Whether you are visiting NYC for the first time or exploring like a local, this guide highlights the best murals and street art while connecting you to the food and culture that define Lower Manhattan. If you are joining our Chinatown Food and Culture Tour or our Nolita and Little Italy Food Tour, many of these murals are located just steps from where we walk and taste. Audrey Hepburn Mural by Tristan Eaton Location 176 Mulberry Street Little Italy Official Website https://www.lisaprojectnyc.org Google Maps https://maps.google.com/?q=176+Mulberry+Street+New+York+NY One of the most photographed murals in Little Italy Created by internationally known artist Tristan Eaton Part…

Nolita is one of New York City’s most charming neighborhoods and the perfect place to escape cold weather with warm drinks, hearty meals, and welcoming spaces. Whether you are exploring street art, shopping boutique stores, or enjoying one of the best food tours in NYC, Nolita has plenty of cozy spots to warm up during chilly days. Here is a curated list of the best cold day cozy spots in Nolita that are ideal for warming up, relaxing, and fueling your NYC adventure. 1. Caffe Panna Official Website https://www.caffepanna.com Google Maps https://maps.google.com/?q=Caffe+Panna+New+York+NY • Cozy Italian espresso bar specializing in handcrafted coffee and artisanal gelato flavors • Warm drinks perfect for a cold day including espresso cortado cappuccino chai latte and hot chocolate • Close to Nolita boutiques and within walking distance of the Nolita and Little Italy Food Tour 2. Sweet Chick Nolita Official…

Part 1: Before Todd Lefkovic (owner) knew anything about NYC It all began in 1976 when I watched the movie “Next Stop Greenwich Village.” From that moment on, I was determined to experience Greenwich Village firsthand. The film was set in the 1950s, but now it was the late 1970s. Back then, I lived in Cranford, NJ, which was a 35-minute bus or train ride to New York City. It took me about a year to get the courage to take a trip to New York City with a few friends. After school on a Friday in September 1977, I asked three friends if they were interested in going to NYC on Saturday. They all said, “NYC! How are we going to get there, and what are we going to do when we get there, and how much money…