East Village Food and History Walking Tour

Tony Rosenthal's Alamo, 1967, the monumental 15' Cor-Ten steel sculpture, also known as the Astor Place Cube, is without dispute Rosenthal's best-known and beloved public art sculpture, considered a New York and public art landmark, was first installed as part of Doris C. Freedman's Sculpture in Environment installation, sponsored by New York's administration of recreation & cultural affairs.(30 min)

The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, established in 1859, is among the nation's oldest and most distinguished institutions of higher education. The college, founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist, Peter Cooper, offers a world-class education in art, architecture and engineering as well as an outstanding faculty of humanities and social sciences.(15 min)

From it’s humble origins as an Irish working man’s saloon — cheese and crackers on the house-beer for pennies to its rediscovery by the mainstream in a 1940’s NEW YORKER magazine profile. McSorley’s is steeped in a cultural cacophony of Americana. Presidents, residents, authors and thieves — the lot of humanity have sat and shared, all abiding by McSorley’s golden rule “Be Good or Be Gone”.(pass by)

Eighth Street in Manhattan between Third Avenue and Avenue A is known as St. Mark's Place—arguably the East Village’s most notable street and a place bursting with culture via its retail shops, street vendors, restaurants and nightlife. In a city that is gentrifying more and more every day, St. Mark's Place maintains its gritty and authentic feel.(30 min)

Ray's Candy Shop, an iconic NYC institution since 1974, holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. With 50 years of history, Ray's is renowned for serving up the best fries, shakes, soft serve, egg creams, deep-fried Oreos, and more. Join the tour to experience firsthand the flavors and nostalgia of this beloved neighborhood gem.(15 min)

Village Square Pizza, nestled in the heart of the East Village in New York City, offers a unique take on America's beloved classic. With five locations spanning downtown to uptown, they specialize in crafting gourmet New York-style pizza using a cherished family recipe passed down through generations. Each slice tantalizes the senses with a perfect balance of crunch, crispiness, taste, sweetness, and savory flavors. Committed to excellence, Village Square Pizza maintains the highest quality standards, ensuring premium ingredients and exceptional customer service at all times.(15 min)

This popular park in the middle of the East Village is a perfect centerpiece for its eclectic neighborhood, which houses artists, radicals, fashion lovers, and those who have lived in the neighborhood for decades and witnessed its many changes.(15 min)

St. Mark’s Church-in-the-Bowery has 350 years of history! It’s New York’s oldest site of continuous religious practice, and the church itself second-oldest church building in Manhattan.(15 min)

Having recently celebrated its 127th Anniversary, Veniero's Pastry stands as a revered landmark in New York City since its establishment in 1894 by founder Antonio Veniero. Originally a pool emporium and café, Veniero served his delectable baked goods to patrons. Over time, his Italian pastries and cakes garnered acclaim, earning awards in Rome, Bologna, and at the New York World’s Fair. Today, the pastry shop retains much of its original charm, boasting hand-stamped metal ceilings, intricately designed etched glass doors, meticulously polished wood mirrors, and opulent marble floors, painstakingly restored after nearly a century of use.(15 min)