New York City Women Owned Businesses Food Tour

Exploring NYC’s Woman-Owned Businesses: A Food and Culture Tour in Lower Manhattan

If you’re looking for an experience that combines delicious bites, inspiring stories, and a chance to support small, woman-led businesses, this New York City Women Owned Businesses Food Tour might just be your next favorite way to spend an afternoon. Though I haven’t done this tour myself, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary suggest it’s packed with engaging moments, tasty treats, and a genuine look at some of the city’s vibrant, woman-owned spots.

What really appeals is how it balances food, history, and shopping—all while walking through some of NYC’s most charming neighborhoods. Two things we love are the focus on small, women-run businesses and the variety of tastings—from local craft beers to Brazilian sweets. One potential consideration is that the tour spans about 3 hours and 15 minutes, which is great for most, but might be a bit much if you prefer a more relaxed pace or have mobility concerns.

This tour clearly suits those who enjoy discovering local stories, trying unique foods, and exploring neighborhoods beyond the typical tourist spots. If you’re a curious traveler, a supporter of women entrepreneurs, or simply love sampling the city’s culinary and shopping scene with knowledgeable guides, this could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Focus on woman-owned small businesses makes this tour special and meaningful.
• Diverse stops include food tastings, shopping, and historic sites, providing a well-rounded experience.
• Short walks between stops keep the pace manageable and allow for plenty of stories and surprises.
• Informative guides enhance the experience with local insights and behind-the-scenes stories.
• Affordable at $90 per person for over three hours of engaging exploration.
• Small group size (max 10) ensures a more personalized and intimate atmosphere.

Discovering Lower Manhattan’s Charms

This tour offers an inviting introduction to some of NYC’s most beloved neighborhoods—West Village, Greenwich Village, and SoHo. Each area has its own character, and the tour does a good job of showcasing the highlights, from historic streets to iconic landmarks.

Starting at Talea Beer Co.

Your adventure begins in the West Village at Talea Beer Co., a woman-owned brewery. It’s a warm way to kick off, with beer tastings and snacks to set the tone. The guide shares insights about the brewery and how NYC’s beer scene has evolved. A reviewer noted, “Our knowledgeable guide was a delight,” which hints at how engaging and informative this first stop is.

Visiting Taylor Swift’s Former Home

Next, you get a quick glimpse of Taylor Swift’s old townhouse at 23 Cornelia Street, along with photos of its interior. This personal touch adds a pop culture twist to the tour, and it’s fun to see the places where celebrities have lived. The stop is brief—just five minutes—but it offers a peek into the city’s connection to music and fame.

Electric Lady Studios and Greenwich Village

A highlight is the stop outside Electric Lady Studios, a legendary recording space where artists like Beyonce and Lady Gaga have recorded. Learning about its history and star-studded reputation gives a sense of NYC’s musical heartbeat. It’s a brief stop, but packed with stories.

Relaxing in Washington Square Park

Walking to Washington Square Park, you’ll hear stories about its significance, including its oldest tree and Eleanor Roosevelt’s involvement in saving the park. It’s a peaceful spot with a fascinating backstory, and the 10-minute visit allows for some relaxed sightseeing and photo opportunities.

Tasting Your Way Through the Neighborhoods

The culinary stops are a core part of this tour, offering authentic tastes and stories behind each woman-owned business.

Brigadeiro Bakery

Here, you sample Brazilian treats like pao de quiejo and brigadeiros. The bakery’s founder is a woman, and the owner’s story adds flavor to the sweets. You’ll learn about her journey, which makes the tasting even more meaningful. Multiple reviews praise this stop—one said, “Learned about the female founder who started this shop,” highlighting how personal stories are woven into the experience.

Global Table

This boutique shop showcases artisanal tableware, and a guide will share the shop’s story and its dedication to supporting women entrepreneurs. You’ll get a chance to browse unique pieces, perfect for those who love design or want a special souvenir.

Pi Bakerie

Next, you visit this family-run business to sample handmade baklava and dolmas. The family behind Pi Bakerie is led by a mother-daughter team, and learning about their journey adds depth to the tasting. One reviewer appreciated the curated experience: “It was perfectly curated—beer tasting, desserts, boutique browsing, and cocktails,” capturing the varied highlights.

Exploring SoHo and Odd Sister

As you walk through SoHo, you’ll admire the historic cast-iron architecture and learn about its development. It’s a lively neighborhood with a distinct feel, and the guide’s insights make it even more interesting.

The tour concludes at Odd Sister, a woman-empowered restaurant and bar. Here, everyone gets to unwind with light bites and drinks, wrapping up the experience on a relaxed, friendly note. It’s a perfect way to chat about the day’s discoveries and enjoy some local fare.

Value and Practicality

At $90 per person, this tour offers good value, considering it includes tastings, entry fees to some sites, and personalized storytelling. The small group size (up to 10 people) is ideal for those who want a more intimate experience, without feeling rushed.

The tour’s timing—starting at 2:00 pm—allows for a leisurely afternoon that can easily fit into a day exploring other parts of the city. Most travelers find the pace manageable, and the variety of stops keeps it engaging throughout.

Notable highlights from reviews include:

• “All the guide’s stories made the experience special,” emphasizing the importance of a knowledgeable guide.
• “We had the best time,” from a family group, showing that it suits a wide age range.
• “Perfectly curated,” from a group of friends, highlighting the thoughtful selection of stops.

Considerations

While most will find this tour enjoyable, it does involve walking through neighborhoods, so comfortable shoes are a must. Also, if you have mobility issues or prefer a very relaxed pace, it’s worth noting the overall duration.

Final Thoughts

This Women Owned Businesses Food Tour in NYC stands out as a well-rounded experience that combines history, culture, and culinary delights in a way that supports local women entrepreneurs. It’s perfect for curious travelers who want to see a different side of the city, enjoy tasty bites, and learn inspiring stories along the way.

If you’re into discovering hidden gems, supporting small businesses, and walking through some of NYC’s most iconic neighborhoods, this tour will suit you well. The knowledgeable guides, thoughtful stops, and engaging stories make it more than just another sightseeing outing — it’s a meaningful way to connect with the city’s vibrant spirit and its women-led enterprises.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and reviews mention it being enjoyable for a variety of ages, including families and groups of friends.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes, starting at 2:00 pm.

What is included in the price?
The ticket price covers tastings at several stops, entry to Talea Beer Co., Brigadeiro Bakery, and Pi Bakerie, as well as a light bite and drinks at Odd Sister.

Are there any physical requirements?
The tour involves walking through neighborhoods, so comfortable shoes are recommended. It’s designed to be manageable for most.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted.

Is the tour family-friendly?
While not explicitly marketed as a family tour, reviews suggest it’s suitable for various age groups, especially those interested in food, history, and stories.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Talea Beer Co. on Christopher Street and finishes at Odd Sister on Mercer Street.

Can I purchase souvenirs during the tour?
Yes, shops like Global Table and Feste are stop points, offering unique items and souvenirs.

What if I want to learn more about the businesses we visit?
Your guide will share stories about the women behind each shop or restaurant, making the experience both tasty and educational.

This tour offers a thoughtful way to spend an afternoon exploring NYC’s neighborhoods through the lens of women-owned businesses. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or a supporter of small enterprises, you’ll find plenty to enjoy—and maybe even a new favorite spot or two.