NYC Bustronome Lunch Tour

If you’re looking for a way to combine sightseeing with a touch of luxury, the NYC Bustronome Lunch Tour offers a pretty intriguing option. This experience promises to serve up not just a scenic tour of Manhattan’s most famous sights but also a gourmet meal, all from the comfort of a glass-roofed double-decker bus. Think of it as a moving restaurant, where you’ll enjoy high-quality food while cruising past landmarks like Times Square, Central Park, and the Empire State Building.

What makes this tour stand out is its unique setting—a sleek, glass-roofed bus that lets you take in the city lights or daytime skylines without losing sight of the sights around you. Plus, the chef-crafted seasonal menu adds a layer of culinary delight that’s rare in typical sightseeing tours. On the downside, it’s a relatively short experience—just 1.5 hours—and only non-alcoholic drinks are served onboard, which might be a consideration for some.

If you’re a lover of good food, stunning views, and a touch of exclusivity, this tour could be a perfect fit. It’s especially suited to those who want to experience NYC from a different perspective without the hassle of crowded restaurants or long waits. It’s also a great option if you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a memorable foodie sightseeing outing.

Key Points

• Stylish setting: Dine in a glass-roofed double-decker bus for panoramic city views.
• Gourmet menu: Seasonally crafted 4-course lunch or 6-course dinner by Chef Ashley Kim.
• Short but sweet: The experience lasts about an hour and a half, making it easy to fit into a busy day.
• Scenic tour: See NYC’s iconic landmarks while enjoying restaurant-quality service.
• Limited seats: Small groups (up to 8 people) ensure a more intimate and personal experience.
• No alcohol onboard: Only non-alcoholic beverages are included, but drinks can be purchased separately.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience: What It’s Like to Dine on a Double-Decker Bus

When we picture a city tour, images of crowded buses or long lines often come to mind. But the Bustronome flips that idea on its head. The bus itself is a sleek, luxurious vehicle with large windows and a glass roof that allows for 360° views—whether it’s daytime or night, you’re always in a prime position to take in the scenery.

The interior feels like a fine dining restaurant, with comfortable, climate-controlled seating and table service. This isn’t a hurried meal—each course is served with care, and the curated background music sets a relaxed, elegant tone. It’s a good balance of sightseeing and savoring, giving you the chance to focus on the food and the views without feeling rushed.

The Route and Landmarks

While the exact route may shift depending on the day or special events, the tour covers the most recognizable sights of New York. You’ll pass by landmarks such as Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. The guidance is enhanced by an interactive app that offers extra details about each site, making the experience both visual and informative.

From reviews, it appears that the viewing experience is highly praised. Many mention how the panoramic windows allow for fantastic photo opportunities. One guest noted they’d love to redo the tour at night to see the city lights sparkle—an idea many agree with, especially given NYC’s stunning skyline after dark.

Food and Service

Chef Ashley Kim’s seasonal menu is designed to impress. Guests have reported the dishes as “exquisite” and “delicious,” with some mentioning the food as a highlight of the tour. The menu features a variety of carefully selected products in a 4-course lunch or a 6-course dinner, providing enough variety to satisfy many palates.

Staff members like Sofia and Ivan are repeatedly praised for their professionalism and friendliness. The service feels personal and attentive, elevating the overall experience. Guests love how attentive and accommodating the crew is, making you feel special even in such a compact space.

The Pros and Cons

Pros:
– The visual spectacle of NYC from inside a glass-roofed vehicle is truly a treat.
– The quality of food is a step above typical tour fare, perfect for food lovers.
– The small group size ensures a cozy, less crowded atmosphere.
– The app-guided insights add educational value without detracting from the experience.

Cons:
– The tour is only 1.5 hours, which might feel brief for those wanting a more extensive sightseeing day.
– Only non-alcoholic beverages are included—if you want wine or cocktails, you’ll need to purchase separately.
– The route can be adjusted based on city events, so it might not always cover every landmark you hope to see.

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Price and Value

For $87 per person, the tour offers a unique blend of sightseeing and fine dining. Considering the quality of the meal, the personalized service, and the exclusive setting, many guests find it is good value for a special occasion or a memorable day in NYC. It’s not a budget tour, but the experience feels special enough to justify the cost.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for foodies who want to combine a culinary delight with sightseeing. It’s perfect for couples celebrating a special occasion, small groups looking for an intimate adventure, or anyone wanting a different take on NYC’s landmarks. However, if you’re after a long, in-depth tour or a lively party scene, this may not be the best fit.

Travelers who appreciate comfort and exclusivity will find this tour a refreshing alternative to typical city excursions. And if you’re the kind of person who enjoys sharing photos of beautiful vistas and elegant meals, you’ll especially love this experience.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for children?
While not explicitly mentioned, the tour is designed for small groups and an adult dining experience. It might be suitable for older children who can sit quietly and enjoy the meal, but it’s not specifically tailored for families with very young kids.

Are beverages included?
Only non-alcoholic drinks are served onboard. If you wish to have wine, cocktails, or other alcoholic beverages, you can purchase them separately.

How long does the tour last?
The experience is approximately 1.5 hours, making it manageable even with a busy schedule.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Where do I meet for the tour?
The meeting point is W 58 St/Broadway, in front of Nordstrom. Directions are clear, and the small group size means you’ll find it easily.

Is the route fixed or flexible?
The route covers major NYC sights but may be modified based on city events or other considerations.

What kind of menu is served?
You’ll enjoy a carefully curated seasonal menu, with options for either a 4-course lunch or a 6-course dinner. The menu must be booked at least 48 hours in advance.

Is the bus climate-controlled?
Yes, the seats are comfortable and climate-controlled, suitable for any season.

Can this experience be booked for special events?
Absolutely. It can be hired for occasions like weddings, birthdays, or corporate events, with or without restaurant services.

Is this experience available at night?
While most bookings are in the afternoon, guests have expressed interest in doing the tour at night to enjoy the city lit up—something you might want to inquire about when booking.

Final Thoughts

The NYC Bustronome Lunch Tour is a standout way to see the city with a refined twist. It combines the visual pleasure of Manhattan’s most recognizable sights with the pleasure of a gourmet meal, all within a cozy, intimate setting. It’s perfect if you’re after a short, memorable experience that balances sightseeing with excellent food.

While it may not satisfy those seeking a lengthy or very active tour, it excels as a charming, high-quality outing. It’s especially suited for those celebrating something special or simply wanting a different perspective on NYC.

If you value comfort, exclusivity, and delicious food with your sightseeing, this is an experience you’ll remember fondly. Just remember to plan ahead, especially for menu options, and prepare to enjoy the city from a truly unique vantage point.

Enjoy your trip, and I hope this helps you decide whether the NYC Bustronome Lunch Tour fits your travel style!

You can check availability for your dates here: