New York City Women Owned Businesses Food Tour

An Authentic Taste of Lower Manhattan: The Women-Owned Businesses Food Tour

If you’re looking for a more meaningful way to spend an afternoon in New York City, the Women-Owned Businesses Food Tour offers a blend of delicious bites, local stories, and boutique browsing—all focused on supporting women entrepreneurs. Starting in the West Village and winding through Greenwich Village and SoHo, this approximately 3-hour 15-minute walk is a lively exploration of neighborhoods packed with character, history, and a dash of celebrity lore. It costs $90 per person, which, considering the range of tastings and curated stops, feels like a fair deal.

What we love about this tour is how it balances food, culture, and entrepreneurship. First, the guide —whose knowledge makes everything more engaging— shares the stories behind each stop, from a microbrewery to a bakery, and the significance of supporting women-led businesses. Second, the mix of experiences, from tasting Brazilian treats at Brigadeiro Bakery to browsing chic boutiques in SoHo, keeps things lively and varied.

A potential consideration? The tour involves quite a bit of walking through busy neighborhoods, so comfortable shoes are a must. Also, it’s ideal for those who enjoy small group experiences— with a maximum of 10 travelers, you get plenty of personalized attention without feeling rushed. Perfect for curious food lovers, culture seekers, or anyone wanting to discover NYC through a different lens.

If you enjoy learning about local businesses, sampling unique foods, and strolling charming streets intertwined with pop culture, this tour is likely to satisfy.

Key Points

• Support Women Entrepreneurs: Focused entirely on women-owned small businesses, giving you a chance to learn their stories while enjoying great food.
• Diverse Experiences: From craft beer to Brazilian treats, boutique browsing, and a chic restaurant/bar at the end.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable and personable guides make the history and stories come alive, adding depth to your experience.
• Authentic Neighborhoods: Walk through West Village, Greenwich Village, and SoHo, soaking in their unique architecture and vibe.
• Food & Culture Combo: Tastings at each stop are thoughtfully curated, offering both flavors and insights into NYC’s creative spirit.
• Intimate Group: Small groups ensure a personalized experience, ideal for exploring without feeling crowded.

Digging Deeper into the Experience

This tour really shines in the way it combines culinary discovery with local storytelling. You’ll meet at Talea Beer Co. in the West Village, a trendy microbrewery where your guide introduces you to the brewery’s story and shares some of NYC’s brewing history. The tasting here is casual— you try some beer and enjoy bar snacks— setting a friendly, relaxed tone for the afternoon.

From there, it’s a quick walk to 23 Cornelia Street to see Taylor Swift’s former townhouse. Though only a brief stop, it’s a highlight for music fans— your guide shares stories about her time there and shows photos from inside, making it feel like a personal glimpse into her NYC life. Just across the street, Electric Lady Studios stands as an icon in the music world, recording legends like Beyoncé and Lady Gaga. Standing outside, you’ll get a sense of the creative energy that’s helped shape pop culture.

Walking through Washington Square Park offers a lovely pause. Your guide shares stories of Eleanor Roosevelt’s involvement and the park’s history, including its famous arch and the oldest tree in Manhattan. It’s a place where locals gather, and the park’s history adds a layer of appreciation for the area’s cultural significance.

Next, the tour takes you to Brigadeiro Bakery for Brazilian treats—pão de queijo and brigadeiros—served alongside engaging stories about the woman behind the shop. This stop highlights how women entrepreneurs are bringing global flavors to NYC, and the tasting gives you a sweet, satisfying break.

The boutique shopping at Global Table offers a chance to browse artisanal tableware, emphasizing the importance of supporting small, local businesses. Then, at Pi Bakerie, you’ll sample handmade dolmas and baklava from a family-run operation led by a mother-daughter team, showcasing the tender care that goes into each bite.

A stroll through SoHo reveals the district’s historic Cast Iron architecture— buildings with intricate facades and a vibrant arts scene. Your guide points out architectural details and shares insights into the neighborhood’s evolution from industrial hub to fashionable shopping district.

Before ending at Feste, a fun gift and souvenir shop run by a woman, you’ll have a chance to browse unique items and learn about the woman behind the shop, adding a personal touch to your shopping experience.

Finally, the tour concludes at Odd Sister, a stylish restaurant and bar dedicated to empowering women. Here, you’ll enjoy light bites and drinks in a lively, chic setting— a perfect way to wrap up your afternoon.

Authentic Experiences and Authentic Food

Multiple reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the diversity of stops. Amanda mentions that her family of mixed ages “had the best time,” thanks to the guide’s delightful storytelling. Maggie’s group appreciated the curated experience, highlighting the perfect blend of beer tastings, desserts, boutique browsing, and cocktails.

The variety of tastings— from craft beer to Brazilian sweets, and baked goods— makes this tour especially appealing for those who enjoy trying new flavors without leaving Manhattan. The stops feel well-chosen, each adding a different dimension to the narrative of women-owned businesses and NYC’s neighborhoods.

Practical Details and Value

At $90 per person, the tour offers a good value given the range of experiences included. You get multiple tastings, a guided walk through iconic neighborhoods, and the opportunity to shop at curated boutiques. The small group size enhances the experience, allowing for more interaction and personalized storytelling.

Timing-wise, the 2:00 pm start makes it ideal for an afternoon activity— not too rushed, with plenty of time to soak in the sights and flavors. The walk is manageable, though comfortable shoes are recommended, especially since you’ll be walking through busy streets and parks.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

While the tour is packed with interesting stops, be prepared for some quick visits—photos and short talks at each site. If you’re keen on deep dives into each location’s history or architecture, this might feel a bit brief. Also, since the tour involves outdoor walking in urban settings, weather can influence your experience. On a rainy day, you might find some stops less enjoyable or need to bring an umbrella.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience suits food lovers eager to taste and learn about NYC’s diverse offerings from women entrepreneurs. It’s also excellent for culture and architecture buffs who want a curated walk through charming neighborhoods. The small group setup makes it a good choice for travelers who prefer a more intimate, less hurried pace. Families, couples, or friends who appreciate a blend of history, food, and local stories will find this tour both fun and rewarding.

If you’re a fan of pop culture, you might especially enjoy the stops related to Taylor Swift and Electric Lady Studios. For those who prefer classic sightseeing without food, other tours might be better, but for a flavorful, behind-the-scenes look at NYC’s women-led businesses, this tour hits the mark.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Talea Beer Co.

Starting at Talea Beer Co., you get a taste of the local craft beer scene. It’s a great way to ease into the tour with some casual drinks and snacks. Your guide will share insights about the brewery and NYC’s brewing history, giving you context for the city’s evolving beer culture. The 30-minute stop is relaxed but packed with enough info to make the tasting memorable.

23 Cornelia Street and Electric Lady Studios

Moving to 23 Cornelia Street, you get a glimpse of celebrity life and pop culture, especially if you’re interested in Taylor Swift’s NYC roots. The brief photo stop and story about her time there are engaging, especially for fans. Then, the visit to Electric Lady Studios offers a peek into NYC’s legendary music scene, with stories of famous artists who recorded there. Though you won’t go inside, the exterior and stories make it feel like a backstage pass.

Washington Square Park

The walk to Washington Square Park offers a chance to pause and reflect in one of NYC’s most iconic green spaces. The guide shares tales about the park’s history—from Eleanor Roosevelt’s involvement to its famous arch—adding depth to your visit.

Brigadeiro Bakery and Global Table

Next, the Brazilian treats at Brigadeiro Bakery introduce a global flavor and the story of a woman-led business bringing her culture to NYC. Tasting the sweet brigadeiros and savory pão de queijo is a highlight, especially if you love discovering new sweets. The boutique browsing at Global Table then offers a break from eating—here, you can appreciate the artistry of artisanal tableware and learn about the importance of supporting small businesses.

Pi Bakerie and SoHo

The family-run Pi Bakerie is another heartwarming stop, with handmade desserts and a story of a mother-daughter enterprise. Then, a short walk through SoHo allows you to admire the historic cast iron architecture and soak in the neighborhood’s lively vibe.

Feste and Odd Sister

Feste brings a quirky shopping experience, with unique souvenirs and stories about a woman entrepreneur. The tour concludes at Odd Sister, a woman-empowering restaurant and bar where you can relax with light bites and drinks, celebrating the tour’s theme of women’s entrepreneurship.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers more than just a collection of tastings; it’s a window into the spirit of women-led businesses in New York City. The combination of food, architecture, pop culture, and personal stories creates a layered experience that appeals to a wide range of travelers.

The small group size and knowledgeable guides make it feel personal and engaging, while the varied stops keep things lively. If you’re after a relaxed, fun, and meaningful afternoon that supports local women entrepreneurs and explores some of Manhattan’s most charming neighborhoods, this tour is a solid choice.

For those who cherish a mix of culinary surprises, cultural insights, and authentic storytelling, this experience delivers. Just come hungry, wear comfortable shoes, and be ready for a delightful journey through NYC’s vibrant neighborhoods.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes, allowing enough time to enjoy all the stops at a leisurely pace.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Talea Beer Co. in West Village and finishes at Odd Sister at Mercer Street in SoHo.

What’s included in the price?
The ticket price of $90 covers all tastings, a guided walk, and entrance to certain stops like Talea Beer Co., Brigadeiro Bakery, and Pi Bakerie. The tour also includes a visit to some iconic NYC sites without extra charge.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and the tour is family-friendly. However, the focus on food and walking may be better suited for those comfortable with urban strolling.

How many people will be in my group?
The maximum group size is 10 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, perhaps a small umbrella if rain is forecast, and a curiosity for stories behind women-led businesses and NYC’s neighborhoods.

This women-owned businesses food tour offers a genuine, delicious, and culturally rich way to explore Manhattan, all while supporting the entrepreneurs shaping the city’s vibrant scene. It’s a perfect choice for those wanting an insider’s look combined with a satisfying culinary journey.