When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Nice Guy Tours
Why Nice Guy Tours is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Nice Guy Tours offers an exceptional culinary and cultural experience in New York City, perfect for friends looking to explore the city together while savoring authentic flavors. Founded in 2014 by Dante Mercadante, a licensed NYC sightseeing guide known for his warmth and humor, the tours aim to dismantle the stereotype of unfriendly New Yorkers by providing a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere. Guests embark on roughly three-hour walking tours through famed neighborhoods such as Greenwich Village, the Lower East Side, and Astoria. Each tour features over six carefully curated stops at local eateries, including Food Network-recognized pizzerias and award-winning cupcake shops, allowing participants to sample a diverse range of iconic and lesser-known dishes. Beyond food, the tours accentuate history, culture, and storytelling facets of each neighborhood, creating a meaningful connection to the city’s rich heritage. The combination of passionate, knowledgeable guides and a focus on genuine local flavors makes Nice Guy Tours a standout meet-up option for friends seeking a memorable social outing combined with culinary exploration in New York City.
Here's what people think of Nice Guy Tours
As of recent, Nice Guy Tours holds a 5-star rating based on 341 reviews.
User reviews highly praise Nice Guy Tours for its outstanding balance of food, education, and friendly service. Positive reviewers frequently highlight the quality and variety of food at each stop, with many appreciating the chance to taste unique dishes they might not have otherwise encountered. Tour guides receive repeated commendations for their knowledge, friendliness, and attentiveness, creating an inviting environment that fosters interaction among participants. Several testimonials mention specific tour guides by name, noting their ability to entertain, inform, and accommodate individual needs, often going beyond expectations—such as helping with subway directions to save guests money. Reviewers also value the storytelling that complements the tastings, which enriches their understanding of NYC’s neighborhoods and history. On the less common negative side, some users find the walking portion physically demanding or wish for more stops or longer time at certain locations. A few express minor concerns about group size affecting the intimacy of the experience. Overall, the overwhelmingly positive feedback, culminating in a perfect 5.0-star rating from over 2,700 customers, underscores that Nice Guy Tours delivers a high-quality, thoughtfully curated, and enjoyable food tour experience that exceeds guest expectations.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Dan E
Ian was a great tour guide. Great tour with a mix of history and 6 food stops. Artichoke Pizza, Bleeker Street Pizza, pommes frites, falafel, cupcake all great and one stop for a rice ball that I didn't like.
Brian Perkins
Nice Guy Tours is amazing. David is friendly, engaging, and very knowledgeable about the city and the food locations we visited. Our group was small and he took us to a few extra viewing locations for pics. The food was great and portion sizes were appropriate. We were stuffed by the end. Overall, this was an awesome experience and a great way to see the Lower East Side.
Kathleen Moriarty
If you’re new to New York and you want an informative, historical and amazing food tour this is the way to go! Dante and his team are fantastic and fun!
Carrie Lee Hedrick
The short review is that we were thrilled to go on this fantastic food tour with Ian as our guide because not only did we eat some yummy food, but we also learned some history along the way. We met up with the group at Molly‘s Cupcakes; it seemed like a weird spot, but they weren’t open when we got there, allowing the tour guide, Ian, to give us a bottle of water and a little rundown of the day letting us know all eateries we stop at. Then, we would end up back at Molly's Cupcake as our last, where we would select which we wanted to eat. Ian was hilarious and knew the history of Greenwich Village. I was thrilled to eat yummy food and learn about NYC’s history. I think there were ten people in our group. The first stop for food was at Artichoke Basille’s for their artichoke pizza, which I had never heard of before, and I visit NYC at least once a year. You eat a third of maybe the biggest slice of pizza I've ever seen. Oh my goodness, it was surprisingly phenomenal. The best artichoke dip I've ever had was on top of crispy dough. The next stop was Mamoun’s Falafel, where we got a pita sandwich with falafel. The falafel was brilliantly made because it was flat instead of round, allowing every bite to be perfect. The next step was to create a side of fancy french fries, well, Pomme Frites. We got to try their six most popular dips with their crispy fries. Our favorites were the orange one, which we thought was curry, and the black truffle mayo. Then we went to Bleecker Street for half of a traditional NY slice of pizza. It was so good. After the pizza, we stopped at Faicco’s for a rice ball and salami. The rice ball with salami might be my favorite bite of the day. You must go into the shop and see all Faicco’s offers to their customers. The last and sweetest stop was back to Molly’s Cupcakes. My hubby and I shared the Nutella Peanut Butter and the Blueberry Cheesecake cupcakes.
Ashley Laman
We recently did the Greenwich village tour with Ian and also the lower East side tour with Emmeline and both were amazing! Ian & Emmeline were amazing guides who shared so much about the neighborhood’s history and culture with us and all the food places they took us to were amazing. We also did another food tour with a different company during our trip and after doing two with Nice Guy Tours and another with someone else I can’t recommend Nice Guy Tours enough. The tour guides were top notch, groups were pretty small which was nice, and the timing/pacing of all the food and stops was perfect.
How to reach Nice Guy Tours
None
Website: None
Why Nice Guy Tours may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Nice Guy Tours with your friends?
Gathering your friends for an exciting and memorable outing is a top priority when choosing a meetup destination, and Nice Guy Tours in New York City offers the perfect combination of food, culture, and fun to make your group meetup extraordinary. Whether you're locals looking to discover hidden gems in your own backyard or visitors eager to dive into NYC’s vibrant culinary scene, this food tour company stands out as an ideal choice. Rated a perfect 5.0 from over 340 reviews, Nice Guy Tours consistently receives high praise for its friendly, knowledgeable guides and delicious, authentic food stops. The experience is not just about eating; it’s about sharing stories, history, and laughter, making it a powerful bonding experience for groups of friends or families. The tours encourage interactive conversations and shared discoveries that foster connections and create lasting memories. Moreover, the engaging storytelling mixed with multiple hearty tastings ensures that no one leaves hungry or unentertained. For any group looking to enjoy New York City through its most cherished flavors while soaking in the city’s rich culture, this tour company offers a seamless, hassle-free, and joyous way to rally together and celebrate friendship over food.
What activities does Nice Guy Tours offer for groups?
Nice Guy Tours specializes in walking food tours across some of the most iconic neighborhoods in New York City, such as Greenwich Village, the Lower East Side, and Astoria. Each tour involves a thoughtfully curated selection of six or more stops that showcase authentic local flavors, ranging from award-winning pizzas to handmade cupcakes and hidden ethnic delicacies. These stops are designed not only to satisfy diverse palates but also to highlight the culinary diversity that defines NYC. What makes the experience especially fun for groups is the opportunity to share tasting plates, compare favorites, and discover new cravings together. Along the way, guides weave the city’s evolving history and cultural anecdotes into the narrative, transforming each bite into a lesson about the neighborhood’s identity. This immersive storytelling aspect keeps groups engaged and sparks lively discussions, making the tour more than just food sampling but a culturally enriching adventure. Walking together encourages bonding and naturally creates a social atmosphere, ideal for friends or family catching up. The tours typically last around three hours, striking a perfect balance of activity and downtime to keep energy high without feeling rushed.
Why is Nice Guy Tours perfect for a group meetup?
Nice Guy Tours is uniquely suited for groups because it caters to more than just individual taste buds — it focuses on shared experience and community. The small group size of tours allows for personal attention from the guides who are not only experts but also pride themselves on being warm and approachable. The founder, Dante Mercadante, infuses each tour with charm and humor, often drawing from his background in comedy and acting, which turns the whole outing into a lively event filled with fun and laughter. Flexibility is another important factor, with a straightforward, all-inclusive pricing model and a cancellation policy that provides peace of mind, which is crucial when coordinating with friends or family. The wide variety of neighborhoods served means groups can select an area that best fits their interests or even plan multiple tours for an extended social event. Moreover, the tours are walkable but accessible, providing a comfortable pace for participants of all ages and activity levels, making it easy to accommodate mixed groups. Customer reviews frequently highlight how the experience brings people closer, whether locals or tourists, underlining its effectiveness as a social catalyst.
How do the guides at Nice Guy Tours enhance the experience for groups?
The guides at Nice Guy Tours are key to why group members enjoy every minute of their tour. These licensed, local experts offer deep insider knowledge peppered with humor and personal stories that make each neighborhood come alive vividly for participants. They tailor their commentary to the group’s interests where possible, ensuring everyone feels included and engaged. Reviews often mention guides like Ian, David, and Dante by name, noting their enthusiasm, approachability, and ability to keep the group entertained for hours. Beyond mere narration, these guides foster a friendly atmosphere by encouraging questions, facilitating introductions among group members, and making sure food preferences or dietary needs are accommodated. Their passion for New York’s food culture is infectious, inspiring participants to see the city through a new, appreciative lens. For groups, this personalized and warm guidance transforms what could be a simple food crawl into a memorable social event full of discoveries, shared laughter, and meaningful connections.
What makes the food stops on Nice Guy Tours unique and appealing for a group?
The food stops on Nice Guy Tours are carefully handpicked to ensure authenticity and quality, bringing the best flavors NYC has to offer directly to taste buds eager for variety and excellence. Each stop typically features specialties from iconic establishments — from Food Network celebrated pizzerias to beloved local bakeries known for their award-winning cupcakes. This curated approach allows groups to experience a broad spectrum of tastes that showcase the city’s multicultural culinary roots. Sharing these bites with friends or family adds to the convivial spirit, as you compare opinions and learn about the significance behind each dish. The tours emphasize smaller, satisfying portions over full meals, creating the perfect environment for tasting multiple types of cuisine without overwhelming any one person’s appetite. Additionally, the opportunity to visit multiple stops in one outing means your group can bond over a progressive dining experience, moving through vibrant neighborhoods while sampling and socializing. This variety and quality attract food lovers and casual eaters alike, making it an ideal meeting spot for diverse groups who appreciate good eats and good company.
How does Nice Guy Tours support group planning and customer service needs?
One of the standout features of Nice Guy Tours is its exceptional customer service designed to make group planning straightforward and stress-free. The company’s responsive team, including the owner Dante himself, often provides personal assistance when groups have inquiries or special requests, setting it apart from more impersonal tour experiences. The booking process is clear and transparent, with no hidden fees — the ticket price covers all tastings and guided commentary — which simplifies budgeting for group outings. The flexible cancellation policy also offers reassurance, particularly important when coordinating busy schedules among friends or family. According to customer feedback, even when tours are fully booked, the staff takes time to provide helpful information and alternative suggestions, showing genuine care for customer satisfaction. This attention to detail in service ensures that group organizers can relax knowing they are working with a reliable, friendly team committed to delivering a top-tier experience. This level of support is particularly valuable for first-time visitors to NYC or large groups looking for a memorable and well-managed event.
What neighborhoods and tour themes are available for groups interested in Nice Guy Tours?
Nice Guy Tours offers diverse themed tours through some of New York City’s most culturally rich neighborhoods, making it easy for groups to select a tour that matches their interests or culinary curiosity. Popular experiences include the Greenwich Village tour, where groups enjoy pizza, cupcakes, and tales of bohemian history; the Lower East Side tour, known for its mix of immigrant food traditions and hip eateries; and the Astoria tour, which highlights amazing Greek and Mediterranean flavors with a cultural twist. These neighborhoods each provide a unique backdrop and culinary focus, ensuring that repeat customers can experience very different atmospheres and tastes on separate visits. The variety of themes allows groups to customize their meetup to whether they prefer classic NYC staples, cutting-edge culinary trends, or ethnic cuisines reflecting the city’s melting pot culture. In every tour, participants get to explore vibrant streets, discover hidden gems, and learn about the local history through stories that complement every taste. This diversity makes Nice Guy Tours an attractive option for any group wanting to savor the many faces of New York City’s food landscape.
What makes Nice Guy Tours a highly rated choice for group meetups?
Nice Guy Tours consistently earns top ratings because it blends food, education, entertainment, and community into a seamless experience that groups truly appreciate. With an impressive 5.0 rating from hundreds of reviews, the company has proven its ability to satisfy diverse crowds with a combination of friendly guides, well-selected food stops, and engaging storytelling. Many reviewers highlight the balance between quality and quantity of food, the personal touch from guides who take time to connect with participants, and the educational value that turns each stroll into a cultural journey. The welcoming atmosphere and ability to accommodate various group sizes and interests make it particularly well suited for celebrations, birthdays, family gatherings, or casual catch-ups with friends. The founder’s vision to showcase a “nice” side of New York and connect people through food resonates strongly with patrons, adding a feel-good factor that elevates the entire outing. This reputation for excellence makes Nice Guy Tours a reliable and exciting option for anyone looking to make their next group meetup in NYC special and delicious.