Little Italy Prohibition Pub Crawl

A Fun, Slightly Quirky Walk Through Little Italy’s Past

This Little Italy Prohibition Pub Crawl in New York City promises a blend of history, architecture, and a touch of gangster-era intrigue—all wrapped into a 2.5-hour walking tour. For those curious about the city’s past while enjoying some modern-day drinks, this tour offers a unique peek into the speakeasy era.

What we particularly appreciate is the focus on actual speakeasies still operating today—these aren’t just touristy bars, but real, working establishments that have survived the tumult of the 1920s. It’s a chance to learn some history without the usual museum-hopping, plus, if you’re into the gangster stories, you might find this appealing.

A potential downside is that beverages aren’t included in the ticket price, so if you’re hoping for an all-inclusive experience, you’ll need to budget extra for drinks at each stop. Also, the tour’s emphasis on history and architecture over heavy gangster storytelling could leave some expecting more on mob tales somewhat disappointed.

This tour is best suited for curious travelers interested in history, architecture, or authentic NYC speakeasies—whether they want to sip or just absorb the stories. It’s perfect if you’re after a relaxed, small-group experience that offers a mix of cultural insight and a taste of prohibition-era nightlife.

Key Points

• Authentic Speakeasies: Visit actual bars from the Prohibition era still in business today.
• Historical Context: Learn about the gangsters and bootlegging during the 1920s, woven into the walk.
• Small Group: Enjoy a more personal experience with a maximum of 10 travelers.
• Flexible Pace: The tour covers three main stops, allowing for a relaxed exploration of each area.
• Cost Breakdown: The ticket price of $64 doesn’t include drinks, so budgeting extra for beverages is wise.
• Location & Convenience: Starts at Lt. Petrosino Square and ends at Centre Market Place, both centrally located and accessible.

Exploring Little Italy and Nolita: The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point: Nolita
The tour kicks off in Nolita, a neighborhood known for its boutique shops, colorful streets, and charming churches. Here, you’ll get a sense of the area’s evolution from Italian immigrant roots to a trendy, modern destination. The guide will point out historic sites, churches, and eateries that have shaped the neighborhood. You won’t just be walking past facades; you’ll learn about the area’s layered past, which is more than just pizza and pasta.

Midpoint: Little Italy on Mulberry Street
Next, the group moves into the heart of the modern Little Italy. Mulberry Street is still lined with pizzerias, cafes, and souvenir shops, but the tour emphasizes the boundaries of today’s Little Italy. Expect to see the spot where Italian-American culture remains alive, and where travelers flock to snap pictures of the iconic signage. According to one review, this part gives a “general sense of this still popular tourist destination,” which is perfect if you’re after the classic vibe and a chance to soak in the lively atmosphere.

Final Stops: Historic Speakeasies in Nolita
The highlight for many will be the visits to the actual speakeasies. Unlike typical pub crawls, these bars have been around since the Prohibition era and still operate as bars today. You’re likely to encounter bartenders with attitude and maybe even some stories to tell—although, as one reviewer noted, the tour is a little light on gangster tales, with most of the focus on the bars themselves.

You’ll end the tour at Centre Market Place, with plenty of time to stay and explore further or head to your next destination in the city.

What’s Actually Included & What’s Not

Included in the Ticket Price
– Visits to four historic speakeasies (which are still operating today)
– A guided walk through Nolita and Little Italy
– Entrance to each of the venues

Not Included
– Beverages (these are available for purchase at each bar)
– Food (unless specified)
– Extra drinks or snacks outside the tour

This means that although the tour cost is $64 per person, your tab for drinks will be on top of that. Reviewers mentioned that drinks are paid individually at each location, so do budget accordingly if you plan to indulge.

The Guide, Group Size, and Practicalities

With a maximum of 10 travelers, the tour offers a more intimate experience—no large crowds, more chances to ask questions, or get personalized insights. The meeting point at Lt. Petrosino Square is very central, making it easy to reach via public transit. The tour runs rain or shine, so dressing appropriately for weather is advised—smart casual is the recommended dress code.

One reviewer pointed out that the guide was knowledgeable about the prohibition era and shared interesting stories, though some may find the gangster tales somewhat minimal. It’s more about the history of the neighborhoods and the surviving speakeasies than a deep dive into mobster lore.

Value for Money: Is It Worth It?

At $64, the tour offers a well-curated walk with visits to authentic speakeasies, combined with historical insights. While the price does not include drinks, considering the inclusion of four historic venues and the small-group experience, it’s a fair deal. For those genuinely interested in NYC’s prohibition era, the opportunity to step into still-operating speakeasies adds a layer of authenticity that many other tours lack.

However, if you’re expecting a heavy focus on gangster stories or all-inclusive drinks, you might find this tour slightly light on those elements. It’s more about the ambiance, history, and architecture than a boozy binge—though the bars themselves offer the chance to sample craft cocktails if you wish.

Authenticity and Atmosphere

One of the tour’s real strengths lies in visiting bars that started as speakeasies and still host patrons today. These venues have retained their vintage charm, with some bartenders sharing attitude and stories. It’s a rare chance to see how nightlife survived the Prohibition years, and to imagine what it was like to sneak drinks into hidden bars during the 1920s.

The neighborhoods themselves—Nolita and Little Italy—are perfect backdrops. You’ll walk along cobblestone streets, past church facades, and through lively restaurant rows. This isn’t just a pub crawl; it’s a stroll through New York’s Italian heritage and clandestine history.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to combine a walk through iconic neighborhoods with a taste of historical intrigue. It’s well-suited for those who enjoy architecture, history, or just the novelty of visiting authentic speakeasies that haven’t been turned into tourist traps. If you’re not big on drinking, this still works because the focus is more on stories and ambiance.

It’s also perfect for small groups or couples seeking a leisurely, engaging experience without the chaos of larger tours. If you’re interested in gangster tales, you might wish for more of those, but overall, the tour offers a good balance of culture, history, and authentic NYC nightlife.

FAQ

Are drinks included in the tour?
No, drinks are not included in the ticket price. You’ll purchase beverages at each of the speakeasies, which adds to the overall experience but does mean extra spending.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Lt. Petrosino Square in Nolita and ends at Centre Market Place, both centrally located and accessible by public transportation.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, covering three main stops with time to explore each.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, making it a more personal and relaxed experience.

Is the tour suitable in bad weather?
Yes, the tour operates in all weather conditions, so dressing appropriately is recommended.

Is this tour good for history buffs?
Yes, especially if you’re interested in the prohibition era and the history of New York’s neighborhoods; the guide shares stories and insights about the era and the bars’ history.

Can I bring children or service animals?
Service animals are allowed, but the tour is intended for adults. Check with the provider if you have specific needs or concerns.

To sum it up, the Little Italy Prohibition Pub Crawl offers a charming, authentic peek into New York’s Italian neighborhoods and speakeasy history. While it doesn’t include drinks and skews more towards cultural storytelling than mobster tales, it’s a rewarding experience for those who appreciate architecture, history, and the thrill of imagining Prohibition’s clandestine nightlife. It’s especially valuable for travelers seeking a small-group, relaxed tour with genuine, working speakeasies as their backdrop.