Viator Rating : 5 (817 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 7.8/10 (Solid Experience)
New York City
NYC Mafia Walk: True Crime, Food & Retired NYPD
180
Overview
True Crime NYC: Mafia Walk with Ret. NYPD Detective & Local Food takes people into the real world of the New York City Mafia. This walking tour, led by retired NYPD detectives and people who lived in Little Italy, shows spots other tours miss. The tour gives an insider’s look at the East Village and Little Italy's crime history.
What to Expect: The experience starts with a special tasting at a famous Mafia "Red Sauce Joint" seen in shows like "The Sopranos" and "Life After Goodfellas." Guests taste spaghetti at one of NYC's oldest Italian restaurants. The tour visits notorious Mafia and crime spots, sharing true stories about the neighborhood's gang history. Stops include the East Village Mafia origins, Second Avenue Prohibition history, an urban garden in Little Italy, the Gambino Family Social Club, and a taste of Sicilian cannoli.
What's Included: The tour includes a spaghetti tasting, snacks, and stories from retired NYPD guides who are NYC Mafia experts. It operates in all weather. What's Excluded: Gratuities and drinks are not included, but drinks can be bought during the tour. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Safety (9 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Upsell Risk (9 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Mobility (8 - Easy / Accessible) : Comfortable for most people
Guide Quality (9 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (9 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Crowd Density (5 - Standard) : Normal crowd, some waiting or tight spots
Logistics (7 - Friction) : Issues but experience continued
Pacing (7 - Uneven) : Inconsistent or mixed pacing
Instagram Factor (7 - Scenic) : Some good photo moments
Highlights
Eat Like a Mobster: Enjoy a spaghetti tasting at a real Mafia restaurant.
Hear Real Mafia Stories: Listen to true crime stories from retired NYPD detectives.
See Secret Spots: Visit hidden locations known only to locals and insiders.
Walk Through History: Explore the East Village and Little Italy's crime history.
Sentiment Analysis
Guides share interesting stories about the Mafia.
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Food tastings are a fun part of the tour.
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The guides are knowledgeable and engaging.
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People get to see real Mafia hangouts.
Some people wish there was more food.
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The tour might be too long for some.
The Journey
East Village & Little Italy
Delve into the heart of New York's Mafia history with a walking tour through the East Village and Little Italy. Discover the notorious stomping grounds of infamous Mafia leaders like Lucky Luciano, Myer Lansky, Joe Bonnano, and John Gotti. This immersive experience offers a rare glimpse into the clandestine world of organized crime, enhanced by a traditional, full-sized cannoli from a local bakery, a far cry from typical tourist fare.
NYC "Red Sauce Joint" (302 E 12th Street)
Begin your Mafia pilgrimage at a classic NYC 'Red Sauce Joint' on 302 E 12th Street, a historic haunt frequented by members of New York's most powerful crime families and purportedly founded by Lucky Luciano himself. Immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere where underworld history was made, starting with a welcoming plate of spaghetti.
East Village Mafia Origins
Unravel the complex origins of the Mafia in New York City within the vibrant streets of the East Village. Explore the intricate hierarchies of each crime family, from the foot soldiers to the capos and the 'Boss.' Walk in the footsteps of famed mobsters like Lucky Luciano, Joe 'the Boss' Masseria, John Gotti, 'Vinny the Chin,' and 'Crazy Joe' Gallo, and delve into their dramatic lives and notorious crimes.
Second Avenue Prohibition History
Step back in time and explore Second Avenue's rich Prohibition history. Discover hidden gems and lesser-known spots along this famous avenue, revealing the secrets and stories of a bygone era of speakeasies, mobsters, and illicit activities often missed by typical tours. A chance to see a different side of the city's past.
Urban Garden (Little Italy)
Discover an unexpected connection between a thriving urban garden and the New York Mafia in the heart of Little Italy. Uncover the intriguing story of how this green oasis ties into the history and operations of organized crime in the city, revealing a unique and surprising facet of the neighborhood's past.
Gambino Family Social Club (Little Italy)
Gain insider insights into the Gambino crime family and the enigmatic John Gotti at this unassuming social club in Little Italy. Hear firsthand accounts from a local who lived through the reigns of Carlo Gambino and John Gotti, as they recount how the 'Teflon Don' operated his elusive family business from this very location.
Sicilian Cannoli (Little Italy)
Conclude your Mafia experience with a delectable 'dolce'—a cream-filled Sicilian cannoli—from the best pastry shop in Little Italy. This nearly 100-year-old gem, frequented by locals and operated by close friends, offers an authentic taste of Italy, far removed from the shadows of crime but deeply rooted in the neighborhood's cultural fabric.
Cannoli (Little Italy)
Indulge in the best cannoli Little Italy has to offer, from our close friends who have operated this gem for almost 100 years. Enjoy a generously sized cannoli, a far cry from the typical mini tourist versions, and savor the authentic flavors of Sicily in this classic Italian-American neighborhood.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes a spaghetti tasting at a famous Mafia restaurant, snacks, and insider stories from retired NYPD guides. Gratuities and drinks are not included, but drinks are available for purchase. The tour operates in all weather conditions. The meeting point is in the East Village, and the tour ends in Little Italy.
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes because you will be walking a lot. Also, bring some extra money if you want to buy drinks or souvenirs along the way.
Review Summary
People finds this tour highly entertaining and unique due to the authentic insider perspective from retired NYPD detectives who grew up in the area, with frequent praise for the knowledgeable guides, great food like spaghetti and cannoli, and fresh stories not found on typical tours.[2][8] Positive mentions include the well-handled large groups and engaging vibe different from average tours. No significant negatives are noted in available reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
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