About this Event
Step into the world of New York’s true-crime history on a Mafia Walking Tour led by a retired NYPD detective.
Follow in the footsteps of mob legends, crooked cops, and neighborhood characters as you explore the East Village and Little Italy, two of Manhattan’s most storied neighborhoods.
We’ll begin with a behind-the-scenes visit to John’s of 12th Street, a historic red-sauce restaurant famous for its Mafia ties, where you’ll enjoy spaghetti & meatballs. From there, we’ll continue on foot through hidden corners of the city, making two additional food stops — each at a local, family-owned spot serving authentic Italian favorites, including a handmade Sicilian cannoli from a pastry shop established in 1931.
Throughout the tour, your retired-detective guide shares real-life stories and insider experiences — not just the history, but what it was like to work these streets and investigate these neighborhoods.
This is not a scripted history tour — it’s an authentic, local experience told by someone who lived it.
Agenda
John’s of 12th Street
Info: Behind-the-scenes introduction to NYC’s Mafia history, plus spaghetti & meatballs tasting.
East Village Landmarks
Info: Pass by true-crime sites such as St. Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery and other Mafia-related locations.
Nolita / Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Info: Stories of the Five Families and neighborhood life through the eyes of a retired NYPD detective.
Second Food Stop
Info: Sampling another Italian favorite (menu varies depending on the day).
Little Italy Final Stop – La Bella Ferrara or Caffè Roma
Info: End the tour with a full-size handmade Sicilian cannoli and final stories from your guide.
Event venue & nearby stays
John's of 12th Street Italian Restaurant, 302 East 12th Street, New York, United States
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