Testimonials
"Thanks for a great show and for another book list that looms like
my guilty conscience."
Phil S.
“The highlight of my visit”
“Literary / Beer Nerd Heaven”
“Poetry, Prose, Tipples, and Tales!”
“Meet, Drink, and Be Merry”
“Books, History, and Booze, Oh My!”
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I love the Literary Pub Crawls! I've done both the Village and Brooklyn and had a great experience on both. It combines all my favorite things - good conversation, day-drinking, walking around my favorite city, and great stories about literature and history! Thank you Eric and Miranda for giving me two great tours - coming back with more friends!
Amy P. from Richmond, VA
Excellent way to spend part of a Saturday. We had an excellent time and highly recommend the Pub Crawl.
John D. from Del Monte Forest, CA
This was great!! Nice to learn a bit, see the buildings, and be able to have some drinks along the way. The guides were very knowledgeable and clearly very passionate about the subject: made the tour great.
Angela R. from Manasquan, NJ
Great tour! The guides were friendly and entertaining. They kept the stories and facts coming but did it in a way that wasn't boring or confusing for those of us who may not have read all the authors discussed. I even ended up looking up more information about some of the authors after first hearing about them on the tour. We stopped at about 4 bars and since it was early afternoon the group pretty much had each place to ourselves. The only downside was that there wasn't too much time in each bar so you had to down your beer pretty quickly and many places were cash only. But, overall, it was a great afternoon. I'd definitely do it again!
Julia F. from Washington, DC
I'm a born and raised New Yorker, and this tour was one of the most fun (and insightful!) experiences I've ever had in NYC!
Lauren V. from East Quogue, NY
I highly recommend this walking tour (hence the 5 stars). My sister was visiting me for the weekend and we were looking to do something that incorporated learning and alcohol. She found the Greenwich Village Literary Pub Crawl and we figured it was the perfect fit. You meet at a legendary Greenwich Village tavern and get some background about the area's history. From there, you walk through the neighborhood stopping at author's former (or rumored to be) residences. Additionally, they provide you with a great history of the architecture and culture of the area. Our tour also stopped at the historic Stonewall Inn. The tour consists of visiting 3 different bars and various sidewalk stops in between. The guides were very knowledgeable and entertaining. The only piece of advice I would give is to make sure you have cash as all of the bars we attended did not accept credit cards. Also, by no means must you be a literary buff to enjoy this tour. We really enjoyed ourselves and I plan on bringing more visitors when they come to town!
Abigail O. from New York, NY
Went on a great tour with Eric, he was very knowledgeable and funny. Would definitely recommend. It was a tour in partnership with Village Preservation, really cool to learn about all the cool land marked sites and everything.
Dylan G. from New York, NY
This is a wonderful tour! Our guides, Jillian and Rob, were not only knowledgeable, but also eager and passionate about leading the tour. They spoke clearly, loud enough for all of us to hear even on loud streets, and I could tell they enjoy the tour. Jillian and Rob went into perfect detail about the writers of that time (both well known and some that I'd never heard of). I would recommend taking down notes if you want to expand your American Literature library. In addition to the facts, our guides also recited quotes and poems with passion and gusto. Also, they gave tons of little anecdotes about what life was like in early Greenwich Village. They even had a lot to say about the architecture of the neighborhood. The tour takes you through the heart of Greenwich Village and even down the little hidden streets where only locals go. We visited three bars over the course of 3 hours, so the drinks were spaced out for a nice afternoon buzz. Will return again!
Jessie T. from Fairbanks, AK
This is such a great tour with both a literary element and a historical one. The tour leader and guides are a fountain of information.The Village is such a great place to stroll around in and learning about its legendary group of authors and its architecture while having a few drinks makes for a fantastic afternoon. Most of all they make it fun and interesting.
Timothy G. from Lindenhurst, NY
The tour leader was very knowledgeable, had some great stories to tell, and was a lot of fun to be around. I love old bars and pubs, there's such a sense of history in these places- the old wood seems to retain a whiff of the energy expended and the alcohol consumed by the characters who've graced these establishments. I also love writing and literature, and I enjoyed getting to see where some of my favorite writers drank, worked, relaxed, caroused, and drew inspiration from the people around them. Highly recommended, especially for those who like reading, writing, and drinking (not necessarily in that order), and a great way to see some of the most authentic parts of NYC.
Peter S. from Brooklyn, NY
I was invited by a friend to come and check out this Pub Crawl in Greenwich Village, and was hooked when he mentioned Jack Kerouac, the White Horse Tavern, and beer. The guides are engaging, charismatic and are full of New York literary knowledge. I recommend anyone to use their Saturday afternoon walking in the footsteps of some of their favorite authors! Cheers!
Aaron S. from Phoenix, AZ
This tour is a blast. My wife and I are both native New Yorkers, part-time writers, avid readers, and history buffs. This tour of the West Village and it's literary legacy seemed practically tailored to us. I'd heard about the tour while doing research on a book I am writing about Jack Kerouac's later years (he and his fellow beat writers were occasional denizens of the Village and Kerouac's story features prominently in the tour). I spoke with guide Eric Chase at length- he's been leading the pub crawl for more than a decade- who was an encyclopedia of knowledge about the beats in general and Kerouac in particular. He was extremely patient with me and my questions. We went to three bars in the Village and between each stop, made our way through the labyrinthine streets of the neighborhood discussing things from architecture to John Wilkes Boothe. The tour lasts three hours, but the afternoon positively flies by (possibly due to the day-drinking).
Joseph M. from Metuchen, NJ
What can I say except that this was ridiculously fun! What a fabulous afternoon activity in this crazy city. You should go and bring family or friends of all ages! An energetic, enthusiastic, educated, and vibrant tour was enjoyed by all. Literary nerds and non-nerds alike will have a good time with this and there is SO much history in the Village. We had a big group and the tour guide managed to engage everyone. I highly recommend this as the best Lit Pub Crawl around.
Z S. from New York, NY
Had a wonderful time. Great way to see the city, have a beer or three and learn about some famous authors' watering holes. I would highly recommend this.
Justin P. from New York, NY
Great time! Tour guide was fun, friendly and knowledgeable. Would highly recommend to anyone interested in the rich and fun history of Greenwich Village! Plus great pubs!
Nina S. from New York, NY
This pub crawl experience was given to me as a gift, and I'm happy to say it's one of the nicest gifts I've ever received and one of the best experiences I've ever had. Even as a native New Yorker, I learned so many things and saw so many hidden treasures I didn't know existed.
Eric, our guide, was fantastic. Not only was he down to earth, he was incredibly knowledgeable, charismatic, and quite the raconteur; he'd burst into a classic recital of Shakespeare, Kerouac, Millay, and so on at any given moment. My own knowledge of literary history paled in comparison to his. It was four years of Literary History 101 crammed into two hours, or should I say five hours, because Eric was so good and so easy to chat with, we continued the tour well past the scheduled time. We shared Jameson's and beers and tales of the lit world and tales of New York.
It wasn't a day of 'tours', but rather a day with a new friend who shared my passion for the written word. This is so far above the cliched NY tours--whether you are poet, novelist, essayist, thespian, or someone looking to do NYC in a way you've never imagined, this is the experience you want. It was, in every way, the perfect day.
Kevin F. from Hightstown, NJ
This tour was fantastic. As a NYC native, i highly recommend going on this pub crawl. It would be a great date, or girl's day, where you can hang with amazing, friendly and knowledgeable tour guides, gain some insight into the village, and have a dash of culture with your beer. Wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking some of the oldest streets in NY, and bring cash for those drinks.
Nicole A. from New York, NY
That was amazing! My girlfriend was interested in this tour, to tell the true - I was not sure about me) But that was a mistake, I like it so much, knowledgeable guides, interesting stories and amazing historical background - for sure I recommend it to everyone!
Andrey D. from Beverly Hills, CA
A group of children's writers all met in NYC for this pub crawl! To say a good time was had by all doesn't nearly describe it! We laughed, we drank, and we were serenaded - along with learning fun tidbits of our literary and historical past! Thank you! GVLPC!!! We hope to book a Brooklyn tour before the summer is over!! The guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and just plain fun!
K P. from Jackson, NY
On a very cold and rainy/snowy January day, several other teachers and I took this tour and loved every minute of it. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable, interesting and funny. We had time at each place to hang out and get to know other group members, have some drinks and chat with our guide. I would love to go again in the warmer weather as I'm sure there still so much to learn!!
Ashley M. from Newburgh, NY
We had a fantastic time at this tour. The guides were friendly and approachable. There was a good mix of outdoor walking and indoor drinking (3 pubs and a walk around the neighbourhood). It did start late and run long, so maybe don't plan something directly afterwards.
Jillian W. from New York, NY
Must do in NYC! We had a great time on our tour, even on a cold, overcast day - the walk around Greenwich was very enjoyable. We had the pleasure of touring with Eric, Chrissy & Kelsey - who all contributed to the experience via interesting facts, recitations and anecdotes. The guides' close relationships with the various bartenders gave the tour unique & special 'locals only' feel. They were VERY knowledgeable about the area and the authors. Inspired me to read more Dylan Thomas, Millay and many more - even despite our loose knowledge about the subjects prior to the tour. We loved learning about the history of the bars and the lives of many authors, but also enjoyed information about the local architecture and unrelated sites. Drinking at 3 interesting places was just a cherry on top.
Megan L. from Denver, CO
Such a fun experience! The perfect blend of New York history, literature, humor, and beverages. Great for tourists and locals. This is a really fun way to learn about the history of one of New York City's most famous neighborhoods. The guides are enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and you really get to dig into the deep and interesting past of Greenwich Village. Highly recommend to tourists and locals alike!
Z S. from New York, NY
This tour was awesome! heard some very interesting stories about dynamic writers. &Felt like we were transported back in time. The guides were great and enthusiastic!! Highly recommended for a fun and informative afternoon.
Maureen D. from New York, NY
My book and brunch club came up from Washington DC to do the Greenwich Village Literary Pub Crawl this summer as a special event and naturally we absolutely loved it. It did involve two of our favorite things: reading and drinking. Because we were such a large group, we made up a significant portion of the tour group, which was great because Eric and our other tour guides were able to tailor the experience to literature we had read. Not only were the guides knowledgeable, but also so personable. It really felt like we were drinking with some friends. I think for a lot of us, the tour even inspired us to read more of the writers mentioned on the tour. I've done so many of the tourist things in New York over and over when visiting, but this is actually something I'd like to do again. In fact, our book club even talked about doing it again next year!
Jessica A. from Phoenix, AZ
What would be better for three high school teachers on a school break? A sunny Sunday walking through Greenwich Village visiting local pubs and learning about the writers who frequented them. Our guide, Connor, was very enthusiastic and knew a a lot about the pubs and surrounding area. Toward the end of the tour, two of the establishments on the tour were closed, without notice, but Connor did not miss a beat and brought us to a fun pub. If you are looking for a great tour, great pubs and learning about the city, I highly recommend the Greenwich Village Literary Pub Crawl!
Bari B. from Fremont, NH
We had such an amazing time on this tour! It was a really personal tour that was warm, friendly, informative and a ton of fun. We felt 'schooled' and entertained at the same time. Definitely walked away with so many gems of information, and an extensive reading list inspired by what we learned. Rachel and Kia were brilliant - engaging and knowledgeable. I would recommend this experience to tourist and native alike.
Dani A. from Reno, NV
Took this tour years ago while i was living in NYC. By far the best pub crawl I've ever been on. combining good beer with amazing literary history of the great country we live in was amazing. I tell everyone i know who is going to NYC on vacation that this is a must. And as they are celebrating 20 years of tours id say I'm not the only one who thinks so highly of this walking tour of greenwich village. It was worth every penny and we ended staying out late with some of the tour guides chatting up more history of literature.
Aaron M. from Omaha, NE
Went on a tour for my best friend's birthday and had an incredible time. The literary nerd in me was in heaven--incredibly knowledgeable, friendly and HILARIOUS tour guide Maggie made it the perfect experience. Go on the Greenwich Village Literary Pub Crawl! So many hidden gems are waiting to be discovered.
Courtney A. from Brooklyn, NY
What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Love this tour and have made frequent appearances! Soaked up all of the history of Greenwich Village and the writers who have made GV what it is today, a truly special place. The tour leader and the guides take you on an unbelievable journey filled with history, interesting anecdotes and humor. You will enjoy the pubs, drinks and stories all while taking a beautiful stroll, learning, and making friends along the way. It is very evident that the guides love what they do, and so will you. Couldn't be better, you will enjoy every minute of this fun and fascinating tour.
Claire G. from Amityville, NY
What a fun day! For all those lovers of literature, poetry and the Village. We walked, talked books, read poetry and saw where authors/poets lived and wrote. Our tour guides - Kia and Cedric - were wonderful! We will definitely take the tour again and recommend to friends!
Heather M. from Cincinnati, OH
I always have a hard time finding interesting non-touristy type tours and events to do with my parents when they visit me in the city, and this was a great find! The guide was really knowledgeable about not only the literary works inspired by the 3 pubs we visited, but the rich history of the West Village in general. Since our tour was small (only 7 of us), he catered to the group's interests, stopping along the way to show us some iconic television and movie locations and various other curiosities in the Village. Would definitely recommend this tour for all book-nerds and history enthusiasts!
Sammi L. from New York, NY
What a great way to spend an afternoon in New York! Our guide, Rachel, was entertaining and very informative. We Loved the walk around Greenwich Village and all the great stories. We would definitely recommend this tour!
Barbara L. from Houston, TX
Excellent! I loved this tour so much I did it twice! Guides are fun, friendly, and knowledgeable. The taverns are unique and meaningful and we enjoyed the readings throughout the trip. They can tailor the experience to meet your needs if you're bringing a group. The tour will inspire you to read more and take it again! Very special experience - a hidden gem in NYC!
Kay V. from Bethesda, MD
This tour was perfect! If you have a few hours and want to see Greenwich village, this pub crawl is definitely the way to do it! Dramatic readings, history, pubs, and a guided stroll around Greenwich village. The guides are super cool and down to earth. Every time I come back to NYC I will be doing this!
Mamie C. from New York, NY
I went with my daughter last April! We had a blast . My daughter is a writing major and she really found this tour very interesting , but I who is not all the literary knowledgeable also enjoyed and really learned as well as had great conventions and met very nice people!! I would do it again!!
Michele T. from Durham, CT