B Altman building 5th Avenue and 34th Street
I was very thrilled to hear from On Location Tours that they were going to be starting a Marvelous Mrs. Maisel tour of New York City. This show has just taken off like crazy, for good reason, the writing, the fashion, the actors and NYC! I am a huge fan of these tours and they are a great way to see the city and see many famous spots from this Amazon hit show. If you are not watching the show, you really must. It is gold.
The tour takes you to areas of Gramercy, NYU and Bowery and the fabulous Greenwich Village. A good example is the photo above of the old B Altman building, which I never knew it was there at 5th and 34th Street. The store was before my time so I never shopped there, but probably walked past a zillion times and never realized what it was! This is where Midge works in Season One and you will recognize the entrance as she is going up the steps.
My photo during the exhibit at the Paley Center last year
Old Town Bar and Restaurant 45 E 18th Street
This bar originally opened in 1892 under the name Viemeister’s, later taking on the name Craig’s Restaurant to survive Prohibition. It has been used in many shows and movies. This is where Joel hangs out with his friend and everyone keeps calling him there! I have walked past here a few times as well and never really looked closely.
It gives you an old time feel for sure, and not very big.
I loved the old time cash register
I will be back here for sure for a bite to eat when in the area
McSorleys 15 E 7th Street
Many of the interiors were created in a Brooklyn studio, but for outside shots there are many unchanged places in New York City. McSorley's is one of them, which opened in 1854 and didn't allow women inside until the 1970's! This is where Midge took her doctor boyfriend Ben called the Cedar Tavern ( a real place that has closed) to meet the artist Declan Howell. I had never been here so this was quite interesting for me.
The inside is very old school, and not a very big place. The floors have sawdust on them. It really felt like I was stepping back in 1854!
The menu is quite inexpensive and they had quite a few people at the bar and sitting at tables to dine.
The doors looked pretty original too and can you see the sawdust on the floor ?
We were treated to one of New York City's best desserts, a mini black and white cookie! It was so good and a nice treat in the middle of the tour. You are allowed to bring drinks with you or a sandwich if you wish on the bus.
Albanese Meats & Poultry 238 Elizabeth Street
"We got the rabbi !" Albanese Meats is the famous place where Midge and her Mom are buying meat for the Rabbi coming to Yom Kippur. This butcher shop located at Little Italy’s Elizabeth Street – renamed Lutzi’s for the show, though the real name made an appearance in The Godfather Part III . This would be a fun spot to get your photo taken, but trying not to get in the way of the paying customers. This place was way cool, we did not go inside but I may come back.
The Up and Up Cocktails 116 Macdougal Street
How great does our tour guide look ? She was easy to spot when I was looking for the bus as well! This was another place to recognize quickly, the steps going into the Gaslight on the show.
The actual Gaslight where Lenny Bruce and Bob Dylan hung out has been gone for a while, so they use the steps below at Up and Up Cocktails as the exterior. It was located at 116 Macdougal Street in Greenwich Village between 1958 and 1971. I think it works pretty well!
Washington Square Park (architect Stanford White)
Midge ends up in a rally in Washington Square Park with Jane Jacobs who was actually born in Scranton, Pa in 1916 which is where I work. It really is a small world folks. This is a wonderful park to see in person, so much history here and this is where the tour becomes a walking one which is perfect.
We really lucked out for a 50 degree day in December, it was perfect for walking around and enjoying all the neat village spots!
The Music Inn 169 West 4th Street
This is where Susie brings Midge to hear some of the underground comics. The shop is extremely tiny but has so much character. I loved all the musical instruments from the ceiling!
Records galore! Yes, I said records ! They are for sure making a comeback!
The last stop fills in for The City Spoon, Midge's favorite diner and where Joel proposes to her in the street. This place takes cash only and would be very neat to stop in for breakfast, lunch or a snack.
I cannot recommend this tour enough to everyone. It is a great way for those who enjoy the show to see some familiar spots in the city, explore other areas of the city (and then go back on your own), hear some behind the scenes history of the show. One of the stories I loved was that for Season 3, a society lady named Carmela "Rose" Harper hat collection was donated to the show by her family. I just found it so wonderful, what a great way to pass on your vintage fashion than to a show where millions can enjoy! Do consider this tour, or many of the other wonderful tours offered by On Location Tours as you cannot go wrong with any of them!
Mrs. Maisel’s Marvelous Tour of New York City meets on 34th Street and 5th Avenue on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at noon, and lasts for a total of two and a half hours. Tickets are $52 for adults.
FTC Disclosure:
**I was provided with 1 ticket for this tour mentioned in this post free of charge. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post & was not obligated to give a positive review of the product. All opinions expressed here are mine. **
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