Walking Tour: From Coffeehouses to Banquet Halls

Restaurants have played a major role in Chinatown history since the early settlements. The original Chinese eateries in New York catered strictly to the needs of Chinatown’s turn-of-the-century “bachelor society.” Over time, however, Chinatown’s restaurant industry would reflect the neighborhood’s changing immigrant population and needs. This themed walking tour traces the evolution of eateries in Chinatown, highlighting the ways in which these spaces have both shaped and reflected the community.