Dinner, city views, no rush.

This Bustronome NYC experience is a glass-roofed double-decker ride where you eat as you pass iconic landmarks. I like the 360° panoramic terrace—it makes the whole thing feel like a show, not just transportation. The seasonal multi-course menu, cooked by master chef Ashley KIM, is built around the trip.

One thing to keep in mind: you’re on a fixed 2-hour route, so if you love wandering off and building your own schedule, this may feel a bit structured. Also, seats are limited, so last-minute booking can be tough.

Key things to notice before you book

• Glass-roofed double-decker dining: Clear views while you eat, with climate-controlled comfort.
• 4-course lunch or 6-course dinner: Seasonal menu options matched to time of day.
• Chef Ashley KIM’s sampling-style menu: You choose the menu plan in advance, then enjoy the meal service onboard.
• Guided app for after the ride: Helps you keep exploring beyond the bus route.
• Food + atmosphere mix: Restaurant-style service and music set the tone during the drive.

Entering Bustronome: where the tour starts on Broadway

The action begins at W 58 St / Broadway, right in front of Nordstrom. It’s a very workable spot for getting there by subway, bus, or a quick walk from nearby Midtown stops.

Because this is a bus-based dining experience, your timing matters more than on a typical walking tour. Plan to arrive a little early so you can get settled before the meal service ramps up. This is especially true in busy seasons when Midtown streets are crowded and lines can form.

If you’re coming with a group, you’ll be happy to know there are tables for up to 8 people, which can help you keep the vibe social without losing that restaurant feeling.

The 2-hour ride that turns NYC landmarks into a meal venue

This experience runs for 2 hours, and it’s usually available in the evening. That time window is a big part of the value. You get a full-feeling NYC “evening program” without committing to a half-day.

The bus tour focuses on New York’s most famous sites, with routes designed around the big names. One practical detail: the route can be modified around key calendar events, so the driving path may shift slightly from day to day. That’s normal, and it can actually be a plus—NYC changes week to week.

What you’re really buying is the combination of:

• Moving views (you’re not stuck staring at one spot)
• A seated meal (you can slow down and enjoy)
• Less logistics than trying to coordinate dinner + sightseeing separately

The trade-off is the one drawback mentioned earlier: the ride is structured. You won’t hop out to see one landmark up close for long. Instead, you’ll take it in from the bus while you eat.

Glass roof and the 360° terrace: how the viewing experience actually works

Bustronome NYC is built around a simple idea: make the city visible from your seat. You’ll be in a luxury glass-roofed double-decker setup with 360° panoramic terrace views. That matters in real life, because you’re in a climate-controlled vehicle and still get the “outside” feeling.

On a top-deck or terrace-style setup, small things make a difference:

• You can look around without craning your neck like you would in a small van.
• The glass roof helps you get views even when weather changes.
• The panoramic setup makes it easier to grab photos without constantly repositioning.

And because this is a dining experience—not a tour bus with snacks—there’s restaurant-style service onboard. That pairing is what makes the whole ride feel special rather than gimmicky.

Chef Ashley KIM’s seasonal menu: lunch vs dinner choices

You’ve got two main meal formats:

• 4-course lunch
• 6-course dinner

Both are seasonally based, so the exact dishes will change depending on when you go. That seasonal approach is useful in NYC, where you can get stuck in a repeat loop if everything stays the same year-round.

Chef Ashley KIM prepares the multi-course experience, described as a sampling menu:

• For lunch, it’s a series of 4 dishes
• For dinner, it’s a series of 6 dishes

Here’s the practical part: the menu you’ll sit for needs to be booked at least 48 hours in advance of sitting. If you leave everything until the day of, you may miss the chance to lock in the exact menu plan you want. So once you reserve your seat, treat the menu booking as a follow-up task, not an afterthought.

Also note what’s not part of the meal experience: this is not a BYO alcohol situation, and the drink rules are specific (more on that next).

Drinks onboard: what’s served and what you can buy

Food is the headline, but drinks matter in the budgeting.

The clear rule is: only non-alcoholic beverages are served onboard. The info also says drinks can be purchased directly on the bus, which suggests you’ll have options available for purchase while you’re riding.

So if you were imagining cocktails with dinner, plan differently. You can still have a fun, grown-up meal vibe—just treat it as a meal-with-views experience rather than a full bar evening.

Service, music, and comfort: the stuff you feel more than you notice

This is one of those experiences where the details are quiet, but they change your whole evening.

You’ll have:

• Restaurant-style service
• Comfortable, climate-controlled seating
• Curated background music (you’ll feel it as mood-setting, not as loud party noise)
• Plenty of time in the ride to eat without constantly being jostled

Another underrated benefit: the seating setup is designed so you can actually enjoy the meal instead of fighting for space. That matters on a double-decker bus where visibility and movement could otherwise be annoying.

And because the experience includes a guided app, you’re not limited to what you see from the bus window. You’ll have something to use afterward to help connect the dots as you continue exploring the city on your own.

The itinerary flow: what happens during your 2 hours

Since you’re on a bus with dining, the experience is less about “stops” and more about “moments.” Here’s the pacing you can expect.

1) Arrival and boarding at Midtown

You’ll meet at W 58 St / Broadway (in front of Nordstrom). You’ll board, get settled in the climate-controlled seating, and get ready for the service.

Practical tip: this kind of tour runs best when you arrive on time. Midtown traffic can be unpredictable, so don’t treat boarding like a suggestion.

2) Cruise past iconic areas with views

As the vehicle moves, you’ll pass New York’s most iconic landmarks. The routes are famous-site routes, but they can shift around events happening during the calendar.

This is the best moment for photos and people-watching from the glass roof and terrace areas.

3) Meal service in courses

Then comes the meal—either the 4-course lunch or 6-course dinner format. Chef Ashley KIM’s seasonal menu is the centerpiece.

The service is set up to feel like a real meal. You won’t be asked to keep standing up or rushing between things. You can settle in and enjoy the pacing that comes with courses.

4) Music and a guided app for what’s next

While the ride continues, there’s background music to set the tone. When you’re done, you’re given access to an app guide, which is built for extending your sightseeing beyond the bus.

Think of it as: eat and look around now, then use your app later to choose what to explore next.

Price and value: is $167 a good deal in NYC?

At $167 per person for a 2-hour experience, this isn’t a budget activity. But it can be good value when you look at what’s bundled.

You’re getting:

• A multi-course seasonal menu (4 courses for lunch or 6 for dinner)
• Restaurant-style service
• Panoramic viewing from a glass-roofed double-decker
• A guided app
• A full city tour route designed around famous sites

In NYC, a standalone restaurant dinner can easily eat up a similar amount once you add taxes, service, and drinks. Here, you’re also paying for the ride experience itself and the “you can relax” factor.

The biggest value question for you is drinks. Because only non-alcoholic beverages are served onboard, the cost may stay more predictable than a typical dinner with cocktails. If you’re the kind of person who wants alcohol with meals, this is a mismatch with that style.

So I’d call it a “splurge you can justify” kind of outing—especially if you want an easy NYC night with food and views in one package.

Who should book Bustronome (and who might skip it)

This experience fits best if you:

• Want NYC landmarks + dining without doing the logistics twice
• Prefer a seated, guided experience with a set duration
• Like the idea of a seasonal menu from chef Ashley KIM
• Value comfort: climate-controlled seating on a bus with glass views

You might skip it if you:

• Want a lot of time on the street at specific landmarks (this is more about viewing than walking)
• Hate fixed schedules and would rather roam freely
• Are hoping for a full bar dinner (non-alcoholic beverages are served onboard)

Practical tips to make your ride smoother

A few things will help you enjoy it more:

• Book your menu plan at least 48 hours ahead so you don’t get stuck with less flexibility.
• Bring your camera habits: the glass roof and terrace are for looking around, so plan where you’ll stand/sit for photos.
• If you’re visiting in peak seasons, book early—seats are limited.
• If you’re traveling with a group, check table size expectations since tables are available up to 8 people.

Also, remember the vehicle rules: no smoking, and pets aren’t allowed (assistance dogs are allowed). Nothing flashy like bikes, climbing, or fireworks-related items are permitted either.

Should you book this Bustronome NYC dinner tour?

If you want a one-stop NYC evening with a real multi-course meal and big views, this is a strong choice. The mix of chef-led seasonal dining, restaurant-style service, and the glass-roofed 360° viewing makes it feel like a special format—less effort than planning dinner plus sightseeing separately.

I’d only hesitate if you strongly prefer wandering on your own or if alcohol is a must-have part of your dinner. With non-alcoholic beverages served onboard, you’ll need to be comfortable with that style.

My recommendation: book it when you want a relaxed, timed NYC experience that still feels like you got something memorable.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at W 58 St / Broadway, in front of Nordstrom.

How long is the Bustronome NYC tour?

The experience runs for 2 hours.

What meal options are offered onboard?

You can choose a seasonal 4-course lunch or a seasonal 6-course dinner.

Is alcohol served on the bus?

Only non-alcoholic beverages are served onboard. Drinks can be purchased directly on the bus.

Do I need to book the menu in advance?

Yes. The sampling menu you’ll sit for must be booked at least 48 hours before sitting.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.