Badge for the 10th Annual Best of the West revue readers poll, with star and ribbon graphics, indicating the winner of 2025.

Grand Rapids Private Party Tasting Tour

Stop Planning. Start Savoring. We’ve Got You.

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Voted “Best in West Michigan for Group Activities”

Great For ALL Personalities Curated Local Bites Effortless Planning

Let’s Be Honest — Planning A Night Out Can Be A Full-Time Job

A group of six people standing together indoors, holding drinks, smiling. Hanging colorful lanterns are above them, and outside the windows, trees and buildings are visible.

Finding something that isn’t just “dinner…again” isn’t something you signed up for. One wrong move and suddenly you’re the reason the vibe is off, someone’s bored, someone else is starving, and your picky friend is whispering, “We should’ve just gone to Applebee’s.”

If you keep doing things the old way, you’ll spend every celebration sweating the details, herding everyone like caffeinated cats, and praying the night doesn’t hit that dreaded “so… now what?” moment.

And honestly? Life is too short—and you’re too fun—to risk another celebration that feels more like planning a school field trip than actually enjoying time with your people.

Give Your Group A Celebration That Feels Special & Actually Exciting

People gathered at a long holiday dinner table in a festive restaurant, celebrating Christmas with Christmas sweaters and decorations.

Save your group from another boring dinner without any of the planning stress!

  1. Start A Booking

  2. Confirm With Deposit

  3. We Handle The Rest

Book Today!

Secure Your Group’s Spot Today & Avoid The Sold Out Blues

Two women sitting at a table in a restaurant with colorful tribal artwork on the wall behind them, enjoying a dessert and drinks.

Why Groups Love This Experience

Bold Bites At Every Stop

You and your group get to taste signature dishes from some of Grand Rapids’ best local spots—no guesswork, no overthinking. Every stop is chosen to wow your foodie friends and your picky eaters.

Unforgettable Group Bonding

Between the food, the walking, the laughs, and the shared discoveries, your group will walk away feeling closer than ever. This is the kind of celebration people remember.

Instagram-Ready Photo Moments

We take you to murals, hidden gems, and colorful backdrops that practically beg to be photographed. Your feed and your friends will thank you.

Effortless Planning Experience

We handle all the coordinating, scheduling, and details so you don’t have to. You just show up, relax, and enjoy celebrating with your people.

Local Culture + Storytelling

Your tour sprinkles in just enough history, art, and local flavor to make the night feel meaningful without feeling like a lecture. It’s entertainment with substance.

Knowledgeable, Friendly Guides

Your guide is part storyteller, part host, and part vibe curator giving you the fun facts without taking over your night. They keep everything on track so you don’t have to.

Founder, Kate Veneklase

A Personal Note From Kate Veneklase, Founder

Hi there!

Thanks so much for stopping by. When I started Taste of GR, my goal was simple: create an experience that brings people together in a real, meaningful way while showing off the incredible food and creativity our city has to offer.

Over the years, I’ve seen teams arrive as coworkers and leave feeling more connected, energized, and genuinely happy — and that’s what fuels everything we do. We put a lot of heart into making these tours seamless for you, memorable for your team, and reflective of the community we love so much.

I can’t wait to show you around Grand Rapids and give your team a shared experience they’ll be talking about long after the last bite.

Handwritten signature of Kate Veneklasz in orange ink.

 Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes! We design every stop with variety in mind—different flavors, stories, vibes—so there’s truly something for everyone. Even picky eaters and low-key friends end up loving it.

  • You’ll definitely be full. Each stop includes generous tastings, and most groups leave saying, “Okay wow… that was more food than I expected.”

  • Just let us know ahead of time—we accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and other common needs at most stops.

  • Nope! Think fun, relaxed, and social—not a lecture. We share cool stories, then step back so you can enjoy your people.

  • We have backup plans and indoor-heavy routes for rain, snow, or cold. Your celebration stays fun no matter what Michigan decides to do that day.

  • About a half mile to a mile, broken up into short, easy segments. It’s more “stroll with snacks” than “fitness challenge.”

  • We’ll help them catch up or guide them to the next stop if needed — we won’t leave anyone behind.

  • Yes. The price includes all food, tastings, gratuities, and your guide—so you’re not splitting checks, tipping multiple servers, or guessing costs.

  • Absolutely. Private tours are your people only—your vibes, your celebration, your inside jokes.

  • We get it. Every group has “that friend.”

    The good news? This experience has enough variety that even the skeptics end up having fun.

  • Yes! Most groups leave full and satisfied, and the whole experience feels more special than sitting at one restaurant for hours.

  • Perfect—we handle everything. You just pick the date, show up, and look like the hero.

  • ASAP—private tour dates fill up fast, especially weekends. Most last-minute planners find their first-choice date is already gone.

  • Definitely! Drinks aren’t included, but every stop has great options you can order if you want them.

  • It’s more fun, more unique, and way more memorable. Plus, you’re not stuck at one table or one bar—you’re exploring the best flavors and stories of GR together.

Hear it From Other Groups

Celebrate Your Friends & Family With a Taste of GR Gift Card!

A food tour is a delicious way to treat your friends, family, or other favorite people to an unforgettable and delicious experience.

  • A unique way to celebrate birthdays, bachelorette parties, girls’ nights, reunions, or “just because” moments

  • A gift that feels personal, memorable, and local — certainly better than a candle or gift card for a chain restaurant

  • The perfect way to share great food, connection, and a mibi adventure around Grand Rapids

Treat Someone Special Today!

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