Heartside & Downtown Market

Warm up your winter in Grand Rapids’ Heartside neighborhood and at the iconic Downtown Market Food Hall. Savor the hottest local bites and exclusive stories from their chefs & artisans!

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1000+ Happy Guests

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Tour Details

  • Price: $70 per person

  • Start Time: 11:30 AM on Saturdays January thru April

  • Duration: 2.5 hours

  • Food Tastings: Six

  • Activity Level: Light walking — about a half mile, 95% indoors

  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

  • Group Size: 12 Guests Total

Please Note: Spots are limited to 12 people - book now to secure a spot before it’s gone!

Tour Overview (Winter Tour - Join us January thru April here!)

Navigating a big city like Grand Rapids can be tough for the first time. Even if you’ve visited before, narrowing down options can be overwhelming. That’s where we come in!

We’re heating up this winter and helping you make the most of your time. Discover the Heartside neighborhood of Grand Rapids in the most delicious way possible. This cozy winter walking food tour blends local flavor, creativity, and a touch of nostalgia into one relaxed afternoon.

We kick things off at a favorite board game bar. Then we stroll past one of Grand Rapids’ bold, iconic murals while heading into the Downtown Market for even more tasty stops.

Along the way, our guides share fun facts, leaving you with full hearts, bellies, and unforgettable memories!

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People at a festive bakery or shop counter, dressed warmly in winter jackets and hats, exchanging smiles and chatting, with a Christmas-themed display on the counter and holiday decorations in the background.
A woman smiling at the camera in a busy indoor marketplace or grocery store, with a line of shoppers behind her and shelves of meat products on the left. The environment is well-lit and bustling with people.
Person holding a half-eaten, golden brown fried food item with melted cheese inside, overlooking a busy shopping mall or market.
A group of women in winter coats and hats standing at a marble counter, smiling and talking. Some women are wearing name tags, and there are white bakery boxes and a plastic Christmas tree on the counter. Others are walking in the background inside a
A person pouring honey from a bottle into a small white cup at a honey station labeled "HABANERO HONEY." The person is wearing an orange jacket, and there are large stainless steel containers on the table.
Two women at a counter in a store, one showing the other a phone, with empty food boxes on the counter and shelves of beverages and snacks in the background.
Person taking a photo of a seafood pizza at a restaurant table.

Voted “Best in West Michigan for Group Activities”

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1000+ Happy Guests

“Great for ALL Personalities” “Bold Bites at Every Stop” “Explore Stress-Free”

Hear It From Fellow Foodies!

  • “This tour was great. The food was delicious! Kate was so great at hosting a group of strangers and making everyone feel at ease. I also enjoyed learning little bits about the history of Grand Rapids as we walked and stopped at just a few points along the way."

    -Laura N

  • “Tour was wonderful. We really enjoyed trying the food and learning more about Grand Rapids. We brought our son and he really enjoyed it too."

    -Next Level Training and Fitness

  • “Amazing tour, 10/10! Kate is just fantastic. I've been on many food tours this year and the order and placement of the stops were well-done. Plenty of historical context and opportunities to learn about the public art works. Highly recommend."

    -Romie R, @romingwithromie

  • “Thank you Taste of Grand Rapids for a great walking food tour! Highly recommended for anyone who likes food and a little history!"

    -Josh O

  • "Kate was great to work with! She was able to set up a Friday night food tour for 13 people on short notice. Everyone loved the food and the opportunity to walk through the city. It was a great way to see different parts of downtown and everyone was full by the end of the tour!"

    -Christine S

  • "We stopped at 3 locations and learned about Grand Rapids history. I did not know about the feud between two of our founders of the city. We stopped at Leo's, Roam, and Monsoon. What a great time! I would recommend this as a group date or just fun with friends because it's just fun to walk around the city and learn about things you never knew. It's worth checking out, 100%."

    -Ian K

  • "Explore new restaurants and foods, meet the staff and hear the stories behind the restaurants. Plus bits of GR history along the way. Great for food lovers, but also art lovers! GR is loaded with art and historic buildings! I definitely recommend the Taste of GR tour! Our guide was a blast, very welcoming, and knowledgeable! The time flies by and you are wanting more!"

    -Angelina L

  • "My husband and I are pretty new to the area. The tour with Kate was great. Great restaurant choices, and just enough local history thrown in to make the walking part enjoyable. We had a great time and I would highly recommend. Dessert was amazing!! In fact we will probably do the tour again."

    -Cathy M

  • "Reflecting on the day's adventures, I found myself enchanted not only by Grand Rapids architectural splendor and storied past but also by its vibrant culinary landscape. The walking tour not only satisfied my curiosity about the city's history but also provided a sensory feast that celebrated Grand Rapids cultural diversity through its cuisine! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!"

    -Lauren W

  • "So much fun! Thanks Kate for the informative tour of GR and for introducing us to some different restaurants downtown. We loved it!"

    -Gretchen F

  • "My work booked a private tour earlier this week and we were blown away. We had a great time and even better food and drinks. We highly recommend Taste of GR for your next work outing or get together with friends. Thanks again Kate for a fun time!"

    -Meredith L

  • "I attended the walking tour this past Saturday and was not disappointed! Our host Kate was bubbly, informative and her passion and love for good food and history was apparent the whole time. I especially appreciated the variety and quality at each of the FOUR stops; which was in addition to a beautiful and delicious tasting at Old World Olive Oil Co. An amazing bang for your buck! I can’t recommend this tour enough!"

    -Maya D

  • "What a fun day! The food was great at each of the five places, and Kate shared such interesting stories about some of the history in our city! It was a wonderful experience that I would not hesitate to do again! I would recommend the tour to both people from out of town as well as locals!"

    -Julie C

  • "An amazing afternoon! Kate was a great guide. The food was eclectic and the stops along the way showcased impactful woman of GR. Highly recommend!"

    -Sarah H

  • "Such a fun experience and an amazing tour guide! Looking forward to doing it again!"

    -Amy D

  • "Great tour! The guide is very knowledgeable about the history of the city. We learned a lot and also ate great food! Highly recommend!"

    -Liz H

 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. There is a comments section to note this when booking. You can also reach out to kate@tasteofgr.net with specific questions

  • 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. Plus, our first stop has a little buffer for this exact reason.

  • The Downtown Market - Heartside Neighborhood Tour is 2.5 Hours

    The Downtown Winter Tour is 3 Hours

  • This group is prefect for solo guests. Our guides are skilled at making everyone feel comfortable and included

  • 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.

  • ASAP—tour dates fill up fast, especially weekends. Most people who wait until the last-minute find their 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.

  • Food, tax and gratuities to restaurants are included in the price of your ticket.

    Gratuity to your guide is not. Standard Gratuity in the hospitality industry is 20%

  • We offer ticket transfers, credits and full refunds up until 72 hours prior to the tour

Surprise the Food Lover in Your Life With a Taste of GR Gift Card!

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A food tour is an unforgettable gift and the perfect way to celebrate any occasion. Give friends and family a chance to eat their way through Grand Rapids on their own schedule!

  • 74% of people prefer experiences over stuff

  • Recipients can redeem their adventure whenever they’re ready

  • Most travelers say food is their favorite way to explore a new city

  • The perfect fit for birthdays, anniversaries, thank yous, or “just because”

Gift a Delicious Memory Today!