Head: Local bars and restaurants to check out this weekend

When the weekend rolls around, it can be fun to get dressed up, grab your squad and head to downtown Grand Rapids for a night of drinking, dancing and hitting the clubs. But sometimes you want a more relaxed outing that doesn’t require wearing sky-high heels and driving or busing all the way into the city. Here are some places to check out when you want to have a chill weekend night in good ol’ Allendale/Walker/Standale:

Mully’s Bar and Grill

If your weekend starts early because you don’t have classes or work on Friday, hit up Mully’s on Thursday night. That’s when the bar offers great deals on PBR and really gets hopping. On the flip side, Fridays and Saturdays tend to be more tame here, so if you’re looking for a lively, fun time, go on Thursday. Mully’s is conveniently located right by Meadows and Campus West housing complexes, so it’s easy to walk or hop on a bus to get there.

Main St. Pub

For a more relaxed vibe, hit up Main St. Pub in Allendale. This family-friendly option has a separate bar area, so whether you’re there for a full-blown meal or a round of cocktails, you’ll find what you’re looking for. Try the drool-worthy pulled pork sandwich and one of the vodka Red Bull drinks to get your evening started.

Peppino’s Pizzeria and Sports Grille

If you’re in the mood for pizza and a sports bar atmosphere, hit up Peppino’s Pizzeria and Sports Grille on Lake Michigan Drive. Peppino’s also offers tempting weekend specials, such as $4 Smirnoff drinks on Saturdays from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. and $0.65 wings on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Applebee’s

Of course, you can’t go wrong hitting up Applebee’s on Lake Michigan Drive for half-off apps on a Saturday night. After 10 p.m. on weekends, this go-to college-kid spot boasts tons of half-price appetizers, as well as $1 drink specials that change every month. This is a fun place to go with a group of friends if you’re looking for a chill evening with inexpensive food and drink options.