Frugal Friday at The Village Pub: Get a bargain with half-off appetizers on Sunday

Mary Bilyeu | Contributor

Mary Bilyeu | Contributor
So when Jeremy ordered the Loaded Fries at $4.99 for an entire plateful, we thought he was just squeaking in under our mandatory budget of $5 per person or less. Little did we know that this large serving (which he couldn't even finish, thus providing me with leftovers for an excellent breakfast the next morning) would ultimately cost only $2.50.
The chili had just the right amount of spice to it — not bland, not hot — and the fries that weren't buried were perfectly crisp on the outside and tender in the center. The potatoes weren't just an afterthought, a mere vehicle for the topping; they were excellent on their own.
Stuart and I split the Pile High Nachos, pictured above, which were laden with cheese sauce, spiced beef, onions and tomatoes; the dish is served with sour cream and a fresh salsa. These normally cost $7.99 ($4 on Sundays) and were a lot of food even for two good eaters. Both the nachos and the fries can be ordered either with shredded cheese or with the meltingly gooey sauce.
We received great friendly service, even though the bartender was manning the fort by himself and handling both bar and dining patrons. The space is sophisticated, featuring some lovely art work; it's not just a standard sports-watching venue even though a multitude of televisions lines the walls so that junkies can get their fix of baseball, soccer, NASCAR, dodgeball, or anything else that's being played.
Cottage Inn pizza is available, and there are substantial sandwiches to halve — steak or chicken Philly, New York Reuben, grilled salmon, or chicken bruschetta — ranging in price from $7.99-$8.99. There are a number of appetizers to choose from, and they're perfect for sharing with family and friends. For $7.99, you can split Village Wings, a chicken and vegetable quesadilla, or chicken tenders; for $8.99, you can share Big Bang Shrimp or calamari. And remember, on Sundays these starters are all half-price.
Perfectly located along Washtenaw, the Pub is across the street from Arborland Mall, ready to feed hungry shoppers. It's convenient for those travelling between Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, those exiting off US-23... really, it's all about location, location, location. And great food at that location!

Mary Bilyeu, Contributor
The Village Pub
3452 Washtenaw Ave.
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734-929-5370

Mary Bilyeu writes for AnnArbor.com on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, telling about her adventures in the kitchen - making dinner, celebrating holidays, entering cooking contests, meeting new friends ... whatever strikes her fancy. She is also on a mission to find great deals for her Frugal Floozie Friday posts, seeking fabulous food at restaurants on the limited budget of only $5 per person. Feel free to email her with questions, comments, or suggestions: yentamary@gmail.com.
Go visit Mary's blog — Food Floozie — where she enthuses and effuses over all things food-related on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; and look for her monthly articles in the Washtenaw Jewish News. "Like" her on Facebook, or send a tweet on Twitter, too.
The phrase "You Should Only Be Happy" (written in Hebrew on the stone pictured in this post) comes from Deuteronomy 16:15 and is a wish for all her readers - when you come to visit here, may you always be happy.
Comments
Mary Bilyeu
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 8:23 p.m.
Glad to know so many agree with me! And for those who haven't been yet, hope you enjoy ... :)
lefty48197
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 7:12 p.m.
The food and drinks are great and they have the best bar staff in Ann Arbor!
Candy
Fri, Jul 20, 2012 : 7:40 p.m.
Oh, I forgot to mention their zesty "bang-bang" salad dressing - very flavorful but not overpowering. (And no, I don't know the owners or anyone who works there!).
Candy
Fri, Jul 20, 2012 : 7:18 p.m.
Glad you featured this place. I've been there several times, and the chicken Philly is one of the best chicken sandwiches I've ever had! And yes, I always have half to take home for the next day.
mmb
Fri, Jul 20, 2012 : 6:20 p.m.
Went here for the first time on 4th of July weekend. Good Eats plus they serve beer in frosted mugs - very rare and especially good on those 100 degree days!!! Thanks for focusing on a place not in downtown A2. There really are lots of good restaurants in the area other than those on Main St.!
Mary Bilyeu
Fri, Jul 20, 2012 : 6:42 p.m.
There are SO many good restaurants throughout Ann Arbor and Ypsi! I've got such a long list of places to go, places that people have recommended, places on Main Street and far beyond ... :)
zanzerbar
Fri, Jul 20, 2012 : 5:26 p.m.
The photo's made my arteries start cloging up. But what the hey...I like to live dangerously. I think I'll give it a whirl.
annarborfan
Fri, Jul 20, 2012 : 3:57 p.m.
not the best writer - Confusing right off the bat - frugal fridays on sundays?
Lola
Fri, Jul 20, 2012 : 4:16 p.m.
The dining experience doesn't necessarily take place on a Friday. The article is titled Frugal Friday because it is published on Fridays.
Mary Bilyeu
Fri, Jul 20, 2012 : 4:11 p.m.
It's my regular Frugal Friday feature, which I've been doing for more than a year, telling readers about restaurants in the area where you can find good food for great deals; you don't have to only go on Fridays. However, in addition to noting that Village Pub has good values every day, I made sure to point out the particularly stellar prices offered on Sundays. I would have been remiss not to, even if I'm posting on a Friday ....
treetowncartel
Fri, Jul 20, 2012 : 3:10 p.m.
They do have pretty good food there, didn't know about the Sundsay specials, thanks.
Mary Bilyeu
Fri, Jul 20, 2012 : 4:12 p.m.
You're very welcome! I hadn't known either, and was so happily surprised by the news that I had to share ... :)