When you’re down to the last dollars of a paycheck or just looking to offset your weekend spending binge, you don’t have to resort to ramen. Knowing the dirt-cheap spots in town can be a real lifesaver, as long as you know where to find them. We’re here to help, with a short selection from the many affordable joints hidden around West Michigan.

The art of the deal never rests. A true penny-pincher knows how to save any day of the week (except maybe Saturday) and finds joy in the hunt. But if you’re not so keen on spending an hour before every meal scouring websites for today’s specials, we’ve done the work for you. You can print this guide off and keep it on your desk, fantasizing over dinner plans throughout the afternoon.

Maybe you have the day off. Maybe you just dropped the kids off at soccer practice and need a break. Maybe you’re leaving work a little early for an afternoon “meeting.” Whatever the case, happy hour is there for you.

Stand-up comic Janelle James credits one thing above all else for the start of her comedy career: classic Midwestern boredom.