Neighborhood Guide: Allendale

Allendale is the perfect halfway point between Lake Michigan beaches and the bustling city of Grand Rapids. The town has excellent restaurants, attractions, and history, but it is best known for being the home to Grand Valley State University.

Restaurants

Founded in February of 2006 by Matt and Karri Murphy, Murphy’s Family Restaurant has become a staple in the small town of Allendale. Breakfast at Murphy’s has become a tradition

for the surrounding university students. The restaurant has breakfast essentials including bacon, eggs, sausage, pancakes, French toast, omelets, and cinnamon rolls. For more hearty homemade meals, try the variety of skillet and specialty meals. A popular savory entree is the loaded tot's bowl filled with Scrambled eggs with chopped bacon on top of seasoned tater tots with cheddar Jack cheese, sour cream, and chives. For those that enjoy food later in the day, Murphy’s offers lunch items such as burgers, sandwiches, wraps, soups, and salads. This restaurant is sure to make you feel like a part of the family.

Hummus & Falafel brings a taste of the Middle East to west Michigan. This restaurant strives to familiarize its customers with Middle Eastern food, health, culture, and hospitality. Owners Kossai Yasseen and Reem Al Asmi originate from Daraa, Syria, and share a passion for spreading their cuisine

and hospitality for others to enjoy. What separates this duo is their education in health, both worked for a number of years at Spectrum health in their nutrition department. Kossai gained experience as a dietitian tech and Reem as a chef. Their experience is reflected in their meals with their bestseller being the shawarma with shavings of marinated grilled chicken or beef, served with pickles, with your choice of garlic or tahini sauce, all wrapped in pita bread. Deals featured include buy one sandwich get one half off every Tuesday, and a 10% discount on orders for Grand Valley State University students and staff.

For traditional American foods, stop by The Grand Coney. This diner serves a wide variety of classic breakfasts, custom dogs, and traditional comfort foods. Super fast service and considerate portions keep customers coming back to this fun

and friendly space. Guests are encouraged to come in and enjoy one of the decently rich and delicious milkshakes. In homage to the original coney, the diner menu features the Detroit coney dog which is topped with Detroit-style chili, onions, and mustard. This and all other dishes are offered at a great price. At The Grand Coney, come in hungry and leave happy.

Attractions & Education

Grand Valley State University is a public university located in Allendale, Michigan. With a current population of 22,406 students, the students of this university make up a good portion of the population in Allendale and the surrounding areas. Tuition for in-state students is priced at approximately $14,000 with

Grand Valley being named one of America’s 100 best college buys for the 25th year in a row. The college has campuses and centers all around Michigan including Allendale, Grand Rapids, Holland, Detroit, Muskegon, Traverse City, and Battle Creek. On any given weekend, prepare to see a sea of blue, black, and white, as students prepare to support their university’s athletic teams throughout the seasons. The Allendale campus is a view itself, featuring art from current and previous students, an atrium, and beautiful gardens. Grand Valley State University is a sight to see. Laker Up!

Engine House No 5 Museum is an active part of the community and pushes to preserve the culture and history of firefighting with the presentation of stories, photographs, and artifacts to make the best of its guests' experience. Supported by the Michigan Humanities Council, the Engine House No 5 Museum features various collections including uniforms, helmets, engines and hose carts, and the history of fire extinguishers. The museum gives back to its community in many ways, recently Engine House No 5 has hosted a Stuff-the-Fire-Truck food and essentials drive, donating all goods received to those in need. Tickets are sold at $5 for adults, $3 for children under 12, and free for children under 2. Group rates are available, email [email protected] for more information.