Whether you’re tired of the dining hall food or you don’t feel like cooking, downtown East Lansing has many restaurants and coffee shops to offer. Peaceful coffee shops, Friday night karaoke, and yummy tacos, the list goes on. College students and locals alike are sure to find the perfect spot.
- Crunchy’s
Known for their tasty burgers and karaoke nights, Crunchy’s attracts a large crowd. The first time I enjoyed a burger here was last semester when my dad came to visit. We were greeted by a friendly employee who directed us to pick where we wanted to sit. Their menu includes many burgers, wraps, pizzas, wings and even buckets of food. Not only is their food good, but the decor on the walls gives you the perfect college town feel. Memorabilia of Michigan State sports and special events at Crunchy’s fill the walls that create a close knit community of spartans. I have not personally attended one of their karaoke nights (Thursday, Friday and Saturday) ,but I have heard great things about it. They have many songs to choose from whether you’re looking for an oldie or the newest hit song. Overall, Crunchy’s is the perfect place to go to lunch with your family or to go with your friends on karaoke night. They have something to offer for everyone!
- Barrio Tacos
Barrio hasn’t been open in East Lansing for too long, but it is sure to stay. This is the perfect place to enjoy some tacos on taco Tuesday and every day of the week. Their create your own tacos/bowl menu will keep you coming back for more. Upon arrival at your table, tasty chips and salsa instantly appear at your table for you and your friends to enjoy. The clean and edgy decor creates an exciting environment for you to enjoy your food in. Their menu is scantron style which is very easy to use. You can create your own hard shell or soft shell tacos or a bowl (Chiptole style). The menu has multiple different meat options as well as toppings, from extremely spicy salsa to your basic guac. The service is always quick as there are always people waiting for a table because the food is that good! Barrio is located at the center of East Lansing’s college nightlife, so whether you’re looking for something to eat before you continue your night out or want to people watch on an exciting night, Barrio is the place for you!
- Hopcat
Even though the East Lansing Hopcat isn’t the only location in Michigan, it is for sure one of the busiest. Their constantly changing menu will keep you coming back for more! Their menu currently features a limited edition burger created by the infamous Michigan State football quarterback, Payton Thorne. If their premade burgers don’t satisfy your taste buds, a create your own burger option is always available. Enough about the burgers because Hopcat is known for something else…their cosmik fries! These highly rated fries are like nothing you’ve tasted before. They’re so good you won’t need to ask for ketchup to dip them into. Much of their menu items come with the infamous cosmik fries whether you order a burger or a wrap. Just like most of the restaurants in East Lansing, there’s always a large crowd so be prepared to wait if you come during peak lunch or dinner. The service is always fast and your food gets to your table in no time. The next time you’re looking for a place to eat, be sure to check out Hopcat.
- Blue Owl Coffee Co.
Blue Owl Coffee Co., located across the street from Barrio and next to Fieldhouse, is the perfect study place for you and your friends to get work done. Their friendly employees are always happy to help you find something on their menu whether you need some caffeine or are hungry for a bagel. Their menu includes a wide variety of coffee, hot chocolate, and bakery items. Don’t worry if you forgot your headphones because they are always playing the best music to help you get your work done in no time. This is the perfect place to do your homework on a peaceful Sunday afternoon and it is also the perfect place to host events for clubs on campus. Their seating is limited, so be sure to get there early on their busiest days.