Best Restaurants in East Lansing, MI
East Lansing is home to Michigan State University and a great community. One thing we’re often overlooked for is the great food that is served across town. Whether you’re craving delicious Japanese cuisine or some classic American grub, East Lansing has awesome restaurants that will have your taste buds wanting more. You will also run into some of the most exciting environments on the east coast. That’s why we encourage everyone, whether you’re a local or a visitor, to take the time out and have a bite at any of the restaurants that made it on our list. We at Hannah Lofts have put together our list of the best restaurants in East Lansing, Michigan for everyone to enjoy. Feel free to discover what kind of dishes are waiting to be tried by you in East Lansing!
The Peanut Barrel
The Peanut Barrel is a great spot to eat some good grub and hang out with your favorite group of people. The patio section of the restaurant is the perfect party scene to enjoy a nice evening followed by some drinks. There is no better place to enjoy dinner with your friends in a nice environment.
Food Style: American Bar and Grill
Restaurant Location: 521 East Grand River Avenue E Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823
Restaurant Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Restaurant Perks
- Beer Selection
- Happy Hour Drinks
- Happy Hour Food
- Trivia Nights
- Wi-Fi
Local Favorites
- Burgers and Sandwiches
- Chili Cheese Fries
Tips & Tricks
If you’re looking to save some cash, make sure to visit The Peanut Barrel during happy hours. You’ll find some amazing deals that will turn you into a regular customer.
If you’re looking to avoid waiting too long, stop by The Peanut Barrel during lunch. You might not get to take advantage of the specials, but you’ll still get to try out some of the best bar food in town.
Woody’s Oasis
Are you looking for a healthier alternative to fast food with an even better taste? Woody’s Mediterranean Deli does an amazing job at preparing some of the freshest European cuisines in Michigan. This local deli is special to the community. So special that it has customers who have over 30 years of going back for some more delicious nourishment! So give your system a break from all the fast food and try some of the healthier options around town. You won’t believe how good healthy can be!
Food Style: Mediterranean Restaurant
Restaurant Location: 1050 Trowbridge Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823
Restaurant Hours
- Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Restaurant Perks
- Catering
- Vegetarian Selection
Local Favorites
- Ala Carte
- Desserts
- Hummus
- Vegetarian Sandwiches
Tips & Tricks
Woody’s is a fast paced restaurant so you won’t have to worry about waiting long for your food. Either way, you can still save a few minutes from standing in line if you stop by Woody’s around 3 p.m.
Sansu Sushi and Cocktails
This Japanese cuisine is popular amongst the East Lansing locals. With a fine quality menu and neat setup, there is no question as to why the crowd loves this place. You’ll find plenty of traditional and unique Japanese items on the menu when you visit. From calamari to salmon, Sansu will give any Japanese entrée its signature flavor. This is the perfect spot to try out foreign dishes that you can’t get anywhere else in the United States. Take advantage and savor as much food as you can if you’re a visitor! We promise that you won’t find a spot this neat for hundreds of miles.
Food Style: Japanese Cuisine
Restaurant Location: 4750 Hagadorn Rd #100, East Lansing, MI 48823
Restaurant Hours
- Monday – Saturday: 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- Sunday: 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Restaurant Perks
- Alcohol Selection
- Happy Hour Drinks
- Happy Hour Food
- Vegetarian Selection
Local Favorites
- Sushi
- Teriyaki Chicken
Tips & Tricks
No matter what you order, it’ll be served to perfection at this restaurant. We suggest you try out anything the staff recommends. They usually will help you discover new flavors that will help you fall in love with the Japanese culinary arts!
This restaurant tends to get busier during the second half of the day but is well worth the trip. Try stopping by during the first half of the day if you’re looking to avoid customer traffic.
Pizza House
The Pizza House is popular for its signature pizza and other finger food delicacies. Although the restaurant’s style is a bit more American, that doesn’t take away from the authentic taste of the food. Just be prepared to order some of the largest portions of pizza filled with amazing flavors. Tyr ordering anything from the dessert menu once you’re done with your meal.
Apart from being some of the best food you can try in East Lansing, the Pizza House is a comfortable place to dine in at. The wooden theme makes it feel like a Chicago bar. The restaurant also loves to get involved with the community. It helps fundraise for great causes from time to time so you know that you’ll be eating at a noble spot.
Food Style: Pizzeria
Restaurant Location: 4790 Hagadorn Rd Ste 114-116, East Lansing, MI 48823
Restaurant Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:30 a.m. – 3:59 a.m.
Restaurant Perks
- Alcohol Selection
- Happy Hour Drinks
- Happy Hour Food
- Online Orders
- Reservations
- Vegetarian Selection
Local Favorites
- Chicago and Sicilian Deep Dish
- Chicken Wings
- Pizza
Tips & Tricks
You can try visiting the Pizza House before 3 p.m. if you don’t like waiting for your food. However, you will miss out on the food and drink specials that take place! You should also try ordering the largest thing on the menu when you visit with a large group. The food at Pizza House is too good to share with anyone else.
Meat BBQ
You’ve got to try the amazing food at Meat BBQ. This spot is most famous for the monster burgers and great tasting barbecue. It is also the perfect spot to go out and enjoy a laid back time with your friends. There’s nothing better than great tasting meat accompanied by a nice cold beer.
Meat BBQ is known to have appeared on one of the country’s famous food channels because of the unbelievable food challenge at this restaurant. It gives it’s customers a chance to make it on the wall of fame by eating a ridiculously large meal in a certain amount of time. Whether or not you’re up for the challenge, you won’t regret having a bite at this notorious East Lansing spot.
Food Style: American Barbecue Restaurant
Restaurant Location: 1224 Turner Rd, Lansing, MI 48906
Restaurant Hours
- Tuesday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Sunday: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Monday: Closed
Restaurant Perks
- Alcohol Selection
- Vegetarian Selection
Local Favorites
- Mac-n-Cheese
- Meats
- The Boss Logg (But only if you’re up for a challenge!)
Tips & Tricks
The best time to visit Meat BBQ is during dinner. The atmosphere is always great and the specials arrive just at the right time. Who knows? You might even witness someone taking on The Boss Logg! That will certainly be more than entertaining.
You can try visiting Meat BBQ closer to opening hours if you want to avoid a long wait.
Conclusion
We know that you’ll have an amazing time and won’t regret going out to these amazing grub spots. From crazy food challenges to the creative dish setups, East Lansing knows how to cook up the best food in Michigan. You’re in for a fun adventure when you dine around these parts. Just remember to share your experiences with us and any of your favorite restaurants in East Lansing we may have missed!