Best Restaurants in East Lansing
East Lansing, home to Michigan State University, is a vibrant city teeming with a diverse culinary scene that caters to every palate. From cozy cafes to upscale dining establishments, this city offers a plethora of options for food lovers. Whether you're a student seeking a quick bite, a family looking for a hearty meal, or a food connoisseur in search of gourmet cuisine, East Lansing's restaurant scene has something for everyone. This article will guide you through the best restaurants in East Lansing, highlighting their unique offerings, ambiance, and why they stand out in this food-loving city. So, get ready to embark on a gastronomic journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Harrison roadhouse
4.2
(945)
Bustling bar & grill with craft beers on tap, hearty pub grub & house cocktails, plus a roomy patio.
Reviews:
I dined here last week for lunch! The service was great as was the food!! We only ordered salads (Cobb w/ chicken and Chopped Salmon) but they were deliciously fresh 😋 We also dined alfresco! It was a beautiful day🌞 Looking forward to my next lunch getaway 😊
Jeneen Hinkle
🧀 Mac & Cheese with Bacon - (10/10) Great flavor, price was justified, about $14. Would get again. 🌯 Cajun Chicken Burrito - (6/10) It was good, nothing crazy, price of $13 I believe, wasn’t justified. Friendly staff, wasn’t busy, food was quick. Liked the atmosphere. I would go again!
Glutz
Good food. Split the pulled pork nachos with the wife. Both of us went away full. Daughter had the Mac and cheese it was creamy. She said it could have used more bacon.
David Gerst
We had a great time. Minimal wait for a game day. Our waitress was great; and I wish I could remember her name. The chicken salad sandwich and burger were very good.
Dawn Riecher
My wife and I were not impressed with either of our meals. She got a wrap and I got A burger. The best part of the burger were the condiments on top. Least favorite fries as well. Just thought a well known establishment in a premier location to MSU would spend more time on putting out better prepared meals for students families.
Terrence Sweeney
720 E Michigan Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA
Altu's ethiopian cuisine
4.7
(729)
Low-key, independently owned outpost for traditional Ethiopian fare & combo meals, plus smoothies.
Reviews:
This is such a lovely establishment and the workers here are just as lovely and informative. This was my first time trying Ethiopian food and I was not let down with a happy belly. Everything felt so authentic and was rich in flavors. If you don’t know what to try then please ask the staff, they will be more than happy to give you any information you may acquire as well as suggestions. Because I myself didn’t know what I was doing, but was excited none the less. They do have your standard appetizers and entrees on their menu but also serve combinations and courses (“feasts”), that you can share with a larger group which was what I went with, with a friend. The feasts are good and the options are big, they are meat and vegetarian friendly. I like ordering the feasts that comes with a bunch of injera which you could rip off and grab whatever options you chose for your feast such as beef, chicken, lima beans etc. There is a small lot in the area and I’ve never had problems with finding somewhere to park. Everything is easy access and great food. Don’t be afraid to try something new if you haven’t already, come in!
M Nedloc
My Hubby had the spicy lentils with half rice and half injera. I had the meat and veggie combo with spicy chicken and mild chickpea sauce. The meals are served with salad and cabbage with collard greens and injera. The injera is fermented so it does have a sour flavor and it's quite spongey. The custom is to use the injera to scoop the meat or vegetable side into your mouth. It was delicious.The sambusa was a vegetarian filling of lentils and it was spiced to perfection. I must return to try more🤩 Extremely reasonable in price and humble food
Elizabeth Woodford
I thought this place was amazing from start to finish. The only thing I'd want more about this restaurant is more sides and more sauces. It's lacking in those. Other than that, I love the culture, ambiance, food and take on authenticity. I ordered chicken off the bone platter. The meat was very tender and it had a lot of flavor!! I'll stop typing and let my pictures do the rest of talking...
Jakup Abedin
Amazing vegan food! All 8 items on their vegetarian dinner menu are confirmed vegan by the staff. So tasty! We bought takeout for later after our meal because it was so good. I’ve been coming here for 20 years. My only wish is that their hand soap was fragrance free because the fragrance left on your hands after washing them detracts from the amazing food. (Purell makes a fragrance free commercial product for wall mounted dispensers. )❤️
Emily Lyons
Food was good. Coffee wasn't served in any kind of traditional Ethiopian way..I was very disappointed by that actually as an Ethiopian food lover. Coffee came out in a "IHOP mug"🙄 The restaurant was nice but we didn't like the part that it was VERY Westernized. I didn't FEEL the authenticity except the food was authentic. I've been to so many Ethiopian restaurants from DC, Virginia, Pennsylvania and to Grand Rapids but this was the first time feeling this way (disconnected from the culture..?!)🫠🫠 We just didn't like the vibe🙏🏼
J C
1312 E Michigan Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA
State room restaurant
4.4
(295)
High-end hotel eatery with a warm vibe offering seasonal American cuisine & an extensive wine list.
Reviews:
First time back since COVID. The dinner menu is smaller than before, but still have plenty of local beer and wine options. Ordered Mini Lump Crab Cakes (3 for $15), Charcuterie Board ($17), Venison ($37), 6 oz. Char-Grilled Filet ($39), Lake Perch ($26), Homemade Passionfruit Sorbet ($7).
Sylvia Lin
This is a quiet hotel restaurant. There is a nice, upscale vibe, and the food is not bad. We had chicken and waffles and the burger. As I noted, the food wasn't bad. The service was mediocre, at best. We sat for about 10 minutes before we were greeted by our server, and the server wasn't familiar with the menu. We'll likely opt for The People's Kitchen as an alternative next time.
W. Thompkins
Food was fantastic, the charcuterie board had cheeses fresh from their our dairy. The Waiter Joe was top notch. Fun, knowledgeable and fast.
Pamela McCuen
Came here because of a Groupon deal. Otherwise, I think the food is a bit overpriced. Service is not the best because college-kids-don't-care theory in action again--probably why they're not doing so great and promoting on Groupon. 1. Asked for a secluded area, and was seated in the most visible table. 2. The waitress never came to tell us she was leaving and the new waiter had to introduce himself to us, awkward...
Landy Lin
We enjoyed a special dinner before a recent show at the Wharton Center and had an excellent experience. Savannah was our server and she (along with the rest of the staff) was friendly and attentive the whole time. The food was excellent as well. Keep up the great work!!
Tom Hedlund
219 S Harrison Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
Hopcat
4.4
(2632)
Woodwork-filled brew pub with a massive beer list offering creative pub fare & brunch items.
Reviews:
Great , host. service quick, I ordered Brisket Tacos, a bit overpriced for the amount of Brisket each had, I tried flour and corn tortillas. The slaw was maybe 2 teaspoons, not what I expected. I had to ask for salsa or sarza they were bland for my taste, but the waitress did bring pico de gallo. It was okay, and no spice (heat) tacos should have the option! My sons ordered the Nashville Chicken they enjoyed their meals, a bit pricey in my experience, but they treated them! Drinks, we're ok, nothing special Margarita and Berry vodka drink. I did tasted 1 with berry it tasted like diet artificial sweetner, not my choice. I was hungry , and the fries and cheese sauce were tasty. Very trendy, older crowd, taking their kids out for a quick meal. BTW, THURSDAY IS $8 Burger & Beer limited choices! Great, to have feedback, We have been back in Royal Oak, close to home!
Jacque Steudtel
Hop Cat is a pretty great place for beers and bites. They have a plethora of beer options that you can’t go wrong with and they also let you try a sample just in case you aren’t sure. If you don’t want a beer, they have a full bar as well. Now this is my first Hop Cat and my second location is their Ann Arbor. Both are great. This location has wonderful staff who are very helpful, and the food is hot and ready. You must pay for parking unless otherwise stated but there is plenty of it. Occasionally, they change or add to the menu which is great for frequent goers like myself to try something new once and a while. Their pretzel nuggz with cheese and or their OG fries are crack, you can’t stop eating it. Their burgers are juicy, the grilled cheese they serve has apples and I don’t know why, but it works. Their pie is good as well, the one I’m talking about contains chocolate and peanut butter, I always forget the name, but the taste is righteous! Ohh and did I mention, they also offer beer to go, just saying. Enough said.
M Nedloc
Has vegan options! Offers a vegan burger and vegan taco option. The beyond burger is very flavorful. It has vegan jalapeño aioli, marinated tomatoes, pickled red onions & arugula. Served on a pretzel bun. The vegan tacos aren't as memorable. I believe the cosmik fries are vegan-friendly (going off what the server said), just skip the cheese sauce if you want to order vegan.
Angel W
First experience at this restaurant a couple days ago. Nice atmosphere. Our waitress, I believe her name was Kaitlyn, was great! Since this was our first time we decided to get a lot of things to share and try. My favorites: brisket tacos, pretzel bites, grilled cheese sandwich, gouda bisque and their fries. My least favorites that I will not get again: both mac and cheeses pictured (not enough sauce and flavor was bland) and the brisket fries (the barbecue sauce was overpowering and very vinegary). I'm not a beer drinker but I decided to try one since they have a big selection, the rainbow sherbert was delicious. It was sour and sweet with a slight bitter beer aftertaste. We do plan to go again to try out the burgers and more beers!
Bianca B
HopCat is the most popular restaurant in Greater Lansing Area. The food is good, the staff is friendly and location is awesome as it is located right in the middle East Lansing downtown l.
Asad Jahangir (Lion)
300 Grove St, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA
Taste of thai
4.6
(1060)
Compact place for Thai dishes such as drunken noodles & crispy whole fish, plus lunch specials.
Reviews:
Good Thai place. Excellent and quick service even during busy time, it ran like a very well oiled machine and did not wait long at all for meal during Friday evening service. Food was very good. Decor & atmosphere very nice & pleasant. It did get loud at times where there was difficulty hearing the person even directly across the table from myself. All in all, I would go back. Still better than average.
Garrett Kusmack
wonderful thai food, whether you are a MSU student or are passing through town. the iced thai tea is very authentic, and is made the real way (as opposed to iced tea with coconut milk). the spicy noodle soup isn't very spicy, but it makes ones throat feel very warm, which was a wonderfully unique sensation. the AC here doesn't work very well, so be wary of that on a hot day.
myodn
Excellent food and service. Clean and neat. Prices are economical. The presentation of each dish is fantastic. Gave four stars to food because even the medium spicy was sweet. Overall the experience was good.
Meeta Garg
Taste of Thai in East Lansing has been my go-to spot for years, and it's become like a second home. The decor is sweet, creating a cozy ambiance that instantly puts me at ease. Every time I step through the doors, I'm welcomed with open arms, making it feel like a warm, friendly haven. Now, let's talk about the star of the show – the food. It's incredibly original, always surprising my taste buds in the best possible way. There's something about the flavors here that you won't find anywhere else, and once you try it, you'll regret not dining here sooner. My personal favorite is the Pad Pak with shrimp. It's an absolute taste sensation, bursting with flavors that dance on my palate with each bite. It's the reason I keep coming back, time and time again. In a nutshell, Taste of Thai in East Lansing is not just a restaurant; it's an experience that keeps me hooked. If you haven't tried it yet, you're missing out on something truly special. Come on in and discover the magic for yourself! 🍤🌿🍛😊
Ricky Houseman
We were able to seat a group of ten people at one table at lunchtime with no reservation, and the food was fantastic. They even have gluten free options, which is another reason we went. We were not disappointed. Just had to ask for it to be gluten free and they steamed the tofu for my dish instead of frying it. Great place.
Carolynn DeLand-Phillips
2838 E Grand River Ave #2, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA
Noodles and company
4.1
(450)
Counter-serve chain offering international noodle & pasta dishes from mac 'n' cheese to Pad Thai.
Reviews:
The staff at this location is so amazing and kind. We had misunderstood how a coupon worked and they were totally ok with refunding it and letting us get something different for cheaper while still applying the coupon. They also remade my boyfriend's order for no extra charge when we realized they began adding mushroom to the Pad Thai (he is allergic). 10/10 service & comfort food. Love this location!
Natalie
I’ve come here for a couple years and never had I been disappointed with how I spent $16 of mine. The food came in a small plastic microwaved plate and the pasta tasted bland and undercooked. I used to come here and it was not at all like this— they used to serve much bigger servings (that actually fill you for your money’s worth). The one thing that is remarkable about this particular resturant is the continuously amazing service. The staff has always been attentive and double checking to make sure my food was appropriate for me in regards to foods i can’t have. Kudos to them but I will not be coming back here. $16 would have been well spent much better elsewhere.
C M
Fantastic and fresh food. A wide variety of pastas and different cultural flavors. I keep trying new dishes and I am never disappointed. All items are customizable so you can remove or add ingredients to fit your taste and craving. Go vegetarian or double the protein it’s your choice.
Gamer 48917
I am vegan so i asked them to not put any meat on my noodles. By the time i got home, i saw the chicken & felt guilty for wasting food but i couldn't eat it. i called noodles co. & told them what happened & they said they would refund my card but that still has not happened & this all took place 3 weeks ago...
Kylie Arsenault
Very nice staff!! Double checked to make sure order was correct. Great food!!
Bill Pace
101 E Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA
Beggar's banquet
4.2
(349)
Wood-lined restaurant & saloon with a laid-back vibe featuring comfort food & beers on tap.
Reviews:
Food was just fine, but WAY overpriced for what it was. 25 dollars for a normal burger. 8 dollars for a coffee, there wasn’t even real milk/cream. Our water tasted like dish sanitizer. The servers were doing their best considering, no blame there. Would never go back.
Kora F
This was our first visit. We came for Sunday brunch around 1:00 and got seated right away. We parked at M.A.C. about a block away which is free on Sundays. The place has a great college-town bar vibe. The waiter was pleasant and helpful. The food took a very long time to get to the table, but was worth it. I had the smothered burrito which was awesome and huge. My wife had the beggars bowl which was also wonderful. It came with a slice of thick-cut bacon which was amazing. We will definitely come again. Many more interesting things to try.
Scott Ruland
It was ok... wish there were more low carb options but I made it work. The yogurt being served in its container... on my plate was different. Would have preferred it be in a bowl with a spoon. I had to eat the yogurt with a fork. The sausage links were great. My Husband ordered soft scramble and they were overcooked. We liked the salmon patty benedict the most
Elizabeth Woodford
Stopped off after moving my son to State. Amazing food and service. Had the beggars bowl the chorizo gravy was sooooo good. My son destroyed the steak and eggs. And my wonderful beautiful wife throughly enjoyed the breakfast burrito with the chorizo gravy. Great place. Next time I need to try the Symathy for the Devil chili. Amy restaurant named after a Rolling Stones album is good in my book. 😀
Tony Hambley
It's quickly obvious why they have been in business so many years and are thriving amongst all of the construction chaos across the street from them. The food is nothing short of spectacular. Delicious and impeccably presented. Service is spot on.
Mark Chamberlin
218 Abbot Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA