Last updated October 5, 2026 · ranked from 9,121 Google reviews · How we rank
This list ranks 10 bars in and around East Lansing, MI, led by Red Cedar Spirits, Crunchy's and HopCat. Together they have 9,121 Google reviews; Red Cedar Spirits has the highest Google rating on the list at 4.6. Every place on the list is in East Lansing, MI. Rankings weigh Google rating, review volume, how complete and current each listing is, and our own notes on each place.
In-house spirits give Red Cedar Spirits its strongest reason for taking the top spot among bars in East Lansing, MI. The women-owned bar makes cocktails with fresh fruits, herbs, and homemade ingredients, drawing on a spirits range that includes vodka, gin, whiskey, bourbon, and brandy. A 4.6 Google rating from 319 reviews adds support to that standing. The casual, cozy setting offers outdoor seating and table service, while live music and trivia nights provide additional reasons to visit.
Long-running weekend karaoke nights and burgers give Crunchy's its old-school identity in East Lansing, MI. It earns the No. 2 spot with beer and cocktails among its noted features, a casual setting suited to groups and sports watching, and a 4.5 Google rating from 1,708 reviews. One reviewer specifically praised the burgers for arriving hot. Happy-hour food and drinks, late-night bites, and closing times of 1 a.m. Thursday through Saturday add practical reasons to visit beyond lunch or dinner.
Weekend karaoke nights
Burgers and beer
Late-night bites
“Food was good. Prices slightly high but in a college town. Server MIA part of the time, I believe had too many tables. Had to wait for drink refills and extra dipping sauces. Overall good place, I'd try it again. Hope for better service,…”
A large beer list anchors HopCat’s No. 3 spot, backed by a 4.4-star Google rating from 3,280 reviews. At 300 Grove St in East Lansing, MI, this woodwork-filled brew pub also serves cocktails, wine, and pub fare with vegetarian and vegan options. Happy-hour food and drinks, late-night food, and midnight closing on Fridays and Saturdays give it appeal beyond dinner. Outdoor seating and sports viewing offer additional ways to settle in, whether visiting alone or with a group.
Large beer list
Late-night food
Outdoor seating
“I have never been to a worse place in my life. The server was extremely rude to our entire table.”
A patio with river views and a casual, cozy interior give The Peanut Barrel two distinct settings for a drink in East Lansing, MI. Its No. 4 spot rests on beer and cocktails, happy-hour food and drinks, and options for live music and sports viewing. Burgers, sandwiches and late-night food round out the menu. One reviewer praises the attentive staff and musicians, while its 4.4 Google rating across 1,356 reviews adds support. Thursday through Saturday, it stays open until midnight.
River-view patio
Happy-hour food
Live music
“I *like* this place. I really do. The staff is wonderful and attentive..It's a bar with character but not a dump. The musicians are very good. But the food? I've had two hamburgers there over two years and they just don't have any flavor…”
Craft beer, cocktails, and globally inspired food give Side Bar East Lansing its foundation at No. 5 among bars in East Lansing, MI. Brick and weathered-wood decor set a casual, cozy scene, while live music and sports viewing add reasons to visit beyond a drink. Happy-hour drink offerings, food served at the bar, and outdoor seating offer choices for different outings. Its 4.3-star Google rating from 292 reviews supports the selection, and a free parking lot adds a practical benefit.
Game-day watch parties, DJ nights and rooftop seating give FieldHouse several reasons to take the No. 6 spot. At 213 Ann St in East Lansing, MI, near Michigan State University, the sports bar pairs American classics with beer, wine, cocktails and happy-hour food and drink specials. Bar games and dancing add options beyond watching sports, while an owner’s box accommodates private events. Its Google rating is 4 out of 5 from 524 reviews, with one reviewer praising the homemade sauces and drink prices.
A hand-carved mahogany bar gives Dublin Square a distinctive centerpiece at 327 Abbot Rd in East Lansing, MI. Its combination of live bands, DJs, dancing, and sports viewing earns it the No. 7 spot, with options for both entertainment and a pub meal. Beer, cocktails, wine, and liquor are available alongside happy-hour food and drinks. Late-night food, outdoor seating, and midnight closing Thursday through Saturday add practical reasons to choose this Irish pub for a group outing.
Live bands and DJs
Happy-hour food and drinks
Late-night pub food
“I ordered one shot, but they gave me two. I informed them about this, and the bartender responded, “Oh, shit, that sucks. You still have to pay.” It was $20!!”
Pool tables, darts and a dance floor give The Riv several ways to keep a night going, earning it the No. 8 spot for its mix of drinks and activities. This casual bar at 231 M. A. C. Ave in East Lansing, MI serves pub grub alongside beer, wine and cocktails, with food and drinks available during happy hour. TVs support sports watching, while live performances add another draw for groups. It stays open until 2 a.m. every day.
Greek food, happy-hour specials and late-night hours give Lou & Harry's Bar and Grill its No. 9 spot among bars in East Lansing, MI. At 211 E Grand River Ave, this casual sports bar serves beer, wine, liquor and cocktails alongside small plates, comfort food and vegetarian options. It stays open until 2 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday, with late-night food available. Outdoor seating allows dogs, and one reviewer praised the waitresses for going above and beyond during a bar crawl with friends.
Happy-hour food and drinks
Late-night food
Dog-friendly outdoor seating
“Service here is phenomenal! Went here with my friends on bar crawl and the waitresses went above and beyond! I will be coming back!”
College nightlife anchors Rick's American Cafe at 224 Abbot Rd in East Lansing, MI. It earns the No. 10 spot with live DJs, dancing, themed events, and bar games that give groups several ways to spend an evening. Beer, wine, cocktails, and drink specials accompany a food menu that includes burgers and sandwiches. Open from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday, this casual bar offers late-night hours alongside live music and performances.
Ratings and review counts shown are Google ratings, displayed with attribution.
How we ranked this list
Each bar is scored on a Bayesian-weighted rating (its rating adjusted for how many reviews it has compared with the East Lansing category average), how recently we verified its details, and how complete its listing is. Scores and ranks are stored, so the order only changes when the underlying data changes.
Which bars in East Lansing, MI stay open until 2 a.m.?
Harper's Restaurant & Brew Pub closes at 2 a.m. daily. FieldHouse closes at 2 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Lou & Harry's Bar and Grill closes at 2 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday, but at 9:30 p.m. Monday. Crunchy's closes at 1 a.m. Thursday through Saturday and midnight the other nights.
Which bars in East Lansing, MI have lower listed price levels?
Crunchy's, The Peanut Barrel and Lou & Harry's Bar and Grill carry price level 1; all other entries in this guide carry level 2. Crunchy's has a 4.5 Google rating from 1,708 reviews, The Peanut Barrel has 4.4 from 1,356, and Lou & Harry's has 3.9 from 352.
Where can I find outdoor seating at bars in East Lansing, MI?
The Peanut Barrel and Harrison Roadhouse have patios, and FieldHouse has rooftop seating. HopCat, Crunchy's, Fiesta Charra, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dublin Square, Harper's Restaurant & Brew Pub and Lou & Harry's Bar and Grill also offer outdoor seating. Lou & Harry's allows dogs outside.
Which bars in East Lansing, MI offer music or dancing?
Dublin Square features live bands, DJs and dancing. Harper's Restaurant & Brew Pub has a sizable dance floor and live performances. FieldHouse offers DJ nights, dancing and live music. The Peanut Barrel and Beggar's Banquet also list live music, while Crunchy's is known for long-running weekend karaoke.
Which bars in East Lansing, MI accept reservations for a group?
Fiesta Charra, Buffalo Wild Wings, Harrison Roadhouse, Harper's Restaurant & Brew Pub, FieldHouse and Beggar's Banquet accept reservations. Fiesta Charra, Harrison Roadhouse and Beggar's Banquet have private dining rooms; FieldHouse has an owner's box for private events. HopCat, Crunchy's and The Peanut Barrel do not accept reservations.
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