This guide to the best breweries in East Lansing, MI compares microbrewery beer, local craft brews, house brews, and in-house spirits, with clear differences in hours and amenities. Ellison Brewery and Spirits at 4903 Dawn Ave is a veteran-owned microbrewery, small distiller, and gastropub with a 4.4 Google rating from 467 reviews. Its review excerpts praise beer, food, and service; weekend opening time is noon, compared with 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
Jolly Pumpkin at 218 Albert Ave opens at 11 a.m. daily, making it an option for lunch as well as evening drinks. Rated 4.3 from 258 reviews, it combines local craft brews with vegetarian options, late-night food, Spartan game day specials, and dog-friendly outdoor seating. Red Cedar Spirits at 2000 Merritt Rd has the highest rating among these four entries: 4.6 from 319 reviews. Its focus is in-house spirits and cocktails made with fruit, herbs, and homemade ingredients, alongside live music and trivia nights.
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse at 2515 Lake Lansing Rd has the largest review count, with 1,786 reviews and a 4.0 rating. Its extensive house-brew list, children's menu, and midnight closing Monday through Saturday distinguish it for family meals and later outings.
4.3(258)· Google4.3 out of 5 from 258 reviews (Google rating)
Brewery · $$
Closed · opens 11:00 AM
Jolly Pumpkin is a brewery at 218 Albert Ave in East Lansing, MI, serving local craft brews alongside cocktails, wine, and comfort food. Lunch, dinner, and late-night food are available, with vegetarian options and a children’s menu. Its late-night happy hour and Spartan game day specials include advertised half-priced appetizers and $4 Sparta pints. The casual setting is suited to watching sports, and the brewery is popular with students as well as lunch and dinner diners.
The business welcomes families, groups, LGBTQ guests, and tourists, while also accommodating solo diners. Outdoor seating allows dogs, and a private dining room is available. Reservations are accepted, with dine-in table service, takeout, delivery, and catering among the options. Families have access to high chairs and changing tables. The entrance, seating, restroom, and parking are wheelchair accessible; nearby parking options include paid garage, lot, and street parking. Jolly Pumpkin has a 4.3 Google rating from 258 reviews.
