• Organize and track the schools that YOU are interested in.
  • Get matched up with schools that fit your personality.
  • Determine your chances at each school CP covers.
  • Calculate your costs at any school.

Off-Campus Dining:

B+

(explain this grade)

Comparable Schools'
Off-Campus Dining Grades:

Quick Stats

Best Pizza

  • Hungry Howie's

Best Breakfast

  • Tony's Restaurant

Best Chinese

  • Asian House

Best Healthy

  • Pita Pit

Best Wings

  • Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar

Best Place to Take Your Parents

  • Bennigan's

College Prowler Take

Students can only stomach cafeteria food for so long before going crazy from the monotony of pre-heated pasta bars and curly fries. Luckily, Downtown East Lansing has a fairly diverse restaurant industry only a short walk from campus. Grand River Avenue is the best area to flock toward. This popular spot has everything to offer a bored or hungry student. There are enough ice cream parlors, restaurants, and coffee shops to seat an entire army. Student favorites include Noodles and Company, Cosi, and Buffalo Wild Wings.

The majority of Grand River eateries are reasonably priced and cater to students. Some of the restaurants have outdoor eating, which provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy the weather and do some people-watching before it turns cold. It is relatively easy to eat out and eat healthy, too. Many restaurants offer delicious low-fat, low-cholesterol meals. Though it may
become quite pricey, make sure to save enough money to try a different restaurant at least every month. Students who do this not only become more familiar with the downtown area, but also get to eat some of the most delicious and unique meals the city has to offer.

Free Profile Tools

Do I Stand A Chance?

Calculate YOUR chances of admission at every school CP covers!

__%

Personality Match

Calculate YOUR personality match with every school CP covers!

__%

What'll It Cost Me?

Estimate your out-of-pocket costs at every school CP covers!

$__,___

Students Speak Out

Love your school more than free food? Hate your school more than term papers?
Somewhere in between? Show the world what YOU think of YOUR school:

beeslax010 says:

Michigan State University 2013

Physical Sciences

Dining is OK

B+

Food is alright, it takes a semester to get used to it. Late night is available at some dorms until midnight as well as Take out. Go to sny-phi for the best cafeteria food on campus.

Off-Campus Dining: November 15, 2009
Report

Anonymous says:

Downtown East Lansing has many...

Downtown East Lansing has many good restaurants in a diverse price range, from Flats to the Udon Sushi.

Off-Campus Dining
Report

Anonymous says:

There are so many restaurants off...

There are so many restaurants off campus it’s amazing. I would eat most anywhere. A favorite meal around here is General Tso’s chicken from Rice Kitchen. They’re open ‘til four and they deliver. There are a bunch of sushi places. Flats Grille is good, too.

Off-Campus Dining
Report

Anonymous says:

There are a lot of fast food...

There are a lot of fast food places nearby, including countless numbers of 7-Elevens and a place called Panchero’s near the corner of Abbott and Grand River. If you have a car or some other way of getting out to the Meridian Mall, there are also a few actual restaurants there such as Bennigan’s, Olive Garden, and BD’s Mongolian Barbecue (which is excellent!).

Off-Campus Dining
Report

Anonymous says:

Off campus, I’m happy with the...

Off campus, I’m happy with the chain restaurants such as Red Lobster, BD’s Mongolian Barbecue, and Bennigan’s. I haven’t been to any of the restaurants that are specific to East Lansing yet, but one restaurant that’s popular is called the Peanut Barrel. It’s both an indoor and outdoors restaurant, and on nice days it’s always packed, so I can only assume that the food there is very good. Now that I think of it, I have been to one place called Harrison Roadhouse, and the food there was good.

Off-Campus Dining
Report

Facts

Student Favorites

  • Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar
  • Fellini’s
  • Flats Grille
  • Panchero's

Other Places to Check Out

  • 7-Eleven
  • BD's Mongolian Barbecue
  • Burger-Rama
  • Charlie Kang's
  • Gourmet Village
  • Panera Bread
  • Red Lobster
  • Rice Kitchen
  • Sushi-Ya

24-Hour Dining

  • Denny's
  • IHOP

Grocery Stores

Kroger
1550 W. Lake Lansing Rd., East Lansing
(517) 351-9361

Meijer Inc.
2055 W. Grand River, Okemos
(517) 347-9101

Restaurant Listing

All Seasons Bistro
Gourmet
1500 W. Lake Lansing Rd., East Lansing
(517) 336-9890
Price: $10-$20
It's one of the fancier restaurants in the Lansing area and great for a date.
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 5 p.m.–10 p.m.

Applebee's
Steaks and sandwiches
2450 Coolidge Rd., East Lansing
(517) 336-5926
www.applebees.com
Price: $8-$15
The décor displays photographs and memorabilia highlights of local heroes and history.
Hours: Sunday–Thursday 11 a.m.–11:30 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–12 a.m.

Asian House
Asian (Chinese/Vietnamese)
1001 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing
(517) 332-3950
Price: $5-$10
Serves both a Chinese and Vietnamese menu.
Hours: Daily 11 a.m.–10 p.m.

Baskin-Robbins
Ice cream
1137 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing
(517) 332-8513
www.baskinrobbins.com
Price: $2-$5
31 flavors of ice cream!
Hours: Daily 11 a.m.–11 p.m.

Beggars Banquet
Breakfast, sandwiches
218 Abbott Rd., East Lansing
(517) 351-4540
www.beggarsbanquet.com
Price: $5-$15
Offers a new menu every six months.
Hours: Monday–Thursday 11 a.m.–11:30 p.m., Friday 11 a.m–12 a.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–12p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–10:30 p.m.

Bells Greek Pizza
Pizza
1135 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing
(517) 332-0858
Price: $5-$10
Home of the $0.94 slice!
Hours: Daily 10 a.m.–4 a.m.

Bennigan's Grill & Tavern
Irish meals, steaks, and sandwiches
2085 W. Grand River Ave., Okemos
(517) 349-2321
www.bennigans.com
Price: $8-$15
Staff members get together and sing for customers on their birthdays.
Hours: Sunday 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Monday–Thursday 11 a.m.–12 a.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–1 a.m.

Blimpie
Deli and salads
1201 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing
(517) 351-9800
www.blimpie.com
Price: $5-$10
Many of the sandwiches are low-fat
Hours: Daily 10 a.m.–10 p.m.

Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar
Grill and bar
220 M.A.C, East Lansing
(517) 333-2999
www.buffalowildwings.com
Price: $8-$15
There are two big-screen televisions and smaller TVs on every corner.
Hours: Daily 11 a.m.–2 a.m.

Cold Stone Creamery
Ice cream
200 M.A.C. Ave., East Lansing
(517) 337-9550
www.coldstonecreamery.com
Price: $3-$5
Great selection of ice cream flavors and mix-ins.
Hours: Sunday–Thursday 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–11 p.m.

Cottage Inn Pizza
Pizza
615 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing
(517) 324-4300
Price: $8-$15
Fast delivery.
Hours: Daily 11 a.m.–3 a.m.

Crunchy's
Burgers and beer
254 W. Grand River Ave., East Lansing
(517) 351-2506
Price: $5-$10
Hosts karaoke nights on Thurdays–Saturdays when MSU is in session.
Hours: Sunday–Thursday 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–12 a.m.

D.P. Dough
Calzones
986 Trowbridge Rd., East Lansing
(517) 324-7000
www.dpdough.com
Price: $5-$10
Calzones are awesome.
Hours: Sunday 11 a.m.–12 a.m., Monday–Thursday 4 p.m.–3 a.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–4 a.m.

Denny's
American family dining
2701 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing
(517) 351-0421
www.dennys.com
Price: $5-$10
The breakfast smile is only $4.99.
Hours: Daily 24 hours

Domino's Pizza
Pizza
966 Trowbridge Rd., East Lansing
(517) 351-7100
www.dominos.com
Price: $5-$10
Pick up or delivery.
Hours: Sunday 12 p.m.–11 p.m., Monday–Wednesday 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Thursday 11 a.m.–12 a.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–1 a.m.

El Azteco Restaurant
Mexican
225 Ann St., East Lansing
(517) 351-9111
Price: $5-$10
Voted “Best Mexican Restaurant” and “Best Margaritas” by the Lansing State Journal over the past several years.
Hours: Sunday–Monday 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Tuesday–Saturday 11 a.m.–12 a.m.

Expresso Royale Café
Coffee, dessert
547 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing
(517) 332-5224
www.espressoroyale.com
Price: $5-$10
An indoor fireplace with an indoor/outdoor front room.
Hours: Sunday–Thursday 6:30 a.m.–12 a.m., Friday–Saturday 6:30 a.m.–11 p.m.

Flats Grill
Flats, sandwiches
551 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing
(517) 332-8888
Price: $5-$10
Each flat comes with cornbread
Hours: Sunday 8 a.m.–9 p.m., Monday–Friday 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.–11 p.m.

Georgio's Gourmet Pizzeria
Pizza
1010 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing
(517) 351-1000
Price: $5-$10
Hours: Sunday–Thursday 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–11 p.m.

Gumby's Pizza
Pizza
315 W. Grand River Ave., East Lansing
(517) 351-8400
www.gumbyspizza.com
Price: $5-$10
Try the Pokey Sticks!
Hours: Sunday 11 a.m.–12 a.m., Monday–Wednesday 11 a.m.–2:30 a.m., Thursday–Saturday 11 a.m.–3:30 a.m.

Harper's Restaurant & Brewpub
Burgers, pizza, pasta, and beer
131 Albert Ave., East Lansing
(517) 333-4040
www.harpersbrewpub.com
Price: $8-$15
Check Web site for weekly specials and live music updates. Usually 6–8 microbrews on tap at one time.
Hours: Daily 11 a.m.–2 a.m.

Harrison Roadhouse
Burgers, sandwiches, and beer
720 Michigan Ave., East Lansing
(517) 337-0200
www.harrisonroadhouse.com
Price: $8-$15
Check Web site for weekly drink specials, and great menu, including fish and chips and cajun pasta.
Hours: Sunday–Thursday 10 a.m.–11 p.m., Friday–Saturday 10 a.m.–12 a.m.

Hungry Howie's Pizza
Pizza
2622 N. East St., East Lansing
(517) 374-9550
Price: $5-$10
Can pay with Spartan Cash, even for delivery.
Hours: Sunday 4 p.m.–10 p.m., Monday–Thursday 4 p.m.–11 p.m., Friday–Saturday 4p.m.–12 a.m.

IHOP
Breakfast
2771 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing
(517) 337-8311
www.ihop.com
Price: $5-$10
Awesome service, but get there early on weekends because it can get packed very quickly.
Hours: Daily 24 hours

India Palace
Indian
136 W. Grand River Ave., East Lansing
(517) 336-4150
Price: $8-$15
Banquet/private room
Hours: Daily 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., 5 p.m.–10 p.m.

Ingcredible
Asian
1500 W. Lake Lansing Rd., East Lansing
(517) 333-3328
www.ingcredible.com
Price: $5-$10
Take out or delivery.
Hours: Sunday 12 p.m.–9 p.m., Monday–Friday 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m.–10 p.m.

Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches
Subs and sandwiches
4790 S. Hagadorn Rd., East Lansing
(517) 333-1800
www.jimmyjohns.com
Price: $5-$10
Combos available, with drink and side.
Hours: Sunday–Thursday 10:30 a.m.–3 a.m., Friday–Saturday 10:30 a.m.–4 a.m.

Korea House Restaurant
Asian
978 Trowbridge Rd., East Lansing
(517) 332-0608
Price: $8-$15
Korean specialties.
Hours: Sunday 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Monday–Friday 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.–10 p.m.

Lou & Harry's Five Star Deli
Greek
245 Ann St., East Lansing
(517) 351-5566
Price: $8-$15
Voted best deli in East Lansing
Hours: Daily 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

Lou & Harry's Greek Grill
Greek
235 Ann St., East Lansing
(517) 853-8590
Price: $8-$15
Known for their great breakfasts.
Hours: Monday–Thursday 10:30 a.m.–9 p.m., Friday 10:30 a.m.–10 p.m., Saturday–Sunday 8:30 a.m.–10 p.m.

Mancino's Pizza & Grinders
Pizza, grinders, salads
2843 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing
(517) 337-8612
Price: $5-$10
Toasted sandwiches, whole or half grinders, and medium or large pizzas.
Hours: Daily 11 a.m.–10 p.m.

Omi
Japanese, sushi
210 M.A.C. Ave., East Lansing
(517) 337-2222
Price: $10-$20
Omi means “big ocean.”
Hours: Sunday 12:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m., Monday–Saturday 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.

P.T. O'Malley's
Irish, burgers, and beer
210 Abbott Rd., East Lansing
(517) 332-2959
www.ptomalleys.com
Price: $8-$15
MSU students come here before and after football games.
Hours: Daily 11 a.m.–2 a.m.

Panchero's Mexican Restaurant
Mexican
125 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing
(517) 351-3620
www.pancheros.com
Price: $5-$10
Homemade tortillas
Hours: Daily 11 a.m.–3 a.m.

Papa John's
Pizza
1219 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing
(517) 337-1234
www.papajohns.com
Price: $5-$10
Fast delivery.
Hours: Daily 4 p.m.–12:15 a.m.

Papa Leo's
Pizza
515 W. Grand River Ave., East Lansing
(517) 351-1811
Price: $5-$10
Accepts Spartan Cash, even for delivery.
Hours: Sunday–Thursday 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–2 a.m.

Peking Express
Chinese
603 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing
(517) 351-0533
Price: $5-$10
Offers either quart-size or pint-size meals.
Hours: Monday–Friday 11 a.m.–1 a.m., Saturday–Sunday 12 p.m.–1 a.m.

Pizza House
Pizza
4790 S. Hagadorn Rd., East Lansing
(517) 336-0033
www.pizzahouse.com
Price: $5-$10
Chicago-style pizza
Hours: Daily 10:30 a.m.–4 a.m.

Reno's East Side Sports Bar/Grill
Pizza and beer
1310 Abbott Rd., East Lansing
(517) 337-2333
Price: $8-$15
“Hall of Fame” homemade pizza. Guinness is always on tap.
Hours: Daily 11 a.m.–2 a.m.

Rick's American Café
Burgers and beer
224 Abbott Rd., East Lansing
(517) 351-2285
Price: $8-$15
Specials on burger baskets and pizzas throughout the week.
Hours: Daily 11 a.m.–2 a.m.

Riv Café
Burgers and beer
231 M.A.C., East Lansing
(517) 351-5855
Price: $8-$15
Three big screen TVs and three pool tables.
Hours: Monday–Friday 11:30 a.m.–2 a.m., Saturday 12 p.m.– 2 a.m., Sunday 4 p.m.– 2 a.m.

Sir Pizza
Pizza
1500 W. Lake Lansing Rd., East Lansing
(517) 332-2727
www.sirpizza-mi.com
Price: $5-$10
Lunch specials everyday 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Hours: Sunday–Thursday 11 a.m.–12 a.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–2 a.m.

Starbucks
Coffee/desserts
401 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing
(517) 332-0398
www.starbucks.com
Price: $5-$10
Earvin “Magic” Johnson owns this Starbucks.
Hours: Monday–Friday 6:30 a.m.–10 p.m., Saturday–Sunday 7 a.m.–10 p.m.

Subway
Sub sandwiches
330 Albert Ave., East Lansing
(517) 381-1455
www.subway.com
Price: $5-$10
Many of the sandwiches are low-fat.
Hours: Daily 7 a.m.–11 p.m.

Sultan's Restaurant
Middle Eastern
4790 Hagadorn Rd., East Lansing
(517) 333-4444
Price: $8-$15
A banquet/private room is available for large parties.
Hours: Monday–Thursday 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m–9 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m.–8 p.m.

Taste of Thai
Asian
1105 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing
(517) 324-0225
Price: $8-$15
Lunch specials Monday–Friday 11 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Hours: Sunday 4 p.m.–9 p.m., Monday–Thursday 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–10 p.m.

Thai Kitchen
Asian
2843 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing
(517) 332-8866
Price: $8-$15
Very fast service.
Hours: Monday–Saturday 11 a.m.–10 p.m.

The Parlour
Ice cream, burgers, sandwiches
321 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing
(517) 324-9600
Price: $2-$10
Large portions of ice cream!
Hours: Sunday 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Monday–Thursday 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–1 a.m.

The Peanut Barrel
Burgers and sandwiches
521 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing
(517) 351-0608
Price: $5-$10
A pool table in the back of the restaurant, and of course, they serve peanuts.
Hours: Monday–Saturday 11 a.m.–2 a.m., Sunday 12 p.m.–2 a.m.

The Pita Pit
Sandwiches/pitas
219 E. Grand River, East Lansing
(517) 333-9850
Price: $5-$10
Hours: Sunday 10 a.m.–3 a.m., Monday–Saturday 9 a.m.–3 a.m.

Tony's Restaurant
Italian
235 Ann St., East Lansing
(517) 332-5553
Price: $5-$10
Best breakfast around campus.
Hours: Daily 9 a.m.–8 p.m.

Traveler's Club International Restaurant
Greek, Middle Eastern, American
2138 Hamilton Rd., Okemos
(517) 349-1701
www.travelerstuba.com/travelersclub_001.htm
Price: $8-$15
Home of the Tuba Museum.
Hours: Monday–Thursday 8 a.m.–9 p.m., Friday–Saturday 8 a.m.–11 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.–9 p.m.

Udon Sushi Restaurant
Seafood and sushi
134 N. Harrison Rd., East Lansing
(517) 332-5995
Price: $8-$15
Extensive menu of sushi nakami, rolls, and platters.
Hours: Daily 5 p.m.–3 a.m.

Woody's Oasis
Middle Eastern
970 Trowbridge Rd., East Lansing
(517) 351-2280
Price: $8-$15
Daily specials.
Hours: Monday–Friday 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–8 p.m.

Did You Know?

With just a few clicks of the mouse, students can order off-campus food from the Web at www.campusfood.com. The site has become a favorite amongst MSU students because it only takes a few seconds to peruse the menus and daily specials of nearly 20 restaurants and order some grub for delivery.

The Parlour hosts the Dare to Be Great Challenge—an eating competition to finish off 21 large scoops of ice cream within an hour. Those who accomplish the task get the ice cream for free and their picture placed on the wall of the restaurant.

Most Recent Contributing Author

Name: Rachel McElroy
Hometown: uknown
Major:

Contributing Author Internship

College Prowler is actively seeking talented students to be "Contributing Authors," and assist with updating the College Prowler guide to their school. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain internship experience, be a part of a nationally recognized company, gain tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college. Read more about the internship.