East lansing
MSU Dairy Store
The michigan state university dairy store produces many varieties of ice cream and cheese on campus from msu dairy cows. the ice cream and cheese are fantastic, and known to every student. try the seasonal ice cream varieties, like the spiced pumpkin made each fall. the dairy store has two locations, one on grand river in the msu union near the msu federal credit union and the other near the south end of campus in anthony hall where you can tour the production facility while enjoying your scoops of local ice cream. also, the grilled cheese sandwiches are to die for. try sourdough with jalapeno pepper jack.
The State Room
Located in the msu kellogg center, the restaurant offers upscale dining. for quality of food, only all seasons bistro can match. the restaurant is on the pricey side, but if you want upscale quality dining, it is one of only a few options. bonus: the restaurant serves msu dairy store ice cream with their desserts!
Beggar's Banquet
Located at 218 abbott road, near grand river in downtown east lansing, offers good food for east lansing. the menu offers a taste of everything, and nightly specials. currently thursday night features southern food and live music. as every resident knows, wednesday is 1/2 price wine day, or wine wednesday!
El Azteco
Located at ann street plaza albert and m.a.c. avenues in east lansing, or try their other location at 1016 w. saginaw. el azteco offers mexican food. the menu features a cheese dip appetizer, fresh salsa, topopo salad, and jocoque. while the food may not be notable, the roof top dining in the summer is a fantastic place to enjoy drinks as the sun sets over downtown east lansing.
All Seasons Bistro
Located at 1500 w. lake lansing road, in east lansing near the meijer and kroger stores. the french bistro offers upscale french food. while pricey, especially for the area, it offers wonderful food, and a great atmosphere completely opposite of the exterior strip mall exterior. this is one of the few restaurants in the area worthy of first dates and celebratory occasions.
Lansing
DeLuca's Restaurant
(http://www.delucaspizza.com): the best pizza in michigan and probably the entire united states. the house special is the most popular pizza.
Pablo's Panaderia
Great mexican food at reasonable prices. it is in the historic old town off grand river on the north side of lansing. the homemade chips and salsa are complimentary. check out the three varieties of tortas. the restaurant is popular with locals who know where to find a good meal. this is a hidden gem in one of the trendiest area of the city.
Mitchell's Fish Market
Located at 2975 preyde blvd. in eastwood towne centre on the north end of town, mitchell's is the best fish restaurant in town. the sharkfin pie dessert is huge and feeds several people. in the summer, enjoy alfresco and oysters on the half shell with your drink.
Claddagh Irish Pub
(http://www.claddaghirishp...): an upscale chain located at 2900 town centre near bravo and mitchell's fish market. with creaky floors and a dark wood interior, it is themed as a traditional irish pub. it is known for its huge portions of fish and chips, but serves american food as well as irish meals. also, it has an entire menu of whiskeys.
Clara's
(http://www.claras.com/): a train station that has been converted into a restaurant, offers a variety of america, mexican, and italian food for very reasonable prices. the lansing station is located on michigan avenue there is another station in battle creek.
Okemos, haslett, and meridian township
The Travelers Club and Tuba Museum
Truly a unique experience. located in okemos, it offers an eclectic menu of global cuisine and beers. weekly specials focus on a specific country with a prix fixe menu. decor is a quirky combination of artifacts from the owners' world travels, along with a sizable collection of rare tubas and euphoniums. the restaurant offers many vegetarian options. it is a bizarre, yet fun fixture.
Restaurant Villagas
Located at 1735 w. grand river in okemos, it offers an upscale option in suburban okemos. head chef eric villegas won an emmy for his cooking program on public television. don't be put-off by the strip mall location, the restaurant has top-notch service and superior michigan-inspired cuisine, which make this eatery perhaps the finest in the lansing area. restaurant villegas closed january 8, 2008. this is now t & d's coney island - they offer items such as coneys, sandwiches, salads, fries, and gyros.
The Lansing-area lacks the dining options the State's other major college town, Ann Arbor. But there are a number of excellent hidden gems. But no matter the appetite, the Lansing-area offers at least one gem for everyone. Michigan State University has a large number of South Korean students, and also many Korean dining options.