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Guide to the Best Bars in Lansing, MI

One things for sure bars are at the center of American culture. Theres something undeniably charming about cozying up inside a Cheers-like pub and sipping on a cold beer with good company. Lucky for Lansing locals, the state capital is chock full of cherished drinking spots including artisanal breweries, craft cocktail lounges, and lively hole-in-the-wall taverns the scene offers something for every taste. Living at Lansing Towers Apartments puts you in the heart of it all. Our communitys prime downtown location gives residents easy access to all the citys hot spots. Weve compiled a list of our favorites so youre well-equipped next time youre in search of a tall can, a bougie cocktail, or an energetic atmosphere to catch a Spartans game.

Heres our curated guide to Lansings go-to drinking destinations.

Stobers Bar

When you walk into Stobers Bar, youre stepping into a dazzling piece of Michigan history. Known as Lansings oldest bar, Stobers has been in operation since 1933, the year that the 21st Amendment was enacted and Prohibition ended. Set inside a beautiful two-story redbrick on E Michigan Avenue, Stobers stands as a monument in honor of the citys storied history.

Upon entering, your eyes will be immediately drawn to the mahogany bar, the wood-carved griffins, and the stained-glass image of Merlin the mythic magician, a bright, blazing centerpiece which co-owner Tim ORourke calls the soul of the bar. The space is lined with red leather booths perfect for cozy conversations and antique lighting fixtures that provide a warm, welcoming glow.

The bar is well stocked with a wide spectrum of liquors, brews on tap, and your favorite brands of domestics and imports. In addition, Stobers offers light bar snacks to keep you satiated throughout the evening. Theres no doubt Stobers Bar deserves a top spot on your personal list of bars to try in Lansing.
A group of people toasting with drinks at a bar.

Lansing Brewing Company

Speaking of historic establishments, let’s take a look at the Lansing Brewing Company. Founded in 1898, just on the edge of the 20th century, the brewery’s history was intricately linked with Lansing’s critical role in the birth of the automobile. Business mogul Ranson E. Olds, creator of Oldsmobile and the REO Motor Car Company, decided to plant the roots of his burgeoning automobile empire in Lansing and a wave of frenzied economic growth followed. The Lansing Brewing Company stepped in to provide this new wave of artisans, laborers, and tradesmen with premium brews.

The first LBC product to capture the public’s attention was the Amber Cream Ale, a masterfully crafted beer with a rich, creamy body and hints of caramel, which continues to be the Lansing Brewing Company’s best seller. Of course, the menu has expanded since 1898 and now features juicy IPA’s, German-style lagers, and a rotating cast of limited seasonal brews like their fall Oktoberfest, spring Kolsch, and summertime Mexican lager.

Ideally located in Lansing’s stadium district, the LCB is a great place to meet for a drink before or after Michigan State games. They also have an impressive food menu that features some of Lansing’s tastiest burgers, sandwiches, and shrimp specials.

The Lansing Brewing Company is a local legend with over 100 years dedicated to the perfecting of their handcrafted beer.

A plate of chicken wings and a glass of beer on a table.

Crunchy’s

When Michiganders think of Lansing, they are most likely to picture two things: the masterfully designed state capital building and Michigan State University (go Spartans!). Being a college town means having access to a variety of college-themed bars and restaurants. At the top of that list sits Crunchy’s, a burger and beer joint that boldly displays the MSU green & white color scheme throughout the space— the building is green, the menus are green, the patio umbrellas are green, etc.

Since 1982, Crunchy’s has provided Lansing and MSU students with a welcoming place to enjoy a cold beer, share a Detroit-style pizza, and celebrate the MSU school spirit. Crunchy’s is also the home of the “Crunchy Burger,” consistently voted the “Best Burger in Town” by locals and college students.

It’s not just the food and beer that keeps patrons coming back to Crunchy’s— the restaurant-bar is home to some of Lansing’s best weekly events including karaoke on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, an experience which has been going since 1995! At this point, it’s fair to say that Crunchy’s is a bonfide Lansing institution.

A burger with bacon, cheese, tomato, and pickles on a bun with fries on the side.

Moriarty’s Pub

Moriarty’s Pub is a bar, restaurant, and music venue that celebrates all things Irish. It’s one of those classic dives that makes patrons feel cozy, welcome, and well taken care of. Tap handles from Guiness, Smithwick’s, Budweiser, Bud Light, and Miller Light line the bar and friendly bartenders are ready to take your order.

The menu successfully delivers quintessential bar items like burgers, pizza, and tasty fried appetizers, while also serving Irish-inspired dishes like fish-n-chips, mulligan stew, and a meatloaf sandwich. There’s no reason for you to leave the pub without a full stomach!

Best of all, Moriarity’s is one of Lansing’s favorite local music venues, featuring live music Thursday through Saturday. Rock-n-Roll, R&B, Singer-Songwriter, and more— with three nights of music every week, the event calendar is undoubtedly filled with many popular genres. There’s also a legendary Tuesday jazz jam that brings together the most talented musicians from Michigan and beyond.


Cask & Company

We’ll round out our list of the best bars in Lansing with Cask & Company, a cherished East Lansing establishment with a vibey bar and a long list of beer, wine, and signature cocktails. The restaurant is self-described as a “chef-driven casual eatery that delivers an inclusive experience with a locally rooted vibe and fun energy.” With this type of atmosphere, Cask & Company has gained fans from all around Lansing and the surrounding areas.

Since this is a blog about bars, let’s start with the beer, wine, and cocktail menus. The bar specializes in Michigan-based breweries, featuring artisan brews on-tap from up-and-coming breweries. For the winos, Cask & Company carries an impressive list of international reds, whites, and other unique wines from vineyards in distant lands. And for the cocktails, Cask offers an ever-evolving menu of aromatic, handcrafted drinks— highlights include the “Cask Old Fashion” with a dash of hibiscus syrup, the “Fancy Gin Cocktail,” and the “Lavender Dreams” prepared with a foundation of rum and flourishes of lavender simple syrup. On top of this, Cask & Company has one of the greatest whiskey menus in town with over 70 top-tier options.

When it comes to food, the restaurant is one of the best in town, serving a wide range of cuisine from burgers to pasta to sushi rolls. Fan favorites include the MSU-themed “Spartan Burger,” the “Elk Sausage & Pepper Pizza,” and the “Smoked Gouda Mac-n-Cheese.” Between the food, drinks, and desserts, Cask & Company is guaranteed to take your taste buds on an epic ride.

Four cocktails are lined up on a bar counter.

The Final Call

There you have it folks! We hope this provides you with compelling ideas for your next night on the town. If you’re on the search for your next home, visit us at Lansing Tower Apartments, the capital city’s premier living community. Located in the heart of downtown, our 1, 2, and 3 bedroom floor plans are designed with the perfect balance of comfort, style, and spaciousness. It’s a winning combination that provides residents with a blueprint for the good life. Schedule your tour with one of our leasing specialists and discover what it means to elevate your every day at Lansing Tower Apartments.

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