Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Lansing, MI

DOWNTOWN. Designed to inspire visions of grandeur and dollar signs, this Michigan Avenue watering hole attracts a fairly...

DOWNTOWN. Designed to inspire visions of grandeur and dollar signs, this Michigan Avenue watering hole attracts a fairly upscale crowd of downtown professionals and cocktail connoisseurs ­ most of whom swear that the bartenders here shake up some of the Capital City's most potent Manhattans. A copper-topped bar, weathered brick walls, and exposed ductwork create a Wall Street-style setting, and the live band usually plays classic rock, blues, or some cool jazz to complete the swanky scene. Follow the spiral staircase at the rear of the building, and you'll find yourself in the smokers' loft, where patrons relaxing on cozy couches and lounge chairs can enjoy their own bar and a few stogies.

Hours: Daily 3pm-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

EAST LANSING. Just a short jaunt from the MSU campus, Harrison Roadhouse often gets packed on game weekends with rabid...

EAST LANSING. Just a short jaunt from the MSU campus, Harrison Roadhouse often gets packed on game weekends with rabid alumni and families visiting MSU students. The menu features a cornucopia of options, including Mexican Lasagna, Stuffed Portobellos with garlic herb cream, New York Strip marinated in Jack Daniels, and Beef Stroganoff. The Roadhouse Pub, located next door, is a cool little watering hole where the beer's always cold, the popcorn's usually fresh, and somebody's always willing to test your skills on the dartboard or the pool table. Nightly drink specials and a nifty patio area make the Pub a hard place to leave. Just ask the loyal "Roadies" who scramble to get back to these cozy quarters whenever they can.

Hours: Kitchen Sun-Thu 11am-11pm; Fri-Sat 11am-Midnight
Pub Daily 4:30pm-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

EAST LANSING. Home of the famous ­ or is it infamous? ­ bucket of beer and some pretty raucous Friday night...

EAST LANSING. Home of the famous ­ or is it infamous? ­ bucket of beer and some pretty raucous Friday night karaoke parties, this East Lansing dive is always packed with MSU students and fun-loving locals. Crunchy's prepares some of the tastiest pub grub you can imagine, including fish and chips, Crunchy Pizza with any five toppings, and award-winning burgers.

Hours: Mon-Wed 11am-1am; Thu-Sun 11am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

EAST LANSING. Set along an East Lansing side street, this noteworthy haunt is homey and pub-like, with a more mature...

EAST LANSING. Set along an East Lansing side street, this noteworthy haunt is homey and pub-like, with a more mature clientele than the town's usual collegiate watering holes. Stained glass light fixtures, dark wood paneling, and original artwork in the main dining area set the scene. A cozy bar area greets patrons at the main entrance, and it's here that you can strike up a conservation with one of the regulars or a member of the waitstaff, most of whom are well-versed in everything from "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" to the latest MLB standings. The menu features such classics as garlic seared chicken, London broil, Portobella stuffed with crabmeat, and seafood capellini. On cooler evenings, a bowl of the Banquet's famous "Sympathy for the Devil" chili goes a long way toward warming one's bones.

Hours: Restaurant Mon-Thu 11:30am-11:30pm; Fri 11:30am-Midnight; Sat 10am-Midnight; Sun 10am-10:30pm
Bar Mon-Tue 11am-1am; Wed-Fri 11am-2am; Sat 10am-2am; Sun 10am-1am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

EAST LANSING. Home of Guinness on tap and fresh popcorn ­ sometimes a dangerous combination ­ Reno's attracts...

EAST LANSING. Home of Guinness on tap and fresh popcorn ­ sometimes a dangerous combination ­ Reno's attracts true sports fans, who want little more than cold beer and a place to watch their team play and, perhaps, get a little rowdy. The pub-style menu features everything from homemade pizza (their specialty) to typical sandwiches and burgers. Best of all, Reno's often sports some pretty terrific beer specials.

Hours: Daily 11am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

EAST LANSING. This cozy college-town bar and grill is a favorite haunt with students, but also with alumni and even...

EAST LANSING. This cozy college-town bar and grill is a favorite haunt with students, but also with alumni and even faculty. A great place to catch a game on the tube or just kick back and hang with locals, the Barrel offers patrons video games and a dartboard ­ not to mention a refreshingly funky selection on the classic jukebox. Cool hand-painted murals grace the base of the bar, and the youngish bartenders are apt at mixing up your favorite cocktails, pouring a headless beer, and tossing out a pithy comment or three. And, as per the name, baskets of peanuts are readily available.

Hours: Daily 11am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

OKEMOS. A group of entrepreneurs opened this restaurant with one goal in mind: to give Okemos residents a chance to...

OKEMOS. A group of entrepreneurs opened this restaurant with one goal in mind: to give Okemos residents a chance to "travel" to faraway lands via distinctive recipes and flavors. The regular menu features Asian, Middle Eastern, and Latin sections, plus a range of burgers for those with a less adventurous palate. Sampler platters are a good option ­ you can try several items from one particular region, such as Middle Eastern falafel, humous, babaganoush and fresh pita bread. A specials menu features the cuisine of a different international locale each month. The Tuba Museum features owner William White's beloved collection of some 30 instruments, highlighted by an extremely rare 1915 Austrian beauty.

Hours: Sun-Thu 9am-9pm; Fri-Sat 9am-11pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club