While many MSU students vanish from the streets of East Lansing during the month of December, area bars stay busy, and in the spirit, with specials on brews and food.
The best time to explore the East Lansing bar scene may be just around the corner, between Dec. 16 and Jan. 9. That's precisely when Michigan State University students take their winter break, and many of them get out of town and head home for the holidays. Although we love our students, this mass exodus means two very important things: no lines to get into the bars and hopefully less puke on the sidewalks.
So here's a breakdown of what East Lansing bars will be up to for the holiday season. Because let's be honest, after you finish spending too much money on all those Christmas presents you're going to need a drink -- or two.
Dublin Square Irish Pub
327 Abbot Rd. / (517) 351-2222
Dublin Square is the perfect place in East Lansing to have a drink and some Irish fare while enjoying an old world atmosphere. The space still possesses elements, such as P.O. boxes from its former life as East Lansing's post office.
This holiday season Dublin is offering a wide variety of seasonal drinks such as peppermint Irish coffees, hard ciders and pumpkin ales. Two new additions to the Smirnoff liquor line will also be available: Whipped, a cream-flavored vodka and Fluffed, which is marshmallow flavored. Both can be paired with coffee, tea or eggnog.
As for entertainment, Dublin will continue to host a DJ or band every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night through December. An event room is also available to rent for business and family holiday gatherings.
P.T. O'Malley's
210 Abbott Rd. / (517) 332-2959
Try P.T. O'Malley's shot wheel and let chance pick the shot for you. Or if you're in the mood for multiple beers, stop in on a Monday for $5 premium pitchers or anytime during December to enjoy a seasonal Two-Hearted Ale or Newcastle.
P.T. O Malley's will also hold two special events this month. On Dec. 15, the Thursday before winter break kicks off, P.T.'s will hold its Burger Bash. As a send-off for MSU students, burgers and fries will be $1 each and all drinks will be half price from 3 p.m. to closing time. And on Dec. 31, stop by its New Year's Eve party for a champagne toast at midnight to welcome in 2012.
The Peanut Barrel
521 E. Grand River Ave. / (517) 351-0608
Although its famous patio isn't open right now, The Peanut Barrel remains popular among locals, MSU alumni and current students. The welcoming, family friendly vibe of the place reminds you it's been around for a long while and will continue to be.
Wednesday nights are "Pitcher Night" through December. Pitchers of Labatt and Miller Lite are $5.25, Sam Adams and Blue Moon are $7.75 and seasonal Leinenkugel and Nut Brown are $6.50. All pitchers are 60 ounces. And be sure to try the olive burger while you're there; it's a local legend.
The Riv
231 M.A.C Ave. / (517) 351-5855
With its dartboards, pool tables and life-size Jenga set, The Riv can definitely keep you busy while you enjoy your beer.
Another way to stay occupied: food. The Riv's last Burgerama, until classes resume in January, will be on Thursday, Dec. 15 starting at 1 p.m. and $3 pitchers of Keystone and $1.50 burgers will be available until close.
The Riv will also be giving back to the community for Christmas. On Friday, Dec. 25, needy area families will be served free meals provided by Sysco. Toys for children in attendance will also be supplied.
For those who like to stay out extra late to celebrate, The Riv's 4 a.m. closing time on New Year's Day is ideal. Free party favors will be given out at the event and there will be a champagne toast at midnight, and DJ Donnie D will spin you into 2012.
Crunchy's
254 W. Grand River Ave
(517) 351-2506
Crunchy's space may be small, but the beer and food go big: get a bucket of beer and two buckets of food for $35 on Saturdays during December.
There is also plenty of entertainment to check out. Cloud Magic, a band from Ann Arbor, takes the stage on the first and third Wednesday of the month, while Lansing's Mighty Medicine plays on the second and fourth Wednesday. DJ Janitor will spin on Tuesdays and karaoke will continue on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
At Crunchy's, December is Short's Month. About 15 to 20 ales from the Michigan-based brewing company will be on special all month, with 75 cents off mugs and 50 cents off pints. A selection of Christmas ales will also be available from Michigan breweries such as Bells, Dark Horse, and Founders.
