East Lansing is filled with individuals trying to make the grade - and the city’s bars and restaurants are no exception.

Several East Lansing businesses and restaurants were found to be in “outstanding condition” during liquor license inspections this year.

Inspectors found 11 of the 24 establishments to be exceptionally clean and safe, with careful attention to maintenance and cleanliness of buildings and equipment, said Howard Asch East Lansing code enforcement and neighborhood conservation director.

“In some of these establishments, the inspectors found absolutely nothing wrong,” Asch stated.

“It was obvious that the owners had made an attempt to properly maintain and clean everything.”

During these inspections - conducted annually throughout the city’s dining establishments -inspectors check plumbing, electrical systems, heating and ventilation equipment. Fire safety and sanitation also is checked.

“It is rare for such a high percent of businesses to do so well on these rigorous inspections,”Asch said. “The fact that such a large proportion of the businesses in this community did so well is extraordinary.

“Typically, some inspections turn up a lot of problems, but these local owners made a special effort to be well-maintained.”

But the high inspection ratings are no surprise to the owners of some of these businesses.

“Our customers even say that they can eat off our bathroom floors, because they’re so clean,” said Chuck Raad, owner of Woody’s Oasis, 211 E. Grand River Ave. “We clean it every hour.

“That’s what’s important: cleanliness, cleanliness, cleanliness. We pride ourselves on our cleanliness. We have a system of cleaning, going from the bathroom to the kitchen and out to the bar.”

Dave Milligan, owner of Crunchy’s, 254 W. Grand River Ave., was pleased with his restaurant’s successful inspection, but said the restaurant’s appearance was not out of the ordinary for that day.

“We did nothing special,” Milligan said. “Our staff does spend some extra time on everything before the inspections, but we keep everything in good shape anyway.”

And all of the cleanliness has rubbed off on customers.

“The Peanut Barrel keeps everything in fairly good shape,” Psychology senior Zach Eichenhorn said “They’re pretty thorough with checking underage drinking, too. Overall, they do a good job.”