Marty Zelt, visiting from Colorado, drinks a beer with his friends April 23, 2013, at Crunchy’s. Zelt specifically wanted to come to Crunchy’s while he was in town.
For professional writing junior Anne DeGraw, naming her favorite bar in East Lansing is easy — Crunchy’s.
DeGraw is not the only one who thinks highly of Crunchy’s, 254 W. Grand River Ave. Complex.com, the online version of Complex magazine, named Crunchy’s No. 6 on its list of the 25 Best College Campus Bars.
Crunchy’s was recognized for its beers, Crunchy burger and bucket of pizza nugs.
Crunchy’s was second highest in the Big Ten, right behind University of Nebraska’s No. 5-ranked bar, Duffy’s Tavern. Crunchy’s beat the University of Michigan’s No. 11 bar, The Brown Jug. The No. 1 college bar was the Dixie Chicken, located near Texas A&M University.
DeGraw, who has been to Crunchy’s at least 10 times, including on her 21st birthday celebration, said she would add the music, karaoke nights and atmosphere to the list of things she loves about the bar.
“It just has this feel where you can sit and enjoy a good beer,” DeGraw said. “I love beer, so (it’s) kind of one of my favorite places to go.”
Alumnus Mike Krueger, Crunchy’s general manager, said Crunchy’s also offers buckets of its constantly changing list of beers, which is something unique to the establishment.
English junior Jordan Trantham said a group of her friends tried to go to Crunchy’s on a bar crawl, but the restaurant was too full to hold the group of students.
Trantham said she never has been to Crunchy’s, but expects to visit soon.
“It’s just really popular to the point (where there are) so many groups it gets too crowded,” Trantham said.
“Everyone was pretty bummed we weren’t going there on the bar crawl.”
Still, Crunchy’s isn’t everyone’s favorite bar.
“I’m a fan of going to (Buffalo Wild Wings and) Harper’s (Restaurant and Brewpub) because they have the local Michigan beers,” human biology senior Melissa Wiley said.
Krueger said it is an honor to be named so high on the list of the best college campus bars.
“I think we bring a bar and restaurant that pretty much everybody feels welcome at,” he said.
DeGraw said she plans to sign her name on the wall when she graduates, with all the other Spartans.
“It’s part of Michigan State — when you walk in there, you know it’s a college bar,” DeGraw said.
“It has a Spartan feel.”
Word on the street
Do you think Crunchy’s is the best bar in East Lansing, or is there another?
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