Friday marked the grand opening for the restaurant, which is an attempt to deviate from the pub-style atmosphere that characterizes much of East Lansing cuisine.
The bistro is located on the corner of Abbot Road and Albert Avenue.
Executive chef and MSU alumnus Jose Romero described the menu as “contemporary American.”
Some of the more popular items have been their crab cakes and “chicken lollipops,” which are full-sized drumsticks.
They also plan on adding a brunch menu, complete with french toast and creme brulee.
The walls are donned with a vast wine selection and the bar also has a beer and liquor selection.
Assistant general manager and MSU alumna Rebecca Mitchell said they will have a full liquor selection this weekend.
“We’re trying to do something different for the community here,” owner Arnulfo Ramirez said. “I see it as an opportunity around here to try and do something different. So far, everyone has been happy with it. People just love it.”
The restaurant can seat up to 100 diners.
With dim lighting and soft music, the atmosphere is meant to be relaxing for guests coming from the theater or someone hoping to enjoy a quick appetizer to eat.
Visitors can also eat their meal on the restaurant’s patio when the weather permits, with a small fountain in view during casual dinner conversation.
“I think we have a hip, modern vibe with some amazing dishes,” general manager and MSU alumnus Tony Philip said. “You can come in, relax, have great food and great wine and just hang out. It’s not too loud and you can easily just have conversation with someone.”
With so many people in East Lansing for the festival, Philip said business was booming throughout the weekend. But even almost a week after the festival, he said business is still steady for The Black Cat Bistro.
Ramirez owns seventeen other properties, including Dublin Square on Abbot Road and Los Tres Amigos.
Reviews are beginning to appear on The Black Cat Bistro’s Facebook page. Mitchell said one couple who had been in town for the East Lansing Art Festival visited the restaurant every night during their stay.
“They said they’d spread the word about us in Canada,” she said. “So I guess we’re international now.”
The Black Cat Bistro is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week.
