When deciding where to take family out to eat after graduation, students might think of HopCat, Peppino’s, and the Peanut Barrel. But if they want to escape the chaos that will be everybody and their mother (literally) trying to get a table, try these restaurants outside of the downtown East Lansing area.
Where to take your parents for a pre- or post-graduation dinner
Bravo!
Eastwood Towne Center
A quick ten minutes away from the center of East Lansing is Bravo!, an Italian restaurant chain that’s not too expensive. They serve a variety of unique pastas, as well as thin crust pizza and fresh salad. The menu also has a selection of gluten free and light dishes to accommodate those trickier family members.
Mitchell’s Fish Market
Eastwood Towne Center
If students are looking for something a little more special, go to Mitchell’s Fish Market for a tasty selection of seafood. There’s also soup, salad, and steak for those family members who aren’t into seafood.
“My first choice would probably be Mitchell’s Fish Market since I would hopefully not be footing the bill,” construction management senior Matthew Gonzalez said.
bd’s Mongolian Grill
Okemos, MI
Just a few miles down Grand River is bd’s Mongolian Grill, a restaurant that gives every customer exactly what they want. Each family member can get a bowl to fill with whatever they’re craving at the moment, choosing from a wide selection of meat, seafood, veggies, and sauces to top it off. Everyone in your family will enjoy watching as their food is prepared on a massive grill directly in front of them.
Leo’s Spirits and Grub
Okemos, MI
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Directly across from bd’s is Leo’s Spirits and Grub, the place to go if a family can’t agree on what type of cuisine they want. Leo’s serves everything from burgers to fried chicken to mexican food, so no one will be disappointed. This restaurant is unique because of its wooden walls and outdoorsy decorations.
Clara’s Lansing Station
Lansing, MI
Right off Michigan Avenue, this train station turned restaurant will charm with its old-fashioned feel. The elegant architecture dates back to 1903, when the Union Depot first accommodated train passengers and Lansing locals. Here the menu is so extensive that diners won’t have to worry about high maintenance eaters or picky children. Patrons can even enjoy a meal in a real train car.
Dublin Square
East Lansing, MI
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Okay, so this isn’t off the beaten path. If students can manage to get a table, their family will enjoy yummy appetizers, sandwiches, pizza and pasta along with some traditional Irish dishes. Special education-learning disabilities senior Meggie Meter said this is where she’ll be taking her family after graduation.
“It’s my favorite,” Meter said, "mostly because of the spinach artichoke dip."
