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Best of East Lansing: See the winners

Thousands of Spartans voted on 47 categories to determine the local bests of the best.

July 29, 2026

Earlier this year, The State News' advertising and marketing department launched its Best of East Lansing contest, a Spartan-voted poll to determine MSU students' favorite restaurants, businesses and other local spots ahead of the new semester. 

Thousands of Spartans voted across 47 categories, and the votes are in. Check out the contest winners below:

Food and drink

Best bakery: Mitten Raised

Best bar: Crunchy's

Best boba tea: Koala Bakery & Cafe

Best breakfast/brunch: The Morning Post

Best burger: Crunchy's

Best chicken: Dave's Hot Chicken

Best coffee shop: Strange Matter Coffee - MSU Union

Best fries: HopCat

Best happy hour: Crunchy's

Best ice cream and frozen treats: Tasty Twist

Best Indian restaurant: Sree Saffron

Best late-night eats: Dave's Hot Chicken and Los Tres Mex Grill (tie)

Best Mediterranean restaurant: Aladdin's Restaurant

Best Mexican restaurant: Barrio Tacos

Best pizza: Cottage Inn Pizza

Best sandwich: Angela's Cafe and Jolly Pumpkin (tie)

Best specialty drink (Alcoholic): Tin Can Bar

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Best specialty drink (Non-Alcoholic): Strange Matter Coffee - MSU Union

Best sushi: Uni Sushi and Ramen

Best Thai restaurant: Taste of Thai

Best vegetarian/vegan-friendly: Barrio Tacos

Retail and entertainment

Best amusement venue: Pinball Pete's

Best apartment complex: University Village

Best auto service and repair: B's Randall Auto Service

Best bank/credit union: Michigan State University Federal Credit Union

Best bookstore: Schuler Books

Best dispensary: Skymint

Best gym/fitness center: Crunch Fitness

Best health/wellness/yoga: East Lansing Hot Yoga

Best internet provider: Xfinity

Best movie theater: NCG Cinema

Best outdoor activity: Feeding the squirrels

Best party store: Big Ten Party Store East

Best retail shop: Mad Eagle

Best salon/barbershop: Bliss Hair Studio and Campus Barbers Inc. (tie)

Best Spartan spirit/fan shop: Rally House

Best tattoo and piercing Shop: Splash of Color

Best thrift/clothing Store: Uptown Cheapskate

Best vape/smoke shop: Puff Puff Tobacco

Michigan State University

Best campus dining: Brody Hall

Best MSU arts center: Broad Art Museum

Best MSU building: Eli Broad College of Business

Best MSU college: College of Social Science

Best MSU gear shop: Student Book Store

Best MSU neighborhood: West Circle

Best MSU sports center: Breslin Center

Best study spot on Campus: Main Library

Discussion

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