Harpers-Sample-Newsletter
Ed Sheeran says, “The club isn’t the best place to find a lover so the bar is where I go”, but whether you agree or not, everyone can agree that East Lansing has a lot of clubs and bars alike! But, when you’re looking for a night on the town or just grabbing a bite with some friends, how do you sort through the seemingly countless choices and pick your spot?
MSU junior Jeff said “Price. If I can get a burger and a beer for $5, I’m there!” According to senior Michael, it depends on his mood. “Sometimes, I just want to hang out, and then, I look at the specials and go where the best special is, but on Friday or Saturday, I may want to get crazy and dance, then I find a club.” Sophomore Isabelle agreed, adding “with the great weather now here, I definitely want my spot to have a patio so I can hang outside in the sun!”
Is parking a factor? For planning late night, we all know Uber is the way to go, but earlier in the day, of course parking is a concern, so the ideal spot will have parking nearby for those girls in heels. Says senior Emalie, “My friends might like to do a few different things in one night, so we will park in a spot that we can walk to a few choices, until we find the place we want to stay for the rest of the night.”
Others care less about the price of the food, and more about the quality of the food. Brooke, a sophomore has a meal plan, and so seldom eats out, but when she does, wants to try the best East Lansing has to offer. And when her parents come to town, they want good food, and nostalgia, as they are both MSU Alum.
What does this mean? The perfect bar in E.L. has good food, low-priced specials, a patio, lots of parking, and both pub and club options… Does anyplace around have all of these?
YES! Harper’s Restaurant and Brewpub at 131 Albert Avenue is right across the street from the Albert Avenue lot, has a patio (with heaters!), and checks off all of the other items on the list as well.
Owner Trish O’Brien Riley is intent on not only being a part of the MSU community, but giving back to the community, as is evidenced by her philanthropic efforts that have resulted in nearly $200,000 given back to MSU groups just this year! She says the “Harper’s” name came from her grandfather, who was also an alum, and an avid sports fan. In fact, in his 80’s, he decided to take classes so that he could be a student, and be part of “student only” sporting events!
As a homeopathic healer, Trish realizes the importance of providing the body and soul nourishment, both physically and emotionally, and so makes sure that the menu offers healthy options, but strives to keep the prices affordable so that everyone can enjoy. With a focus on healthy eating from scratch, every Wednesday offers half off almost all food and drinks, while Thursday’s special is a $2 burger and fries accompanied by select $2.75 drinks. And for those with a more distinguished drink palette (can you say MICROBREWS?), Harper’s serves craft brews brewed on site, including gluten free and reduced gluten choices.
Open 11am until 2am daily, lunch and dinner are good options for people like Ed Sheeran, but for those of you who DO prefer a good club, Harper’s is upstairs, and it’s sister, Club Rush holds reign in the basement. Doors open at 10am on Friday and Saturday only, and it truly is the best club in town.
And for those not seeking the club, but needing a spot to host events that is family friendly, spacious, and affordable, Harper’s has got your back! Newly remodeled in 2017, the building is clean, the furniture is ample and comfortable, and the service is fast and friendly. Weddings, open houses, receptions, you name it! According to O’Brien Riley, “our goal is to help other people’s events become a success. We can order and make any food you want, on your budget.”
So, how do you decide what places to check out while in East Lansing? Our response is it doesn’t really matter, as long as you make Harper’s one of them!
Find out more at http://www.harpersbrewpub.com/
