The best college bars in every Michigan college town

The Beer Grotto
University of Michigan
Just like the name implies, this bar is mainly geared toward beer. A tad bit on the classy side, this would be the place you and your friends go at the beginning of an evening or to dinner. If you are in the mood for a laid back atmosphere with friends, this is the place to be.

Dominick’s
University of Michigan
This seasonal bar is worth the wait, you might want to come here for your pregame as they do close at 10pm. Serving sangria and other drinks in trendy mason jars this will start your night off right.

Study Hall Lounge
University of Michigan
Seriously groovy feel, the layout and decor will make you feel like you’re in an upscale "Austin Powers" movie in the best way possible. Including a dance floor and bottle service you want to end up here.

Dublin Square
Michigan State University
An obvious choice for St. Patty’s day, Dublin is also a great time any other night especially half-off nights. In addition to half-off nights, there are usually nightly specials and live music.

Lou & Harry’s Bar and Grill
Michigan State University
Getting things in pitchers seems to be the trend in East Lansing, if you’re here on the right night you can get a mixed drink pitcher for a solid price, and any other night their prices aren’t bad. Oh, and they don’t charge cover which is a plus, especially on a college budget.

Harper’s
Michigan State University
Newly renovated interior, this bar will have a line out the door if you don’t get here early enough. Live DJ’s, a dance floor, microbrewery and a huge bar, what more could you need? (Be prepared to pay cover)

The Riv
Michigan State University
Not necessarily one of the busiest bars at night in East Lansing, but don’t let that fool you. The Riv is home to a Thursday tradition known as Rama (short for Burgerama), where you can get pitcher of beer or long island and a burger with fries for a ridiculously low price. If you’re ever in the neighborhood some Thursday morning and in the mood to ‘darty’, do yourself a favor and go to Rama.

Fieldhouse
Michigan State University
Fieldhouse deserves a mention here because you will really get a bang for your buck. They have a menu that includes drinks that come in a bucket, you can either share that bucket with friends or drink it for yourself (let’s be real). They also have pretty creative cocktails named after the teams in the Big Ten.

O’Kelly’s/Wayside
Central Michigan University
One part bar, one part club, whole part great time. Best known for ‘Pint Night’ on Tuesdays which gets you, you guessed it, cheap pints. Whether you’re here for a Tuesday night, or sometime during the weekend it will be packed.

Blue Gator
Central Michigan University
No matter what day of the week you’re here for, there will be some kind of special going on which makes this the best type of college bar. Whether it’s game day or any other day there will be a solid beer selection and some creative cocktails.

The Bird
Central Michigan University
Not only is this the place to be for a night out, but they also serve some great bar food. Get here early, enjoy a meal then stay for the night because it will fill up quick.

The Cabin
Central Michigan University
Gather your friends because you’re about to either be playing some trivia or singing karaoke. The Cabin is the perfect place for some quality time with those near and dear to your heart, you’ll feel as if you’re up north like that one summer at your best friend’s aunt’s cabin, but this time you’re drunk.

The Grotto
Western Michigan University
Restaurant by day, bar by night. Get a deep dish pizza to fill that stomach before a night at the bar. More than 20 beers on tap, tons of TVs and no cover, it doesn’t get better than that.

Kalamazoo Beer Exchange
Western Michigan University
This is a bar like none you’ve ever been to before. As the name implies, the exchange mimics the stock market, so the popularity of that beer determines the price. If the market plunges, you’re in for some seriously cheap brew.

Waldo’s
Western Michigan University
If you go to Western, you better know where Waldo is. If you come here, be ready to party, it does not matter what day of the week it is Waldo’s will hook it up.

The Library
Western Michigan University
You won’t have to lie to your parents when you say you were at the library all weekend, because well, you were. Great prices, food and music and if you need to know some tips about pub etiquette they will gladly inform you.

Bronx Bar
Wayne State University
Alright, so technically this isn’t a “college” bar, but it will get the job done and they’re open until 2am so they qualify. Burgers and beer, this stop is more laid back than what you picture when you think college bar, so be prepared for a more chill evening.

Z’s Villa
Wayne State University
This is the place to be during the warmer months anytime of the day. Play horseshoes or beach volleyball, accompanied by drinks and food and you’ve got yourself a solid day.

3rd Street Bar
Wayne State University
Looking for something that feels like a college bar? 3rd Street is a neighborhood bar that knows how to party, while making sure everything, from food to drinks to atmosphere, feels very inclusive.

Woodbridge Pub
Wayne State University
Laid back crowd and atmosphere with bar food, a patio and fireplace. Not necessarily where you would go for some crazy “The Hangover” type of night, but a good place to catch up with some friends. They also serve brunch, just incase the night before actually was equivalent to “The Hangover”.