The Avenue
Bar · Lansing ·

The Avenue

Bar · Lansing ·

Craft brews, cocktails, pub grub, live music & pinball

live music
pinball machines
arcade games
great food
lgbtq friendly
cheap drinks
ramen
awesome atmosphere
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null
The Avenue by null

Information

2021 E Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48912 Get directions

$10–20

Restroom
Cozy
Trendy
Good for groups
Good for solo dining

Information

Static Map

2021 E Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48912 Get directions

+1 517 999 7549
avenuecafelansing.com
@avenue_lansing

$10–20

Features

•Restroom
•Cozy
•Trendy
•Good for groups
•Good for solo dining
•Touristy
•Credit card accepted
•Debit card accepted

Last updated

Jan 11, 2026

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2026 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@eater
391,688 Postcards · 10,992 Cities

Chevy Chase’s New Crab House Opens For Carry-Out Only This Weekend | Eater DC

"The Avenue serves as Walsh’s bar and events space in Upper Northwest and functions as the staging spot behind which the Capital Crab food Truck is parked for catering and deliveries." - Tierney Plumb

https://dc.eater.com/2019/6/13/18677602/capital-crab-seafood-opening-chevy-chase-dc
The Avenue

James Del C.

Google
This bartender was the meanest person ever. Completely rude and dismissed us like we were lesser than her. The audacity especially with cheap earrings like this. Don't Come here or tip her unless you wanna be ridiculed. Also as an "lgbtq friendly" place we expect all bartenders to be nice to everyone not just the straight acting ones...

Alexis T.

Google
I have attended a few current weekend nights. Just as a pool player ($2 a play) and visitor to Lansing. The staff and service is beyond impeccable. Inviting, aware, helpful.. i literally cannot say enough good things about how well the staff runs this place. The food... I swear you would never EVER think it, but the food here is not only insanely good, it comes in easy to eat and ready to go little bowls. On to the... entertainment? Hey.. lemme just say this.. after 9:00pm on the weekend, it's "Lansing Entertainment". I am only saying this as someone who's not local to the area. Will continue to return!!

Amara H.

Google
Closed the bar and music at 1 am during an event which was pretty disappointing especially since cut off everywhere else is 1:50-2 am. Was having a lot of fun with friends and had intentions of spending a decent amount on drinks the last hour as well but the bar closed, music was turned off and they started closing early. Highly disappointing as this is a staple hangout in Lansing for the alternative crowd.

Tams N.

Google
Pinball machines, video games, vegan meal options, friendly, fun, really a great place!!!! I don't drink alcohol - and they can make great non-alcohol drinks too. Parking is better early behind the building but there is always street parking. It gets louder as it gets later - so plan accordingly. Karaoke and good bands too. Great fun.

Hattie D.

Google
I've been going to the Avenue since before it was the Avenue. The owner was always so supportive of the local music scene and I admired that. The staff is always cute and sweet. I have never been disappointed in service there. The atmosphere is warm and inviting for everyone. At the Avenue I don't have to worry about me or my friends getting picked on because of our gender/sexual orientation or where we are from because the staff is very protective of their patrons and do not tolerate violence or bullying. I'm super grateful to have his gem in our town. I especially love that they have live music, all-ages shows every Sunday, AND that they serve a variety of non-alcoholic beverages for the nights where I can't or don't feel like drinking alcohol. Chilling outside is fun too!!

jill

Google
This is a staple of Lansing. Cheap drinks, good apps, and a friendly environment that I feel at home in. I'm so grateful that I can walk into a local bar and recognize so many familiar patrons. Love the fundraisers yall do. Performing here was super fun as well. Good vibes all around:)

shivam B.

Google
This is a great place if you want to enjoy some great cocktails with live music (rock). They have an awesome atmosphere. As soon as you enter you get a nice chill vibe. In terms of drinks, we had their hollander 1945 and one of the specials which was peach flavored gin+ginger beer. They have a great selection of beers as well! The only issue for me was the service. You have to go to the bar to order anything. Given that the place is too crowded, the two bartenders there clearly seemed overworked and people had to wait long to order. Other than that, everything was great. One should definitely enjoy the arcade games while there.

Alaura M.

Google
Showed up for a venue that started at 9pm, and within 30 minutes staff told us the kitchen was closed which was a bummer because everyone says the food was good and we were hungry. If we knew when the kitchen closed we would have showed up earlier but the website is pretty blank. According to Reddit it's a common place to get roofied so I'd just advise to be watchful but honestly you should do that anywhere. Lots of fun pinball machines and the vibe is nice, really cool place to see up and coming bands play. Overall an okay experience, best bit was the music.
google avatar

Chele H.

Yelp
Tasty food with a variety of heat on the noodles or rice dishes depending on a person's tolerance for spicy. The bartender was working double duty waiting tables though kept up with our needs at the table. Prices are on par with other places that are bar meets food options. Be aware music can be on the loud side however for a place with a great variety of pinball machines, pool tables, and a few other game machine this is a given. This is a bar with food not a traditional sit down so it aligns. Fun time as a fan of pinball and ramen.
google avatar

Sheyla A.

Yelp
The food was absolutely incredible. I have not been to a place in a while where the food portion is actually worth the price. Our service was absolutely spectacular, our server. Vanessa was amazing. She had a lovely spirit, and she was extremely outgoing. The entire establishment is gorgeous. It's aesthetic as well as clean. It is a very busy place as well. But they turntables swiftly and quickly.

R N.

Yelp
Great food, music, pinball machines. They could just stand to work on their customers service skills a tiny bit. I'm on the older side and was also dressed to be normal the second time I went in because I had just come from work and I felt very unseen whenever I tried to order something. Still the best place I have been to since I moved to Michigan.

Ryan V.

Yelp
Bouncers were great and it is usually a great venue but extremely rude bartenders. Will not be coming back
google avatar

Noah W.

Yelp
If I come here, it is usually for the arcade games, the beer selection, and especially the ramen (p.s-the owner of Ruckus Ramen is a really good friend and comrade of mine). It has an underground 80s arcade vibe that holds a particular appeal. I was a bit worried about one incident that occurred about several months ago, but it sounds like that was corrected.

Les P.

Yelp
Had been going there regularly for over a year no problems. Then I went there in the tall Indian guy said you have to leave. I said why he said I can't tell you. Went there another time no problem. Next time I went there I couldn't get in I said why the owner said she doesn't want you in there. They wouldn't give me a reason. The guy behind me had been in there went outside and they wouldn't let him back in no reason. I went to Stobers bar talked to a guy next to me he said the same thing they kicked him out no reason. He suggested because you're not like them. Reverse discrimination.
google avatar

Brooke V.

Yelp
The food was good but I really had a hard time with how loud the music was it was hard to hear the people came with no ome was there and they blast the music as if it was packed. The service was okay like I said no one was rewlly there and it took a while for them to get our order and when we wanted to pay it was like they wanted to take their sweet time. Only thing I love was how many pinball games there was .

Jack M.

Yelp
This place is awesome. Food is almost always amazing, cool vibe, dark musty vibe with an upper deck, games and live music for all
google avatar

Justin C.

Yelp
The Ave is a Lansing staple, hosting some of the best food in the city and an awesome environment. You can have many different kinds of night at the Ave. You can go there for a nice dinner, you can go there for a drink and a show, or you can go there and get absolutely ripped. All are 5 star experiences, and the people complaining about service at a punk bar like it's an Olive Garden are lame as hell.
google avatar

Sidney S.

Yelp
I got the green curry ramen and it was insanely good. I've never had that style and I was hesitant but so glad the bartender suggested it. It was spicy but not overpowering. The serving was large, had leftovers for lunch the next day. Great vibes for trivia, and shockingly gourmet dinner. Must try if you live in the area!

Stephen G.

Yelp
I will corroborate what other reviewers have mentioned about the service being negligent and sometimes combative. When you finally receive your overpriced, tiny drink, you will notice that it it's fairly watered-down. And although they do serve gentrified ramen here, I much prefer authenticity. Some folks would rather get Taco Bell over the real thing, and it's cool if you're one of them, but that's not me. A quick Yelp search instantly yields superior local ramen alternatives compared to this musty and squalid place. I don't want to leave a completely negative review, so I will mention that the parking lot in the back is convenient! I use it to visit the other adjacent businesses when I'm in the area.
google avatar

Kelsey F.

Yelp
I really wanted to like this place. Drinks were okay, server/bartender wasn't very nice and was pushy and seemed annoyed at my friend and I. Drinks were very small and watered down.

Vagabond V.

Yelp
I was visiting Lansing for a month and Avenue Cafe was recommended a few times, as a must try. I concur! The Coney Bao is to die for. I was so obsessed with the flavor, I insisted on it being my final meal. The vegan Ramen bowl is also very good with the same uniquely yummy mushroom and fermented something that escapes me now paste. I've tried to recreate it a few times to no avail. If I ever find my way back to Lansing, mark my word you'll find me at the Avenue. It's also a cute venue with tons of pinball games. Definitely recommend checking it out.

Brittney B.

Yelp
I used to love this place so much, but my fondness has definitely faded. I haven't been back in person since the pandemic but the last couple times I've gotten take out food it's made me super sick. A couple months ago I ended up in the hospital from the veggie rice bowl and over the weekend I spent an entire evening throwing up after having the vegan green curry. Not sure what's going on in the kitchen but I don't think I'll be risking my health to support their business anymore.
google avatar

Repo P.

Yelp
From buffalo, NY visiting. And it was suggested to try the avenue. I'll say the first time I've had Korean bbq. Pork belly bowl was amazing. You Definitely will not be disappointed. I'll most definitely be going back myself on the next visit.
google avatar

Mihai P.

Yelp
Decent beers on tap. Pinball games a bit pricey. Ramen is okay. Music can be decent if you get lucky at Culture clash, but it's always extremely loud.
google avatar

Tyra N.

Yelp
Hipster dive joint of Lansing is home for me at least 1 day each week. From the open mics, to the special performances to finding myself on the stage a year after my first visit for a benefit designs The Avenue as a community hub. All the hippie kids come here because the judgement is minimal, the pinball games are plenty and if you want you can throw darts or play pool over music and budget friendly drinks. Nothing is over priced not even the food. It's not just "bar food" either, there are vegan, vegetarian and cheese free options for those who opt out of burgers and fries. Even their burgers exceed bar standards. There's only a cover when an event is held and you can always find a seat on any level. The bathrooms are neat and always have what you need. I come back for the people but this is a place I'd come alone although there's always a friend here.
google avatar

Michaela H.

Yelp
My favorite bar in Lansing, amazing staff super friendly door guys, AWESOME ramen. If you haven't been here you're fucking up. Check em out.
google avatar

Jacob N.

Yelp
I wasn't planning on writing a review, but after taking my first bite of this dish, I absolutely had to. The Avenue is very hipster bar, be prepared to be welcomed into the family no matter who you are. If you have an artistic palate, this is the place to go! Low key some of the most unique dishes around! If you want mouth-watering burgers you can't get anywhere else, come here on Sundays. The rest of the week you can try different styles of Ramen Dishes. If you're into spicy foods, I'd recommend the Spicy Shrimp Ramen, ABSOLUTELY MOUTH WATERING!! All-in-All, the diverse groups of people and the chill atmosphere are what bring me here time and time again. There are events every day of the week, stop by on karaoke night to really have a good time with the locals and just let loose! I'm thankful that the owner of this place continues to create such a unique experience for all of us here in the Lansing Area.

Morgan C.

Yelp
This place has by far the WORST bartending service in the city of Lansing. Slow service for one and don't even think about flagging them down for a drink, because that will only further delay your order. Every time we get a drink here, it's been by a bartender named Kelsey. We are polite and we say hi. We put our drink order in and she takes her sweet time getting "two" drinks (one of which, you pop the top aka canned beverage). She then brings them over (all while giving us the death stare the entire time). No "hi" or "hello".... and as I'm saying "thank you", she sets the receipt down and walks away. As a 20% tipper, it pained me to give her zero this time, as I have ZERO tolerance for anyone's attitude as a patron. Personally, I don't get it. Yes, I am not their typical hipster customer, however, I do believe in good customer service which is non-existent at this establishment. Also, let's not forget to mention the second round of drinks that we got. We went to different bartender this time. Kelsey proceeded to come up to the other bartender and start talking to her while making direct eye contact with us. Now, while it can seem rather assumptive, I couldn't help but notice how the other bartender's demeanor completely changed towards us, post talking with Kelsey. It's truly disappointing, because their drinks aren't bad. Not great, but not bad. Everyone we spoke to that night loves their games, karaoke, atmosphere, and especially, the ramen. Essentially, everything outside of the service. We heard complaint after complaint as to how rude the staff are along with extensive wait times to get drinks. I'll add one final grievance. The bartenders that are NOT working, like to stand behind the bar. Which wouldn't be problem if they didn't get mad at you when you ask them for a cocktail. There's simply a lot of attitude here, and I'm not certain as to why. Maybe they are just truly unhappy people. Either way, I'd rather spend my money elsewhere.
google avatar

Shiobahn R.

Yelp
Stop last night on a date and turned into a awesome night the open mic was wonderful and so was the food ... little slow to get service at the start but we came at shift change so not upset about it
google avatar

Jessica S.

Yelp
I love this stupid bar. Here's the thing though: I can't guarantee you'll love this stupid bar. The Avenue is genuinely great, but first you have to be able to love slightly flawed, confusing, booze-soaked things with a heart of gold. (Why yes, that is what I told my ex.) The space: It's BIG, as if a cozy little dive bar wandered into a multi-story emporium and just decided to stretch out a bit. It's got character, which means it's full of colorful locals and decorated with repurposed art and cool wall murals and string lights and raccoon hand puppets behind the bar (but also, that it's kinda shabby). Vibe: Good live music venue for local/regional acts. With the Green Door on the same block and Mac's just down the street, can we call the Eastside neighborhood a local music hub yet? Also hosts a range of other events - fundraisers, pottery painting, pinball tournaments, burlesque shows, community meetings, open mics, karaoke, who knows what all else. There's a goth night, for crying out loud. It's the kind of quirky place that becomes a second home for the eccentric and weird. Whatever subculture your aunt is offended by, a group of them are probably regulars here. Booze: Well-curated draft selection, lots of fun stuff in cans. Prices run the range from way-cheap to moderately-pricey. They make really good cocktails - I've seen them use a handheld smoker, and serve absinthe with all the traditional pomp and circumstance. Food: The Avenue runs some sort of an independent mini restaurant incubator in their kitchen, which means food is usually available, but not always and it changes regularly. Don't rely on old Yelp reviews for food cuz whatever was there is probably gone now. Generally good, usually has a quality vegan/veg option. I've been going to this place for 3 years and still can't figure out how to tell when they're running table service, so your best bet is to order at the bar. Tip: on nights when there's a show, you have to enter through the back door.
google avatar

Debbie R.

Yelp
Didn't eat or drink a thing here but 5 stars for a great pinball machine collection and for allowing under 21 before 6pm. Pinball fans will appreciate the well maintained machines, good lighting with minimal glare on the glass, the spacious feel when playing, and the variety of tables. $1/game.
google avatar

Tim M.

Yelp
The Avenue is the new re-branding of the old "Gone Wired Cafe". The Lansing State Journal named "Gone Wired" as the "Best Cafe in Lansing" so it's a bit confusing why they felt they needed to re-brand themselves; they were probably trying to convey their new status as a Bar/Cafe. But the name Avenue Cafe fails to deliver on that point. I feel like simply changing the name to "Gone Wire Bar and Grill" would have been a better decision. The coffee here is still not the best. I don't remember who the roaster is (perhaps "Cardinal Coffee") but it always tastes over roasted to me. I like the Idea of adding actual Irish Cream to a Latte and like Craft beer about as much as I like coffee -- so big win with the Liquor licensing. However, the hours are always confusing me and the food and coffee specialty drinks are of inconstant quality. They used to host all sorts of cool clubs at their large venue (vampire club, board game club, beard club, and LARPERs(?) it was a blast to see. Alas, that doesn't seem to be the case now... A business gets it character from the clientèle; and who has more character then a beard club (just sayin'). The greatest redeeming quality of this cafe is the venue (when it's open) which is amazing; it's a huge cavernous place with ample second floor seating and a large open first floor. It's a shame that such an amazing venue should befall such manic management.
google avatar

Eric Z.

Yelp
Ave cafe is my favorite live music venue in Lansing. They have great food, cheap drink prices, and the servers / bartenders are great. Im not sure why some writers are suggesting they are trying to rebrand the former Gone Wired Cafe - this is definitely not the case. The facility is really big and odd in it's set up, but they do a good job of scheduling awesome Indie rock and gothgrass nationally touring acts. The sound is way better than The Loft. If you are an uptight pussy that likes terrible cover bands you should go to the Green Door instead.
google avatar

Joe B.

Yelp
Honestly they have really good food and the crowd is super kind. I recommend for a bar to chill eat and listen to live music:
google avatar

Ciera R.

Yelp
Excellent ramen. Great pinball selection. Friendly staff. Really enjoyed our evening here!
google avatar

Karen C.

Yelp
My rating reflects their food. I used to come here for their red bean burger but they no longer have that. They have a black bean burger which lacks taste and was mushy. Their shoe string fries were cold and their "mashed potatoes" was not all the way cooked. Their truffled mushrooms were NOT worth $8. It came with 6 pieces. It was delicious but there was barely any truffle taste. I do like that you just order and pay for your food. You don't have to worry about a waiter coming and checking on you. I also like that they have free wifi and they now have a little arcade room! They have bands that come in on the weekends and also some weeknights. I would never come here for food again, though.

Mattea C.

Yelp
I was advised to go to this place by a friend, and was super excited. I thought it was a cafe, but honestly had no idea what this place was. I walked in and saw an arcade. It seemed like a super cool place. I ordered the Chicken bowl, and requested the sauce on the side just in case I didn't like it. The food arrived and it was delicious, but I didn't like the sauce so I wanted to see if they had ranch. The waitress never came back to check on us in the beginning. By the time she checked on us the 1st time my 2 friends drinks had been sitting empty for awhile. When she came back I asked for refills for their drinks and 2 ranch cups. She said that they did not have ranch, and because of their Japanese style foods, this was not the place to be asking for Ranch. I was taken back by her rude response and was genuinely confused, but I just said I was sorry I didn't know that. She came back 30 minutes later only to grab our empty bowl. Didn't ask if we wanted a box, refills, or our checks, just snatched the bowl and walked away. After that we sat for an HOUR waiting. A band was setting up and she seemed busy at the bar, completely understandable, but we saw her checking in on some other people during the same time. After an hour she came back and said she "forgot" we were there. She took our cards and brought them back and said nothing. I have never ever had the need to complain about service, I work in the service industry and am always understanding. I don't know if I deeply offended them when I asked for ranch in an arcade, cafe, band, bar, "authentic" Japanese style restaurant, but their attitude was unacceptable. Also the bathrooms were NASTY. The bathrooms are different, they're LGBTQ+ inclusive, so I think everyone uses the same bathroom. Either way, they were gross. Other than that, the band was cool listen too, and their French fries (yes, french fries in the "authentic" Japanese restaurant that OBVIOUSLY doesn't have ranch) were amazing. I would go back to get that.

Steven M.

Yelp
Always a great time, just don't be a dick to the bar tenders! Great drinks, great atmosphere, you can't get bored here. Whether you are playing pool, pinball, live music, or just people watching, this place has been a gem since I arrived in the neighborhood in 2014.

Courtney V.

Yelp
I love this place! The vibe is so chill & Ruckus Ramen knocks my socks off! Their pad thai & their shrimp app are my favorite! Def a good place to start or end the night! There are things to do there too, which is nice because a lot of other bars don't offer a ton of things to do other than drink lol. They have pool & several pin ball machines!

Jessica W.

Yelp
I WANT to love Gone Wired (or, as they've re-branded themselves, The Avenue). I really do. It reminds me of a coffee shop I was in love with (Krankies in Winston-Salem, NC) in a town where I used to live. It's big, has free wi-fi, it's locally owned and operated. I wholeheartedly support all of those things. However, I've been disappointed by them so many times at this point that it's hard to keep trying. I'm sitting here writing this review after attempting to stop by The Avenue this morning to get some work done, only to find out they are not open now until 10AM. I realize that re-branding themselves as a coffee shop/bar (which is an odd combination, by the way) might have changed some things, but the baristas/bartenders always insisted the only change would be that they also now have a full bar. Apparently, that was untrue. If The Avenue is going to continue to operate as a coffee shop at all, opening up at 10AM is far too late. In addition, the food at The Avenue is VERY hit-or-miss. I've gone in several times and had an awesome, awesome breakfast or lunch. Another time, I went in and (based on a menu sign at the counter) ordered a "Homeless Grilled Cheese," which was advertised to contain basil, tomato, and a couple of different kinds of cheese. I received a plain grilled cheese. When I went to the cook to complain, he insisted the food was correct. I almost brought him the sign from the counter, but decided it wasn't worth it. The Breakfast Burrito has been both awesome and terrible. I just never know which I'm going to get. Perhaps I could remedy this if I got to know the cooks (and which ones were good), but I think The Avenue really needs to strive for consistency in the food. I've thrown out a few meals there, as it is. Service can be great, or it can be slow. The coffee is generally pretty good, although nothing to write home about. The servers have always been very friendly to me, but sometimes just don't seem like they're in much of a hurry. I don't expect lightning fast, but sometimes, the pace is glacial. Finally, on this web page, and in the store, I've had the unfortunate occasion to witness some real nastiness on the part of the owner. Her responses to the negative reviews are really unprofessional for a business owner (personal attacks are absolutely and totally uncalled for). I've also been in the cafe when there was a large table of men who hadn't purchased anything, and Colleen came up to kick them out. Telling them that they needed to order something or leave was totally justified. The way she handled it, however, was shocking. She berated them, was mean, rude, and nasty. After she left, I heard all of the guys saying that if she had asked politely, they would have simply ordered something. She could have handled it in a way that gained her some business instead of (undoubtedly) losing it. All of that said, I'll probably keep going to Gone Wired/The Avenue in the hopes that it will live up to my expectations someday. Right now, it's not bad, but has some weak aspects that the staff really need to improve.
google avatar

Bar B.

Yelp
Went to the Avenue Cafe on MI avenue in Lansing to see my buddies band play, Jacks Weak Ego. What a good show. The Avenue Cafe used to be a coffee shop that turned to selling booze! There were still people studying when we showed up early and they have a coffee bar adjacent to the taps. Beer section was good, MI craft beers or PBR. PBR was $2.50 a mason jar. Out of the six burgers on the menu I chose the breakfast burger. $7.50 got you a burg with hard egg, tomato, lettuce, and cheddar. Burger lacked a lil flavor though for having the ingredients for greatness. Burger- 2 Price- 4 Service- 4 Overall- 3.75 The Avenue is a two story spot that is larger than life when you step inside. It is dimly lit and adorned with scary paintings that are on sale for a cool $175. Very industrial feel with only a few billiards and games. Again this was a coffee shop before. Happy hour on Saturday night meant that burgers were half off. I'm pretty sure that the greatest part was the sriachia (sp) that was provided!

Dan W.

Yelp
Went here once with roughly 4 people in total sitting at the bar. Still took roughly 25 minutes to be served and when we were the beer was flat and warm. It seemed most of the employees would rather spend time outside smoking than providing customer service. I am a believer in giving places a second chance so on the biggest bar night of the year I stopped in with a friend. Rather small crowd considering the space they have and again a single bartender situation in which we received absolutely awful service. If you're a normal person looking for a beer and casual conversation, avoid at all costs. If you have a beard and facial piercings, you might get served.
google avatar

Amber W.

Yelp
just the kinda place lansing needs : ) ... great people, fun performance and open mics, and lots of love for our own local creative folks! i'm glad we have a least one place like this here.
google avatar

Elle Z.

Yelp
Alcohol is always prompt. Great food available from Nomad Kitchen and everyone really likes being there
google avatar

Samantha S.

Yelp
This is one of the better places to study in the East Lansing/Lansing area. The food is simple but good. The best part is the bar as I like to have a drink while doing work. The place can be a bit dark and some of the furniture could use some fixing up but overall, a good atmosphere!
google avatar

Dean C.

Yelp
Great start to a new Sunday brunch spot - check out the specials with Looney Tunes in the background !
google avatar

Kelly C.

Yelp
This is the best venue in Lansing! Looooove this place! I've attended fund raisers for local non-profits and hosted events here. The owner, Colleen, is AMAZING! She seems to know everyone & when I forgot our projector, she had one there within 10 minutes. I've hosted two events that reached near capacity & everyone LOVED the location, venue, drink & food prices, and ALWAYS FRIENDLY & smiling faces! I can't say enough good things about this place!
google avatar

R. L.

Yelp
Cool place with a mixed crowd, and I love their food.. it's actually not what you would expect from a dark, kinda' run-down place. The vegetarian options are appreciated. Good prices on beer and I know they always have specials going on. Often there will be people studying here on week nights, which I think is pretty cool. Locals also frequent this place. Nice service. Good hang out place. I think the interior could use some remodeling since things feel and look dirty. And I wish they were open earlier if they serve coffee and brunch... it's not really a cafe. This is a bar!
google avatar

A C.

Yelp
Good service, nice bartenders, lots of room to spread out into with large groups. Sometimes they're out of certain liquors, but the bartenders don't hesitate to cook me up custom concoctions based on what I tell them I like. And that makes for amazing service!

Sahira M.

Yelp
Honestly I crave their food daily. The bartenders are amazing and will you treat you like they've known you forever. Very welcoming, very good food, exceptional people. No complaints. Events daily and student specials on Thursday's!

Dave J.

Yelp
honestly Im not that into hipsters or the punk scene but I gotta say this is my favorite bar Ive been to. I got a pitcher of beer and some top shelf food all for dirt cheap and they were playing beetlejuice for some film fest thing. overall the place just has a nice blend of college kids my age and chill older people and the service and ambience/vibe is really on point. Good deals on cheap beer really makes this place the perfect bar imo.

Bob D.

Yelp
I moved to Lansing from the Detroit area for the year to complete an internship in the area. Searching from Okemos to downtown Lansing for a place where I could write and work comfortable with no real luck until the Avenue Cafe saved me. I try to support independently run businesses as it is the the Avenue Cafe makes it easy by having great atmosphere, local beer, and coffee. I am thankful I've had this place to hang out until I can move back to my more usual haunts. The one thing I wish is that when they have food, that they focused on including slightly higher quality ingredients, but I figure, that is easy enough to fix, eh? Oh, and if you enjoy jazz, be sure to stop up Thursday nights.

Regina A.

Yelp
Stopped in for the Ruckus Ramen after work. The miso ramen was really satisfying. With the atmosphere of a punk/dive music venue & loads of pinball!..bet their large second floor balcony would be a great vantage point to see a band..I'd definitely stop back for cheap drinks , food & music when I'm through here next.

Yvonne L.

Yelp
I'm a huge fan of The Avenue Cafe. Not only do they offer a great venue for local talent and community events -- and often opens their doors to them for free -- but they have ample room to accommodate more than one type of group: There's a room off to the side for a more private party, a bar with seating for folks that prefer to be close to the action, and an upper tier of booths (and bookshelves!) for those like me who are more introverted. There is another huge bonus in that they collaborated with Everybody Reads, their next door neighbor, and created an entryway between the two businesses to encourage cross-pollination of ideas/business/support. The owner, Colleen, is a dear and does wonders in the kitchen and is a go-to person for connecting people. I once sent a visiting activist to her for advice on who to connect to in this community, and Colleen not only readily supplied her with names and numbers, but called them ahead of time to get them excited about the planned event and even showed up in support! I love what they've done to transform themselves recently and encourage even more/better use of the space. If you haven't gone there recently, go check it out for yourself and tell Colleen HI! You're likely to be met with a warm smile that will make you feel like you've come home.
google avatar

Kay A.

Yelp
The whiz in the kitchen consistently offers tasty eclectic fare. You may not be able to get your 'favorite' dish as the menu is ever changing. But I think this adds to the flair. Try something new. Its all good actually. The venue itself is ideal for a neighborhood coffee shop/bar. The pinball machines are a big draw for my youngins' as well as the very talented artists that perform here. The Ave. really is the place to be.
google avatar

Courtney H.

Yelp
I love coming into the Avenue on any given night, either to study or work or enjoy the live music. I became addicted to Chai Lattes thanks to their suggestion once :) There food for me has always been delicious and the staff has never been short of friendly and good people. This is a really cool place and I can't wait to see how they grow.

Nichole A.

Yelp
Went there on a Sunday night and the creeps were out. The bar was OK, but the clientele was not. We were minding our own business talking amongst ourselves and kept getting harassed. The bartender tried to tell us not to make a scene when all we were doing was trying to enjoy our drinks. We had to leave early due to physical threats from the self proclaimed regulars. Not my kind of establishment.