Crunchy's

I am bit seasoned for a college bar, but Crunchy’s is in its own league, identifiable with Michigan State, but standing on its own as one of the greatest drinking holes in the Midwest. Manny was my bartender, and he’s an ambassador for East Lansing, Crunchy’s, Michigan State, and the upper Midwest. His mastery of an eclectic amount of subjects made Manny perhaps the best conversationalist since Cicero. I had a blast at Crunchy’s and hopefully I can return soon to enjoy the drinks, food, and camaraderie of Crunchy’s.

So I have been here a couple times, and I thought the food was OK. My burger was pretty good. I wish it was seasoned more and cooked the way I want it, but this is a Burger and beer place. I wasn’t too happy about the parking situation because you have to park behind the building. My girlfriend and I ended up getting a parking ticket while we were having our lunch, so be mindful of your parking. The service was excellent but let’s just say I’ve had better burgers.

Crunchy's is a historic college eatery just off the campus of Michigan State University. Voted best burger in the Lansing area several times in the last 20 or so years. Great tater tots. And I did enjoy my burger recently. Tasted char-broiled, like when my dad used to burn them on the old Weber over store-brand charcoal. During our recent visit, I had a great beer. Something I couldn't find at Hopcat or Reno's. The woman who sat us, and who could be seen giving tables a second wiping if necessary, could be running the fancy dining room at the Kellogg Center with her attention to detail. So good food, good beer, and good service. However, Crunchy's looks like a cheap 80's dive. Kinda dark. Cheap, old tables and chairs. The parking lot adjoining the place, tight up against the wall of the building, isn't theirs. I picked the place for lunch with my parents, because on Google maps you can see there's a parking lot that looks just like it should be theirs. It is not. Also the entry door is not in front of the building. It's not in back of the building, either. The entry also is not on the side of the building that is open to the parking lot that they obviously sold to some junky apartment building further up the block. The entry is in a narrow, dark alley. And the closest parking is meters on the street behind; hopefully a spot is available. I might rather get a burger and a beer at Hopcat or just a burger at Five Guys. But neither have the nostalgia factor you get at Crunchy's. Or the tots