Explore & Enjoy // Food & Drink
Places in East Lansing to Remind You of Detroit
Donovan Wainwright
Hey, what’s up, guys? It’s your Michigan State Let’s Detroit Campus Ambassador Donovan Wainwright from around the way.
This week, I’m going to tell y’all about some spots in East Lansing that remind me of Detroit. If you need a little reminder of home/the city, here you go:
1
Taqueria El Chaparrito
Taqueria El Chaparrito - West Saginaw Highway, Lansing MI
If you're going to grab Mexican food in the Lansing area, come here. It is great to bring your friends and family to talk and have good food. I love their birria tacos dinner; it is a great choice. It reminds me of going to get Mexican cuisine in Southwest Detroit.
2
Leo's Coney
Leo's Coney Island MSU - Albert Street, East Lansing MI
L George's is still better, but Leo's Coney does remind me of Detroit because Coney Dogs are a staple of the city. There is one on every other corner in Detroit. People go here to grab coney dogs and chili cheese fries, but a grilled chicken pita and wing dings are underrated choices. The best thing about Leo's Coney is that the menu is big enough for options.
3
Chen's Restaurant
Chen's Restaurant - East Thomas Street, Lansing MI
Chinese food is big for Detroiters. I have my favorite spots on the west side of Detroit, and Chen's Restaurant is really close to one of my favorites. The menu is diverse and has all the favorites, mine being the sweet and sour chicken and shrimp fried rice. Plus, this restaurant will get your order right every time.
4
Eastside Fish Fry and Grill
Eastside Fish Fry & Grill - East Kalamazoo Street, Lansing MI
People in Detroit love a fried chicken and fries combo with lemon pepper seasoning from places like Manhattan and Captain Jay's. Eastside Fish Fry is Lansing's version of those places and has been known in East Lansing for years. I highly recommend you go if you are ever in the area.
5
IM East
IM East - East Shaw Lane, East Lansing MI
Growing up, I loved basketball, and going to Joe Dumar's to play basketball was a classic. Playing basketball at IM West/IM East, a Michigan State campus gym, brings back the memories of playing basketball at Joe Dumar's. You will always have competition there.