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Located at 133 Evergreen Ave in East Lansing, MI, Graduate Rock Bar offers a unique rooftop experience with stunning views of the city and campus. The bar provides a casual, trendy, and classy atmosphere with an accessible and affordable menu. Customers praise the great drinks, fun atmosphere, and stellar rooftop patio during warmer months. While the cocktails may not win awards, the smash burger and beer list are quite respectable. The service is exceptional, making it a great spot to relax with a drink and enjoy the scenery. Overall, Graduate Rock Bar is a must-visit for a memorable rooftop bar experience with delicious drinks and fantastic vibes.
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About
Welcome to Graduate Rock Bar, a rooftop bar located in East Lansing, MI, that offers a delightful combination of stunning views, good drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere. With outdoor seating, this bar provides a casual yet trendy and classy setting for guests to enjoy. The moderate noise level adds to the lively ambiance, making it a perfect spot to unwind and socialize.
Customer reviews rave about the picturesque views from the rooftop patio, especially during sunset, offering a panoramic vista of the campus and city. The service is consistently praised for its efficiency and friendliness, contributing to a positive experience for patrons.
While the bar is known for its seasonal cocktails and respectable beer selection, the food menu also receives commendations. Guests mention enjoying the smash burger and express that the dishes are accessible and affordable, appealing to a wide range of preferences.
Overall, Graduate Rock Bar is a great destination for anyone looking to enjoy a drink with great views and vibes. Whether you're a local or a visitor to the area, this rooftop bar provides a unique experience that combines excellent service, delicious drinks, and a memorable atmosphere.
People talk
“ A cute little rooftop bar. I got the pleasure to visit one snowy night and the view was absolutely stunning. I remember taking several photos but could only find a video. I've shared some screenshots from that video showing the view. I had a seasonal drink that was pretty decent. Unfortunately, the kitchen was closed during my visit so I couldn't review the food. I'll be sure to update my review with the food if I revisit. Overall, a good bar for drinks, views and vibes. ”
“ Reading some of the negative reviews of this place, I feel like the Graduate Rock Bar may to some degree be trying to figure out what it's trying to be when it grows up. It occupies the rooftop suite of a high-end hotel, but it's not going for, say, exorbitant cocktails that you can sip while watching the sun set over the giant parking lot that is downtown Lansing (great views at sunset!). The bar very much knows it is but a beer bottle's throw from a state university, and leans into this in having a menu that is accessible but also affordable. They have a quite respectable smash burger and a respectable beer list. The cocktails aren't necessarily going to win any awards, but I feel like this is a great place to be able to go sit with a drink-- plus the rooftop patio is stellar in the warmer months. Service is great. ”
“ Great drinks and fun atmosphere. Service was awesome!! Cheers. To Langston! Definitely want to come back!! ”
“ Bottom line...GREAT VIEWS. Got there at sunset on a Friday before a football game and man it took your breath away. Beautiful night and expansive view of the campus. Going outside is even better. Was a bit cool on an early November weekend but not bad. Ended up getting a table inside by the window. Needless to say it was pretty darn crowded. But it really took just a bit to get waited on at the bar. Bartender was exceptionally nice. That was really the only thing was that you're paying for the view because drinks are pretty high. We didn't eat anything so can't talk about the food. However, if your 1st time to MSU campus (not ours...went there over 40 years ago) great way to check it out. ”
“ My friend and I worked our way up here for drinks. I've been meaning to check it out for over a year. The ambiance is the best part of this place. The maximalist "up north camp" decor is fantastic, balancing tasteful texture elements and antiques. This is the best view of the city now that they allowed high-rise buildings. The drinks are fine, but a hair spendy. I will have to give another review once I try their food. The place was busy and filled in more once we got our drinks. With the hotel below, I doubt they will ever hurt for business. It does bum me out a bit to hear they are a chain, but a very limited one. ”
“ Stayed at the Graduate for a conference that was in town. Went to the Rock Bar for a late dinner. Getting to the place involves taking the elevator to the 10th floor. Inside mirrors how the hotel is - dark color and dark lighting. Bar seating along with comfy lounge areas, high tops, and outside seating. The views are awesome. The menu food wise is creative and has a good variety, not a big menu. Drinks wise they have a decent cocktail list but drinks are pricey. I got a mocktail version of a cocktail and that came out to $8.00. Our waiter was friendly but not overly attentive. Did not fill our waters or ask if we wanted more drinks. We ordered the Michigan Beer dip which includes pretzel bites and dip. These were delicious, so soft and fluffy and came out hot! Our food on the other hand took forever - 30 plus minutes? Our waiter never came out to check on us or let us know the hold up. Once our food finally came out it was a good portion size. I got the BLT which was hearty, and I liked the friend green tomato. The bacon was also thick and cooked well. Not worth the upcharge in price was the beer battered fries - they didn't taste like anything. Good place to go for a drink while at the hotel and even better if you can head outside and enjoy the views. But service wise was a little lacking. ”
“ Very cool spot at the top of the graduate hotel great views, decent small plates and appetizers. Good drinks the bartender was a little bit rude but it was a busy night. I think she was having a bad night. If you're staying here it's a must if you're just in Lansing might be a great spot to grab a drink before dinner. ”
“ We did not eat the food only went for drinks. It's more laid back than I expected. Pictures online make it look more elegant than it is. But you don't have college students really in here. It was more of an older crowd which i appreciated. Bartenders were kind and attentive. Overall stopping in for a drink is good, love to see it in the summer with the outdoor patio. ”
“ Drink prices are a little high, but you pay for the fancier names and all that. Drinks are good tho, albeit a bit light of a liquor pour. Location is super cool, located at the top of the Graduate hotel. The giant rock inside tells you why they call this "The Rock". The balcony is nice, and the view is nicert. And be sure to check out the artwork on the walls when you come in downstairs. ”
“ Located on the 8th floor of the Graduate Hotel in East Lansing, the Graduate Rock Bar has a rooftop patio and amazing views of campus, especially of Spartan Stadium. Nate and I stopped in East Lansing on our way to Ann Arbor specifically to check out this bar which opened recently. The decor and furnishings have a hunting camp/cabin/lodge vibe, which is cozy but a bit unexpected - it seems like it would be more suited for Northern Michigan. The drink menu is small with several vodka options. I tried the Sparty Water and the Willie Style, named after Willie the Can Man. The Sparty Water was pretty sweet with strawberry vodka, cranberry juice, and basil. The Willie Style was refreshing with a shot of Stoli in a grapefruit Stiegl beer. They have a small food menu with some snacks, a couple of sandwiches, salads, and chili. It seemed pretty pricey - $9 for a walking taco! I'd definitely recommend coming for the views and a drink. Our server was great and I'm glad we got to check it out. If I lived in town, I'd probably end up being a regular here. Must-see for all Spartan fans! ”