The following is a text from my best friend and former roommate, Shoe. We've known each other since we were six, so she's allowed to hit me with my most embarrassing moments of all time without needing forgiveness. Shoe: "I saw a TikTok yesterday where someone talked about getting so drunk that they peed in their closet at 3 AM, and it reminded me of that time you got drunk, woke up in the middle of the night, and relieved yourself on that pile of clothes on your floor at Stormy Garcia (the name we gave our apartment based on its previous occupant). Oh, good times. Anywho, happy holidays!" Oddly, this story has been coming up a lot lately. Before you hear it from someone else, I'd like to go on record. This is my 8 Mile B. Rabbit vs. Papa Doc final rap battle story. The prelude is a little foggy, as this happened nearly twenty years ago and there was alcohol involved. I came home trashed from whatever Wicker Park hipster dive bar I chose to be over-served at that particular night and immediately passed out in my twin bed. I remember having a very vivid dream about needing to pee, but being far too tired to walk the five steps across the narrow hallway to the bathroom right outside my room. I had the brilliant idea to just go on the floor, squatting off the side of my bed. This is genius. I should do this more often. Great idea. I'll just give it a quick Swiffer in the morning. Everyone's gonna be doing this. Zzzzz. When I woke up, I was dry, fully clothed, but something was suspiciously off. I never have dreams that are as clear as that. It's normally an H.R. Pufnstuf bowling-alley strike-screen jumble--. I had, in fact, gone off the side of my bed but into a laundry basket full of my clothes. Not just any clothes. Clothes that had been recently laundered, folded, and had just been minding their own business, waiting to be put away. I remembered this godawful moment for the next nineteen years with a shiver of mild embarrassment. One day, absolutely out of the blue, I reconnect with an old friend. The kind with benefits, backdoor privileges, and a copy of my apartment key at the time. He recounts the exact same story with vivid details, not because I had shared this with him previously, but because he was a primary source. He was in the bed with me, trying (feebly) to dissuade me, and then forced to watch while this all transpired. How the hell did I block that part out? "But I know something about you. You went to Cranbrook. That's a private school." I still don't know what this information was meant to accomplish. As if private education was going to un-do the laundry basket. The Avenue in downtown Lansing reminds me of this moment and of being twenty-three years old again. It's messy, it's weird, it's a bit skanky, it's mixing every spirit behind the bar with reckless abandon, and it couldn't possibly be more fun. I've only been there twice, but it always seems to be "Ratchet Night," which I respect deeply. There was an amateur drag show the last time I was there, so I found myself hobnobbing with the who's-who of the Lansing-area LGBTQIA+ scene. This included a girl in a gimp mask and a bartender dressed as a literal clown. Face paint. Lavender pigtails. A polka-dotted hat with a pom-pom on top. Whatever. It doesn't really matter, because this clown made me one of the best drinks I've had in a very long time. It was a pistachio espresso martini, and it was a work of art. Real pistachios. Whipped cream. It took at least five minutes to assemble. I wanted to order ten more, but on a busy Saturday night, I could not bring myself to be that person with a high-maintenance drink order. After I mixed many exotic drinks together, I took to the dance floor and absolutely destroyed it to I'm Lookin' for the Hoes by Sexyy Red, followed by that seminal work on big jugs, Tia Tamera by Doja Cat. The rest is kind of a blur, but I do remember getting a shoutout from the emcee before I left. They said, "Judith hit so sticky." I said, "Thank you very much." Bent the whole world over and said, "Spank you very much." Nah, I'm just playin'. I went home and got sick in a sink that night. At least I didn't ruin a hamper, though. read more

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. read more

The atmosphere, food and drinks are good. However the bartenders act really annoyed whenever I speak to them. There's maybe ONE nice bartender but the rest actively ignore you or make you feel stupid. I'm just wondering, why? Why be a bartender if you don't like the job? It's social by nature, why does it feel like they're disgusted by the concept of people asking questions about the beverages. read more

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. read more

See all

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. read more

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. read more

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

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. read more

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 . read more

Avenue Cafe - Pinball - Bars Near Me - Lansing, Michigan

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. read more

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! read more

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. read more

Avenue Cafe - Tequila sour - Bars Near Me - Lansing, Michigan

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. read more

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

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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.

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. read more

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 read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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:

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

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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! read more

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. read more

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! read more

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! read more

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

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

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! read more