Views, comfort, service and atmosphere is top notch! Just a great spot to hang out, relax and unwind. Great views of East Lansing and enjoying views of the trees and MSU across the street. The drinks were great and the people were amazing. We ordered the French onion dip, the meats and cheeses along with the pretzel bites with beer cheese. They were all very good. Nice little menu of tasty bites. The vibe and energy here is really relaxing and comfortable. read more

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Friendly service and with some scenic views of East Lansing and MSU campus. The food was delightful - my wife and I enjoyed some light afternoon snacks. However, the drink prices are nothing short of obscene. I recommend checking out the views and finding somewhere more affordable to dine and imbibe. read more

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First of all the views alone award this a 5 star experience. You get to see almost all of campus and they have an amazing patio. However, the food was just ok, portions were very small for the cost (see attached avocado toast for proof). The service was ok. We went for brunch in the summer and it was not busy at all, probably due to not being football season timing. I was disappointed with their drink options; no tea - ice or hot- and no Dr. Pepper or Vernors. I was equally annoyed that they did not have their full menu available and were only offering their brunch options (it was 12:30 pm ish). I would think since their brunch options were so limited they would have their normal menu available but sadly not. It is a good place to go for small bites. And no parking onsite, only valet with the hotel is available. read more

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View was amazing. Great drink variety and taste. Food selection was limited. Service was great. Nice vibe to the place. read more

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July 2025: My husband and I stayed one night at Graduate East Lansing by Hilton while road-tripping through Michigan, and overall it was a charming and memorable stop. Something to know before you go, valet is essential. While there's a nearby public parking lot for $20, we went with the $35 valet service--it was convenient, especially with luggage and a dog. The hotel is dog-friendly, which we really appreciated, though the $75+tax pet fee felt a bit excessive. The hotel itself is beautifully decorated with a University of Michigan theme. It was charming and really well done. I liked the main staircase lined with vintage-style portraits. The staff were friendly and welcoming. We enjoyed coffee from the on-site café, and the Graduate Rock Bar had stunning views of the city. We enjoyed watching the Sunday night sunset. Our room was clean and nicely styled but the bed and pillows were uncomfortable to me and I didn't sleep well. Also, the luggage carts were frustrating to use because they were difficult to maneuver. One thing we loved was the green space around the hotel. There were plenty of parks and trees nearby, perfect for walking our dog. Also I wanted to mention that many reviews comment on how crowded this hotel is but that wasn't our experience. We went on July 7 and I'm guessing because it's summer, we had zero wait. We were greeted at the reception desk right away, there was plenty of seating at the bar (outside and inside) at 9PM, and in the morning when the cafe opened at 7AM, we waited in line for less than 5 minutes. read more

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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. read more

Graduate Rock Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - East Lansing, Michigan

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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. read more

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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. read more

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Our server was absolutely awful from her rude behavior to her dirty unkept appearance. .She put charges on my room tab without my signature that weren't even mine. Would not recommend this place. read more

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. read more

Graduate Rock Bar - Sign - Cocktail Bars Near Me - East Lansing, Michigan

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awesome rooftop with a great environment, especially during the warmer months. Also have some cool bartenders.

The location and ambience definitely makes this place stand out in East Lansing. It is location on the rooftop of the Graduate Hotel and has an amazing view of Michigan State's campus and downtown East Lansing. The indoor section is decorated beautifully with MSU memorabilia and photos. The dark lit ambiance is perfect for a casual drink with friends, date, or meeting. They have a bar with some seating and a few tables against the glass. You get a panoramic view from the top! They also have some more casual seating like a couch and chairs. Outside, there are more tables for eating, as well as lounging/outdoor furniture for conversations. The string lights and view make for great photos. The hotel is also decorated very nicely and is very cool to look at. On the other hand, it is very small. It is often very busy and there is not a lot of room for people to sit. You end up standing if they are busy. Graduation season (May) is extremely busy. With that being said, it is open to the public and many MSU students come to check it out. If you are staying at the hotel, be prepared for this. You may want to go up early to get a table. You cannot make reservations to my knowledge. Lastly, the drinks are over priced and not very well made. I understand that it is apart of the "vibe" and it is a hotel bar, but the drinks do not equate to the price. It was also very hard to get service every time we went. If we sat outside, they rarely had waiters come up to ask if we wanted drinks. We ended up going to the bar and getting them. read more

I got the Smash Burger Eggs Benedict and it was DELICIOUS! Loved the atmosphere and view!! Will definitely be here again. Yum!!! read more

Graduate Rock Bar - Smash Burger Benedict, Chicken and Waffles, Banana Bread French Toast - Cocktail Bars Near Me - East Lansing, Michigan

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! read more

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They were not even going to serve me after 8pm. There was nothing that said that 21 and under couldn't be there after 8pm. I just wanted to watch the sunset but they said no. I couldn't find anything about the age restrictions online. It was too noisy inside. There was no sign nothing on there website or maps that said after 8 minors can't be up there. They were rude about it and the whole experience was bad. read more

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. read more

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. read more

Excellent stay at this boutique hotel close to the university. The hotel was well maintained, the carpets were clean, staff super friendly and efficient. The bathroom was the best ever, clean and great shower. Liked everything about it, will certainly come back if in the area. read more

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Honestly the worst management around. So rude and speak to adults like they are children. Change rules constantly in what time families can come eat with underage children. I can't discourage this place enough strictly due to management. read more

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. read more

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. read more

Great bar in a wonderful hotel!!! Nice vibe and awesome drinks! Co-workers and I came here for a nightcap. read more

Graduate Rock Bar - Bar area - Cocktail Bars Near Me - East Lansing, Michigan

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The rock bar is definitely upper classman student friendly. I went there just as a visitor because I wanted to visit an orchard nearby but stay at a place with personality. I even decided to walk to the actual rock because of this place. read more

Great drinks and fun atmosphere. Service was awesome!! Cheers. To Langston! Definitely want to come back!!

Waste of potential. Food isn't bad, but there are no reservations and they make their clientele fight for tables with their "first come first serve policy." Makes no sense for a higher end place, but maybe that's just their illusion. read more

Great rooftop, service is top-notch, and the vibe is unbeatable. The space looks amazing also, with very comfortable seating. We had the Rocket and the Black-Eyed Susan for drinks, and then for food we did the Grilled Chicken Melt, and the Cobb Salad with chicken. 5/5. read more

Graduate Rock Bar - The Rocket! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - East Lansing, Michigan

Didn't have food but it's probably good. The atmosphere is lovely and watching the sunset from the roof was fantastic. However $12 for a glass of house wine is a little rich for my tastes. read more

The bartender was perfect on Saturday April 27th making the best shots and mixed drinks! We had an amazing view of East Lansing. Highly recommend going!! read more

The rooftop bar is nice but you look directly into bedrooms of an apartment building, so it's a bit awkward. Only decent place in East Lansing. Also a lot of college kids, which is expected in a college town, but they were immature and annoying. read more

I go to Michigan State and the bar staff here is insane. I've gone to the graduate multiple times to get drinks (as a 21 year old; he did not check our IDs before denying us) I went 2 times in a bar crawl shirt and they denied me both times. I chatted with the front desk staff and they said they had no clue about the policy. The bartender called us "babies" and was the most condescending prick I've ever met. I also want to point out I only had 2 drinks before this interaction and was basically sober. He talked down to us multiple times telling us "I'm not changing this policy but ok..." and "I've been in the food industry for 14 years" it was a bunch of bullshit and they can fuck right off. We asked him to give a good reason why we could not be served, and the only conclusion that is logical is that he is ageist against young people in the area. read more

My husband and I went to the Rock Bar at the Graduate Hotel this past Friday evening hoping to enjoy a drink at what we think is the coolest venue in East Lansing for adults over the age of 25. Sadly, the ridiculously loud volume of the music made for an unpleasant experience and we cut short our date. Not sure who they were playing to as the majority of patrons were clearly non-college aged. East Lansing needs a place that isn't just another joint catering to undergraduate college students. You might be surprised that students might also enjoy a place without blaring music where conversations could actually be held. read more

Great views, friendly bar staff, excellent drinks. The classiness level would go up a lot if they lowered the sound system volume. Do they want to be the Riv or a cool rooftop bar? Go to rooftop bars in big cities and listen to the music. Spoiler alert: it's not obnoxiously loud. Why can't any place in EL get the vibe right for people over 25? This place is SO close. But not yet there. read more

Beautiful views, wonderful food, and amazing service! Definitely will be back! Try the Michigan mule! It was my favorite and one of Michigan's staple sodas, Vernors! read more

The drinks are okay, food was okay too. Nothing too special about this place besides the rooftop bar and the view of east Lansing.

I have never been in a rooftop bar with such a great atmosphere, they even played some Ranchera music and I have never heard that at any other establishment in Lansing! Highly recommend and shout out to the barback! read more

Normally, I love the Graduate. However, the server Addison ruined the graduate for me. I will not be returning. Our single appetizer took 50 minutes and after asking Addison about how much longer it would take, she gave lots of attitude. She blamed it on the other staff instead of taking responsibility for forgetting our order. I am so disappointed in this experience and it's a shame to see the Graduate's staff slowly get worse and worse. 0 stars if I could. read more

Very sad because I've been here before when service was better. Really went down hill. Beautiful view but doesn't make up for the rude service. read more

The atmosphere is nice, however the wine pour was the smallest I have ever gotten at any restaurant or bar. I assumed there had been a mistake but observed other wine glasses coming out similarly filled. Im not one to write reviews, but I was pretty disappointed. I would consider coming for one drink because of the vibe but definitely don't expect quality drinks. read more

Graduate Rock Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - East Lansing, Michigan

Loud... on a Saturday night anyways. Not a great place for a conversation later in the evening.

Cool place that takes MSU traditions to heart. Fun menu, great drinks, & good service. Spectacular views for East Lansing! Best of all are is the casual furniture seating that makes you want to kick back and have a good conversation with friends. The outdoor area is great when weather permits. Love this new addition to East Lansing. read more