As I'm sure everyone else says, the peanut barrel is a go-to place for an after-class drink during the week. Always a very relaxed atmosphere with a good patio for all sorts of people watching. Watch out if your outside and it's windy, as you may get sprayed by the green water fountain! read more

The Peanut Barrel is all about the patio. Definitely the best people watching and relaxing place to drink and hang out in town. Aside from that, the food and drinks are mediocre at best (except for the good burgers), and it wouldn't be the first place I'd think of for sitting inside read more

Good burgers and stiff long islands! Been coming here for about 12 years now...kinda has a cheers type feel to it, lots of regulars, friendly staff, great service. The patio in the summer is perfect for people watching. read more

Honestly, this place is not all it is cracked up to be. The food is not too expensive, but one meal is not very filling. The burger I ordered was rather small and the fries did not do much to fill me up. It's never fun to leave a restaurant hungry after having to pay 10 bucks for a meal. The atmosphere is definitely college-ly, but the service is somewhat lacking. Overall, I would not really recommend this place over all the other restaurants East Lansing has to offer. read more

Love PB. Obviously the long islands are a must. Food is great- love the veggie sandwich with mushrooms, rodeo burger, and chili cheese fries. Sometimes there's a long wait so arrive early or be patient! read more

The relaxed place you go to drink, not be seen. Service can be hit or miss depending on your wait staff that day. Menu also got a slight upgrade. read more

Best burgers and long islands I've ever had. Those two things on the patio in summer is my idea of paradise. Easily my favorite EL food spot. read more

Stopped by impromptu for lunch after a stroll through the art museum- this spot could not have been more strategically located- central campus, situated on a vendor street sandwiched in between a credit union, an ice cream parlor, next door to bike shops, etc.. Received a table (outside) for two pronto. Service was SLOW; took the waitress about 30 min to bring water/take order; and another 30 minutes to bring food. The burger was as bland as can be; there was absolutely no seasoning whatsoever. McD could have done better. The fries were good; overall experience: Ehhhh. read more

One of the best bars in East Lansing! Best in the summer on the deck. Food is delicious that has been crafted especially for you. Burgers are amazing.. So juicy and mouthwatering. Will return very soon! read more

Great long islands but service is really bad. I've had drinks here a few times and even the managers are rude. They just seem pissed off at the world. read more

I went here with my family and had a horrible experience. The staff was too concerned with serving those who were wanting alcoholic beverages to give any attention to families looking to simply enjoy a nice dinner together. It took about 30 minutes for our waitress to take just our drink orders. I don't even know how long it took for the waitress to take our food orders because I was passed out from starvation by then. When the food finally came out, it wasn't anything special, granted I did just get a sandwich. However, my fries tasted stale and cold. I wonder how long they had been sitting out? This is not a place to bring the family. If you like to drink and scream at the top of your lungs when talking to people, it's great for you! If you aren't in to that, maybe try the patio. We made a big mistake in dining inside. read more

My chili was really good, but we waited 30+ minutes to get it. Waitress just left the section of 4 tables for a half hour. One guy left, another family got frustrated and went to bar to find anybody to help them. Weird, because my experience has been much better in the past at this restaurant. In their defense it was unusually busy. read more

I love the tradition of Peanut Barrel. Outdoor patio is great atmosphere. But they need an appetizer menu. Food is just ok. Beer menu is fairly limited. Staff is always friendly. read more

The long islands are fab but the atmosphere (aside from the patio) is sub-par.

Their border burger is my favorite on their menu. Very tasty, juicy, and always cooked perfectly.

Good service and great grub. Shroom burger was very good even if slightly overlooked for my liking. I went with Swiss cheese and followed recommendation of rye bun. This is a great burger dive bar that I would go back to when visiting MSU campus. read more

After taking the Michigan State admissions tour, a burger sounded really good. The Peanut Barrel didn't steer us wrong. Great burgers, chill atmosphere, and good staff. Mostly, if you're a fan of rye, get the rye bun. Outstanding. read more

Not really a big fan of this place, but it just has a big association with MSU in my memory so I give it 4 stars... Service is usually good, but there may be some hiccups in waiter-kitchen communication, which may result in a prolonged wait for your food. At the same time there was usually no delay in drinks coming up! This place is famous for its limit of only 2 Long Islands per person - when you are visiting for the first time start with Long Island (this stuff is strong!) and when / if you finish two of them try ordering the third one and then ask for the old legend as to why only 2 of them are allowed... read more

It's silly if you don't love this place. Go ahead, slap yourself in the face if that is the case. Great old east lansing feel with one pool table, darts, and a few moderately sized TV's. The Long Islands of course are quenching and livening. The burgers are amazing, the olive burger is a staple, but the regular ones are fantastic. They make the best Ruben in all of the Lansing Capital area. Great college scene. The patio is solid. read more

Peanut Barrel has great burgers, strong long islands, and is a good place to go if you want to grab a quick bite to eat. When it is warm out it is fun to eat outside on the patio. Just remember that you are only allowed two long islands for a reason but they are delicious! read more

Great patio, strong long islands (this is what they are famous for) and amazing burgers!! The price is cheap, the patio is amazing & the food is great-nuff said! read more

Great chicken sandwich with the good thick bacon on a dark rye bun. Tasty, fresh and reasonably priced. Nice outside eating area overlooking the MSU campus. read more

Good neighborhood bar right in the middle of the campus. Olive burger is worthy. Locals and students hang out together in this locally owned establishment. I will come back when I am back in EL read more

The Peanut Barrel could very well be my favorite bar in all of East Lansing to have a burger and a few beers in. The prices are fantastic (especially for pitchers of beer with a friend!) the food is brilliant, and the service is always solid. Try a Reuben, they're delicious! read more

Just went back after as a returning alumni. It's been 12 years and the place hasn't changed. I always loved the outdoor seating, although we decided to sit at the bar instead, since neither of us had sunglasses with us. No long islands for me this time, but my chicken pita was great (a few too many tomatoes for my taste, so you may want to ask them to hold some) and I do love their fries. Anyway, same good old bar without the frills. read more

Come here often but never had a chance to write a review. Very nice place. Love there burgers and long islands!

The outdoor patio here is the place to be on any sunny day with some warm weather. They are known here for their tasty burgers and specialty long islands. Great place to get some lunch or to get some food and start out your night of drinking. It can get a packed fast so make sure to plan ahead a little especially during the warmer months. The burgers are all fantastic. My favorite has to be the rodeo burger (sorry olive burger). Come with cheese, bacon, bbq sauce. Everything a burger needs. I am also a big fan of the rueben and the chicken salad sandwich. It's always a toss up of what to get. The burgers and sandwiches come with a bog of chips or you can upgrade to fries for a little extra. If you're a fan of long islands, then you're for sure going to like these. They do limit you to 2 of them on each visit and you'll understand why after you power down the second one. They taste a little different because, if I recall right, they dont use tequila in their recipe. I cant remember what alcohol they substitute in but it makes it not as harsh. When its nice outside there is no better place to sit along grand river and sip on long islands or down a few beers with a table full of friends read more

Me and my crew frequent this establishment, it's definitely our favorite local bar. Great burgers (olive is my fave) served with crispy on the outside soft on the inside, french fries...mmmmm. And you can't beat their Long Island Ice Tea! Staff has always been helpful, attentive and friendly. I happily bring any newcomers of Lansing to enjoy this local business. read more

Of all the "hole in the wall" dives this is the "hole in the wall-i-est" .. And I mean that in a good way. Known for their long islands which are great but the burgers are great too. Miss this place alot read more

Rating this one star because zero stars isn't an option. The "waitress" we had was extremely rude. She had short brown hair. This wasn't the first time that she was disrespectful to me, it has been a few other occasions too. I also saw her be extremely rude to other tables. I feel bad because there was an older gentleman who was working very hard (not sure if it was the owner or not) and I don't want this review to reflect on the other staff members. Her service was one of the worst that I have ever had in any bar/restaurant, and really gives the place a bad name. My suggestion is to steer very far away from her and MAYBE you will have a good experience. read more

Love this bar! Everyone raves about the burgers, but have you tried the Tuna Melt? So so good. The waitress once recommended I add banana peppers, she was right! Service was good, the sandwich rocked, and the drinks were strong and priced right - can't beat a jack and coke for $2.75 (I think it was on special). My boyfriend always gets the Olive burger. I don't like Olives, but he's totally addicted to the Olive sauce. Another reviewer said you can only get your burgers well-done, but I think they are mistaken. Our server didn't ask him how he wanted his burger cooked, but when my boyfriend mentioned he liked it cooked MEDIUM she said, no problem! If you're craving inexpensive bar food and a good stiff drink, give the Peanut Barrel a try. For sure! read more

Now this is a hoot. Good, quick and fast service, food and drinks are there. The Chix Rodeo is my choice. Serve On!

Friendly staff, yet a small dark and noisy diner. Good fries, ok burgers. I love the outdoor seating.

Pssst.....I have a confession. Lean closer...closer..I don't want to say this too loud. "I have lived in the East Lansing area for the majority of my life and until today I have NEVER been to the Peanut Barrel". I include my formative college aged years in this confession. Every other bar & restaurant in East Lansing has had to put up with me, but never the imfamous Peanut barrel. Well, I was looking for a patio today cuz it was sunny & beautiful and I wanted to drink beer and people watch. The patio was full, even on a holiday, but found a table. The food was great, no doubt. They have a simple menu but they obviously know what they do well and stick to it. No asian potstickers, southwest eggrolls, chips & queso dip, etc. Just sandwiches & burgers with fries and chips essentially. I had a burger with swiss cheese on a Rye bun. Rye bun? Let me tell you it was the most awesome bun ever. No complaints here. I am finally off the Peanut Barrel virgin list! Yeah! read more

They need to send their staff to training to recognize fake ID's from the real thing. Staff was rude. Service was denied because wait staff wouldn't accept REAL driver's license. read more

Awesome atmosphere, decent service, great food and awesome price. I will come here again and again, the burgers are SO GOOD and its so cheap to eat here. read more

Wonderful patio just across from the art museum. Huge portion for the half chili fries. Great value for burgers with fresh tomatoes and lettuce. read more

I give the chicken sandwiches 5 stars. Perfectly cooked and tasty. The service maybe 2 1/2 stars. No refills on drinks despite having to wait for a replacement burger (which the server graciously comped as he dropped it). I'm not sure who's table we were assigned but no napkins or silverware offered and a big harrumph from the gal server when I asked for napkins. The patio is nice, the food good, but plan on spending some time as the service is not fast. read more

Have only been to Peanut Barrel twice since I have attended MSU and the one thing my friend said I had to get was their Long Island Iced Teas. All I have to say is you better not be driving home right away after drinking this. It is very strong but very good! Of course you can't have a drink without enjoying some food so I have also ordered French fries with my drinks. Their French fries are very good, but I would highly recommend sticking to their basic ketchup and mayo condiments with your fries because their condiments they provide on the menu are not very good. I have tried the honey mustard and barbecue sauce and they were very disappointing. Coming from a person who is a DIE HARD honey mustard fan, I did not like that it was literally plain yellow mustard and honey mixed together (very bad combination). Lastly, I would've been able to give this place more stars but the service was not ideal. They were very helpful with asking if we wanted anything else, but when it came time for me and my roommate to just sit there at a table and watch the March Madness games it was a little different. Since we had finished our fries and drinks, each waitress/waiter kept coming up to us and asking if we wanted anything else or wanted our bill. It seemed like they wanted us to get up and leave even though they still had a ton of tables open. I would have understood if they were busy with a line waiting, but this place was close to empty. Seemed rather rude in my opinion. Even though this did happen I would definitely come back for another Long Island for sure. read more

First off, I hate writing bad reviews and I have worked as a waitress at a bar, so I understand how difficult working in a restaurant can be. However, my family did not experience good food or service here. It was not busy (we came at 3pm) and our three burgers took 45 minutes to come to our table. When we asked our server how much longer the food would be, she passive aggressively explained how they need to cook the burgers on each side (duh). When we did get our food, it was way overcooked; the potato salad was rubbery; and the pear salad was served on a styrofoam plate. We were disappointed after reading a lot of good reviews, but we will not be coming back. read more