The Exchange of Lansing

My Exchange experience was way different than I anticipated it to be, but I guess that's why one should never assume what they have yet to try. Word-of-mouth and advertisements led me to believe The Exchange was a chic, upscale bar for the attractive percentage of Lansing that was a favorite of twenty-somethings and young thirties professionals. Part of those ideas were true, while others were way, way false.

The Exchange was, in fact, chic and upscale with an intimate loft upstairs that would have been a perfect place to socialize and dance IF... the place wasn't 100% inhabited by fourty and fifty years old with a middle-aged wedding band playing "Jessie's Girl" and "I'll Be Watching You" to boot. It was the perfect social and sexy scene - for my parents. Aside from the divorced professors and car salesmen that weren't already on date night with their cougar pals, the eyeballing received from the solo dads was uncomfortable and pretty pervvy.

So, I would very much recommend The Exchange to my parents or lovers of jazz. They'd have a blast. I would not recommend to the younger crowd or anyone who has a decent taste in music.

The bartender was very nice and poured a good martini.  The food was typical bar food.  If I go back it would be for a drink and the live band Smoking Jackets

I've been to the exchange a few times before moving out of Michigan, but hit them up on a recent visit home.

First off, Michigan passed the smoking ban, so it's great to enjoy the place smoke free. On a Thursday night, they had a live band, which was a lot of fun and very entertaining. Miike Skory and friends was the band this evening - they also played at my wedding, so that was fun to see them again.

Drinks were great - strong enough, but not too strong, and $6 each for well. They also have some pretty good $8 martinis.

The crowd in here is mixed - twenty-something's and a few cougars and older couples but generally a good bunch.

If you're downtown and looking to have a few drinks in a nice place and enjoy some good music check it out.