Mac's Bar

My time at Mac's was during the mid to late 80s. I'm glad it's still there! I remember $1 pitchers of crappy beer on Wednesdays. I also remember the door men not really being careful when checking IDs (one only had to be 18 to enter back then). I remember trying to sneak the plastic logo cups out. I remember trying to hide drinks from the bouncers...if you saw a guy with a bucket and a flashlight, drink quickly!. I also remember there never being any furniture...a favorite place during my MSU years. Perhaps I'll get back there someday, though I live in North Carolina now.

What a hole! What a strange and diverse crowd! Loved it!

Visited MACs for the first time to see Joe Buck Yourself, Those Poor Bastards, Black Jake & the Carnies, Rachel Brooke, Viva Le Vox, and The Devil. My visit was mainly to see Black Jake who did indeed rock the place.

MACs is hard to describe. It hasn't seen any investment I'm sure in many years. The set up at first seemed strange but the room lent itself to fairly good acoustics Add decent drink prices and low cost admission and all was cool.

My complaints:
It is hard to know who is staff and who is not.
Many people seemed to be in charge of the door.
One out of control drunk chick who seemed to run the place was allowed to continue to molest patrons.
Children? Here?
But hey, what ever

I went to Mac's bar to see a friend's band play and it was a unique experience for me. It is definitely a dive bar, a trip to the bathrooms will more than confirm this. There isn't a space on the walls not covered by graffiti or a sticker.

Cover was reasonable and the crowd, while eclectic, is very friendly. The drinks are fairly priced but be careful they are super strong, especially after spending most of my time going out in downtown East Lansing.

The venue is great for concerts and besides my friend's band, the other acts were great as well. Overall, I'd suggest this place to come see up and coming bands. If you are looking for a classy and sophisticated bar, head somewhere else. This place is well worn and well loved.