I love the Peanut Barrel for everything that it is.
The long islands, as has been previously stated, are great and STRONG.
The burgers are tasty, the Shroom burger on rye is very good. I just wish they had more menu offerings.
The one time I was craving a burger the take-out was speedy.
The patio on a warm summer day is east lansing at its finest.
Joe, the owner is hilarious and runs the place with an iron fist on game days.
You'd be pretty hard pressed to find a better place to relax, grab a beer and people watch. Unfortunately, other than that, I can't say if the Peanut Barrel has much more t offer. I've had two different burgers here and was left simply unimpressed. I've heard good things about the rest of the menu, however, and seriously look forward to returning and giving it another shot.
Review Source:If you were to find yourself in heaven, the view from the top would be the patio of the Peanut Barrel. Â The Peanut Barrel is not the bar for dancing or sloppy, drunken college students- and THAT is why it is perfect. Â You can easily carry on a conversation with your friends without shouting or having to talk into their ears. Â The service is fantastic. Â If you are polite to your waiter/waitress, they will be great. Â Rob and Tracy are both amazing servers. Â They will make sure that everything you need is taken care of (including making the occasional out-of-season hot chocolate during the summer) and will always make you feel welcome. Â The garden burger is great bar food- most bars in East Lansing have pretty crappy vegetarian options, but the garden burger on rye is exquisite. Â The burgers are made from real beef, unlike most places in the area; other bars will serve you a pre-processed burger with zero flavor. Â Additionally, the fries are incredible. Â They manage to toe the fine line between steak fries and french fries and have the perfect level of salt. Â A large order of fries is perfect for a group of people and will go fast. Â The peanuts are also a great touch and make the visit to the bar even more satisfying. Â The Peanut Barrel is famous for their Long Islands, and rightly so. Â When served on the patio, the Long Island is truly the taste of summer. Â The beer selection certainly isn't the best for a beer snob, but is more than great for the casual drinker. Â It's cheap and they often have specials on all draft sizes. Â The house wine isn't great, but you shouldn't be ordering wine at a college town bar. Â The atmosphere is a classic bar, with plenty of seating (come early on busy weekend nights). Â The patio is perfect in the summer and is well worth waiting for if you're into people watching. Â Leaving the Peanut Barrel was the hardest goodbye when I left East Lansing.
Review Source:I've been coming to this place for over 25 years... It hasn't changed one bit in all that time!
They have a short menu of burgers, sandwiches and fries... A full bar and... Peanuts. Plain and simple.
The burgers are delicious perfection as are the fries. During warm months the patio out front is the place to eat drink and people watch.
The owner Joe Bell is a terrific guy and the success of this place is his legacy!
Their burgers were decent, the same goes for their fries. I think their beer specials are good too. One of my friends had the chicken pita; and it was absolutely disgusting! The service has never been great, just acceptable 2 of the three times I've been there. Those two times weren't anything that would've kept me from going again, but also nothing that would get me to go back... Unfortunately, the last time I went, the server was appalling - she seemed irritated that we sat in the outdoor section even though there were already several people out there, the area wasn't closed or closing, and we were asked if we preferred to be outside or inside... I didn't get why she had an attitude. The poor attitude continued throughout the meal, which was actually when my friend got the disgustingly sour tasting chicken pita. We were so uncomfortable with the service, that we didn't even tell her about it, just ended up splitting my meal. We are both really nice people, especially at restaurants because I've been a server and know it isn't easy. I don't think the attitude had anything to do with anything we may have done, that last server was just plain rude. Since other servers just seemed mediocre, I think this place just doesn't have good customer service. I have been there three times only because it's right across from my class; but I haven't been back since the experience with the rude server... Maybe I'll try again in the summer, since I really don't like their interior space and prefer the outdoor area. I actually really want to like this place; but they make it hard...
Review Source:Looking through some of the reviews below, I think it's funny that the majority of them are from people that went to school here but not live somewhere else. Do college students review places? Like in town overrun with chains and college-town bars? Probably not.
The Peanut Barrel is a good place to enjoy a beer OUTSIDE on their patio (inside is dark and spooky, and defeats the purpose of coming here). It is located on the main drag, Grand River, so it offers good people watching. This is where I first tried a Blue Moon, yum!
I would say if you are hungry, eat at Five Guys if you want a burget, then enjoy a beer outdoors at the Peanut Barrel.
Yes this is your typical college drunk food bar. Old school style and menu. At the same time though it is exactly what you want it to be when you order a drink. They still pour their Long Islands like its going to be your last. The best start to any MSU basketball/ football/ etc. filled day!
Review Source:Peanut Barrel has been a Michigan State tradition for 40 years. Â According to their website, it was created by the mastermind of The Ground Round restaurant chain.
Peanut Barrel is a small little place, with that classic bar feel. Â They have a jukebox, darts, and a pool table. Â When you sit down, you always get a bowl of peanuts to munch on while you drink/eat.
In my opinion, Peanut Barrel has the best burger in East Lansing (a slight edge over Crunchy's). Â They are super juicy, and the price is great. Â I order one nine out of every ten times I visit. Â I have also had a few other sandwiches and they have all been excellent.
If you're looking for something to drink, they're known for their Long Islands. Â Be careful with them though, for they can creep up on you.
In the summer, they open up the patio which is right along Grand River. Â The view of campus and the surrounding area are beautiful. Â It was also a great way to escape the cigarette smoke before the smoking ban was passed in Michigan. Â If you're willing to wait, it's definitely worth it to sit on the patio, especially if you're lucky enough to get one of the tables closest to the road. Â Excellent people watching.
I'm not sure if he's still around, but there used to be a guy who would come sit on the fountain in front of the store next door and sing. Â He was pretty weird, but I think it added to the atmosphere in a quirky way..
If an outsider asks me where to go for a bite to eat in East Lansing, I ALWAYS tell them to go to Peanut Barrel.
My favorite bar in East Lansing ... with my favorite beverage ... and my favorite sandwich, the very little money I made during college was all to this place, and I loved every minute of it.
What I don't love nowadays is the fact that they got rid of their jukebox, another favorite of mine here. It's worth the full star knock. Sure it was really old, and "Like A Prayer" would skip horribly but that didn't stop me from playing it to enjoy the first half of the song.
But. An electronic jukebox means that while I'm catching up with some of the very people I frequented this place with, I'm subjected to listen to DMX. And Juvenile. Nothing against them, but they're the last two people I want to hear at the Barrel.
I guess I'll just bring more dollars next time  to make my songs play ahead of theirs -- or just charge it to my card now.
The perfect Spring/Summer social gathering place for friends IF, and only if, you can deal with the wait for a table outside. That's what makes or breaks the Peanut Barrel experience. Inside is cramped and dark, and just as busy as the patio with out the sunny atmosphere and breeze and seriously not anything to write about. But outside! Oh, how I long for thee. And your Long Islands, which are probably the tastiest adult concoction I have ever had, although dangerous!
By dangerous, I mean be prepared to vomit in the breakroom hallway at the local Cold Stone Creamery when you're done at Peanut Barrel... or behind the alley way of Douglas J... or in the parking lot across from Harper's. They'll getcha.
The food is also decent. Nothing amazing or craveable but a-okay! It's a small menu with mainly burgers, chicken sandwiches, and hot dogs. The portions are on the large side and I always leave full and the prices are OUTSTANDINGLY affordable! I recommend the chili fries to go with your Long Island.
PB is probably the best lunch/midday drink spot for friends in the Spring/Summertime in the area, and has the best patio without a doubt, and I can't wait until Winter is ova!
For me, like many others, it has become tradition to go to the Peanut Barrel before a MSU football game. Â The atmosphere is exciting. Â Food and drinks are cheap. Â The burgers are great. Â The staff is always friendly. Â The Peanut Barrel is simply the place to be before a Spartan's football game. Â Go Green!
Review Source:Ok so we all know Peanut Barrell has the best patio in EL, but the problem is, there's always a line right? Â
So I got there and was behind a group of 3 and a group of 2. Â Within 10-15 minutes, they were seated. Â Another 5-10 min and a group left their table and I should've been next in line, but two girls just went and sat down! Â I let the host know about this, and his response was to let the girls stay at their table. Â At first, I was kind of put off, but then the host got us a table and paid for our first round, on the promise he would get us the next table outside that became available.
We sat down, he bought our drinks, and within five min another waitress came up and lead us to our table outside. Â The host came around and offered to buy us a second round. Â All I can say is they care about service. Â Gotta give it 5 stars to separate it from the Harper's of the world... Â This is a good place, good drinks and (what looked like) good food. Â Can't wait to go back. Â Just make sure you are LITERALLY in the "line" so you don't get overlooked.
Its rare to not see this place without a line out the door, but, honestly, its for a reason. Treat your taste buds to one of their delectable sandwiches (the Turkey Melt is a personal favorite) or one of their well-known burgers. Â
Hence the name, its a same if you go to the peanut barrel and don't order peanuts. Â Yeah, Yeah, Yeah.... they should be free, but it's still a must at this restaurant. Â
Lastly, indulge in a long island here. Â The PB is known for this specialty drink and there is a reason they cut you off at 2. Just saying.
Dear East Lansing,
Please close down/move the businesses around Peanut Barrel. Â Then, let Peanut Barrel expand and have the city's most giant patio!!!!
Everyone in east lansing has the same idea every single nice day of the year...go to Peanut Barrel!! It just isn't big enough for all of us who want a bite. Good cold beers, long islands, and burrrrrrgers! Â EXPAND!!!
Love,
A PB Lover
I have been to the Peanut Barrel tons of times, and have had mostly awesome experiences there. I don't know why it hasn't been mentioned much, but the Tuna Melt is amazing. It is certainly the best I've ever had, and that is including my mom's and grandma's. The chili cheese fries are also a solid choice, and plenty big enough to share.
I think the Long Islands are overrated. Too much sour mix. I guess I grew up with the idea that a Long Island was supposed to have multiple boozes with a splash of coke to give it the "tea" color, with a lemon or lime wedge. Long Islands are serious business, and watering them down with sour mix should be a crime.
That being said, the patio is the best place in East Lansing on a sunny afternoon. You get to drink beer in the glorious weather and lord it over all the suckers going to class or work.
I can't believe I managed to obtain a bachelor's degree from MSU without ever having spent an afternoon on the patio of Peanut Barrel. Â I'll definitely have to make it around to that as an alum! Â
I did, however, enjoy the inside of Peanut Barrel a few times. Â Their burgers are tasty, and the price is definitely right. Â A Long Island Iced Tea (as everyone knows already) never makes a day worse either!
This is the very first time I've ever been to East Lansing and without checking Yelp, I felt uneasy...
My intuition was right. I walked past the decently located patio and into the dark wooden doors. To the right, pinball machines and dartboards. To the left, a nook with tables. To the front, a dark bar. To my face, the stench of something old... kinda like damp carpets.
The service isn't as bad as I've heard from other places. Our server was pretty nice and very informative. I didn't have the, chance, to eat but the burgers did look good.
The beers were very cheap, 2.50 bottles and 2.75 shots of Jack.
The only thing that I found very strange was that the bar was full of older regulars. It's literally a 5min walk from the Student Union... what gives? Not a lot of students besides the servers and the small table beside us.
I don't think I would be able to recommend this bar to anyone but then again I don't have much to compare it to within the area. For now a 2star.
Overall, the beers were cheap but the ambiance was dingy and best. Not worth the money to go to, unfortunately.
Simple menu with good food. Â Cost is in line with portions and taste. Â Just stopped in for lunch this time but on a nice summer day the patio is a great place to spend some time with friends and enjoy a beer.
The Long Island Iced Tea's are well-known and a staple of the East Lansing bar scene.
If the sun is out, check out the Peanut Barrel.
The Barrel was 5 stars back in 1993 when I was skipping Spring classes to sip cold beer at an outdoor table on Grand River.
I am happy to say that in all the years since it has never slipped. We took a large party there the other day and it was still as solid as ever. The burgers are incredible - the 2nd best I've ever had in my life (1st is Miller's Bar in Dearborn).
Nothing has changed. The burgers are still awesome, the fries are still awesome, the beer (Bell's) is still awesome, the patio, the bar. Everything is the same as it was 20 years ago, which is a great accomplishment when you're talking about high-quality goodness.
Anyone that attended Michigan State University knows about the Peanut Barrel and their hamburgers. Â It's in a great location in the middle of a busy street on campus. Â It's a great place for Beer and Burgers.
I love their hamburgers here. Â It's the bar burgers with some grease that makes it so good. Â They also have good selections of beer and other drinks.
The bad thing is this place is crowded all the time! Â They have outdoor seating also.
Be sure to stop here for a burger when you're visiting MSU!
I can give up booze. I can give up drugs. Two things I'll never give up...are cigarettes and the Peanut Barrel's olive burger. At least until May 1, the Peanut Barrel can make all of my dreams come true.
I lived at the Peanut Barrel during my senior year of college. Â I drank so many Labatts and Long Islands and G&Ts and ate so many peanuts and olive burgers and smoked so many cigarettes...it's a wonder that I managed to graduate, let alone get into a good grad school.
This weekend, I've been back at MSU for a conference...the first time in six years. I wanted nothing more than a Peanut Barrel olive burger on rye with french fries. Annnnnd...I got it. It was everything that I've been dreaming of for the last six years. I'll probably go back and get another one tomorrow...because, who knows, it could be another six years.
I'm going to get sacrilegious on everyone, but the Peanut Barrel's East Lansing famous long islands didn't meet my expectations. To be frankly honest, I had a better long island at Buffalo Wild Wings. I can't imagine the two limit long island rule still exists because one long island was the equivalent of about two beers. Sure, it tasted alright, but it didn't give me that long island buzz I've become so fond of. Can't say if the food is any good considering I was here to drink before going out, but I saw a lot of burgers and sandwiches coming out of the kitchen.
The place has got a great vibe though. They have some arcade games and darts when you walk in the front facing Grand River, a pool table in the back, and a bunch of small tables jammed into pretty much every conceivable space. There are televisions on the walls so keeping up with sports was all too easy. The service was quick and everyone working there was super nice. I'm definitely coming back in the summer when their patio is open.
According to my Michigan-native brew-snob wife whom accompanied me on my first visit to The Peanut Barrel, ordering an Oberon over the holiday season is a colossal gaffe and should only be ordered when the temperature is greater than 68*, so why not have a Two-Hearted instead?
I said, "fuck a bunch of Two Hearted, see? Â You've have been talking about Oberon-this and Oberon-that since I first sat down in a bar with you many, many years ago" -- or something to that effect. Â And since we only visit East Lansing during Christmastime, I always miss out. Â
Well, TPB had this missing soldier, presumably sucking to the bottom of the beer troth like a overgrown lamprey and I just had to rescue the poor thing lest it dissolve into powdery earth.
I assume every drop of Oberon distributed has to be consumed in the same way that the Catholics booze on all of the leftover wine and munch on the flat bread Jesus after communion so as not to let the  body and blood spoil.  I'm just doing my part for Michigan!
So, anyway -- "Great story, Hansel" aside -- this is the first place that I had an Oberon and they say you never forget your first. Â Here in The Peanut Barrel.
Also, they've got some keen 90s jams in the jukebox. Â Its like Everytown, USA's alternative radio station "flashback lunch". Â Fun, actually.
This place is known for one thing, it's potent and strong Long Islands. Â In fact, they won't let you have more than two or three of them because they will mess you up.
This place has a great atmosphere and great for a group, if you can find seating. Â In the summers it's almost impossible to sit outside because there are so many people and not very many tables. Â You will find it's not just a hang out for undergraduates, but graduate students as well. Â It really does have a lax feel to it.
If you have a peanut allergy, don't go here. Â They serve peanuts and their shells and residues are all over the floor. Â Although I would hope by the name of the place you'd figure that out.
The inside is almost hard to find a seat in if you don't come at an off peak hour. Â It takes a long time to get your food orders, but they are pretty quick with the drinks. Â Even though I eat meat I would recommend the vegan burger to those that can appreciate the diet, or are vegan. Â I usually get it every time I come. Â The prices are without a doubt reasonable and cheap.
I would recommend this bar if you have to pick one to visit in East Lansing.
A really good place to go for lunch on a nice day. You get to sit outside. Order drinks, smoke if you'd like. The prices are fantastic and they serve really delicious burgers and chicken sandwiches (I bet the other sandwiches and wraps are good too).
I didn't get to go inside, but this place is great outside and convenient. It really is no frills simple food. It's semi-fast food, but just as cheap and many times more delicious.
Memmmmmorrrieeees.... sweeet memories.......
After a recent visit here before MSU beat Wisconsin's ass, it prompted me to do this yelp review.
The Peanut Barrel will always hold a special place in my heart. Â From watching my roommate meet me up there just after graduating from MSU - completely hammered to late night hang outs during the summer months when East Lansing is actually more "chilled".......Just something about sitting on the outdoor patio, facing Grand River Avenue on a Sunny day in East Lansing...... Â ahhhhhhhh. Â
Inside, it isn't too shabby either. Â Cool retro decor, and an OUTSTANDING Juke Box. Â Plays everything from Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers to Interpol. Â
Also, they have darts.
The burgers are great. Â Served with fries, in a basket. Â and a pickle. Â I would give the pickle to my wife. Â I can't stand pickles. Â
The only complaint, is now you cannot throw your peanut shells on the floor. Â Ah well. Â Even if I tried, I couldn't give this place anything besides 5 stars. Â GO GREEN!!!!!
This has been a staple in my college career. Â We would go here on nice summer nights because they have a large-ish outdoor patio right on Grand River. Â It is perfect for dining and people-watching at the same time.
I like to get the burger when I come here. Â It comes in a basket with fries. Â My only complaint is that it's pretty popular so space could be limited but if you could get a table, it's always a great time with your best gullies to hang out.
It is definitely a must-go when you're in East Lansing.
I love this place. Â It's a fond memory I hold of my years at State.
When the warm weather hits you can always count on the tables to be outside and everyone to be sitting outside sipping Oberon and eating the fabulous burgers.
It just puts a huge smile on my face when peanut barrel finally puts their tables out because you know it's getting warm!!
Also have darts inside (I LOVE DARTS) so it's pretty much the best!
There's nothing like sitting outside on the Peanut Barrel patio in the warm sun eating lunch and people watching - except sitting inside PB drinking a famous Long Island with some friends on a Friday night.
Not only does PB have great drinks and a great atmosphere, but they also have great food that goes beyond bar food. I hear the tuna melt is great, but the last time I was there, I had a burger, and it was heavenly.
The Peanut Barrel is an East Lansing institution, and I love it.
I wish that my class schedule in college had been a little more forgiving so that I could have hung out at the Peanut Barrel and sat outside, sipping drinks on the warm spring afternoons.
Alas, after I finally turned 21, I had class or work every single weekday afternoon so it seems like I only ever made it here during the evenings. That's okay though, they still have GREAT burgers and long islands. I also went here as part of a bar crawl once and they were very accommodating.
The only reason I ever went to Peanut Barrel was to have good conversation and drinks in the sun. Â We always ordered food but in no way was that part of the draw- although a cheeseburger is probably your best bet. Â Although the food isn't very good, it is very cheap which makes you feel better about it's lameness.
Draft beer and the limit 2 long islands are what you order, good conversation in the sun is what you will remember from this experience.
Side note: Â Just met some friends here this past weekend for a little reunion (see, there is the good conversation bit!) and I tried out the grilled chicken sandwich with cheese (trying to cut down on my beef consumption) and I would not recommend it at all.
The Barrel might be my favorite bar from college. Â The fine folks here definitely helped train my liver to be the fine competitor it is today. Â Damn, I miss this place. Â I've probably fell in love 10 times here, ha.
A laid back, super friendly, small hole in the wall becomes the perfect setting for a drunken sanctuary in a Big Ten jungle. Â The jukebox is full of choice selections to play pool to, or to make friends with the bartender. Â The patio out front is the best spot to enjoy some great food and watch the responsible students stroll by... suckers.
Speaking of those bartenders, they make HANDS DOWN the BEST long island I've ever had. Â It's got 7 shots, and is so hard that they have a policy of only serving two per customer- NO exceptions. Â I've lost my tolerance to said drink, but hey- there's always homecoming.
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