Crunchy’s in East Lansing Ranked Among Nation’s 10 Best College Bars

A national publication just singled out a long-time East Lansing favorite as one of the top 10 college bars in the nation.

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The Athletic, which has been the New York Times' source for sports coverage since 2022, named Crunchy's Burgers & Beer on Grand River Avenue in East Lansing as one of its 2025 honorees.

Why Crunchy’s Made the List

One of the things that got The Athletic's attention was "The Famous Crunchy Burger" — on paper, a fairly straightforward half-pound chargrilled burger with the typical toppings, but in real life, one of those you have to taste for yourself to fully appreciate. Oh, and the ability to order a 270-ounce bucket of beer. That little Crunchy's specialty probably didn't hurt the bar's chances.

READ MORE: Check Out the Crunchy's Karaoke King, Dennis

Crunchy's was clearly beside itself by the honor, posting on X that "we're not crying, you're crying" and linking to The Athletic's list. No other Michigan bars made the top 10. The Peanut Barrel in East Lansing got an honorary mention from The Athletic as "another bar befitting this list".

The Athletic’s Top College Bars

Several publications picking up the story erroneously reported that Crunchy's ranks at #3 on The Athletic's list. In reality, The Athletic's unnumbered list is presented alphabetically by bar name, putting Crunchy's as the third bar to be mentioned — just behind The Boot near Tulane University, and just ahead of The Esso Club by Clemson.