College game days were already looking different this year. As football, basketball and hockey seasons come together, Michigan State University (MSU) fans can celebrate safely while enjoying options for curbside, takeout and no-contact delivery in East Lansing.
The men’s basketball team will face off against University of Detroit Mercy Friday Dec. 4 at 5 p.m. The men’s hockey team will play against University of Minnesota on Friday at 8 p.m., and the football team will face The Ohio State University Saturday at 12 p.m. No fans will be allowed to attend any of the three games in person.
While game days may be different than years past, MSU football, basketball and hockey fans can cheer teams on safely with the help of East Lansing restaurants and bars who are offering curbside, takeout and no-contact delivery options.
On November 15, 2020 Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced new restrictions limiting gathering at high schools, colleges and restaurants. The new policy temporarily halted indoor dine-in service at restaurants and bars in Michigan, and spurred a flurry of adaptations and innovations to keep businesses afloat and customers sated.
This weekend fans can get their game day fix with curbside, takeout, no-contact delivery, and more. The City of East Lansing is making curbside and quick pick-ups easier with a 15 minute grace period in all gated parking facilities downtown, and has added curbside pickup areas in the Bailey Lot and adjacent to Valley Court Park.
The Peanut Barrel on Grand River Avenue is taking its COVID plan to a new level with a Pandemic Survival Kit TO-GO Menu, with eight “survival kit” specials and discount offers from Long Island Iced Teas to olive burgers.
“We wanted to have fun and make our customers smile,” said Joe Bell, owner of The Peanut Barrel. “We expect a long winter with the pandemic. Businesses will struggle to stay afloat, as will customers and our community.”
The to-go survival kits can be ordered by calling Peanut Barrel 517-351-0608. Customers can drop in and pick it up or have it delivered alley-side. It is not available for third-party delivery.
Lou and Harry’s Bar and Grill on Grand River Avenue, like other restaurants in Downtown East Lansing offers delivery and curbside pick-up for to-go food. To order delivery or curbside pick-up from Lou and Harry’s visit their DoorDash menu online.
“With current social distancing regulations every patron helps,” said Scott Rolen of Lou and Harry’s Bar and Grill. “Having the support of the local community helps us to continue to stay open.”
El Azteco on Ann Street is offering takeout and no-contact pick up of all menu items. The restaurant also has an upstairs outdoor patio that will be heated into the colder months, so customers can still safely enjoy dining in when permitted again. The location has implemented safety standards such as required mask wearing, social distancing and has swapped in QR codes in place of physical food and drink menus.
When residents are picking up a meal curbside or takeout from Downtown East Lansing, they must wear a mask both outside and inside grabbing their food as a part of the city’s ordinance. And of course, many East Lansing restaurants are offering their own delivery, or no-contact delivery through DoorDash and GrubHub.
Downtown East Lansing has information about which restaurants and bars are open on its website at https://www.cityofeastlansing.com/2076/Downtown-East-Lansing.
Information about local bars and restaurants are also shared on its social media channels by searching Downtown East Lansing or @DowntownEL.