Michigan State restaurant
 

My daughter-in-law is graduating from MSU in May (Nurse Practitioner) and we would like to treat her and the family to dinner before the ceremony. She commutes to school so she's not really familiar with "nicer" restaurants. We'll be coming from I69 and probably don't want to try too close to campus because of the crowds. Any suggestions for a nice, family restaurant that won't break the bank?

Are you coming from the south or east? Coming in from the Flint side there is Max & Erma's on Lake Lansing Road. There are several restaurants in the shopping area there - Smokey Bones, PF Chang's, a fish place and an Irish pub. There is also the Hall of Fame grill in the area. We have tried them all at different times. There is a Houlihan's at Lansing Mall, plus the usual other chain restaurants. Our favorite Lansing restaurant is DeLuca's on Willow - some of the best Italian we have had. Very reasonably priced and big portions - good value and great food.

We went here last year when my daughter graduated but it may be more expensive than you're looking for. It was excellent though:
http://dustyscellar.com/index.cfm?goto=wine_bar
Or for something casual we always like this place:
http://www.pizzahouse.com/
This place is nice too:
http://www.claras.com/LNmenu.shtml

We have eaten at Claras a few times. It was ok, but service one time was terrible, to the point that I wrote a letter - the only time I have ever done that. They sent me gift certificates, which we have used, and service was much better. You can find DeLucas at:
http://www.delucasrestaurant.com
Be advised they do not take reservations on Friday and Saturday night, and are closed on Sunday.

Oops! I posted the web address wrong. It should read:
http://www.delucaspizza.com

Sorry!

Thank you for the replies. We are coming from the West. And now she tells me we're supposed to go to an early reception so it looks like dinner is out. She hasn't been an on campus student so I think we'll just go early to make sure we get to where we're suposed to go and then just find someplace to eat.