15 Michigan college town restaurants that are perfect for a broke college student

By Metro Times editorial staff on Fri, Aug 25, 2017 at 8:07 pm

Whether you’re a seasoned senior or a terrified freshmen, knowing your local restaurants is just as important as scoring a deal on those expensive-as-hell text books. We quizzed our summer interns from Wayne State, Michigan State, and University of Michigan to find out where their favorite spots are for the late-night munchies, early morning hangover cures, or for a quick dash between classes.

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Wayne State University, Detroit

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The Potato Place
107 W. Warren Ave., Detroit
The Potato Place has been filling hungry Wayne State students since 1991 and the name perfectly describes what you'll find inside: potatoes. They also serve scrumptious salads and sandwiches, but the loaded baked potato, piled with chili and cheese, is the way to go. Photo via @huykachu.

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Sweet Lorraine's Fabulous Mac n' Brewz
4870 Cass Ave., Detroit
Despite taking over the location of a beloved independent bookstore, we can't hate Sweet Lorraine's Fabulous Mac n' Brewz. After all, they're giving students what they want: refined carbs and beer. We're partial to the Detroit Coney Dog mac and cheese, but the philly cheesesteak and truffle & mushroom macs are to die for too. Plus, they've got tons of great brews on tap. Photo via Sweet Lorraine’s Facebook.

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Shangri-La
4710 Cass Ave., Detroit
With a fresh facelift and an exciting menu, Shangri-La is one of the best places to cure your chinese or sushi craving after class. Their sushi rolls are big and hearty, their Chinese dishes are as authentic as they come, and don't even get us started on the dim sum that is available for brunch. It's also a peaceful and quiet place to bring your books to study. Photo via @_lovelychanel.

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Cass Cafe
4620 Cass Ave., Detroit
Cass Cafe is a staple for not only WSU students, but also for the College for Creative Studies students who aren't too far away from this joint. There are always new paintings or photographs on the walls, and the menu is expansive and flavorful. Most of the items are on the lighter side, with many gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. The restaurant is oozing with history so you'll for sure want to check this place out. Plus, Ryan Gosling used to hang out while making his directorial debut, Lost River. Photo via Cass Café Facebook.

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Olympic Grill
119 W. Warren Ave., Detroit
This adorable little diner near Wayne State isn't trying to reinvent the wheel when it comes to fast diner food. It's also a perfect place to grab something to eat if you have a solid hour or so in between classes. In the morning the pancakes are light and fluffy, and in the afternoon the sandwiches and wraps are hearty and delicious. Photo via @detroit_pig_out.

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University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

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Zingerman's
422 Detroit St., Ann Arbor
Zingerman's is famous at this point — it's been featured on various food and travel TV shows throughout the years, and boy does this place deserve it. Their sandwiches made with homemade bread have had U of M students coming back for years and years. Photos via Zingerman’s Facebook.

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South U Pizza
1106 S. University Ave., Ann Arbor
South U Pizza has been serving hot pizza pies and slices to U of M students for years. While most opt for the traditional cheese and pepperoni, their specialty pies are where it's at. The pesto chicken pie with tomatoes, spinach, grilled chicken, and pesto sauce is a dream. Photo via @jim_harrington.

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Frita Batidos
117 W. Washington St., Ann Arbor
If class gets out around 5 p.m. and you're not ready to go home yet, we suggest you hit up Frita Batidos for their killer happy hour specials. This Cuban-inspired joint is heavy on the spices and flavor, but friendly on your wallet. Dollar-off beers and $5 beef frita have U-M students coming back. Photo via @spoon_michigan.

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Fleetwood Diner
300 S. Ashley St., Ann Arbor
The Fleetwood Diner has been serving up diner-style food to students for years and they always keep on coming back for more. They're always open, making this place a hot spot to get some munchies when the bars close. The diner also says they were the first place to invent the "Hippie Hash," a vegetarian hash that many restaurants try to emulate. Photo via Fleetwood Diner Facebook.

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The Brown Jug
1204 S. University Ave., Ann Arbor
Didn't snag a a ticket to the big game in the Big House? Don't you fret, because your next best option is the Brown Jug, which has been an Ann Arbor staple since 1936. Their menu offers your typical bar food fair, but the history that lays inside this bar and restaurant is what keeps students and alumni coming back. Photo via Brown Jug Facebook.

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Michigan State University, East Lansing

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Dublin Square
327 Abbot Rd., East Lansing
Everyone has a little bit of Irish in them, right? Well if not, Dublin Square is the perfect place to pretend you're from the Emerald Isle. The restaurant serves the classic Irish fare like Scotch Eggs and Shepherd's Pie, but they also do new twists on old favorites like Irish Nachos and Dublin Hush Puppies. And don't forget about all the Irish beers on tap and in bottles! Photo via Dublin Square Facebook.

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Golden Harvest
1625 Turner St., East Lansing
Dining at the Golden Harvest is like a right of passage for Michigan State students. This breakfast and brunch joint is always changing up its menu with fresh and local produce, making things exciting. The joint also supports the LGBTQ community and, according to their Facebook page, does not abide racists. Photo via @huahuahua96.

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Charlie Kang's
127 E. Grand River, East Lansing
Word on the street is that Charlie Kang's serves up the tastiest Chinese and Korean food in all of East Lansing. Their prices are very fair — a bonus for broke college students — and the portions you get will always leave you with leftovers —double bonus! All of the classic Chinese and Korean meals are on the menu, plus there's an entire page dedicated to vegetarian options. Photo via @andrewadamsz

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Harper's
131 Albert Ave., East Lansing
Want to chow down on a classic burger before cutting a rug with all your best friends? Look no further than Harper's. While most students flock to Harper's for their incredible drink specials and non-stop dancing in the club area, their menu is perfect for those who need a little food to sober them up before the Uber ride home. Photo via @harpersmsu

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Soup Spoon
1419 E. Michigan Ave., East Lansing
While most college eateries can be filled with obnoxious groups of drunk students trying to sober up, Soup Spoon is a charming cafe where you can get some homework done or even read a book. The cafe makes six different soups each day, plus delicious salads and sandwiches that will fill you right up. Photo via @samiarafeh.

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