El’s Best-Kept Secrets Part Deux: Bars and Bookstores!

Curious Book Shop

Curious Book Shop came to East Lansing in 1969.  The store, which originally started in a basement, has expanded to three floors and holds over 50,000 books.  It is located on Grand River Avenue next to Così and has two other locations—Archives Book Shop next to GrandRiver Coffee Cafe and Mega Mall in Lansing.

The bookshop offers used books, comic books, movie posters and more.  Customers may also bring in used books and receive cash or credit.  The shop even offers apparel such as baseball caps and tote bags.

Curious Book Shop participates in a semiannual book show put on by the Mid-Michigan Antiquarian Book Dealers Association where over 70 dealers gather to sell a wide variety of books and magazines, said owner Ray Walsh.  The next show is Sunday, April 1 at the Lansing Center from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Charge of admission is $4.50 per ticket.

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Dublin Square Irish Pub

Diagonally across from East Lansing’s bustling bar scene, Dublin Square sits just two blocks from campus on the south end of Abbot Road.  In 2006, Dublin opened their doors with the purpose of bringing a piece of Ireland to the area.  The interior of the pub was built in Ireland and shipped to East Lansing where it was reassembled by the Irishmen who designed it.

Though its location is practically on MSU’s campus, Dublin is not your average campus bar.  Its beautiful architecture and mature atmosphere make this place high-class.  While students are regular customers, the pub also sees many families and adult parties, said Assistant General Manager Rick Sauer.

“We’ve got a pretty big range,” said Sauer, “and everybody kind of mingles.”

With St. Patrick’s Day less than a month away, the pub is preparing for what Sauer said is the busiest night of the year.  They have musical acts lined up for the entire day—both a DJ and an Irish band.  The special of the day is $4 Jamesons.

While St. Patrick’s Day may be the busiest and most exciting night of the year for Dublin, the pub also offers live musical events on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.  Local and regional bands are brought in to represent a wide variety of music.

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Lou & Harry’s Sports Bar and Grill

With three near-campus locations, the popular nickname “LouHa’s” might not be a secret to most Spartans, but have you made it out to their newest location yet?  In March of 2011, Lou & Harry’s Sports Bar and Grill opened up in Chandler Crossing.

The bar serves authentic Greek and American dishes, has over 30 beers on tap and a handful of drink specials every day of the week.  HDTVs line the walls, making it possible for customers to watch the game no matter where they are in the restaurant.  Pool tables and sports décor give the bar a relaxed feel.

Don’t let the distance stop you from visiting though.  LouHa’s offers a free round-trip shuttle all night long!  Wednesday through Saturday, the “Enso/LouHa’s” bus operates to and from the East Lansing location.

Monday through Saturday 4-8 p.m. is Happy Hour at LouHa’s, and on Sundays, customers receive half-off on Happy Hour drinks!  More specials include a free taco bar on Fridays and half-off all appetizers on Sundays.

Visit their website to place an order and make reservations online!