As the state's capital, Lansing, Michigan, is a great place for culture and nightlife. Check out one of Lansing's nightclubs for a nice cocktail and some serious dancing. From tropical themes to drag shows and live jazz bands, you will have a diverse selection of entertainment and refreshments.
The Exchange offers food, drinks and live music every night for no cover charge. Take a seat downstairs at the bar and enjoy fine wine and top-shelf liquor, or perhaps the house special cosmopolitan martini. A menu of appetizers, sandwiches and wraps also is available, along with a selection of fine cigars. Get down on the dance floor to live jazz and blues bands, as well as DJ sets featuring a blend of contemporary dance musics and old favorites. If you're looking for some relaxation, take your drink and head upstairs to the candle-lit Terrace Lounge, filled with plush sofas and lounge chairs. Nightly events and specials add to the mix; Thursday nights are open mic nights. The Exchange is closed on Sundays.
The Exchange
314 E Michigan Ave
Lansing, MI 48933
517-319-4500
lansingexchange.com/
The Chrome Cat is a gay/lesbian bar and night club with a straight-friendly environment, attracting a diverse crowd of interesting locals. The Chrome Cat provides many sources of entertainment, including pool tables, beer pong tournaments and pole dancers. A menu of fresh hors d'oeuvres, such as bruschetta, spinach and artichoke dip, and buffalo chicken wings compliments a wide selection of expertly mixed cocktails from their award-winning bar staff. Weekly events include a Tuesday night drag show, Wednesday karaoke and open-mic, live music Thursdays and Weekend DJ sets with Top 40 and Dance hits. The Chrome Cat also offers a take-out menu as well as Sunday brunch from 12-4 p.m. The venue is open until 12 a.m. on weekdays and 2 a.m. on weekends. The Chrome Cat is a non-smoking venue.
The Chrome Cat
226 E. Grand River
Lansing, MI 48906
517-853-0300
thechromecat.com/catclub.php
Rum Runners is a tropical-themed restaurant and nightclub, adorned with tiki regalia, and peppered with thatched huts, palm trees and imitation beach scenery to make you feel like you're in the middle of the Carribbean. The menu is expansive and offers barbecue items, like burgers and chicken, salads, seafood entrees and pizza. The Rum Runners full bar specializes in tropical cocktails as well as a variety of other drinks. Dancing and live entertainment take a number of forms; there are open-mic and karaoke performances, bands and DJ's, as well as staff-guided dance and song routines. Upstairs, there is a dueling pianos bar with lounging and cocktails.
Rum Runners
601 E Michigan Ave
Lansing, MI 48912
517-482-4949
rumrunnersusa.com
