Reviews for The Riv | East Lansing Bar & Pool Hall

Everything about a college bar but with clean bathrooms, the chillest A/C, and the best fries I ever had! The guys and gals bartending are always amazing!!

Its a great scene to unwind after a long day; let loose on the dance floor; or just have a beer with company at happy hour while finishing virtual classes.

-Brian Mack

"Whatever they're putting on these fries is. fire"

" the perfect crispy to creamy ratio"

these are just some of the amazing things said about this establishment. Would definitely return again.

-Stephanie J., Rochester Hills, MI

Same as ever! I hadn’t been in for 25 years. Reasonably priced drinks and a very attentive bartender. More in line with MSU students, but pleased they actually stay open until 2:00 on Monday night. A beer pong table and corn hole set up to entertain the target demographic. We enjoyed a pitcher at the bar. Won’t be a quarter century until the next visit...

-Grace Looney

The Riv has one of the most inviting and welcoming environments of any bar in east lansing. All the staff show the upmost respect for all of their customers. My only issue is the other day a group of women were being very aggressive towards the DJ and calling him names because they wouldn't play some rapper named Tee Grizzley. They then proceeded to argue with staff and call them words that I do not feel comfortable typing out. Security promptly removed them from the bar which made everyone feel much safer as they were getting very aggressive and confrontational. I will definitely be coming back!

-Hayden Bond

This bar brings back memories! Great music and good drinks deals keeps me coming back and one of the best attractions in East Lansing!

-P. Ruker

This is a great gathering restaurant to meet either before or after MSU games. The food is typical bar food, but it is great location on campus!!

-Shay G.

One of best bars in East Lansing

-Seamus Quinn

Friendliest bouncers and barstaff in East Lansing. Always a friendly vibe in the air which can't be said about every bar in the area. Good food too.

-James Luokkala

The Riv is one of the staples of downtown East Lansing! They have a great menu with fantastic apps and craft burgers and they always have a great variety of draft and bottle/can beers (including nitro drafts). They have arcade games, pool, giant jenga, corn hole, darts, beer pong, and even board game nights! Fantastic daily drink and food specials! They have fun events all week including Bachelor Monday, Free Pool Tuesday, ½ off Wednesday, BurgerRama Thursday, Free Fry Friday, TacoRama Saturday, and Board Game Night Sunday! It’s always a great time at the Riv, especially because they have some of the friendliest bartenders in town! It’s a great local hangout but it’s also a great place to spend a Friday or Saturday night out on the town!

-Maya Alexandra

Best bar in East Lansing by miles… management team and the bartenders are the most whole hearted friendly people you could ever image to me. Always on their p’s and q’s!

-Jack Olsen

Best bar in East Lansing since they took over from Casey's Tavern in 1982.

-Leonard Ferguson

Loved it! We came in from out of state for our friends birthday and it was a magnificent time ! Friendly environment.

-Xzombie Huntress (Google Review)

Fun college bar with good drink specials, games, and an overall great atmosphere!

-Drake Dodson

Love this place. Great service! Everyone has been great every time I have been there.

-Alan Szagesh

Lots of fun games to play. They have Jenga, darts beer pong , pool and some pinball machines

-Gabe Toman

Manager was awesome, pool tables everywhere. Good prices

-Devin Hauenstein

Great bar to catch any MSU sporting event

-Christian McAlvey

This was the first bar I ever entered. I've been there at least once a year for a quarter century and there are few places as quintessentially Michigan State. A true college bar, free of pretention and nonsense.

-Anthony Salciccioli