Nightlife

East Lansing’s [1] best club is arguably Rick’s American Café (224 Abbot Rd., 517/351-2288, www.ricksamericancafe.com [2], 6:30 p.m.–close Mon.–Sat., 8 p.m.–close Sun., cover charges vary), with great live acts, topline DJs, and drink specials every night. Things tend to get loud, so be prepared.

If you’re a jazz and blues aficionado, The Green Door Blues Bar & Grill (2005 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, 517/482-6376, www.greendoorlive.com [3], 3 p.m.–2 a.m. Mon.–Sat., 7 p.m.–2 a.m. Sun., no cover) features some top-notch acts and dynamite drink specials, while offering the kind of moody lounge atmosphere you might find in a bigger city.