New American Restaurants near Okemos, MI

“The seven fishes dinner was fabulous.“

“This is my ideal place to meet up with friends or get coffee while I shop in the bookstore. It is very cozy, friendly, and convenient. The food is always good. I am so glad that this place is open following the COVID pandemic. You can also be here alone while eating and, in the meantime, reading a book or magazine.“

“This is my daughter's and my favorite restaurant when we meet up in Lansing. We've never experienced anything less than delicious food. The staff is courteous and it's a busy but fun atmosphere. Highly recommend! 5/5 stars!“

“The blueberry rhubarb margarita caught my attention, so we stopped in for dinner. The seafood risotto and the beef short rib were wonderful. My wife and I highly recommend this restaurant.“

“If you're a transplant/visitor from anywhere in the south, this is where you wanna go to get some delicious well seasoned food. I moved to Michigan from Texas last year and the difference in food has been a huge adjustment for me. This is one of the best restaurants I've eaten at in the year I've lived here. I don't live nearby but I will definitely go out of my way to eat here again! Best fried catfish I've had in years. Thank you, Gregory's. It was a pleasure to dine in your establishment. ❤“

“Buddies in Holt: Where Friendship Comes With Fries (and Occasionally Questionable Karaoke)

Step into Buddies Grill in Holt and you half-expect Norm to slide onto the next stool and declare the beer cold and the gossip warmer. This unpretentious pub-and-grill hybrid doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel—it just keeps the wheel spinning with nachos the size of small continents, wet burritos that require a structural engineer, and a patio that somehow makes Michigan humidity feel intentional.

The vibe is pure neighborhood therapy: sports on every screen, a Tiki bar that pretends it’s somewhere tropical, and servers who remember your usual like it’s a sacred text. Service can occasionally achieve the speed of continental drift, but the portions arrive like apologies you actually want. Famous nachos? Legit. Homemade chili? Comfort in a bowl. Sunday breakfast buffet? A reason to crawl out of bed before noon.

Is it fine dining? Only if your definition of “fine” includes sticky tables. But as Holt’s unofficial living room—part Cheers, part group-therapy session with onion rings—it delivers exactly what it promises: good company, better calories, and zero pretension. Bring your buddies. Leave your diet at the door. You’ll fit right in.“

“Great food, great service!“

“We always have a wonderful experience. Delicious high quality food, good pricing, perfect drink recommendations, friendly staff, and cozy atmosphere.“

“The food here is exceptional!! Very much worth the money. We had the club wrap, fish sandwich and the grilled sandwich. It was all excellent. Also they gave us a sample taste of the lobster pepper jack soup. Absolutely heaven❤😁“

“The pizza was so good! First time here and we will be back.“

“All I can say is WOW. Truly the definition of QUALITY SERVICE! Alyssa B didn’t just meet expectations — she redefined them. She waited on us with confidence and ease, anticipating needs before they were ever voiced. Service like that doesn’t just happen — it’s intentional, and it shows. She is the best!“

“One of my favorite bars in East Lansing. Always such a great group of people and vibe. Very clean and so is the bathroom! Food and drinks are taste great and cheap“

“Delicious food …servers are polite! Vibrant atmosphere! It’s just part of EL!“