The burgers here, surprisingly, are amazing. Huge portion and very well-cooked and juicy. The mediterranean food is good, but I like sultan's schawarma and kabobs a bit better. Prices are fair. The hummus, especially the spicy hummus, is really good. This is a good place to grab a drink with a friend, as it is usually not completely packed/noisy all the time. The spartan spirit drink is really good, not very strong but sweet. Excellent beer menu. Brought my mom here of all places and she loved it. The service is usually lacking, however. Sometimes the waiters don't realize that you are sitting at their table, or another waiter comes to take your order then a different one reappears, etc.
(4)
M F.
Seriously, no sweet potato fries two visits in a row? The next time I come here, I'm going to leave if you are out. When there are sweet potato fries, this place is great. Falafel burgers and great Michigan brews.
(2)
Sahana U.
When I was a local, I used to be a regular at Woody's. This is a college town after all, so don't go here expecting awesome ambiance. You must try the lentil soup & the falafurger Their lentil soup is just delicious: the perfect combination of lentils, rice, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. It is just too good. The falafurger is a great meal for vegetarians. It's just like a real burger, but with a falafel patty. Deelish. They also have great drinks and are open very late. Sometimes, they take forever to get your bill, but it's just one of those things that you learn to deal with to eat the great food.
(4)
Jessica C.
WHAT? This place has four and half stars? Woody's is THE MOST bland and boring middle eastern food I've ever had. I'm from Metro Detroit, I grew up eating in Dearborn at fantastic, flavorful, and authentic middle eastern restaurants but Woody's? NO! It was bad. The hummus was bland, tasted like literally nothing in my mouth bland. I had the chicken shwarma sandwich... it was dry as a bone. I have had shwarma dozens of times, I dont really know how you can mess it up. But Woody's did. Umm also the waitress didnt even know what pickled turnips are (those yummy bright pink garnishes traditionally served with hummus and other dishes) Which tell me this place is super fake. Sultans at the MALL has better falafel and shwarma, sadly!
(1)
Kerry S.
My husband and I are regulars here. The prices are very fair. The proportions sizable. The food tasty. We love the staff, and the menu keeps us coming back. The weekly specials are a bonus, and we appreciate the vegan options. I would cry if it ever closed.
(4)
Gerrie M.
I would go back for the beer! Can't beat pitchers of micro-brews for $10!! The food tasted like warmed up in the micro-wave pre-cooked cuisine. I guess you can't have both good middle eastern food and good beer at the same location. I'll keep looking for my favorite local middle eastern food location.
(2)
K U.
Ugh i still hate this place . so dirty and filthy with cold rude wait staff.
(1)
erin l.
Woody's is pretty much amazing. It is one of three East Lansing bars I frequent. Bell's Two Hearted on tap, excellent hummus and a varying menu that is honestly a little overwhelming. However after a few visits its clear I will stick with the cauliflower or the falafel and be way too full. The only reason I give it four out of five is the service is hit and miss. On more than one occasion, the bar has been pretty empty and we were mostly ignored.
(4)
Meredith J.
I love Woody's Oasis! After going to one of the other locations several times, I had to try this location. The bar area has lots of character. I had the vegetarian stuffed grape leaves in the pita sandwich - and this is my new guilty pleasure. It was like stuffed grape leaves and a Greek salad decided to hang out together in a pita. As a fan of vegetarian pigouts, this made me so very happy. There are whole stuffed grape leaves mixed with lettuce, tomato, what I think is turnip, and sauce all stuffed in a pita. For the side, I opted for the pita and hummus rather than fries, and I was so glad I did because I had a hearty portion of pita served with a big tub of hummus. The waitress gave me a doggy bag for the rest of my pita and hummus, which I greatly appreciate. I definitely want to go back in the evening so I can have a beer with my meal.
(4)
Wayne W.
this restaurant is the real deal; Lebanese food baby. The garlic sauce is a MUST, as is the Pine Nut Hummus. Everything I have ever had on the menu is good. Directly across from MSU, this is a must for those seeking a nice place to eat with little pretense.
(4)
Carla S.
Woody's is a great bar for a group. They have a ton of microbrewery beers on tap. They have great drink specials as well. Their best is their bloody mary's which are super cheap on Sunday's. The food is delicious as well, they have a Quatar Pie, which is 2nd to none! Chicken schwarma and other delicious Middle Eastern fare! I really like this place, because you don't have to deal with the "normal" college town bar scene. Very laid back place, great service, drinks and food. Overall, one of the best bars in East Lansing, if you're looking for a chill night!
(4)
Erin D.
I haven't been here since I graduated college in 2007, but when I used to come here regularly, the food was pretty good (the hummus especially), but I usually came exclusively for hookah and beer. The service could be on the slow side sometimes, but it was a great place to come with a few friends and share a hookah for a few hours. The staff was always very friendly and didn't mind you hanging out for a while, even when it was busy.
(4)
Lisa S.
Mmmmmmhummus! I lived on it. Got it by the carton. The big carton. Not too garlic-y, not too lemon-y. Perfection. Hummus.
(5)
Lauren M.
Very relaxed atmosphere, staff is friendly and have a very calming attitude. Best hummus I've had (way better than sabra). Good drink specials--not too pricey!
(4)
Jay R.
Woody's has good food and drinks but it's by far not the best Mediterranean food in town. It's good for the occasional meet up with friends if other places are busy to get a drink but I would never crave Woody's food for lunch or dinner. The last I came to Woody's was on my lunch break at work. I ordered a Falaffel Wrap and a side of fries. The wrap tasted bland and was missing real Mediterranean flavor. The lettuce was scattered randomly and the Flaffel wasn't very fresh. The order of fries was luke-warm and had a small one inch hair on them. The main reason I am giving 2 Stars is becuase of the hair. It really through my lunch off. On a good note, however, the hummas and pita that was served was very fresh and noticably homemade. I can see myself returning to Woody's in the future, but when I'm asked where the best place to get some Mediterranean food is - I would direct people elsewhere.
(2)
Christina C.
The food here is mediocre with exception of the sweet potato fries. Those fries are the reason why I keep coming back! Must try it with the garlic sauce.. You will not regret it! The staff here are also very friendly and attentive. I've had good service all three times that I've eaten here!
(3)
Jill V.
This is a tough review to write as I loved going to Woody's as an EL resident. The veggie kibbie is fantastic and the drink selections are great. The issue really is the space. It needs serious updating and cleaning. Although the food/menu are worthy, it's difficult to take visitors here due to the setting.
(3)
Matt C.
Ah, Woody's..... the de facto bar for the members of the MSU SHC. They have decent specials all week, in particular they have a falafel special on Wednesday, shawarma special on Thursday, and a burger & pitcher special on Friday. While the food has been good, service tends to be slow and the drinks choices never seem to change (i.e. tap beer never rarely changes). The interior is a little dank, but its not terrible. Could definitely use a make-over though. If looking for a decent Mediterranean meal, its not a bad choice.
(3)
Jeremiah R.
Great place to stop in with a group and get some food and drinks. There are specials throughout the week on everything. Cant go wrong with the chicken shawarma, fries, and garlic sauce to dip in. Lots of different beers on draft to choose from and a full bar. Used to know a couple guys who worked here so I'd stop in quite a bit. Its not everyone's cup of tea. Can be dark inside and usually the music wasn't what you would hear everywhere else. But that's what makes it stand apart from the other bars. It can be a nice change from the other bars around.
(3)
Aaron W.
We walked in and right out. It smelled like vomit and stale beer. Threadbare sticky floors. Dark and grungy atmosphere. Beat up and classless furniture. Skip it. I have had good food at the Trowbridge location.
(1)
Andreina C.
I'm not going to totally rip on this place because the food isn't bad but it's just not Mediterranean food. Who are the owners? Who are the cooks? Why are they lying to East Lansing and claiming that the food they serve is "authentic"? Where are the spices? Where is the garlic? Every time I eat Mediterranean food I can never get the garlic taste out of my mouth no matter how many times I brush my teeth. Yea it's kind of annoying but that's what makes the food so delicious!!! This was not my experience with Woody's food. Stop making people ignorant to what real Mediterranean food is and fix your food.
(2)
Mary J.
Hands down, my favorite restaurant in the Lansing area, and the best Mediterranean food I've ever had. I moved out of state a couple years back and I have found nothing comparable anywhere else. I stop here and eat several times when I am in town to visit. Their hummus is one of the greatest things you will ever taste! And the best part is, it is fresh and affordable! If you haven't been in yet, you are missing out!
(5)
Sammi D.
I was very happily surprised...the food was delicious...big portions and the prices were great!
(4)
Abigail P.
Ah, the oasis... Definitely the weirdest chicken schwarma I've ever had. It seemed like they were trying to use up the spices at the bottom of the cabinet. My friends got the seafood kebabs, and they were decent. Hummus was good. Atmosphere is kind of sticky/dingy (it's too dark to see). If you want Middle Eastern food, go to Sultan. If you want to get drunk and put whatever in your stomach, come here. They have a Long Island special.
(2)
Anna B.
The servers were extremely kind. Food was okay. I have come here quite a few times but every time it is almost inedible because of the amount of garlic in the food. I am a huge garlic fan. However, this place takes it to an extreme. If they added different flavors and took away some of the garlic, the food would be absolutely amazing.
(3)
CV C.
I've had very different experiences every time I've come here. Sometimes the service is quick and wonderful, sometimes I've had to wait so long that I had to get my meal to go. That said, I still love the food here. They have this falafurger (falafel instead of meat, with a huge hunk of feta cheese) with sweet potato fries... words can't describe the amazingness of it. You should definitely try it!
(4)
Jacqueline D.
This location seems to be a total dive and it smells like one too. I definitely would not eat at this location. I spent $18 dollars for a few pieces of lamb kabob (note see picture). It was a sorry excuse for a meal. Go to the trowbridge location! PS An extra star bc I do like the Woody's on trowbridge.
(2)
Robert K.
Today was my first visit. Mediterranean food? Not even close. I ordered the garlic chicken shwarma and hummus. It might have passed for mush and watered-down saw dust at best. Where is the flavor? The garlic? The allspice? The cumin? Etc., etc. I mean, seriously? You have to at least use garlic. This is a meager attempt at imitating ethnic dishes. The service was good.
(1)
Kitty S.
I know now people don't go to woody's for its food, but rather its drinks. I had the Saturday surf & turf special and found the beef way too salty and the shrimps no too fresh. Even the flaffle was kinda bland. But the $5 "Real" Long Island ice tea was tasty and just the right refreshment for a hot summer day. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. Although the front of the bar looks old, the back room looks newly renovated and modern. Free wireless!
(3)
Tim M.
In all honesty, Woody's is one of the more difficult places for me to review. So I'll break it into four categories: Beer, Food, Service, and Venue. Beer: 4/5 Woody's has a reasonable selection of craft beers. Not huge but reasonable given the size of the bar. And, reasonable prices. Food: 4/5 Now their food is pretty good. For a small dingy place on campus Woody's offers something other than cheap American-traditional pub fair. They have good (variable) hummus and Mediterranean food. Still have good burgers. Fair prices. Service: 2/5 Service is, kind of, hit-or-miss. Their pretty slow, honestly. Venue: 2/5 The bar itself is small. Oddly laid out and dingy feeling: wobbly tables and all. The seating area continues down a hall on the right hand side of the bar into the back, and out the door. All a bit weird, in my opinion. So All that said. Woody's nets (get it? "nets is a pub) a 3/5. Making it an average bar with better than average food.
(3)
Lia V.
3 stars for the food (we have had it catered) 2 stars for the restaurant and service itself. It's located just right in East Lansing - definitely gets a lot of business. I seriously think they had 1 server for the whole dining room on a Saturday evening... while the jazz festival was going on right behind them. Bad bad idea. It isn't adequately air conditioned and it was a freaking hot day. Not the most appealing interior, but not the worst... college area.... I like the food. I think it's flavorful and delicious. I like the spicy hummus and the kabobs. My cousin only ever orders chicken schwarma and it's always good. I've never had anything that tasted bad or bland. They give you huge portions and lots of grilled veggies. A-OK
(3)
Jessica F.
Amazing dipping fries. Order the tahini, garlic, and hummus to dip! Great selection of drinks and varied specials throughout the week. The beers are great, the food tasty and well made. Definitely a fun place to hang out at any time of day.
(5)
Kaitlin M.
This is a great Mediterranean spot in E.L. The price is just right for anybody, student or graduate. Its family run and therefore has great authentic flavors and consistency. We ordered two entrees and had plenty of leftovers for lunch the next day. This last visit I ordered their vegan lentils and rice combo plate. It also included hummus and pita bread. Everything was very flavorful and perfectly warm (including the beard)! I cant wait to go back. One piece of advice for all you wine-o's out there... don't get the house wine. One step up is only a dollar more but MUCH better quality!
(4)
Meredith B.
I've gotten food from Woody's Oasis for years - the grocery store Foods for Living sells it - but I'd never actually been in the restaurant! I'd been craving Middle Eastern food for a while, so I met a friend here on a Saturday at 11:30 for lunch. I was surprised to find that it was a bar! Who knew? (answer: every MSU student). So it's super casual, a little rough around the edges, and it looks sort of weird in the daylight with no other patrons. Next time I'll come back for dinner and get a beer! Anyhoo, we didn't really mind being the only folks in there, so we grabbed a high table and ordered some fresh smoothies which were delicious. You can mix and match your choice of tasty fruits. Definitely recommended if you are not in the mood for alcohol. Woody's has a large menu, and a bunch of different specials that are perfect for lunch. I got the hashwi combo with a fattoush salad. I have always loved their hashwi (again, find it at Foods for Living!). I've never seen it at another Middle Eastern restaurant before - it's mild, savory, and delicious. Rice spiced lightly with cinnamon, mixed with both chicken and ground beef, as well as toasted almonds and pine nuts. This stuff is just comfort food to me, very craveable! But don't expect ridiculously huge flavors in this dish, it's just mild, simple goodness. The fattoush salad was tasty as well, nice to have some fresh veggies with my meal! This is a great inexpensive place to get delicious Lebanese food - just know that it's a bar, so don't expect big ambiance. Perfect for a casual meal, or for take out!
(4)
Kayla C.
When I moved to EL, I was so excited to try out Woody's especially coming from a Lebanese family. I wasn't disappointed. Though I can't give it five stars because, let's face it, grandma's cooking can't be beaten...I was very impressed with their meat grape leaves (my favorite dish which is usually only found cold and meatless) and their labneh. Their hummus was also good! I'm so happy to have great middle eastern food nearby at (unusually) good prices! I also tried their Spartan Spirit drink, which was delicious. Good food, good vibes, good people...middle eastern cuisine meets sports bar ambience. Cool combination.
(4)
Alison Y.
Oh man. I have really good memories of this place from back in the day. The restaurant offers solid Mediterranean food at affordable prices with a pretty good selection of beers and a cool jukebox. We'd always come in a group and order a bunch of different things, chicken and lamb kabobs, tabouleh, hummus, yougurt cucmber salad, etc. The portions are pretty large too, so it's easy to share and try a bit of everything. When I visit my folks this is a must, despite the fact that my mother thinks the food is meh. The service is ok, I mean what can you expect for a college town? For out-of-towners looking for a place to eat close to campus and on Grand River, this is a solid option to check out.
(4)
Janna R.
I've have been going to Woody's since it opened and I've always loved it! I have brought friends and family here and they have always enjoyed it as well. The food is amazing and the staff is friendly. I moved to California a few years ago and when ever I visit Michigan I must stop at Woody's! The people giving bad reviews clearly have not tasted real Middle Eastern food! The owner of this location (as well as the others) are Lebanese and being Lebanese myself I find this restaurant the closest to my family's cooking! If you're looking for good Middle Eastern food at a good price you should definitely give Woody's a try!
(5)
Brad C.
Great local bar. Good not great food, nice beer list. Service is almost always bad, not the cleanest either.
(3)
Kristen B.
Still my favorite bar in East Lansing, possibly my favorite bar ever. The Stoli Around the World is certainly still my favorite drink ever. I stopped into Woody's over the holidays while visiting East Lansing with my boyfriend. We took at scenic drive around MSU's campus, hit up a few of our favorite spots, and then headed to Woody's for a reunion of sorts with some old college friends that I hadn't seen in awhile. We were the first of the group to arrive. The waiter seemed ecstatic when I told him we were there to meet with a larger group. He was very helpful and helped us reserve a few tables for my friends. My boyfriend and I ordered some drinks to sip on while we waited for the others to arrive. My boyfriend ordered a Spartan Spirit, and the bartender messed up his drink not once, but twice! However, he was kind enough to admit that he had mixed the drinks incorrectly, and still gave them to us...so my boyfriend ended up with 3 drinks for the price of 1. I love that Woody's is such a chill place and allowed this to happen. We left them a really big tip, of course. :)
(5)
Meg H.
Just devoured our woody's takeout! We enjoyed our shawarma and falafel. Fatouch salad is where it's at! We ordered fries for our picky eater and they were awesome. Really! One less star because we ordered the shawarma wrap and got the regular dinner instead. Still delicious, though :-)
(4)
Chelsea M.
I should have known I was in trouble when this place had a sweet beer list. BTW- that's the only reason they are even getting two stars. First about the beer: $10 pitchers of micro brews. Heck yes. Too bad you need to down a couple of those before eating the food. I wish I was exaggerating when I say that but I'm really not. Now on to the food. We ordered chicken and beef shawarma, falafel, "Lebanese" rice, and lentil soup. Everything tasted microwaved and seriously lacked flavor. The falafel was at least a bit crunchy but the garlic sauce was an epic fail. I can't really say anything positive about the food. The people next to us got a pizza and it looked decent, but I don't want to order pizza when I go to a Middle Eastern restaurant. In Lansing, if you want some Middle Eastern food, head to Sultan's Palace in Hannah Plaza off Hagadorn. The food is so much better and doesn't taste microwaved.
(2)
Chris S.
Updating my last review after having lived in the Middle Eastern/Mediterranean region for 14 months: the food was far from authentic and as stated previously, the ingredients are very subpar.
(2)
Stephen C.
Not good. Hummus was all right, but the lamb that was on top was overcooked. Overpriced for sure -- a local place I know serves the same dish for about 1/3 less. Bread was cold and stiff. French fries were overcooked. Who messes up fries?
(1)
Irene B.
We had lunch there during the East Lansing Art Fair because it's always been good food & is really convenient. This time the service was inexcusably slow. When the food came it was not good. The hummus/ tabbouleh sandwich didn't seem to have hummus. The eggplant sandwich which used to be sliced eggplant, had 2or 3 chunks of eggplant which fell to the bottom of the sandwich & almost no sauce. The rest was all lettuce. The side orders of hummus did not come with any pita bread. We all agreed would not go back to this restaurant.
(1)
Jimmy P.
The atmosphere is top notch very chill and good for Michigan craft brew on top. The food is refreshing but if your not adventurous the Mediterranean might seam a bit bland. Pita and hummus w a mich beer all the way.
(4)
Jane M.
Hummus is terrific--slightly lemony and very smooth. I love pickled turnips and don't find them in that many Mediterranean restaurants. Everything we ordered was delicious, nicely spiced and a real treat to find.
(4)
Chris S.
This place was suggested by the hostess at the Marriott bar. When I first walked-by I wasn't sure I had the right place as it just looks like a hole-in-the-wall bar. The food was decent but based on the recommendation I was expecting more. I found it to be a little bland but it's hard to mess up Falafel and Hummus. If you're town and in the mood for this type of food - you can't really go wrong.
(3)
Shawn Marie H.
Just so this is clear, I'm giving one star to this location only. The only reason we even visit this location is for the dipping fries, which I don't think they have at the other locations. This place has gone way downhill. The front smells like stale beer and I'm sure the carpet is saturated with it because your feet stick to the floor. Sitting in the back isn't an option because it stinks like the toilet back there. It's gross. The service leaves little to be desired and last time I was there I could have walked out without paying because once we were given our food the waitress was never to be seen again. I ended up just leaving the cash on the table and walking out. Today, my daughter and I walked in and there was one other customer. We ordered the dipping fries and when I sat down I instantly felt that I had sat in a puddle of beer so my pants were soaked right through. I pointed it out and the waiter apologized. He took our order and we waited. And waited. And we wondered if they had to personally go out and harvest the potatoes themselves. It took forever to get our food, even though the restaurant was empty. When we finally did get it the waiter forgot my credit card and asked someone else to go get it while he went behind the bar to do absolutely nothing - there was nobody else in the place. He did comp us some baklava for the beer puddle incident, but I'll never return.
(1)
Chris B.
Met up with some friends here for dinner on our way through East Lansing. They had a big selection and a nice long list of vegetarian options (bonus for my wife). The food seemed really authentic, with generously sized portions. Extra points go towards their long list of beers, they even had Xingu a Brazilian beer that will turn your world upside down.
(4)
Gary H.
The owner is Lebanese, so any concerns about authenticity should be quashed. The food quality can vary because most of the employees are college kids, but overall this is pub grub with an ethnic flair, and the truly ethnic dishes tend to be wonderful. On a quiet night, you can have a wonderful ethnic dinner here. On more than one rowdy night, I've chiwed down a Burger and hummus guzzling beer from the twenty taps, which flow with mostly local brew. It's a good eatery, it's a great bar, and only the very newest hires there have yet to learn my name. Next time you're crawling bars in East Lansing, stop in.
(5)
KrisAnn B.
I've only been here twice and the experiences were so different from each other that it's hard to rate them. I feel like I'll be adjusting this when I return there. My first experience was on a bar crawl and this was one of our first stops. The drinks were great. I had some drink named Around the World or something and it was amazing. It was fruity and didn't taste nearly as strong as I'm guessing it was. Service as pretty slow though, despite it being early and the restaurant being nearly empty. My second experience was meeting up with a friend for a quick bite. It was okay. My drink was great but the food wasn't really on par. I had the Chicken Kabob Combo and the chicken was very dry and overcooked. The hummus (and maybe this is my mistake for getting the original) was bland. I'll give them another try but the food was hit or miss. I guess my experience is that the bar and especially their selection of beer is five star but the food and service is hit or miss. I'll give them three for now and give them a third try soon.
(3)
Jessica S.
Such a shame I never enjoyed this place while I was still a student at MSU. Sure, I had had their hummus multiple times via the caf's at MSU, but dining there was fantastic. SUNDAYS = $3 BLOODY MARYS. Again, I've never been much of a bloody mary person but they were amazing, so good, im hooked, etc. I got the falafurger which was pretty much just a falafel sandwich with a bunch of hummus + pita bread on the side, so delicious. luv u, woodys.
(5)
Scott J.
Woody's is currently one of those places that not mAny people would think to go to get a good beer, but they not only have an excellent selection of beers, but also have specials that no one knows about! I came here on a Wednesday or Thursday night, and we got premium draft beer for 3 dollars a glass! Good place to either start or finish the night, depending on what your looking for. Ya not as much of a college bar as most places in east lansing. By that, I mean it's not loud and mildly obnoxious.
(4)
Cheryl G.
Tried this restaurant last week with a friend, because we one free combo plates from the MSU hockey good. the food was mediocre. I have had better middle eastern food at other places. I got the chicken schwarma plate. I thought the chicken tasted kind of like rubber. It almost seemed like it was undercooked. my advice, if you want good middle eastern food in Lansing go to Sultan's.
(2)
Kannan R.
Great food. Great service. Great prices. Sounds like a slogan, but I've never had a bad experience here, and the bar service isn't bad either. The back side (facing north) is the fast food like environment, the front side (south side/Grand River) is the dining side. Pay attention to their daily specials! The food here is about as good as it gets, my old Egyptian roommate only had one or two complaints, and the prices are ridiculously low for the quality.
(5)
Neal W.
East Lansing wouldn't be the same without Woody's. They actually have a few locations, but I've only been to the one downtown. The hummus is excellent. Actually, I usually just go for the hummus. They have an excellent jukebox. The staff is friendly. There isn't much not to like about Woody's.
(5)
Raina R.
Woody's is by far my favorite Mediterranean restaurant. The hummus is absolutely amazing - the red pepper hummus has a nice kick of jalapenos but is absolutely addicting. The falafel is great, so are many of their other dishes. The wraps include excellent french fries. The bar location can have iffy service, but the food makes up for it always. For dessert -- try the baklava!
(5)
kelly w.
one word. Schwarma. another word. fattouch. add these two together and you get Woody's spectacular thursday special. for $6.95 you get the best of both world's. there's no better way to spend a thursday afternoon basking in the sun while tasting a piece of heaven.
(4)
Matt R.
Amazing hummus & the chicken schwarma can't be beat. They even make Mediterranean salad that is great! I normally get carry out cause the service is kinda sleepy, even when the restaurant is empty...... BUT, The food is awesome. So get carry out & enjoy!
(5)
D M.
They have the best Hummus EVER! I really miss this place and always go back when I am in town to visit.
(5)
La-La T.
I'm actually wearing a Woody's Oasis t-shirt right now. I'm not kidding. That is how much I love this place. I was a frequent regular there for the first six years of its existence, before I moved. I cried when I left because I knew I would never find another Woody's. I was right. Try the garlic chicken wrap, the veggie kibbee, the Mediterranean pizza!!! They also always have good beer on tap and a great juke box. I miss you, Woody's!!
(5)
kristen g.
Delicious. Yummmm. This is the place to be for good Mediterranean food in EL. Their hummus is to die for, their Bloody Marys are killer, the wait staff is awesome, i have nothing bad to say, especially now that the back patio is open again. Sit outside, have a drink and a smoke and kick back.
(5)
Shelby D.
Small cozy place. Very good mediterranean food. They have a decent bar, but sometimes the staff can be a tad slow.
(4)
Alexandra K.
I know Middle Eastern cuisine fairly well, and Woody's Oasis prepares mediocre Middle Eastern food for debatably reasonable prices. The hummus is OK when ordered at the restaurant, but for take-out at its other locations, it's pitiful. The only things I find worth ordering on the menu (note: I'm a vegetarian) are the Mujadara (lentils, cracked wheat, and onion) sandwich, and the garlic sauce. I've been curious to try the za'atar pie but they don't provide adequate descriptions of the food on the menus. Normally, that wouldn't be an issue, but with ethnic food, the patron needs to know what these names mean. The service is dreadfully slow, no matter the crowd. Also, people under 21 are not allowed on premises after 10 p.m. I'd also argue that certain items are not authentic; for an authentic and inexpensive Middle Eastern restaurant, try Sultans (located in Hannah Plaza).
(3)
amy g.
This is my go-to bar in Lansing. I absolutely love all the Michigan beers on tap. And the Mediterranean style food is a nice change from standard bar junk. The staff is also really personable. They're friendly and nice and tend to remember you. Also, one night the bartender was playing of Montreal from her iPod and my roommate and I stood up and danced by our chair. Now this place is by no means a dance club. There's no dance floor or anything. The staff didn't care or cut us off or anything. It's very laidback and a great atmosphere. I especially love it because I was never a noisy college bar patron. Even on a Friday night, I can always count on it never being way too crowded or too loud to have a conversation. And clearly, there's great music! Wonderful, wonderful all-around! =)
(5)
Tim H.
Woody's is a Mediterranean Bar. It's a great concept and unique in the area. The food is great & they have a huge microbrew selection and awesome drink specials. On Saturday's you can get any micro draft pitcher for $6, there are similar food/drink specials every day. The schwarma is good, the vegetables are fresh, especially the schwarma chop salads. Bottom line is, you can go and have a healthy dinner & drinks for $25 for 2 people. It's a great alternative to the standard bar scene.
(5)
Echo L.
Great place. But personally, I like chicken kabob more, the one with rice.
(4)
Maurice G.
All of you EL people should feel lucky that you have a genuine Lebanese restaurant on your main drag. The schwarma is delightful, fattouch, hummus and babaganouj were spectacular. I was thoroughly impressed with Woody's wine selection -- even offering varietals that couldn't be had at the ACTUAL wine bar around the corner. Service was great and the prices very reasonable. Well done all around!
(5)
Chad F.
Good food. Wide variety of selections. Fair price. Portions are too generous. You will overeat if you clean your plate
(4)
Ed C.
It's a restaurant with a great bar, or a bar with great food.
(4)
Melissa B.
Woody's is an irreplaceable part of the Grand River strip in EL. The food on the menu is awesome, they use fresh ingredients and the hummus is homemade on the daily! I always spend at least an afternoon here on my visits home, and usually a night too! I enjoy taking part in the micro-brew selection, which is the best in town, from bells to mbc, whatever is to your liking! The around the world wine selection is also great if you're looking to pair something with the lamb kabobs (my favorite!). I enjoy the laid back staff and the usual regulars from students to professors, this is usually where you can find the more liberal minded...
(5)
Alfonso L.
Woody's is the kind of place that probably means well, but ultimately fails in execution. Located right on Grand River Avenue, the main drag in East Lansing and directly across from MSU, it's billed as a Mediterranean restaurant, Our group admired the menu --the shawarmas and falafels interspersed with burgers and fries. We were in an appetizer mood on this summer afternoon, so we ordered the full Meze plate --essentially, a large sampler of all the Mediterranean goodies you can think of: grape leaves, falafels/pita breads, huumus, tabbouleh, etc. All were just, well, fine, nothing really stood our however, The salad, a mixture of cukes, tomatoes, mint, etc., was probably prepared the day before so it lacked a certain freshness and zing. The pita bread was the worst. The very thing we were going to use to dip into the hummus or tabbouleh and it was constantly stale. It almost seemed puny as it had no form or flexibility to it. Not only did it get cold way too fast, it ultimately became a flatbread (not even a lavash) in a couple of minutes. Credit Woody's for having some decent Michigan microbrews. One that I had was a summer wheat ale, served with a thick orange slice. I wonder if we should have stuck to more common fare like the burgers and sandwiches. The Meze platter was $23.95, so it's OK if you're sharing all this. However, given the fact that the contents weren't spectacular (I mean, how hard is it to make hummus?), this seems a bit unreasonable. Finally, please be very careful when sitting in the patio. The green plastic chairs (MSU Spartan colors?) are extremely flimsy. Luckily I wasn't holding my beer glass as I very slowly fell back on my left side, toppling slowly because the chair's legs were bending. In 10 seconds I was on my left side, feeling pretty lousy and well, goofy among the other patrons who were getting sloshed too.
(2)
Aaron W.
We walked in and right out. It smelled like vomit and stale beer. Threadbare sticky floors. Dark and grungy atmosphere. Beat up and classless furniture. Skip it. I have had good food at the Trowbridge location.
(1)
Jeremiah R.
Great place to stop in with a group and get some food and drinks. There are specials throughout the week on everything. Cant go wrong with the chicken shawarma, fries, and garlic sauce to dip in. Lots of different beers on draft to choose from and a full bar. Used to know a couple guys who worked here so I'd stop in quite a bit. Its not everyone's cup of tea. Can be dark inside and usually the music wasn't what you would hear everywhere else. But that's what makes it stand apart from the other bars. It can be a nice change from the other bars around.
(3)
Andreina C.
I'm not going to totally rip on this place because the food isn't bad but it's just not Mediterranean food. Who are the owners? Who are the cooks? Why are they lying to East Lansing and claiming that the food they serve is "authentic"? Where are the spices? Where is the garlic? Every time I eat Mediterranean food I can never get the garlic taste out of my mouth no matter how many times I brush my teeth. Yea it's kind of annoying but that's what makes the food so delicious!!! This was not my experience with Woody's food. Stop making people ignorant to what real Mediterranean food is and fix your food.
(2)
Mary J.
Hands down, my favorite restaurant in the Lansing area, and the best Mediterranean food I've ever had. I moved out of state a couple years back and I have found nothing comparable anywhere else. I stop here and eat several times when I am in town to visit. Their hummus is one of the greatest things you will ever taste! And the best part is, it is fresh and affordable! If you haven't been in yet, you are missing out!
(5)
Sammi D.
I was very happily surprised...the food was delicious...big portions and the prices were great!
(4)
Abigail P.
Ah, the oasis... Definitely the weirdest chicken schwarma I've ever had. It seemed like they were trying to use up the spices at the bottom of the cabinet. My friends got the seafood kebabs, and they were decent. Hummus was good. Atmosphere is kind of sticky/dingy (it's too dark to see). If you want Middle Eastern food, go to Sultan. If you want to get drunk and put whatever in your stomach, come here. They have a Long Island special.
(2)
Anna B.
The servers were extremely kind. Food was okay. I have come here quite a few times but every time it is almost inedible because of the amount of garlic in the food. I am a huge garlic fan. However, this place takes it to an extreme. If they added different flavors and took away some of the garlic, the food would be absolutely amazing.
(3)
Lauren M.
Very relaxed atmosphere, staff is friendly and have a very calming attitude. Best hummus I've had (way better than sabra). Good drink specials--not too pricey!
(4)
Jay R.
Woody's has good food and drinks but it's by far not the best Mediterranean food in town. It's good for the occasional meet up with friends if other places are busy to get a drink but I would never crave Woody's food for lunch or dinner. The last I came to Woody's was on my lunch break at work. I ordered a Falaffel Wrap and a side of fries. The wrap tasted bland and was missing real Mediterranean flavor. The lettuce was scattered randomly and the Flaffel wasn't very fresh. The order of fries was luke-warm and had a small one inch hair on them. The main reason I am giving 2 Stars is becuase of the hair. It really through my lunch off. On a good note, however, the hummas and pita that was served was very fresh and noticably homemade. I can see myself returning to Woody's in the future, but when I'm asked where the best place to get some Mediterranean food is - I would direct people elsewhere.
(2)
Christina C.
The food here is mediocre with exception of the sweet potato fries. Those fries are the reason why I keep coming back! Must try it with the garlic sauce.. You will not regret it! The staff here are also very friendly and attentive. I've had good service all three times that I've eaten here!
(3)
Jill V.
This is a tough review to write as I loved going to Woody's as an EL resident. The veggie kibbie is fantastic and the drink selections are great. The issue really is the space. It needs serious updating and cleaning. Although the food/menu are worthy, it's difficult to take visitors here due to the setting.
(3)
Matt C.
Ah, Woody's..... the de facto bar for the members of the MSU SHC. They have decent specials all week, in particular they have a falafel special on Wednesday, shawarma special on Thursday, and a burger & pitcher special on Friday. While the food has been good, service tends to be slow and the drinks choices never seem to change (i.e. tap beer never rarely changes). The interior is a little dank, but its not terrible. Could definitely use a make-over though. If looking for a decent Mediterranean meal, its not a bad choice.
(3)
CV C.
I've had very different experiences every time I've come here. Sometimes the service is quick and wonderful, sometimes I've had to wait so long that I had to get my meal to go. That said, I still love the food here. They have this falafurger (falafel instead of meat, with a huge hunk of feta cheese) with sweet potato fries... words can't describe the amazingness of it. You should definitely try it!
(4)
Jacqueline D.
This location seems to be a total dive and it smells like one too. I definitely would not eat at this location. I spent $18 dollars for a few pieces of lamb kabob (note see picture). It was a sorry excuse for a meal. Go to the trowbridge location! PS An extra star bc I do like the Woody's on trowbridge.
(2)
Tim M.
In all honesty, Woody's is one of the more difficult places for me to review. So I'll break it into four categories: Beer, Food, Service, and Venue. Beer: 4/5 Woody's has a reasonable selection of craft beers. Not huge but reasonable given the size of the bar. And, reasonable prices. Food: 4/5 Now their food is pretty good. For a small dingy place on campus Woody's offers something other than cheap American-traditional pub fair. They have good (variable) hummus and Mediterranean food. Still have good burgers. Fair prices. Service: 2/5 Service is, kind of, hit-or-miss. Their pretty slow, honestly. Venue: 2/5 The bar itself is small. Oddly laid out and dingy feeling: wobbly tables and all. The seating area continues down a hall on the right hand side of the bar into the back, and out the door. All a bit weird, in my opinion. So All that said. Woody's nets (get it? "nets is a pub) a 3/5. Making it an average bar with better than average food.
(3)
Lia V.
3 stars for the food (we have had it catered) 2 stars for the restaurant and service itself. It's located just right in East Lansing - definitely gets a lot of business. I seriously think they had 1 server for the whole dining room on a Saturday evening... while the jazz festival was going on right behind them. Bad bad idea. It isn't adequately air conditioned and it was a freaking hot day. Not the most appealing interior, but not the worst... college area.... I like the food. I think it's flavorful and delicious. I like the spicy hummus and the kabobs. My cousin only ever orders chicken schwarma and it's always good. I've never had anything that tasted bad or bland. They give you huge portions and lots of grilled veggies. A-OK
(3)
Jessica F.
Amazing dipping fries. Order the tahini, garlic, and hummus to dip! Great selection of drinks and varied specials throughout the week. The beers are great, the food tasty and well made. Definitely a fun place to hang out at any time of day.
(5)
Kaitlin M.
This is a great Mediterranean spot in E.L. The price is just right for anybody, student or graduate. Its family run and therefore has great authentic flavors and consistency. We ordered two entrees and had plenty of leftovers for lunch the next day. This last visit I ordered their vegan lentils and rice combo plate. It also included hummus and pita bread. Everything was very flavorful and perfectly warm (including the beard)! I cant wait to go back. One piece of advice for all you wine-o's out there... don't get the house wine. One step up is only a dollar more but MUCH better quality!
(4)
Meredith B.
I've gotten food from Woody's Oasis for years - the grocery store Foods for Living sells it - but I'd never actually been in the restaurant! I'd been craving Middle Eastern food for a while, so I met a friend here on a Saturday at 11:30 for lunch. I was surprised to find that it was a bar! Who knew? (answer: every MSU student). So it's super casual, a little rough around the edges, and it looks sort of weird in the daylight with no other patrons. Next time I'll come back for dinner and get a beer! Anyhoo, we didn't really mind being the only folks in there, so we grabbed a high table and ordered some fresh smoothies which were delicious. You can mix and match your choice of tasty fruits. Definitely recommended if you are not in the mood for alcohol. Woody's has a large menu, and a bunch of different specials that are perfect for lunch. I got the hashwi combo with a fattoush salad. I have always loved their hashwi (again, find it at Foods for Living!). I've never seen it at another Middle Eastern restaurant before - it's mild, savory, and delicious. Rice spiced lightly with cinnamon, mixed with both chicken and ground beef, as well as toasted almonds and pine nuts. This stuff is just comfort food to me, very craveable! But don't expect ridiculously huge flavors in this dish, it's just mild, simple goodness. The fattoush salad was tasty as well, nice to have some fresh veggies with my meal! This is a great inexpensive place to get delicious Lebanese food - just know that it's a bar, so don't expect big ambiance. Perfect for a casual meal, or for take out!
(4)
Robert K.
Today was my first visit. Mediterranean food? Not even close. I ordered the garlic chicken shwarma and hummus. It might have passed for mush and watered-down saw dust at best. Where is the flavor? The garlic? The allspice? The cumin? Etc., etc. I mean, seriously? You have to at least use garlic. This is a meager attempt at imitating ethnic dishes. The service was good.
(1)
Kitty S.
I know now people don't go to woody's for its food, but rather its drinks. I had the Saturday surf & turf special and found the beef way too salty and the shrimps no too fresh. Even the flaffle was kinda bland. But the $5 "Real" Long Island ice tea was tasty and just the right refreshment for a hot summer day. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. Although the front of the bar looks old, the back room looks newly renovated and modern. Free wireless!
(3)
Kayla C.
When I moved to EL, I was so excited to try out Woody's especially coming from a Lebanese family. I wasn't disappointed. Though I can't give it five stars because, let's face it, grandma's cooking can't be beaten...I was very impressed with their meat grape leaves (my favorite dish which is usually only found cold and meatless) and their labneh. Their hummus was also good! I'm so happy to have great middle eastern food nearby at (unusually) good prices! I also tried their Spartan Spirit drink, which was delicious. Good food, good vibes, good people...middle eastern cuisine meets sports bar ambience. Cool combination.
(4)
Alison Y.
Oh man. I have really good memories of this place from back in the day. The restaurant offers solid Mediterranean food at affordable prices with a pretty good selection of beers and a cool jukebox. We'd always come in a group and order a bunch of different things, chicken and lamb kabobs, tabouleh, hummus, yougurt cucmber salad, etc. The portions are pretty large too, so it's easy to share and try a bit of everything. When I visit my folks this is a must, despite the fact that my mother thinks the food is meh. The service is ok, I mean what can you expect for a college town? For out-of-towners looking for a place to eat close to campus and on Grand River, this is a solid option to check out.
(4)
Janna R.
I've have been going to Woody's since it opened and I've always loved it! I have brought friends and family here and they have always enjoyed it as well. The food is amazing and the staff is friendly. I moved to California a few years ago and when ever I visit Michigan I must stop at Woody's! The people giving bad reviews clearly have not tasted real Middle Eastern food! The owner of this location (as well as the others) are Lebanese and being Lebanese myself I find this restaurant the closest to my family's cooking! If you're looking for good Middle Eastern food at a good price you should definitely give Woody's a try!
(5)
Brad C.
Great local bar. Good not great food, nice beer list. Service is almost always bad, not the cleanest either.
(3)
Irene B.
We had lunch there during the East Lansing Art Fair because it's always been good food & is really convenient. This time the service was inexcusably slow. When the food came it was not good. The hummus/ tabbouleh sandwich didn't seem to have hummus. The eggplant sandwich which used to be sliced eggplant, had 2or 3 chunks of eggplant which fell to the bottom of the sandwich & almost no sauce. The rest was all lettuce. The side orders of hummus did not come with any pita bread. We all agreed would not go back to this restaurant.
(1)
Jimmy P.
The atmosphere is top notch very chill and good for Michigan craft brew on top. The food is refreshing but if your not adventurous the Mediterranean might seam a bit bland. Pita and hummus w a mich beer all the way.
(4)
Kristen B.
Still my favorite bar in East Lansing, possibly my favorite bar ever. The Stoli Around the World is certainly still my favorite drink ever. I stopped into Woody's over the holidays while visiting East Lansing with my boyfriend. We took at scenic drive around MSU's campus, hit up a few of our favorite spots, and then headed to Woody's for a reunion of sorts with some old college friends that I hadn't seen in awhile. We were the first of the group to arrive. The waiter seemed ecstatic when I told him we were there to meet with a larger group. He was very helpful and helped us reserve a few tables for my friends. My boyfriend and I ordered some drinks to sip on while we waited for the others to arrive. My boyfriend ordered a Spartan Spirit, and the bartender messed up his drink not once, but twice! However, he was kind enough to admit that he had mixed the drinks incorrectly, and still gave them to us...so my boyfriend ended up with 3 drinks for the price of 1. I love that Woody's is such a chill place and allowed this to happen. We left them a really big tip, of course. :)
(5)
Meg H.
Just devoured our woody's takeout! We enjoyed our shawarma and falafel. Fatouch salad is where it's at! We ordered fries for our picky eater and they were awesome. Really! One less star because we ordered the shawarma wrap and got the regular dinner instead. Still delicious, though :-)
(4)
Chelsea M.
I should have known I was in trouble when this place had a sweet beer list. BTW- that's the only reason they are even getting two stars. First about the beer: $10 pitchers of micro brews. Heck yes. Too bad you need to down a couple of those before eating the food. I wish I was exaggerating when I say that but I'm really not. Now on to the food. We ordered chicken and beef shawarma, falafel, "Lebanese" rice, and lentil soup. Everything tasted microwaved and seriously lacked flavor. The falafel was at least a bit crunchy but the garlic sauce was an epic fail. I can't really say anything positive about the food. The people next to us got a pizza and it looked decent, but I don't want to order pizza when I go to a Middle Eastern restaurant. In Lansing, if you want some Middle Eastern food, head to Sultan's Palace in Hannah Plaza off Hagadorn. The food is so much better and doesn't taste microwaved.
(2)
Chris S.
Updating my last review after having lived in the Middle Eastern/Mediterranean region for 14 months: the food was far from authentic and as stated previously, the ingredients are very subpar.
(2)
Stephen C.
Not good. Hummus was all right, but the lamb that was on top was overcooked. Overpriced for sure -- a local place I know serves the same dish for about 1/3 less. Bread was cold and stiff. French fries were overcooked. Who messes up fries?
(1)
Jane M.
Hummus is terrific--slightly lemony and very smooth. I love pickled turnips and don't find them in that many Mediterranean restaurants. Everything we ordered was delicious, nicely spiced and a real treat to find.
(4)
Chris S.
This place was suggested by the hostess at the Marriott bar. When I first walked-by I wasn't sure I had the right place as it just looks like a hole-in-the-wall bar. The food was decent but based on the recommendation I was expecting more. I found it to be a little bland but it's hard to mess up Falafel and Hummus. If you're town and in the mood for this type of food - you can't really go wrong.
(3)
Katie M.
The burgers here, surprisingly, are amazing. Huge portion and very well-cooked and juicy. The mediterranean food is good, but I like sultan's schawarma and kabobs a bit better. Prices are fair. The hummus, especially the spicy hummus, is really good. This is a good place to grab a drink with a friend, as it is usually not completely packed/noisy all the time. The spartan spirit drink is really good, not very strong but sweet. Excellent beer menu. Brought my mom here of all places and she loved it. The service is usually lacking, however. Sometimes the waiters don't realize that you are sitting at their table, or another waiter comes to take your order then a different one reappears, etc.
(4)
M F.
Seriously, no sweet potato fries two visits in a row? The next time I come here, I'm going to leave if you are out. When there are sweet potato fries, this place is great. Falafel burgers and great Michigan brews.
(2)
Sahana U.
When I was a local, I used to be a regular at Woody's. This is a college town after all, so don't go here expecting awesome ambiance. You must try the lentil soup & the falafurger Their lentil soup is just delicious: the perfect combination of lentils, rice, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. It is just too good. The falafurger is a great meal for vegetarians. It's just like a real burger, but with a falafel patty. Deelish. They also have great drinks and are open very late. Sometimes, they take forever to get your bill, but it's just one of those things that you learn to deal with to eat the great food.
(4)
Jessica C.
WHAT? This place has four and half stars? Woody's is THE MOST bland and boring middle eastern food I've ever had. I'm from Metro Detroit, I grew up eating in Dearborn at fantastic, flavorful, and authentic middle eastern restaurants but Woody's? NO! It was bad. The hummus was bland, tasted like literally nothing in my mouth bland. I had the chicken shwarma sandwich... it was dry as a bone. I have had shwarma dozens of times, I dont really know how you can mess it up. But Woody's did. Umm also the waitress didnt even know what pickled turnips are (those yummy bright pink garnishes traditionally served with hummus and other dishes) Which tell me this place is super fake. Sultans at the MALL has better falafel and shwarma, sadly!
(1)
Kerry S.
My husband and I are regulars here. The prices are very fair. The proportions sizable. The food tasty. We love the staff, and the menu keeps us coming back. The weekly specials are a bonus, and we appreciate the vegan options. I would cry if it ever closed.
(4)
Gerrie M.
I would go back for the beer! Can't beat pitchers of micro-brews for $10!! The food tasted like warmed up in the micro-wave pre-cooked cuisine. I guess you can't have both good middle eastern food and good beer at the same location. I'll keep looking for my favorite local middle eastern food location.
(2)
Shawn Marie H.
Just so this is clear, I'm giving one star to this location only. The only reason we even visit this location is for the dipping fries, which I don't think they have at the other locations. This place has gone way downhill. The front smells like stale beer and I'm sure the carpet is saturated with it because your feet stick to the floor. Sitting in the back isn't an option because it stinks like the toilet back there. It's gross. The service leaves little to be desired and last time I was there I could have walked out without paying because once we were given our food the waitress was never to be seen again. I ended up just leaving the cash on the table and walking out. Today, my daughter and I walked in and there was one other customer. We ordered the dipping fries and when I sat down I instantly felt that I had sat in a puddle of beer so my pants were soaked right through. I pointed it out and the waiter apologized. He took our order and we waited. And waited. And we wondered if they had to personally go out and harvest the potatoes themselves. It took forever to get our food, even though the restaurant was empty. When we finally did get it the waiter forgot my credit card and asked someone else to go get it while he went behind the bar to do absolutely nothing - there was nobody else in the place. He did comp us some baklava for the beer puddle incident, but I'll never return.
(1)
Chris B.
Met up with some friends here for dinner on our way through East Lansing. They had a big selection and a nice long list of vegetarian options (bonus for my wife). The food seemed really authentic, with generously sized portions. Extra points go towards their long list of beers, they even had Xingu a Brazilian beer that will turn your world upside down.
(4)
Gary H.
The owner is Lebanese, so any concerns about authenticity should be quashed. The food quality can vary because most of the employees are college kids, but overall this is pub grub with an ethnic flair, and the truly ethnic dishes tend to be wonderful. On a quiet night, you can have a wonderful ethnic dinner here. On more than one rowdy night, I've chiwed down a Burger and hummus guzzling beer from the twenty taps, which flow with mostly local brew. It's a good eatery, it's a great bar, and only the very newest hires there have yet to learn my name. Next time you're crawling bars in East Lansing, stop in.
(5)
KrisAnn B.
I've only been here twice and the experiences were so different from each other that it's hard to rate them. I feel like I'll be adjusting this when I return there. My first experience was on a bar crawl and this was one of our first stops. The drinks were great. I had some drink named Around the World or something and it was amazing. It was fruity and didn't taste nearly as strong as I'm guessing it was. Service as pretty slow though, despite it being early and the restaurant being nearly empty. My second experience was meeting up with a friend for a quick bite. It was okay. My drink was great but the food wasn't really on par. I had the Chicken Kabob Combo and the chicken was very dry and overcooked. The hummus (and maybe this is my mistake for getting the original) was bland. I'll give them another try but the food was hit or miss. I guess my experience is that the bar and especially their selection of beer is five star but the food and service is hit or miss. I'll give them three for now and give them a third try soon.
(3)
Jessica S.
Such a shame I never enjoyed this place while I was still a student at MSU. Sure, I had had their hummus multiple times via the caf's at MSU, but dining there was fantastic. SUNDAYS = $3 BLOODY MARYS. Again, I've never been much of a bloody mary person but they were amazing, so good, im hooked, etc. I got the falafurger which was pretty much just a falafel sandwich with a bunch of hummus + pita bread on the side, so delicious. luv u, woodys.
(5)
Scott J.
Woody's is currently one of those places that not mAny people would think to go to get a good beer, but they not only have an excellent selection of beers, but also have specials that no one knows about! I came here on a Wednesday or Thursday night, and we got premium draft beer for 3 dollars a glass! Good place to either start or finish the night, depending on what your looking for. Ya not as much of a college bar as most places in east lansing. By that, I mean it's not loud and mildly obnoxious.
(4)
Cheryl G.
Tried this restaurant last week with a friend, because we one free combo plates from the MSU hockey good. the food was mediocre. I have had better middle eastern food at other places. I got the chicken schwarma plate. I thought the chicken tasted kind of like rubber. It almost seemed like it was undercooked. my advice, if you want good middle eastern food in Lansing go to Sultan's.
(2)
Kannan R.
Great food. Great service. Great prices. Sounds like a slogan, but I've never had a bad experience here, and the bar service isn't bad either. The back side (facing north) is the fast food like environment, the front side (south side/Grand River) is the dining side. Pay attention to their daily specials! The food here is about as good as it gets, my old Egyptian roommate only had one or two complaints, and the prices are ridiculously low for the quality.
(5)
Neal W.
East Lansing wouldn't be the same without Woody's. They actually have a few locations, but I've only been to the one downtown. The hummus is excellent. Actually, I usually just go for the hummus. They have an excellent jukebox. The staff is friendly. There isn't much not to like about Woody's.
(5)
K U.
Ugh i still hate this place . so dirty and filthy with cold rude wait staff.
(1)
erin l.
Woody's is pretty much amazing. It is one of three East Lansing bars I frequent. Bell's Two Hearted on tap, excellent hummus and a varying menu that is honestly a little overwhelming. However after a few visits its clear I will stick with the cauliflower or the falafel and be way too full. The only reason I give it four out of five is the service is hit and miss. On more than one occasion, the bar has been pretty empty and we were mostly ignored.
(4)
Meredith J.
I love Woody's Oasis! After going to one of the other locations several times, I had to try this location. The bar area has lots of character. I had the vegetarian stuffed grape leaves in the pita sandwich - and this is my new guilty pleasure. It was like stuffed grape leaves and a Greek salad decided to hang out together in a pita. As a fan of vegetarian pigouts, this made me so very happy. There are whole stuffed grape leaves mixed with lettuce, tomato, what I think is turnip, and sauce all stuffed in a pita. For the side, I opted for the pita and hummus rather than fries, and I was so glad I did because I had a hearty portion of pita served with a big tub of hummus. The waitress gave me a doggy bag for the rest of my pita and hummus, which I greatly appreciate. I definitely want to go back in the evening so I can have a beer with my meal.
(4)
Wayne W.
this restaurant is the real deal; Lebanese food baby. The garlic sauce is a MUST, as is the Pine Nut Hummus. Everything I have ever had on the menu is good. Directly across from MSU, this is a must for those seeking a nice place to eat with little pretense.
(4)
Carla S.
Woody's is a great bar for a group. They have a ton of microbrewery beers on tap. They have great drink specials as well. Their best is their bloody mary's which are super cheap on Sunday's. The food is delicious as well, they have a Quatar Pie, which is 2nd to none! Chicken schwarma and other delicious Middle Eastern fare! I really like this place, because you don't have to deal with the "normal" college town bar scene. Very laid back place, great service, drinks and food. Overall, one of the best bars in East Lansing, if you're looking for a chill night!
(4)
Erin D.
I haven't been here since I graduated college in 2007, but when I used to come here regularly, the food was pretty good (the hummus especially), but I usually came exclusively for hookah and beer. The service could be on the slow side sometimes, but it was a great place to come with a few friends and share a hookah for a few hours. The staff was always very friendly and didn't mind you hanging out for a while, even when it was busy.
(4)
Lisa S.
Mmmmmmhummus! I lived on it. Got it by the carton. The big carton. Not too garlic-y, not too lemon-y. Perfection. Hummus.
(5)
Alexandra K.
I know Middle Eastern cuisine fairly well, and Woody's Oasis prepares mediocre Middle Eastern food for debatably reasonable prices. The hummus is OK when ordered at the restaurant, but for take-out at its other locations, it's pitiful. The only things I find worth ordering on the menu (note: I'm a vegetarian) are the Mujadara (lentils, cracked wheat, and onion) sandwich, and the garlic sauce. I've been curious to try the za'atar pie but they don't provide adequate descriptions of the food on the menus. Normally, that wouldn't be an issue, but with ethnic food, the patron needs to know what these names mean. The service is dreadfully slow, no matter the crowd. Also, people under 21 are not allowed on premises after 10 p.m. I'd also argue that certain items are not authentic; for an authentic and inexpensive Middle Eastern restaurant, try Sultans (located in Hannah Plaza).
(3)
amy g.
This is my go-to bar in Lansing. I absolutely love all the Michigan beers on tap. And the Mediterranean style food is a nice change from standard bar junk. The staff is also really personable. They're friendly and nice and tend to remember you. Also, one night the bartender was playing of Montreal from her iPod and my roommate and I stood up and danced by our chair. Now this place is by no means a dance club. There's no dance floor or anything. The staff didn't care or cut us off or anything. It's very laidback and a great atmosphere. I especially love it because I was never a noisy college bar patron. Even on a Friday night, I can always count on it never being way too crowded or too loud to have a conversation. And clearly, there's great music! Wonderful, wonderful all-around! =)
(5)
Tim H.
Woody's is a Mediterranean Bar. It's a great concept and unique in the area. The food is great & they have a huge microbrew selection and awesome drink specials. On Saturday's you can get any micro draft pitcher for $6, there are similar food/drink specials every day. The schwarma is good, the vegetables are fresh, especially the schwarma chop salads. Bottom line is, you can go and have a healthy dinner & drinks for $25 for 2 people. It's a great alternative to the standard bar scene.
(5)
Echo L.
Great place. But personally, I like chicken kabob more, the one with rice.
(4)
Maurice G.
All of you EL people should feel lucky that you have a genuine Lebanese restaurant on your main drag. The schwarma is delightful, fattouch, hummus and babaganouj were spectacular. I was thoroughly impressed with Woody's wine selection -- even offering varietals that couldn't be had at the ACTUAL wine bar around the corner. Service was great and the prices very reasonable. Well done all around!
(5)
Raina R.
Woody's is by far my favorite Mediterranean restaurant. The hummus is absolutely amazing - the red pepper hummus has a nice kick of jalapenos but is absolutely addicting. The falafel is great, so are many of their other dishes. The wraps include excellent french fries. The bar location can have iffy service, but the food makes up for it always. For dessert -- try the baklava!
(5)
kelly w.
one word. Schwarma. another word. fattouch. add these two together and you get Woody's spectacular thursday special. for $6.95 you get the best of both world's. there's no better way to spend a thursday afternoon basking in the sun while tasting a piece of heaven.
(4)
Chad F.
Good food. Wide variety of selections. Fair price. Portions are too generous. You will overeat if you clean your plate
(4)
Ed C.
It's a restaurant with a great bar, or a bar with great food.
(4)
Melissa B.
Woody's is an irreplaceable part of the Grand River strip in EL. The food on the menu is awesome, they use fresh ingredients and the hummus is homemade on the daily! I always spend at least an afternoon here on my visits home, and usually a night too! I enjoy taking part in the micro-brew selection, which is the best in town, from bells to mbc, whatever is to your liking! The around the world wine selection is also great if you're looking to pair something with the lamb kabobs (my favorite!). I enjoy the laid back staff and the usual regulars from students to professors, this is usually where you can find the more liberal minded...
(5)
Matt R.
Amazing hummus & the chicken schwarma can't be beat. They even make Mediterranean salad that is great! I normally get carry out cause the service is kinda sleepy, even when the restaurant is empty...... BUT, The food is awesome. So get carry out & enjoy!
(5)
D M.
They have the best Hummus EVER! I really miss this place and always go back when I am in town to visit.
(5)
La-La T.
I'm actually wearing a Woody's Oasis t-shirt right now. I'm not kidding. That is how much I love this place. I was a frequent regular there for the first six years of its existence, before I moved. I cried when I left because I knew I would never find another Woody's. I was right. Try the garlic chicken wrap, the veggie kibbee, the Mediterranean pizza!!! They also always have good beer on tap and a great juke box. I miss you, Woody's!!
(5)
kristen g.
Delicious. Yummmm. This is the place to be for good Mediterranean food in EL. Their hummus is to die for, their Bloody Marys are killer, the wait staff is awesome, i have nothing bad to say, especially now that the back patio is open again. Sit outside, have a drink and a smoke and kick back.
(5)
Shelby D.
Small cozy place. Very good mediterranean food. They have a decent bar, but sometimes the staff can be a tad slow.
(4)
Alfonso L.
Woody's is the kind of place that probably means well, but ultimately fails in execution. Located right on Grand River Avenue, the main drag in East Lansing and directly across from MSU, it's billed as a Mediterranean restaurant, Our group admired the menu --the shawarmas and falafels interspersed with burgers and fries. We were in an appetizer mood on this summer afternoon, so we ordered the full Meze plate --essentially, a large sampler of all the Mediterranean goodies you can think of: grape leaves, falafels/pita breads, huumus, tabbouleh, etc. All were just, well, fine, nothing really stood our however, The salad, a mixture of cukes, tomatoes, mint, etc., was probably prepared the day before so it lacked a certain freshness and zing. The pita bread was the worst. The very thing we were going to use to dip into the hummus or tabbouleh and it was constantly stale. It almost seemed puny as it had no form or flexibility to it. Not only did it get cold way too fast, it ultimately became a flatbread (not even a lavash) in a couple of minutes. Credit Woody's for having some decent Michigan microbrews. One that I had was a summer wheat ale, served with a thick orange slice. I wonder if we should have stuck to more common fare like the burgers and sandwiches. The Meze platter was $23.95, so it's OK if you're sharing all this. However, given the fact that the contents weren't spectacular (I mean, how hard is it to make hummus?), this seems a bit unreasonable. Finally, please be very careful when sitting in the patio. The green plastic chairs (MSU Spartan colors?) are extremely flimsy. Luckily I wasn't holding my beer glass as I very slowly fell back on my left side, toppling slowly because the chair's legs were bending. In 10 seconds I was on my left side, feeling pretty lousy and well, goofy among the other patrons who were getting sloshed too.
(2)
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Address :211 E Grand River Ave
East Lansing, MI, 48823
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Katie M.
The burgers here, surprisingly, are amazing. Huge portion and very well-cooked and juicy. The mediterranean food is good, but I like sultan's schawarma and kabobs a bit better. Prices are fair. The hummus, especially the spicy hummus, is really good. This is a good place to grab a drink with a friend, as it is usually not completely packed/noisy all the time. The spartan spirit drink is really good, not very strong but sweet. Excellent beer menu. Brought my mom here of all places and she loved it. The service is usually lacking, however. Sometimes the waiters don't realize that you are sitting at their table, or another waiter comes to take your order then a different one reappears, etc.
(4)M F.
Seriously, no sweet potato fries two visits in a row? The next time I come here, I'm going to leave if you are out. When there are sweet potato fries, this place is great. Falafel burgers and great Michigan brews.
(2)Sahana U.
When I was a local, I used to be a regular at Woody's. This is a college town after all, so don't go here expecting awesome ambiance. You must try the lentil soup & the falafurger Their lentil soup is just delicious: the perfect combination of lentils, rice, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. It is just too good. The falafurger is a great meal for vegetarians. It's just like a real burger, but with a falafel patty. Deelish. They also have great drinks and are open very late. Sometimes, they take forever to get your bill, but it's just one of those things that you learn to deal with to eat the great food.
(4)Jessica C.
WHAT? This place has four and half stars? Woody's is THE MOST bland and boring middle eastern food I've ever had. I'm from Metro Detroit, I grew up eating in Dearborn at fantastic, flavorful, and authentic middle eastern restaurants but Woody's? NO! It was bad. The hummus was bland, tasted like literally nothing in my mouth bland. I had the chicken shwarma sandwich... it was dry as a bone. I have had shwarma dozens of times, I dont really know how you can mess it up. But Woody's did. Umm also the waitress didnt even know what pickled turnips are (those yummy bright pink garnishes traditionally served with hummus and other dishes) Which tell me this place is super fake. Sultans at the MALL has better falafel and shwarma, sadly!
(1)Kerry S.
My husband and I are regulars here. The prices are very fair. The proportions sizable. The food tasty. We love the staff, and the menu keeps us coming back. The weekly specials are a bonus, and we appreciate the vegan options. I would cry if it ever closed.
(4)Gerrie M.
I would go back for the beer! Can't beat pitchers of micro-brews for $10!! The food tasted like warmed up in the micro-wave pre-cooked cuisine. I guess you can't have both good middle eastern food and good beer at the same location. I'll keep looking for my favorite local middle eastern food location.
(2)K U.
Ugh i still hate this place . so dirty and filthy with cold rude wait staff.
(1)erin l.
Woody's is pretty much amazing. It is one of three East Lansing bars I frequent. Bell's Two Hearted on tap, excellent hummus and a varying menu that is honestly a little overwhelming. However after a few visits its clear I will stick with the cauliflower or the falafel and be way too full. The only reason I give it four out of five is the service is hit and miss. On more than one occasion, the bar has been pretty empty and we were mostly ignored.
(4)Meredith J.
I love Woody's Oasis! After going to one of the other locations several times, I had to try this location. The bar area has lots of character. I had the vegetarian stuffed grape leaves in the pita sandwich - and this is my new guilty pleasure. It was like stuffed grape leaves and a Greek salad decided to hang out together in a pita. As a fan of vegetarian pigouts, this made me so very happy. There are whole stuffed grape leaves mixed with lettuce, tomato, what I think is turnip, and sauce all stuffed in a pita. For the side, I opted for the pita and hummus rather than fries, and I was so glad I did because I had a hearty portion of pita served with a big tub of hummus. The waitress gave me a doggy bag for the rest of my pita and hummus, which I greatly appreciate. I definitely want to go back in the evening so I can have a beer with my meal.
(4)Wayne W.
this restaurant is the real deal; Lebanese food baby. The garlic sauce is a MUST, as is the Pine Nut Hummus. Everything I have ever had on the menu is good. Directly across from MSU, this is a must for those seeking a nice place to eat with little pretense.
(4)Carla S.
Woody's is a great bar for a group. They have a ton of microbrewery beers on tap. They have great drink specials as well. Their best is their bloody mary's which are super cheap on Sunday's. The food is delicious as well, they have a Quatar Pie, which is 2nd to none! Chicken schwarma and other delicious Middle Eastern fare! I really like this place, because you don't have to deal with the "normal" college town bar scene. Very laid back place, great service, drinks and food. Overall, one of the best bars in East Lansing, if you're looking for a chill night!
(4)Erin D.
I haven't been here since I graduated college in 2007, but when I used to come here regularly, the food was pretty good (the hummus especially), but I usually came exclusively for hookah and beer. The service could be on the slow side sometimes, but it was a great place to come with a few friends and share a hookah for a few hours. The staff was always very friendly and didn't mind you hanging out for a while, even when it was busy.
(4)Lisa S.
Mmmmmmhummus! I lived on it. Got it by the carton. The big carton. Not too garlic-y, not too lemon-y. Perfection. Hummus.
(5)Lauren M.
Very relaxed atmosphere, staff is friendly and have a very calming attitude. Best hummus I've had (way better than sabra). Good drink specials--not too pricey!
(4)Jay R.
Woody's has good food and drinks but it's by far not the best Mediterranean food in town. It's good for the occasional meet up with friends if other places are busy to get a drink but I would never crave Woody's food for lunch or dinner. The last I came to Woody's was on my lunch break at work. I ordered a Falaffel Wrap and a side of fries. The wrap tasted bland and was missing real Mediterranean flavor. The lettuce was scattered randomly and the Flaffel wasn't very fresh. The order of fries was luke-warm and had a small one inch hair on them. The main reason I am giving 2 Stars is becuase of the hair. It really through my lunch off. On a good note, however, the hummas and pita that was served was very fresh and noticably homemade. I can see myself returning to Woody's in the future, but when I'm asked where the best place to get some Mediterranean food is - I would direct people elsewhere.
(2)Christina C.
The food here is mediocre with exception of the sweet potato fries. Those fries are the reason why I keep coming back! Must try it with the garlic sauce.. You will not regret it! The staff here are also very friendly and attentive. I've had good service all three times that I've eaten here!
(3)Jill V.
This is a tough review to write as I loved going to Woody's as an EL resident. The veggie kibbie is fantastic and the drink selections are great. The issue really is the space. It needs serious updating and cleaning. Although the food/menu are worthy, it's difficult to take visitors here due to the setting.
(3)Matt C.
Ah, Woody's..... the de facto bar for the members of the MSU SHC. They have decent specials all week, in particular they have a falafel special on Wednesday, shawarma special on Thursday, and a burger & pitcher special on Friday. While the food has been good, service tends to be slow and the drinks choices never seem to change (i.e. tap beer never rarely changes). The interior is a little dank, but its not terrible. Could definitely use a make-over though. If looking for a decent Mediterranean meal, its not a bad choice.
(3)Jeremiah R.
Great place to stop in with a group and get some food and drinks. There are specials throughout the week on everything. Cant go wrong with the chicken shawarma, fries, and garlic sauce to dip in. Lots of different beers on draft to choose from and a full bar. Used to know a couple guys who worked here so I'd stop in quite a bit. Its not everyone's cup of tea. Can be dark inside and usually the music wasn't what you would hear everywhere else. But that's what makes it stand apart from the other bars. It can be a nice change from the other bars around.
(3)Aaron W.
We walked in and right out. It smelled like vomit and stale beer. Threadbare sticky floors. Dark and grungy atmosphere. Beat up and classless furniture. Skip it. I have had good food at the Trowbridge location.
(1)Andreina C.
I'm not going to totally rip on this place because the food isn't bad but it's just not Mediterranean food. Who are the owners? Who are the cooks? Why are they lying to East Lansing and claiming that the food they serve is "authentic"? Where are the spices? Where is the garlic? Every time I eat Mediterranean food I can never get the garlic taste out of my mouth no matter how many times I brush my teeth. Yea it's kind of annoying but that's what makes the food so delicious!!! This was not my experience with Woody's food. Stop making people ignorant to what real Mediterranean food is and fix your food.
(2)Mary J.
Hands down, my favorite restaurant in the Lansing area, and the best Mediterranean food I've ever had. I moved out of state a couple years back and I have found nothing comparable anywhere else. I stop here and eat several times when I am in town to visit. Their hummus is one of the greatest things you will ever taste! And the best part is, it is fresh and affordable! If you haven't been in yet, you are missing out!
(5)Sammi D.
I was very happily surprised...the food was delicious...big portions and the prices were great!
(4)Abigail P.
Ah, the oasis... Definitely the weirdest chicken schwarma I've ever had. It seemed like they were trying to use up the spices at the bottom of the cabinet. My friends got the seafood kebabs, and they were decent. Hummus was good. Atmosphere is kind of sticky/dingy (it's too dark to see). If you want Middle Eastern food, go to Sultan. If you want to get drunk and put whatever in your stomach, come here. They have a Long Island special.
(2)Anna B.
The servers were extremely kind. Food was okay. I have come here quite a few times but every time it is almost inedible because of the amount of garlic in the food. I am a huge garlic fan. However, this place takes it to an extreme. If they added different flavors and took away some of the garlic, the food would be absolutely amazing.
(3)CV C.
I've had very different experiences every time I've come here. Sometimes the service is quick and wonderful, sometimes I've had to wait so long that I had to get my meal to go. That said, I still love the food here. They have this falafurger (falafel instead of meat, with a huge hunk of feta cheese) with sweet potato fries... words can't describe the amazingness of it. You should definitely try it!
(4)Jacqueline D.
This location seems to be a total dive and it smells like one too. I definitely would not eat at this location. I spent $18 dollars for a few pieces of lamb kabob (note see picture). It was a sorry excuse for a meal. Go to the trowbridge location! PS An extra star bc I do like the Woody's on trowbridge.
(2)Robert K.
Today was my first visit. Mediterranean food? Not even close. I ordered the garlic chicken shwarma and hummus. It might have passed for mush and watered-down saw dust at best. Where is the flavor? The garlic? The allspice? The cumin? Etc., etc. I mean, seriously? You have to at least use garlic. This is a meager attempt at imitating ethnic dishes. The service was good.
(1)Kitty S.
I know now people don't go to woody's for its food, but rather its drinks. I had the Saturday surf & turf special and found the beef way too salty and the shrimps no too fresh. Even the flaffle was kinda bland. But the $5 "Real" Long Island ice tea was tasty and just the right refreshment for a hot summer day. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. Although the front of the bar looks old, the back room looks newly renovated and modern. Free wireless!
(3)Tim M.
In all honesty, Woody's is one of the more difficult places for me to review. So I'll break it into four categories: Beer, Food, Service, and Venue. Beer: 4/5 Woody's has a reasonable selection of craft beers. Not huge but reasonable given the size of the bar. And, reasonable prices. Food: 4/5 Now their food is pretty good. For a small dingy place on campus Woody's offers something other than cheap American-traditional pub fair. They have good (variable) hummus and Mediterranean food. Still have good burgers. Fair prices. Service: 2/5 Service is, kind of, hit-or-miss. Their pretty slow, honestly. Venue: 2/5 The bar itself is small. Oddly laid out and dingy feeling: wobbly tables and all. The seating area continues down a hall on the right hand side of the bar into the back, and out the door. All a bit weird, in my opinion. So All that said. Woody's nets (get it? "nets is a pub) a 3/5. Making it an average bar with better than average food.
(3)Lia V.
3 stars for the food (we have had it catered) 2 stars for the restaurant and service itself. It's located just right in East Lansing - definitely gets a lot of business. I seriously think they had 1 server for the whole dining room on a Saturday evening... while the jazz festival was going on right behind them. Bad bad idea. It isn't adequately air conditioned and it was a freaking hot day. Not the most appealing interior, but not the worst... college area.... I like the food. I think it's flavorful and delicious. I like the spicy hummus and the kabobs. My cousin only ever orders chicken schwarma and it's always good. I've never had anything that tasted bad or bland. They give you huge portions and lots of grilled veggies. A-OK
(3)Jessica F.
Amazing dipping fries. Order the tahini, garlic, and hummus to dip! Great selection of drinks and varied specials throughout the week. The beers are great, the food tasty and well made. Definitely a fun place to hang out at any time of day.
(5)Kaitlin M.
This is a great Mediterranean spot in E.L. The price is just right for anybody, student or graduate. Its family run and therefore has great authentic flavors and consistency. We ordered two entrees and had plenty of leftovers for lunch the next day. This last visit I ordered their vegan lentils and rice combo plate. It also included hummus and pita bread. Everything was very flavorful and perfectly warm (including the beard)! I cant wait to go back. One piece of advice for all you wine-o's out there... don't get the house wine. One step up is only a dollar more but MUCH better quality!
(4)Meredith B.
I've gotten food from Woody's Oasis for years - the grocery store Foods for Living sells it - but I'd never actually been in the restaurant! I'd been craving Middle Eastern food for a while, so I met a friend here on a Saturday at 11:30 for lunch. I was surprised to find that it was a bar! Who knew? (answer: every MSU student). So it's super casual, a little rough around the edges, and it looks sort of weird in the daylight with no other patrons. Next time I'll come back for dinner and get a beer! Anyhoo, we didn't really mind being the only folks in there, so we grabbed a high table and ordered some fresh smoothies which were delicious. You can mix and match your choice of tasty fruits. Definitely recommended if you are not in the mood for alcohol. Woody's has a large menu, and a bunch of different specials that are perfect for lunch. I got the hashwi combo with a fattoush salad. I have always loved their hashwi (again, find it at Foods for Living!). I've never seen it at another Middle Eastern restaurant before - it's mild, savory, and delicious. Rice spiced lightly with cinnamon, mixed with both chicken and ground beef, as well as toasted almonds and pine nuts. This stuff is just comfort food to me, very craveable! But don't expect ridiculously huge flavors in this dish, it's just mild, simple goodness. The fattoush salad was tasty as well, nice to have some fresh veggies with my meal! This is a great inexpensive place to get delicious Lebanese food - just know that it's a bar, so don't expect big ambiance. Perfect for a casual meal, or for take out!
(4)Kayla C.
When I moved to EL, I was so excited to try out Woody's especially coming from a Lebanese family. I wasn't disappointed. Though I can't give it five stars because, let's face it, grandma's cooking can't be beaten...I was very impressed with their meat grape leaves (my favorite dish which is usually only found cold and meatless) and their labneh. Their hummus was also good! I'm so happy to have great middle eastern food nearby at (unusually) good prices! I also tried their Spartan Spirit drink, which was delicious. Good food, good vibes, good people...middle eastern cuisine meets sports bar ambience. Cool combination.
(4)Alison Y.
Oh man. I have really good memories of this place from back in the day. The restaurant offers solid Mediterranean food at affordable prices with a pretty good selection of beers and a cool jukebox. We'd always come in a group and order a bunch of different things, chicken and lamb kabobs, tabouleh, hummus, yougurt cucmber salad, etc. The portions are pretty large too, so it's easy to share and try a bit of everything. When I visit my folks this is a must, despite the fact that my mother thinks the food is meh. The service is ok, I mean what can you expect for a college town? For out-of-towners looking for a place to eat close to campus and on Grand River, this is a solid option to check out.
(4)Janna R.
I've have been going to Woody's since it opened and I've always loved it! I have brought friends and family here and they have always enjoyed it as well. The food is amazing and the staff is friendly. I moved to California a few years ago and when ever I visit Michigan I must stop at Woody's! The people giving bad reviews clearly have not tasted real Middle Eastern food! The owner of this location (as well as the others) are Lebanese and being Lebanese myself I find this restaurant the closest to my family's cooking! If you're looking for good Middle Eastern food at a good price you should definitely give Woody's a try!
(5)Brad C.
Great local bar. Good not great food, nice beer list. Service is almost always bad, not the cleanest either.
(3)Kristen B.
Still my favorite bar in East Lansing, possibly my favorite bar ever. The Stoli Around the World is certainly still my favorite drink ever. I stopped into Woody's over the holidays while visiting East Lansing with my boyfriend. We took at scenic drive around MSU's campus, hit up a few of our favorite spots, and then headed to Woody's for a reunion of sorts with some old college friends that I hadn't seen in awhile. We were the first of the group to arrive. The waiter seemed ecstatic when I told him we were there to meet with a larger group. He was very helpful and helped us reserve a few tables for my friends. My boyfriend and I ordered some drinks to sip on while we waited for the others to arrive. My boyfriend ordered a Spartan Spirit, and the bartender messed up his drink not once, but twice! However, he was kind enough to admit that he had mixed the drinks incorrectly, and still gave them to us...so my boyfriend ended up with 3 drinks for the price of 1. I love that Woody's is such a chill place and allowed this to happen. We left them a really big tip, of course. :)
(5)Meg H.
Just devoured our woody's takeout! We enjoyed our shawarma and falafel. Fatouch salad is where it's at! We ordered fries for our picky eater and they were awesome. Really! One less star because we ordered the shawarma wrap and got the regular dinner instead. Still delicious, though :-)
(4)Chelsea M.
I should have known I was in trouble when this place had a sweet beer list. BTW- that's the only reason they are even getting two stars. First about the beer: $10 pitchers of micro brews. Heck yes. Too bad you need to down a couple of those before eating the food. I wish I was exaggerating when I say that but I'm really not. Now on to the food. We ordered chicken and beef shawarma, falafel, "Lebanese" rice, and lentil soup. Everything tasted microwaved and seriously lacked flavor. The falafel was at least a bit crunchy but the garlic sauce was an epic fail. I can't really say anything positive about the food. The people next to us got a pizza and it looked decent, but I don't want to order pizza when I go to a Middle Eastern restaurant. In Lansing, if you want some Middle Eastern food, head to Sultan's Palace in Hannah Plaza off Hagadorn. The food is so much better and doesn't taste microwaved.
(2)Chris S.
Updating my last review after having lived in the Middle Eastern/Mediterranean region for 14 months: the food was far from authentic and as stated previously, the ingredients are very subpar.
(2)Stephen C.
Not good. Hummus was all right, but the lamb that was on top was overcooked. Overpriced for sure -- a local place I know serves the same dish for about 1/3 less. Bread was cold and stiff. French fries were overcooked. Who messes up fries?
(1)Irene B.
We had lunch there during the East Lansing Art Fair because it's always been good food & is really convenient. This time the service was inexcusably slow. When the food came it was not good. The hummus/ tabbouleh sandwich didn't seem to have hummus. The eggplant sandwich which used to be sliced eggplant, had 2or 3 chunks of eggplant which fell to the bottom of the sandwich & almost no sauce. The rest was all lettuce. The side orders of hummus did not come with any pita bread. We all agreed would not go back to this restaurant.
(1)Jimmy P.
The atmosphere is top notch very chill and good for Michigan craft brew on top. The food is refreshing but if your not adventurous the Mediterranean might seam a bit bland. Pita and hummus w a mich beer all the way.
(4)Jane M.
Hummus is terrific--slightly lemony and very smooth. I love pickled turnips and don't find them in that many Mediterranean restaurants. Everything we ordered was delicious, nicely spiced and a real treat to find.
(4)Chris S.
This place was suggested by the hostess at the Marriott bar. When I first walked-by I wasn't sure I had the right place as it just looks like a hole-in-the-wall bar. The food was decent but based on the recommendation I was expecting more. I found it to be a little bland but it's hard to mess up Falafel and Hummus. If you're town and in the mood for this type of food - you can't really go wrong.
(3)Shawn Marie H.
Just so this is clear, I'm giving one star to this location only. The only reason we even visit this location is for the dipping fries, which I don't think they have at the other locations. This place has gone way downhill. The front smells like stale beer and I'm sure the carpet is saturated with it because your feet stick to the floor. Sitting in the back isn't an option because it stinks like the toilet back there. It's gross. The service leaves little to be desired and last time I was there I could have walked out without paying because once we were given our food the waitress was never to be seen again. I ended up just leaving the cash on the table and walking out. Today, my daughter and I walked in and there was one other customer. We ordered the dipping fries and when I sat down I instantly felt that I had sat in a puddle of beer so my pants were soaked right through. I pointed it out and the waiter apologized. He took our order and we waited. And waited. And we wondered if they had to personally go out and harvest the potatoes themselves. It took forever to get our food, even though the restaurant was empty. When we finally did get it the waiter forgot my credit card and asked someone else to go get it while he went behind the bar to do absolutely nothing - there was nobody else in the place. He did comp us some baklava for the beer puddle incident, but I'll never return.
(1)Chris B.
Met up with some friends here for dinner on our way through East Lansing. They had a big selection and a nice long list of vegetarian options (bonus for my wife). The food seemed really authentic, with generously sized portions. Extra points go towards their long list of beers, they even had Xingu a Brazilian beer that will turn your world upside down.
(4)Gary H.
The owner is Lebanese, so any concerns about authenticity should be quashed. The food quality can vary because most of the employees are college kids, but overall this is pub grub with an ethnic flair, and the truly ethnic dishes tend to be wonderful. On a quiet night, you can have a wonderful ethnic dinner here. On more than one rowdy night, I've chiwed down a Burger and hummus guzzling beer from the twenty taps, which flow with mostly local brew. It's a good eatery, it's a great bar, and only the very newest hires there have yet to learn my name. Next time you're crawling bars in East Lansing, stop in.
(5)KrisAnn B.
I've only been here twice and the experiences were so different from each other that it's hard to rate them. I feel like I'll be adjusting this when I return there. My first experience was on a bar crawl and this was one of our first stops. The drinks were great. I had some drink named Around the World or something and it was amazing. It was fruity and didn't taste nearly as strong as I'm guessing it was. Service as pretty slow though, despite it being early and the restaurant being nearly empty. My second experience was meeting up with a friend for a quick bite. It was okay. My drink was great but the food wasn't really on par. I had the Chicken Kabob Combo and the chicken was very dry and overcooked. The hummus (and maybe this is my mistake for getting the original) was bland. I'll give them another try but the food was hit or miss. I guess my experience is that the bar and especially their selection of beer is five star but the food and service is hit or miss. I'll give them three for now and give them a third try soon.
(3)Jessica S.
Such a shame I never enjoyed this place while I was still a student at MSU. Sure, I had had their hummus multiple times via the caf's at MSU, but dining there was fantastic. SUNDAYS = $3 BLOODY MARYS. Again, I've never been much of a bloody mary person but they were amazing, so good, im hooked, etc. I got the falafurger which was pretty much just a falafel sandwich with a bunch of hummus + pita bread on the side, so delicious. luv u, woodys.
(5)Scott J.
Woody's is currently one of those places that not mAny people would think to go to get a good beer, but they not only have an excellent selection of beers, but also have specials that no one knows about! I came here on a Wednesday or Thursday night, and we got premium draft beer for 3 dollars a glass! Good place to either start or finish the night, depending on what your looking for. Ya not as much of a college bar as most places in east lansing. By that, I mean it's not loud and mildly obnoxious.
(4)Cheryl G.
Tried this restaurant last week with a friend, because we one free combo plates from the MSU hockey good. the food was mediocre. I have had better middle eastern food at other places. I got the chicken schwarma plate. I thought the chicken tasted kind of like rubber. It almost seemed like it was undercooked. my advice, if you want good middle eastern food in Lansing go to Sultan's.
(2)Kannan R.
Great food. Great service. Great prices. Sounds like a slogan, but I've never had a bad experience here, and the bar service isn't bad either. The back side (facing north) is the fast food like environment, the front side (south side/Grand River) is the dining side. Pay attention to their daily specials! The food here is about as good as it gets, my old Egyptian roommate only had one or two complaints, and the prices are ridiculously low for the quality.
(5)Neal W.
East Lansing wouldn't be the same without Woody's. They actually have a few locations, but I've only been to the one downtown. The hummus is excellent. Actually, I usually just go for the hummus. They have an excellent jukebox. The staff is friendly. There isn't much not to like about Woody's.
(5)Raina R.
Woody's is by far my favorite Mediterranean restaurant. The hummus is absolutely amazing - the red pepper hummus has a nice kick of jalapenos but is absolutely addicting. The falafel is great, so are many of their other dishes. The wraps include excellent french fries. The bar location can have iffy service, but the food makes up for it always. For dessert -- try the baklava!
(5)kelly w.
one word. Schwarma. another word. fattouch. add these two together and you get Woody's spectacular thursday special. for $6.95 you get the best of both world's. there's no better way to spend a thursday afternoon basking in the sun while tasting a piece of heaven.
(4)Matt R.
Amazing hummus & the chicken schwarma can't be beat. They even make Mediterranean salad that is great! I normally get carry out cause the service is kinda sleepy, even when the restaurant is empty...... BUT, The food is awesome. So get carry out & enjoy!
(5)D M.
They have the best Hummus EVER! I really miss this place and always go back when I am in town to visit.
(5)La-La T.
I'm actually wearing a Woody's Oasis t-shirt right now. I'm not kidding. That is how much I love this place. I was a frequent regular there for the first six years of its existence, before I moved. I cried when I left because I knew I would never find another Woody's. I was right. Try the garlic chicken wrap, the veggie kibbee, the Mediterranean pizza!!! They also always have good beer on tap and a great juke box. I miss you, Woody's!!
(5)kristen g.
Delicious. Yummmm. This is the place to be for good Mediterranean food in EL. Their hummus is to die for, their Bloody Marys are killer, the wait staff is awesome, i have nothing bad to say, especially now that the back patio is open again. Sit outside, have a drink and a smoke and kick back.
(5)Shelby D.
Small cozy place. Very good mediterranean food. They have a decent bar, but sometimes the staff can be a tad slow.
(4)Alexandra K.
I know Middle Eastern cuisine fairly well, and Woody's Oasis prepares mediocre Middle Eastern food for debatably reasonable prices. The hummus is OK when ordered at the restaurant, but for take-out at its other locations, it's pitiful. The only things I find worth ordering on the menu (note: I'm a vegetarian) are the Mujadara (lentils, cracked wheat, and onion) sandwich, and the garlic sauce. I've been curious to try the za'atar pie but they don't provide adequate descriptions of the food on the menus. Normally, that wouldn't be an issue, but with ethnic food, the patron needs to know what these names mean. The service is dreadfully slow, no matter the crowd. Also, people under 21 are not allowed on premises after 10 p.m. I'd also argue that certain items are not authentic; for an authentic and inexpensive Middle Eastern restaurant, try Sultans (located in Hannah Plaza).
(3)amy g.
This is my go-to bar in Lansing. I absolutely love all the Michigan beers on tap. And the Mediterranean style food is a nice change from standard bar junk. The staff is also really personable. They're friendly and nice and tend to remember you. Also, one night the bartender was playing of Montreal from her iPod and my roommate and I stood up and danced by our chair. Now this place is by no means a dance club. There's no dance floor or anything. The staff didn't care or cut us off or anything. It's very laidback and a great atmosphere. I especially love it because I was never a noisy college bar patron. Even on a Friday night, I can always count on it never being way too crowded or too loud to have a conversation. And clearly, there's great music! Wonderful, wonderful all-around! =)
(5)Tim H.
Woody's is a Mediterranean Bar. It's a great concept and unique in the area. The food is great & they have a huge microbrew selection and awesome drink specials. On Saturday's you can get any micro draft pitcher for $6, there are similar food/drink specials every day. The schwarma is good, the vegetables are fresh, especially the schwarma chop salads. Bottom line is, you can go and have a healthy dinner & drinks for $25 for 2 people. It's a great alternative to the standard bar scene.
(5)Echo L.
Great place. But personally, I like chicken kabob more, the one with rice.
(4)Maurice G.
All of you EL people should feel lucky that you have a genuine Lebanese restaurant on your main drag. The schwarma is delightful, fattouch, hummus and babaganouj were spectacular. I was thoroughly impressed with Woody's wine selection -- even offering varietals that couldn't be had at the ACTUAL wine bar around the corner. Service was great and the prices very reasonable. Well done all around!
(5)Chad F.
Good food. Wide variety of selections. Fair price. Portions are too generous. You will overeat if you clean your plate
(4)Ed C.
It's a restaurant with a great bar, or a bar with great food.
(4)Melissa B.
Woody's is an irreplaceable part of the Grand River strip in EL. The food on the menu is awesome, they use fresh ingredients and the hummus is homemade on the daily! I always spend at least an afternoon here on my visits home, and usually a night too! I enjoy taking part in the micro-brew selection, which is the best in town, from bells to mbc, whatever is to your liking! The around the world wine selection is also great if you're looking to pair something with the lamb kabobs (my favorite!). I enjoy the laid back staff and the usual regulars from students to professors, this is usually where you can find the more liberal minded...
(5)Alfonso L.
Woody's is the kind of place that probably means well, but ultimately fails in execution. Located right on Grand River Avenue, the main drag in East Lansing and directly across from MSU, it's billed as a Mediterranean restaurant, Our group admired the menu --the shawarmas and falafels interspersed with burgers and fries. We were in an appetizer mood on this summer afternoon, so we ordered the full Meze plate --essentially, a large sampler of all the Mediterranean goodies you can think of: grape leaves, falafels/pita breads, huumus, tabbouleh, etc. All were just, well, fine, nothing really stood our however, The salad, a mixture of cukes, tomatoes, mint, etc., was probably prepared the day before so it lacked a certain freshness and zing. The pita bread was the worst. The very thing we were going to use to dip into the hummus or tabbouleh and it was constantly stale. It almost seemed puny as it had no form or flexibility to it. Not only did it get cold way too fast, it ultimately became a flatbread (not even a lavash) in a couple of minutes. Credit Woody's for having some decent Michigan microbrews. One that I had was a summer wheat ale, served with a thick orange slice. I wonder if we should have stuck to more common fare like the burgers and sandwiches. The Meze platter was $23.95, so it's OK if you're sharing all this. However, given the fact that the contents weren't spectacular (I mean, how hard is it to make hummus?), this seems a bit unreasonable. Finally, please be very careful when sitting in the patio. The green plastic chairs (MSU Spartan colors?) are extremely flimsy. Luckily I wasn't holding my beer glass as I very slowly fell back on my left side, toppling slowly because the chair's legs were bending. In 10 seconds I was on my left side, feeling pretty lousy and well, goofy among the other patrons who were getting sloshed too.
(2)Aaron W.
We walked in and right out. It smelled like vomit and stale beer. Threadbare sticky floors. Dark and grungy atmosphere. Beat up and classless furniture. Skip it. I have had good food at the Trowbridge location.
(1)Jeremiah R.
Great place to stop in with a group and get some food and drinks. There are specials throughout the week on everything. Cant go wrong with the chicken shawarma, fries, and garlic sauce to dip in. Lots of different beers on draft to choose from and a full bar. Used to know a couple guys who worked here so I'd stop in quite a bit. Its not everyone's cup of tea. Can be dark inside and usually the music wasn't what you would hear everywhere else. But that's what makes it stand apart from the other bars. It can be a nice change from the other bars around.
(3)Andreina C.
I'm not going to totally rip on this place because the food isn't bad but it's just not Mediterranean food. Who are the owners? Who are the cooks? Why are they lying to East Lansing and claiming that the food they serve is "authentic"? Where are the spices? Where is the garlic? Every time I eat Mediterranean food I can never get the garlic taste out of my mouth no matter how many times I brush my teeth. Yea it's kind of annoying but that's what makes the food so delicious!!! This was not my experience with Woody's food. Stop making people ignorant to what real Mediterranean food is and fix your food.
(2)Mary J.
Hands down, my favorite restaurant in the Lansing area, and the best Mediterranean food I've ever had. I moved out of state a couple years back and I have found nothing comparable anywhere else. I stop here and eat several times when I am in town to visit. Their hummus is one of the greatest things you will ever taste! And the best part is, it is fresh and affordable! If you haven't been in yet, you are missing out!
(5)Sammi D.
I was very happily surprised...the food was delicious...big portions and the prices were great!
(4)Abigail P.
Ah, the oasis... Definitely the weirdest chicken schwarma I've ever had. It seemed like they were trying to use up the spices at the bottom of the cabinet. My friends got the seafood kebabs, and they were decent. Hummus was good. Atmosphere is kind of sticky/dingy (it's too dark to see). If you want Middle Eastern food, go to Sultan. If you want to get drunk and put whatever in your stomach, come here. They have a Long Island special.
(2)Anna B.
The servers were extremely kind. Food was okay. I have come here quite a few times but every time it is almost inedible because of the amount of garlic in the food. I am a huge garlic fan. However, this place takes it to an extreme. If they added different flavors and took away some of the garlic, the food would be absolutely amazing.
(3)Lauren M.
Very relaxed atmosphere, staff is friendly and have a very calming attitude. Best hummus I've had (way better than sabra). Good drink specials--not too pricey!
(4)Jay R.
Woody's has good food and drinks but it's by far not the best Mediterranean food in town. It's good for the occasional meet up with friends if other places are busy to get a drink but I would never crave Woody's food for lunch or dinner. The last I came to Woody's was on my lunch break at work. I ordered a Falaffel Wrap and a side of fries. The wrap tasted bland and was missing real Mediterranean flavor. The lettuce was scattered randomly and the Flaffel wasn't very fresh. The order of fries was luke-warm and had a small one inch hair on them. The main reason I am giving 2 Stars is becuase of the hair. It really through my lunch off. On a good note, however, the hummas and pita that was served was very fresh and noticably homemade. I can see myself returning to Woody's in the future, but when I'm asked where the best place to get some Mediterranean food is - I would direct people elsewhere.
(2)Christina C.
The food here is mediocre with exception of the sweet potato fries. Those fries are the reason why I keep coming back! Must try it with the garlic sauce.. You will not regret it! The staff here are also very friendly and attentive. I've had good service all three times that I've eaten here!
(3)Jill V.
This is a tough review to write as I loved going to Woody's as an EL resident. The veggie kibbie is fantastic and the drink selections are great. The issue really is the space. It needs serious updating and cleaning. Although the food/menu are worthy, it's difficult to take visitors here due to the setting.
(3)Matt C.
Ah, Woody's..... the de facto bar for the members of the MSU SHC. They have decent specials all week, in particular they have a falafel special on Wednesday, shawarma special on Thursday, and a burger & pitcher special on Friday. While the food has been good, service tends to be slow and the drinks choices never seem to change (i.e. tap beer never rarely changes). The interior is a little dank, but its not terrible. Could definitely use a make-over though. If looking for a decent Mediterranean meal, its not a bad choice.
(3)CV C.
I've had very different experiences every time I've come here. Sometimes the service is quick and wonderful, sometimes I've had to wait so long that I had to get my meal to go. That said, I still love the food here. They have this falafurger (falafel instead of meat, with a huge hunk of feta cheese) with sweet potato fries... words can't describe the amazingness of it. You should definitely try it!
(4)Jacqueline D.
This location seems to be a total dive and it smells like one too. I definitely would not eat at this location. I spent $18 dollars for a few pieces of lamb kabob (note see picture). It was a sorry excuse for a meal. Go to the trowbridge location! PS An extra star bc I do like the Woody's on trowbridge.
(2)Tim M.
In all honesty, Woody's is one of the more difficult places for me to review. So I'll break it into four categories: Beer, Food, Service, and Venue. Beer: 4/5 Woody's has a reasonable selection of craft beers. Not huge but reasonable given the size of the bar. And, reasonable prices. Food: 4/5 Now their food is pretty good. For a small dingy place on campus Woody's offers something other than cheap American-traditional pub fair. They have good (variable) hummus and Mediterranean food. Still have good burgers. Fair prices. Service: 2/5 Service is, kind of, hit-or-miss. Their pretty slow, honestly. Venue: 2/5 The bar itself is small. Oddly laid out and dingy feeling: wobbly tables and all. The seating area continues down a hall on the right hand side of the bar into the back, and out the door. All a bit weird, in my opinion. So All that said. Woody's nets (get it? "nets is a pub) a 3/5. Making it an average bar with better than average food.
(3)Lia V.
3 stars for the food (we have had it catered) 2 stars for the restaurant and service itself. It's located just right in East Lansing - definitely gets a lot of business. I seriously think they had 1 server for the whole dining room on a Saturday evening... while the jazz festival was going on right behind them. Bad bad idea. It isn't adequately air conditioned and it was a freaking hot day. Not the most appealing interior, but not the worst... college area.... I like the food. I think it's flavorful and delicious. I like the spicy hummus and the kabobs. My cousin only ever orders chicken schwarma and it's always good. I've never had anything that tasted bad or bland. They give you huge portions and lots of grilled veggies. A-OK
(3)Jessica F.
Amazing dipping fries. Order the tahini, garlic, and hummus to dip! Great selection of drinks and varied specials throughout the week. The beers are great, the food tasty and well made. Definitely a fun place to hang out at any time of day.
(5)Kaitlin M.
This is a great Mediterranean spot in E.L. The price is just right for anybody, student or graduate. Its family run and therefore has great authentic flavors and consistency. We ordered two entrees and had plenty of leftovers for lunch the next day. This last visit I ordered their vegan lentils and rice combo plate. It also included hummus and pita bread. Everything was very flavorful and perfectly warm (including the beard)! I cant wait to go back. One piece of advice for all you wine-o's out there... don't get the house wine. One step up is only a dollar more but MUCH better quality!
(4)Meredith B.
I've gotten food from Woody's Oasis for years - the grocery store Foods for Living sells it - but I'd never actually been in the restaurant! I'd been craving Middle Eastern food for a while, so I met a friend here on a Saturday at 11:30 for lunch. I was surprised to find that it was a bar! Who knew? (answer: every MSU student). So it's super casual, a little rough around the edges, and it looks sort of weird in the daylight with no other patrons. Next time I'll come back for dinner and get a beer! Anyhoo, we didn't really mind being the only folks in there, so we grabbed a high table and ordered some fresh smoothies which were delicious. You can mix and match your choice of tasty fruits. Definitely recommended if you are not in the mood for alcohol. Woody's has a large menu, and a bunch of different specials that are perfect for lunch. I got the hashwi combo with a fattoush salad. I have always loved their hashwi (again, find it at Foods for Living!). I've never seen it at another Middle Eastern restaurant before - it's mild, savory, and delicious. Rice spiced lightly with cinnamon, mixed with both chicken and ground beef, as well as toasted almonds and pine nuts. This stuff is just comfort food to me, very craveable! But don't expect ridiculously huge flavors in this dish, it's just mild, simple goodness. The fattoush salad was tasty as well, nice to have some fresh veggies with my meal! This is a great inexpensive place to get delicious Lebanese food - just know that it's a bar, so don't expect big ambiance. Perfect for a casual meal, or for take out!
(4)Robert K.
Today was my first visit. Mediterranean food? Not even close. I ordered the garlic chicken shwarma and hummus. It might have passed for mush and watered-down saw dust at best. Where is the flavor? The garlic? The allspice? The cumin? Etc., etc. I mean, seriously? You have to at least use garlic. This is a meager attempt at imitating ethnic dishes. The service was good.
(1)Kitty S.
I know now people don't go to woody's for its food, but rather its drinks. I had the Saturday surf & turf special and found the beef way too salty and the shrimps no too fresh. Even the flaffle was kinda bland. But the $5 "Real" Long Island ice tea was tasty and just the right refreshment for a hot summer day. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. Although the front of the bar looks old, the back room looks newly renovated and modern. Free wireless!
(3)Kayla C.
When I moved to EL, I was so excited to try out Woody's especially coming from a Lebanese family. I wasn't disappointed. Though I can't give it five stars because, let's face it, grandma's cooking can't be beaten...I was very impressed with their meat grape leaves (my favorite dish which is usually only found cold and meatless) and their labneh. Their hummus was also good! I'm so happy to have great middle eastern food nearby at (unusually) good prices! I also tried their Spartan Spirit drink, which was delicious. Good food, good vibes, good people...middle eastern cuisine meets sports bar ambience. Cool combination.
(4)Alison Y.
Oh man. I have really good memories of this place from back in the day. The restaurant offers solid Mediterranean food at affordable prices with a pretty good selection of beers and a cool jukebox. We'd always come in a group and order a bunch of different things, chicken and lamb kabobs, tabouleh, hummus, yougurt cucmber salad, etc. The portions are pretty large too, so it's easy to share and try a bit of everything. When I visit my folks this is a must, despite the fact that my mother thinks the food is meh. The service is ok, I mean what can you expect for a college town? For out-of-towners looking for a place to eat close to campus and on Grand River, this is a solid option to check out.
(4)Janna R.
I've have been going to Woody's since it opened and I've always loved it! I have brought friends and family here and they have always enjoyed it as well. The food is amazing and the staff is friendly. I moved to California a few years ago and when ever I visit Michigan I must stop at Woody's! The people giving bad reviews clearly have not tasted real Middle Eastern food! The owner of this location (as well as the others) are Lebanese and being Lebanese myself I find this restaurant the closest to my family's cooking! If you're looking for good Middle Eastern food at a good price you should definitely give Woody's a try!
(5)Brad C.
Great local bar. Good not great food, nice beer list. Service is almost always bad, not the cleanest either.
(3)Irene B.
We had lunch there during the East Lansing Art Fair because it's always been good food & is really convenient. This time the service was inexcusably slow. When the food came it was not good. The hummus/ tabbouleh sandwich didn't seem to have hummus. The eggplant sandwich which used to be sliced eggplant, had 2or 3 chunks of eggplant which fell to the bottom of the sandwich & almost no sauce. The rest was all lettuce. The side orders of hummus did not come with any pita bread. We all agreed would not go back to this restaurant.
(1)Jimmy P.
The atmosphere is top notch very chill and good for Michigan craft brew on top. The food is refreshing but if your not adventurous the Mediterranean might seam a bit bland. Pita and hummus w a mich beer all the way.
(4)Kristen B.
Still my favorite bar in East Lansing, possibly my favorite bar ever. The Stoli Around the World is certainly still my favorite drink ever. I stopped into Woody's over the holidays while visiting East Lansing with my boyfriend. We took at scenic drive around MSU's campus, hit up a few of our favorite spots, and then headed to Woody's for a reunion of sorts with some old college friends that I hadn't seen in awhile. We were the first of the group to arrive. The waiter seemed ecstatic when I told him we were there to meet with a larger group. He was very helpful and helped us reserve a few tables for my friends. My boyfriend and I ordered some drinks to sip on while we waited for the others to arrive. My boyfriend ordered a Spartan Spirit, and the bartender messed up his drink not once, but twice! However, he was kind enough to admit that he had mixed the drinks incorrectly, and still gave them to us...so my boyfriend ended up with 3 drinks for the price of 1. I love that Woody's is such a chill place and allowed this to happen. We left them a really big tip, of course. :)
(5)Meg H.
Just devoured our woody's takeout! We enjoyed our shawarma and falafel. Fatouch salad is where it's at! We ordered fries for our picky eater and they were awesome. Really! One less star because we ordered the shawarma wrap and got the regular dinner instead. Still delicious, though :-)
(4)Chelsea M.
I should have known I was in trouble when this place had a sweet beer list. BTW- that's the only reason they are even getting two stars. First about the beer: $10 pitchers of micro brews. Heck yes. Too bad you need to down a couple of those before eating the food. I wish I was exaggerating when I say that but I'm really not. Now on to the food. We ordered chicken and beef shawarma, falafel, "Lebanese" rice, and lentil soup. Everything tasted microwaved and seriously lacked flavor. The falafel was at least a bit crunchy but the garlic sauce was an epic fail. I can't really say anything positive about the food. The people next to us got a pizza and it looked decent, but I don't want to order pizza when I go to a Middle Eastern restaurant. In Lansing, if you want some Middle Eastern food, head to Sultan's Palace in Hannah Plaza off Hagadorn. The food is so much better and doesn't taste microwaved.
(2)Chris S.
Updating my last review after having lived in the Middle Eastern/Mediterranean region for 14 months: the food was far from authentic and as stated previously, the ingredients are very subpar.
(2)Stephen C.
Not good. Hummus was all right, but the lamb that was on top was overcooked. Overpriced for sure -- a local place I know serves the same dish for about 1/3 less. Bread was cold and stiff. French fries were overcooked. Who messes up fries?
(1)Jane M.
Hummus is terrific--slightly lemony and very smooth. I love pickled turnips and don't find them in that many Mediterranean restaurants. Everything we ordered was delicious, nicely spiced and a real treat to find.
(4)Chris S.
This place was suggested by the hostess at the Marriott bar. When I first walked-by I wasn't sure I had the right place as it just looks like a hole-in-the-wall bar. The food was decent but based on the recommendation I was expecting more. I found it to be a little bland but it's hard to mess up Falafel and Hummus. If you're town and in the mood for this type of food - you can't really go wrong.
(3)Katie M.
The burgers here, surprisingly, are amazing. Huge portion and very well-cooked and juicy. The mediterranean food is good, but I like sultan's schawarma and kabobs a bit better. Prices are fair. The hummus, especially the spicy hummus, is really good. This is a good place to grab a drink with a friend, as it is usually not completely packed/noisy all the time. The spartan spirit drink is really good, not very strong but sweet. Excellent beer menu. Brought my mom here of all places and she loved it. The service is usually lacking, however. Sometimes the waiters don't realize that you are sitting at their table, or another waiter comes to take your order then a different one reappears, etc.
(4)M F.
Seriously, no sweet potato fries two visits in a row? The next time I come here, I'm going to leave if you are out. When there are sweet potato fries, this place is great. Falafel burgers and great Michigan brews.
(2)Sahana U.
When I was a local, I used to be a regular at Woody's. This is a college town after all, so don't go here expecting awesome ambiance. You must try the lentil soup & the falafurger Their lentil soup is just delicious: the perfect combination of lentils, rice, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. It is just too good. The falafurger is a great meal for vegetarians. It's just like a real burger, but with a falafel patty. Deelish. They also have great drinks and are open very late. Sometimes, they take forever to get your bill, but it's just one of those things that you learn to deal with to eat the great food.
(4)Jessica C.
WHAT? This place has four and half stars? Woody's is THE MOST bland and boring middle eastern food I've ever had. I'm from Metro Detroit, I grew up eating in Dearborn at fantastic, flavorful, and authentic middle eastern restaurants but Woody's? NO! It was bad. The hummus was bland, tasted like literally nothing in my mouth bland. I had the chicken shwarma sandwich... it was dry as a bone. I have had shwarma dozens of times, I dont really know how you can mess it up. But Woody's did. Umm also the waitress didnt even know what pickled turnips are (those yummy bright pink garnishes traditionally served with hummus and other dishes) Which tell me this place is super fake. Sultans at the MALL has better falafel and shwarma, sadly!
(1)Kerry S.
My husband and I are regulars here. The prices are very fair. The proportions sizable. The food tasty. We love the staff, and the menu keeps us coming back. The weekly specials are a bonus, and we appreciate the vegan options. I would cry if it ever closed.
(4)Gerrie M.
I would go back for the beer! Can't beat pitchers of micro-brews for $10!! The food tasted like warmed up in the micro-wave pre-cooked cuisine. I guess you can't have both good middle eastern food and good beer at the same location. I'll keep looking for my favorite local middle eastern food location.
(2)Shawn Marie H.
Just so this is clear, I'm giving one star to this location only. The only reason we even visit this location is for the dipping fries, which I don't think they have at the other locations. This place has gone way downhill. The front smells like stale beer and I'm sure the carpet is saturated with it because your feet stick to the floor. Sitting in the back isn't an option because it stinks like the toilet back there. It's gross. The service leaves little to be desired and last time I was there I could have walked out without paying because once we were given our food the waitress was never to be seen again. I ended up just leaving the cash on the table and walking out. Today, my daughter and I walked in and there was one other customer. We ordered the dipping fries and when I sat down I instantly felt that I had sat in a puddle of beer so my pants were soaked right through. I pointed it out and the waiter apologized. He took our order and we waited. And waited. And we wondered if they had to personally go out and harvest the potatoes themselves. It took forever to get our food, even though the restaurant was empty. When we finally did get it the waiter forgot my credit card and asked someone else to go get it while he went behind the bar to do absolutely nothing - there was nobody else in the place. He did comp us some baklava for the beer puddle incident, but I'll never return.
(1)Chris B.
Met up with some friends here for dinner on our way through East Lansing. They had a big selection and a nice long list of vegetarian options (bonus for my wife). The food seemed really authentic, with generously sized portions. Extra points go towards their long list of beers, they even had Xingu a Brazilian beer that will turn your world upside down.
(4)Gary H.
The owner is Lebanese, so any concerns about authenticity should be quashed. The food quality can vary because most of the employees are college kids, but overall this is pub grub with an ethnic flair, and the truly ethnic dishes tend to be wonderful. On a quiet night, you can have a wonderful ethnic dinner here. On more than one rowdy night, I've chiwed down a Burger and hummus guzzling beer from the twenty taps, which flow with mostly local brew. It's a good eatery, it's a great bar, and only the very newest hires there have yet to learn my name. Next time you're crawling bars in East Lansing, stop in.
(5)KrisAnn B.
I've only been here twice and the experiences were so different from each other that it's hard to rate them. I feel like I'll be adjusting this when I return there. My first experience was on a bar crawl and this was one of our first stops. The drinks were great. I had some drink named Around the World or something and it was amazing. It was fruity and didn't taste nearly as strong as I'm guessing it was. Service as pretty slow though, despite it being early and the restaurant being nearly empty. My second experience was meeting up with a friend for a quick bite. It was okay. My drink was great but the food wasn't really on par. I had the Chicken Kabob Combo and the chicken was very dry and overcooked. The hummus (and maybe this is my mistake for getting the original) was bland. I'll give them another try but the food was hit or miss. I guess my experience is that the bar and especially their selection of beer is five star but the food and service is hit or miss. I'll give them three for now and give them a third try soon.
(3)Jessica S.
Such a shame I never enjoyed this place while I was still a student at MSU. Sure, I had had their hummus multiple times via the caf's at MSU, but dining there was fantastic. SUNDAYS = $3 BLOODY MARYS. Again, I've never been much of a bloody mary person but they were amazing, so good, im hooked, etc. I got the falafurger which was pretty much just a falafel sandwich with a bunch of hummus + pita bread on the side, so delicious. luv u, woodys.
(5)Scott J.
Woody's is currently one of those places that not mAny people would think to go to get a good beer, but they not only have an excellent selection of beers, but also have specials that no one knows about! I came here on a Wednesday or Thursday night, and we got premium draft beer for 3 dollars a glass! Good place to either start or finish the night, depending on what your looking for. Ya not as much of a college bar as most places in east lansing. By that, I mean it's not loud and mildly obnoxious.
(4)Cheryl G.
Tried this restaurant last week with a friend, because we one free combo plates from the MSU hockey good. the food was mediocre. I have had better middle eastern food at other places. I got the chicken schwarma plate. I thought the chicken tasted kind of like rubber. It almost seemed like it was undercooked. my advice, if you want good middle eastern food in Lansing go to Sultan's.
(2)Kannan R.
Great food. Great service. Great prices. Sounds like a slogan, but I've never had a bad experience here, and the bar service isn't bad either. The back side (facing north) is the fast food like environment, the front side (south side/Grand River) is the dining side. Pay attention to their daily specials! The food here is about as good as it gets, my old Egyptian roommate only had one or two complaints, and the prices are ridiculously low for the quality.
(5)Neal W.
East Lansing wouldn't be the same without Woody's. They actually have a few locations, but I've only been to the one downtown. The hummus is excellent. Actually, I usually just go for the hummus. They have an excellent jukebox. The staff is friendly. There isn't much not to like about Woody's.
(5)K U.
Ugh i still hate this place . so dirty and filthy with cold rude wait staff.
(1)erin l.
Woody's is pretty much amazing. It is one of three East Lansing bars I frequent. Bell's Two Hearted on tap, excellent hummus and a varying menu that is honestly a little overwhelming. However after a few visits its clear I will stick with the cauliflower or the falafel and be way too full. The only reason I give it four out of five is the service is hit and miss. On more than one occasion, the bar has been pretty empty and we were mostly ignored.
(4)Meredith J.
I love Woody's Oasis! After going to one of the other locations several times, I had to try this location. The bar area has lots of character. I had the vegetarian stuffed grape leaves in the pita sandwich - and this is my new guilty pleasure. It was like stuffed grape leaves and a Greek salad decided to hang out together in a pita. As a fan of vegetarian pigouts, this made me so very happy. There are whole stuffed grape leaves mixed with lettuce, tomato, what I think is turnip, and sauce all stuffed in a pita. For the side, I opted for the pita and hummus rather than fries, and I was so glad I did because I had a hearty portion of pita served with a big tub of hummus. The waitress gave me a doggy bag for the rest of my pita and hummus, which I greatly appreciate. I definitely want to go back in the evening so I can have a beer with my meal.
(4)Wayne W.
this restaurant is the real deal; Lebanese food baby. The garlic sauce is a MUST, as is the Pine Nut Hummus. Everything I have ever had on the menu is good. Directly across from MSU, this is a must for those seeking a nice place to eat with little pretense.
(4)Carla S.
Woody's is a great bar for a group. They have a ton of microbrewery beers on tap. They have great drink specials as well. Their best is their bloody mary's which are super cheap on Sunday's. The food is delicious as well, they have a Quatar Pie, which is 2nd to none! Chicken schwarma and other delicious Middle Eastern fare! I really like this place, because you don't have to deal with the "normal" college town bar scene. Very laid back place, great service, drinks and food. Overall, one of the best bars in East Lansing, if you're looking for a chill night!
(4)Erin D.
I haven't been here since I graduated college in 2007, but when I used to come here regularly, the food was pretty good (the hummus especially), but I usually came exclusively for hookah and beer. The service could be on the slow side sometimes, but it was a great place to come with a few friends and share a hookah for a few hours. The staff was always very friendly and didn't mind you hanging out for a while, even when it was busy.
(4)Lisa S.
Mmmmmmhummus! I lived on it. Got it by the carton. The big carton. Not too garlic-y, not too lemon-y. Perfection. Hummus.
(5)Alexandra K.
I know Middle Eastern cuisine fairly well, and Woody's Oasis prepares mediocre Middle Eastern food for debatably reasonable prices. The hummus is OK when ordered at the restaurant, but for take-out at its other locations, it's pitiful. The only things I find worth ordering on the menu (note: I'm a vegetarian) are the Mujadara (lentils, cracked wheat, and onion) sandwich, and the garlic sauce. I've been curious to try the za'atar pie but they don't provide adequate descriptions of the food on the menus. Normally, that wouldn't be an issue, but with ethnic food, the patron needs to know what these names mean. The service is dreadfully slow, no matter the crowd. Also, people under 21 are not allowed on premises after 10 p.m. I'd also argue that certain items are not authentic; for an authentic and inexpensive Middle Eastern restaurant, try Sultans (located in Hannah Plaza).
(3)amy g.
This is my go-to bar in Lansing. I absolutely love all the Michigan beers on tap. And the Mediterranean style food is a nice change from standard bar junk. The staff is also really personable. They're friendly and nice and tend to remember you. Also, one night the bartender was playing of Montreal from her iPod and my roommate and I stood up and danced by our chair. Now this place is by no means a dance club. There's no dance floor or anything. The staff didn't care or cut us off or anything. It's very laidback and a great atmosphere. I especially love it because I was never a noisy college bar patron. Even on a Friday night, I can always count on it never being way too crowded or too loud to have a conversation. And clearly, there's great music! Wonderful, wonderful all-around! =)
(5)Tim H.
Woody's is a Mediterranean Bar. It's a great concept and unique in the area. The food is great & they have a huge microbrew selection and awesome drink specials. On Saturday's you can get any micro draft pitcher for $6, there are similar food/drink specials every day. The schwarma is good, the vegetables are fresh, especially the schwarma chop salads. Bottom line is, you can go and have a healthy dinner & drinks for $25 for 2 people. It's a great alternative to the standard bar scene.
(5)Echo L.
Great place. But personally, I like chicken kabob more, the one with rice.
(4)Maurice G.
All of you EL people should feel lucky that you have a genuine Lebanese restaurant on your main drag. The schwarma is delightful, fattouch, hummus and babaganouj were spectacular. I was thoroughly impressed with Woody's wine selection -- even offering varietals that couldn't be had at the ACTUAL wine bar around the corner. Service was great and the prices very reasonable. Well done all around!
(5)Raina R.
Woody's is by far my favorite Mediterranean restaurant. The hummus is absolutely amazing - the red pepper hummus has a nice kick of jalapenos but is absolutely addicting. The falafel is great, so are many of their other dishes. The wraps include excellent french fries. The bar location can have iffy service, but the food makes up for it always. For dessert -- try the baklava!
(5)kelly w.
one word. Schwarma. another word. fattouch. add these two together and you get Woody's spectacular thursday special. for $6.95 you get the best of both world's. there's no better way to spend a thursday afternoon basking in the sun while tasting a piece of heaven.
(4)Chad F.
Good food. Wide variety of selections. Fair price. Portions are too generous. You will overeat if you clean your plate
(4)Ed C.
It's a restaurant with a great bar, or a bar with great food.
(4)Melissa B.
Woody's is an irreplaceable part of the Grand River strip in EL. The food on the menu is awesome, they use fresh ingredients and the hummus is homemade on the daily! I always spend at least an afternoon here on my visits home, and usually a night too! I enjoy taking part in the micro-brew selection, which is the best in town, from bells to mbc, whatever is to your liking! The around the world wine selection is also great if you're looking to pair something with the lamb kabobs (my favorite!). I enjoy the laid back staff and the usual regulars from students to professors, this is usually where you can find the more liberal minded...
(5)Matt R.
Amazing hummus & the chicken schwarma can't be beat. They even make Mediterranean salad that is great! I normally get carry out cause the service is kinda sleepy, even when the restaurant is empty...... BUT, The food is awesome. So get carry out & enjoy!
(5)D M.
They have the best Hummus EVER! I really miss this place and always go back when I am in town to visit.
(5)La-La T.
I'm actually wearing a Woody's Oasis t-shirt right now. I'm not kidding. That is how much I love this place. I was a frequent regular there for the first six years of its existence, before I moved. I cried when I left because I knew I would never find another Woody's. I was right. Try the garlic chicken wrap, the veggie kibbee, the Mediterranean pizza!!! They also always have good beer on tap and a great juke box. I miss you, Woody's!!
(5)kristen g.
Delicious. Yummmm. This is the place to be for good Mediterranean food in EL. Their hummus is to die for, their Bloody Marys are killer, the wait staff is awesome, i have nothing bad to say, especially now that the back patio is open again. Sit outside, have a drink and a smoke and kick back.
(5)Shelby D.
Small cozy place. Very good mediterranean food. They have a decent bar, but sometimes the staff can be a tad slow.
(4)Alfonso L.
Woody's is the kind of place that probably means well, but ultimately fails in execution. Located right on Grand River Avenue, the main drag in East Lansing and directly across from MSU, it's billed as a Mediterranean restaurant, Our group admired the menu --the shawarmas and falafels interspersed with burgers and fries. We were in an appetizer mood on this summer afternoon, so we ordered the full Meze plate --essentially, a large sampler of all the Mediterranean goodies you can think of: grape leaves, falafels/pita breads, huumus, tabbouleh, etc. All were just, well, fine, nothing really stood our however, The salad, a mixture of cukes, tomatoes, mint, etc., was probably prepared the day before so it lacked a certain freshness and zing. The pita bread was the worst. The very thing we were going to use to dip into the hummus or tabbouleh and it was constantly stale. It almost seemed puny as it had no form or flexibility to it. Not only did it get cold way too fast, it ultimately became a flatbread (not even a lavash) in a couple of minutes. Credit Woody's for having some decent Michigan microbrews. One that I had was a summer wheat ale, served with a thick orange slice. I wonder if we should have stuck to more common fare like the burgers and sandwiches. The Meze platter was $23.95, so it's OK if you're sharing all this. However, given the fact that the contents weren't spectacular (I mean, how hard is it to make hummus?), this seems a bit unreasonable. Finally, please be very careful when sitting in the patio. The green plastic chairs (MSU Spartan colors?) are extremely flimsy. Luckily I wasn't holding my beer glass as I very slowly fell back on my left side, toppling slowly because the chair's legs were bending. In 10 seconds I was on my left side, feeling pretty lousy and well, goofy among the other patrons who were getting sloshed too.
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