This is a biased review as I've had some of my best times at this restaurant, including my first dance, my introduction to live jazz, and the budding of one of my most meaningful friendships. That should give you an idea of the diversity of the restaurant's offerings, which include an intimate porch area, a large old-style dining room, a private group dining room, a swanky bar, an event hall, and a small arcade (not sure if these are all still available). The Gables has an important place not only in my heart but also in local history (look it up if you care). Also, its constancy over the years adds to the calming atmosphere. I will however admit that I don't come for the food and you probably shouldn't either. It's not bad, just remarkably mediocre.
(4)
Solnichka F.
If you're over 60, you might like it here. If not ... well, you probably won't like it here. I had to go for a department lunch once, and we had a private room -- which was fortunate. No one in the main dining area was under 60 years of age. The food was decent, and the service was good, too. The atmosphere wasn't my thing, because I'm not over 60 years old. Would I go here again? No, but that has nothing to do with the food or the service. Both were great. But the atmosphere was as Rodney Dangerfield says in "Caddyshack" when going on to the dance floor at the Bushwood Country Club: "Dance of the living dead ..." Am I stuttering?
(3)
Jill V.
My husband and I have tried Coral Gables a few times, each time hoping it will get better. The service is always fine but the food is awful. This is like nursing home quality food. There's no spice, everything is overcooked and bland. It really isn't worth going there. The only reason I gave it two stars is because it's fine for the kids and I'm sure there are older folks who enjoy it.
(2)
Lisa R.
Really one of my favorite places for breakfast. They don't get a ton of business since IHOP is RIGHT across the street. The morning crowd is a bit on the older side, not a lot of students or 20 somethings frequenting. It has a nice quiet atmosphere and the service is always top notch. I typically order the french toast and american fries and absolutely love them every time. They do have a buffet on Sunday, I've always been a bit "so so" with the buffet. The food can be a little cold by the time you get to it, so I usually will still order my usual even when visiting on a Sunday. Two thumbs up, give it a try. You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Joey R.
Been coming here since I was a kid. Steaks and chicken cooked and seasoned to perfection. Salad bar fresh and plentiful. Cinnamon rolls for morning big fluffy and not too sweet.
(5)
Linda O.
We held a hockey team/parent buffet breakfast at Coral Gables. Food was fresh, hot and they have delicious pancakes and sweet rolls. Staff could not be more accommodating and friendly. If you're visiting East Lansing be sure to stop by -- you won't be disappointed!
(4)
Meredith S.
My friend and I went for breakfast on Sunday. The restaurant is giant in size and was very full. We were seated immediately though on our way out there seemed to be a wait. It was an older crowd not too many undergrads. They have a breakfast buffet but my friend and I both opted to order off the menu. Not the biggest breakfast menu. I got the Eggs Benedict. The eggs were cooked perfectly. The entire plate was covered in hollandaise sauce. I was surprised it wasn't running off the plate. Not a delicate presentation at all. Their OJ was very mediocre. Service was decently fast. I had no problems with this place but personal choice I would go to Bob Evans or IHOP in East Landing for breakfast. Bigger selection at these places. But if your looking for a Buffet I would go back.
(3)
Max K.
I went to Coral Gables for breakfast. It was Sunday so the restaurant was quite busy with the church crowd. The menu was limited because they had a breakfast buffet. I know, I know, buffets are supposed to be gross, the food cold, etc...but seriously, they do a decent job. They had a ton of fresh fruit and juice, scrambled eggs (both regular and egg beaters), bacon, sausage, toast in the french and normal varieties, pancakes, corn-beef hash, biscuits and gravy, really good crispy hash browns, doughnuts, and whole bunch of breakfast pastries. It was pretty much endless. The buffet cost about $9 which is my only gripe. Though the food was good, $9 seems like a steep price for a breakfast buffet. And sure, Sam M. called them out- this place is littered with baby boomers and the greatest generation. They flock to this place like it's a Buick dealership, but you know what, overhearing their conversations about church gossip and wool sweaters superiority to cotton sweaters is just part of the experience at Coral Gables. For a Sunday breakfast Coral Gables won't do you wrong.
(4)
Brad C.
Yelpie likes the ameri fries
(3)
Luke R.
In the 20+ years I lived in Lansing area I had never purposely visited Coral Gables. I had heard about it untold times from other people. My Sis was in town and wanted to go there. So the whole family packed into our cars and we went. My first impression was Oh Lord its all Old People. 95% of the Patrons there seemed to be Senior Citizens. The Host seated us in the back. In the back was the bar and a dance floor area it looked like and also various tables with large screen tv's showing various sports games. Apparently the place has history and has been around forever. I learned it was essentially Italian & Greek American fare. Which is fine by me. As I live in Detroit I am used to dozens of Greek diners. The menu was quite extensive. There were many items which could appeal to many different palates. That is what struck me 1st and made me like the place right off. There was literally something for everyone... My Wife and I both had the Chicken Parmesan, my Mom had some Swiss Steak dinner, my Dad had some Cold Meatloaf platter, and my Sis ate some Personal mini Pizza. There's a small but decently spec'd Salad Bar in the middle dining room. Also cold and hot breads too. The prices all very reasonable. My Mom had told us the Chicken Parmesan was one of her favorites as CG's does not bread the Chicken Filet. I honestly was not paying attention to my sis or parents food, but My Chicken Parmesan was amazing!... It was One chicken breast with a ton of melted cheese. Side of Spaghetti with the freshest and slightly spicey tasting Marinara sauce. It was a perfect portion for me. After eating a huge salad, garlic bread and the Chick Parm I was stuffed. I will definitely make a trip back there again Either with just my wife or with also with my parents again. The Service was also spot on. I can't recall a single problem with anything there. First Impressions - I thought it was Half Old People Retirement Home Cooking and Half Ancient Sports Bar & Grille... It was Neither... it was just Good Classic Food.
Coral Gables is an institution in the East Lansing area as it has been there for a long, long time... Probably about 50 years! Although remodels have occurred over the years, the building is in need of a significant update. This was my first time back in East Lansing for over five and I wanted to again have the main item that Coral Gables has always been known for, their pizza and onion rings. I was not disappointed as the pizza came out nice and hot, with the great sauce I had come to know and love during my college years at Michigan State. That coupled with large onion rings and a cold draft beer really hit the spot... It was a dining trip back through time particularly as the clientele that currently patronizes Coral Gables was of the age that made me seem like I may be carded as I ordered my beer... Nevertheless, Coral Gables remains alive and well in East Lansing (but a little weathered)...
(3)
Debbie R.
We went for the first time today and tried the Sunday breakfast buffet. We were seriously disappointed. Between the two of us we tried each item on the buffet. Most were mediocre and some were bad. The scrambled eggs and bacon were ok, nothing particularly special. The waffles were dry and flavorless, the pancakes and French toast were, too. The hash browns were undercooked and tasted funny. The "toast" was slivers of what looked like yesterday's garlic bread. The desserts were all stale... the cheese danish, cinnamon roll, the pecan roll and the doughnut holes were literally all stale and flavorless. Everything was luke warm and nothing tasted fresh. When we were paying the cashier asked "How was everything" and we replied, "Honestly not so good. The desserts are all stale, for one thing." She seemed disinterested in our complaint and just brushed it off with an "I'll let them know." We paid $20 for brunch and both left disappointed. We will definitely not be going back for this "breakfast buffet" again.
(1)
Don R.
In response to other review $9 is cheap for a breakfast buffet. Only ones cheaper have eggs out of a bag and very cheap meats, bread and other cheap items.
(3)
Mark P.
I travel all over the US and am in a different city every week. When I am in East Lansing I try to come here as the food is well prepared, great menu selection and the people that work here are always smiling. Can't go wrong
(4)
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Address :2838 E Grand River Ave
East Lansing, MI, 48823
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Very Loud Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Randee B.
This is a biased review as I've had some of my best times at this restaurant, including my first dance, my introduction to live jazz, and the budding of one of my most meaningful friendships. That should give you an idea of the diversity of the restaurant's offerings, which include an intimate porch area, a large old-style dining room, a private group dining room, a swanky bar, an event hall, and a small arcade (not sure if these are all still available). The Gables has an important place not only in my heart but also in local history (look it up if you care). Also, its constancy over the years adds to the calming atmosphere. I will however admit that I don't come for the food and you probably shouldn't either. It's not bad, just remarkably mediocre.
(4)Solnichka F.
If you're over 60, you might like it here. If not ... well, you probably won't like it here. I had to go for a department lunch once, and we had a private room -- which was fortunate. No one in the main dining area was under 60 years of age. The food was decent, and the service was good, too. The atmosphere wasn't my thing, because I'm not over 60 years old. Would I go here again? No, but that has nothing to do with the food or the service. Both were great. But the atmosphere was as Rodney Dangerfield says in "Caddyshack" when going on to the dance floor at the Bushwood Country Club: "Dance of the living dead ..." Am I stuttering?
(3)Jill V.
My husband and I have tried Coral Gables a few times, each time hoping it will get better. The service is always fine but the food is awful. This is like nursing home quality food. There's no spice, everything is overcooked and bland. It really isn't worth going there. The only reason I gave it two stars is because it's fine for the kids and I'm sure there are older folks who enjoy it.
(2)Lisa R.
Really one of my favorite places for breakfast. They don't get a ton of business since IHOP is RIGHT across the street. The morning crowd is a bit on the older side, not a lot of students or 20 somethings frequenting. It has a nice quiet atmosphere and the service is always top notch. I typically order the french toast and american fries and absolutely love them every time. They do have a buffet on Sunday, I've always been a bit "so so" with the buffet. The food can be a little cold by the time you get to it, so I usually will still order my usual even when visiting on a Sunday. Two thumbs up, give it a try. You won't be disappointed.
(4)Joey R.
Been coming here since I was a kid. Steaks and chicken cooked and seasoned to perfection. Salad bar fresh and plentiful. Cinnamon rolls for morning big fluffy and not too sweet.
(5)Linda O.
We held a hockey team/parent buffet breakfast at Coral Gables. Food was fresh, hot and they have delicious pancakes and sweet rolls. Staff could not be more accommodating and friendly. If you're visiting East Lansing be sure to stop by -- you won't be disappointed!
(4)Meredith S.
My friend and I went for breakfast on Sunday. The restaurant is giant in size and was very full. We were seated immediately though on our way out there seemed to be a wait. It was an older crowd not too many undergrads. They have a breakfast buffet but my friend and I both opted to order off the menu. Not the biggest breakfast menu. I got the Eggs Benedict. The eggs were cooked perfectly. The entire plate was covered in hollandaise sauce. I was surprised it wasn't running off the plate. Not a delicate presentation at all. Their OJ was very mediocre. Service was decently fast. I had no problems with this place but personal choice I would go to Bob Evans or IHOP in East Landing for breakfast. Bigger selection at these places. But if your looking for a Buffet I would go back.
(3)Max K.
I went to Coral Gables for breakfast. It was Sunday so the restaurant was quite busy with the church crowd. The menu was limited because they had a breakfast buffet. I know, I know, buffets are supposed to be gross, the food cold, etc...but seriously, they do a decent job. They had a ton of fresh fruit and juice, scrambled eggs (both regular and egg beaters), bacon, sausage, toast in the french and normal varieties, pancakes, corn-beef hash, biscuits and gravy, really good crispy hash browns, doughnuts, and whole bunch of breakfast pastries. It was pretty much endless. The buffet cost about $9 which is my only gripe. Though the food was good, $9 seems like a steep price for a breakfast buffet. And sure, Sam M. called them out- this place is littered with baby boomers and the greatest generation. They flock to this place like it's a Buick dealership, but you know what, overhearing their conversations about church gossip and wool sweaters superiority to cotton sweaters is just part of the experience at Coral Gables. For a Sunday breakfast Coral Gables won't do you wrong.
(4)Brad C.
Yelpie likes the ameri fries
(3)Luke R.
In the 20+ years I lived in Lansing area I had never purposely visited Coral Gables. I had heard about it untold times from other people. My Sis was in town and wanted to go there. So the whole family packed into our cars and we went. My first impression was Oh Lord its all Old People. 95% of the Patrons there seemed to be Senior Citizens. The Host seated us in the back. In the back was the bar and a dance floor area it looked like and also various tables with large screen tv's showing various sports games. Apparently the place has history and has been around forever. I learned it was essentially Italian & Greek American fare. Which is fine by me. As I live in Detroit I am used to dozens of Greek diners. The menu was quite extensive. There were many items which could appeal to many different palates. That is what struck me 1st and made me like the place right off. There was literally something for everyone... My Wife and I both had the Chicken Parmesan, my Mom had some Swiss Steak dinner, my Dad had some Cold Meatloaf platter, and my Sis ate some Personal mini Pizza. There's a small but decently spec'd Salad Bar in the middle dining room. Also cold and hot breads too. The prices all very reasonable. My Mom had told us the Chicken Parmesan was one of her favorites as CG's does not bread the Chicken Filet. I honestly was not paying attention to my sis or parents food, but My Chicken Parmesan was amazing!... It was One chicken breast with a ton of melted cheese. Side of Spaghetti with the freshest and slightly spicey tasting Marinara sauce. It was a perfect portion for me. After eating a huge salad, garlic bread and the Chick Parm I was stuffed. I will definitely make a trip back there again Either with just my wife or with also with my parents again. The Service was also spot on. I can't recall a single problem with anything there. First Impressions - I thought it was Half Old People Retirement Home Cooking and Half Ancient Sports Bar & Grille... It was Neither... it was just Good Classic Food.
(4)Justin B.
There is absolutely nothing interesting about Coral Gables. No one is taking notes on José Andrés here. No one is discussing this in the Chowhound forums. In any other review that'd be a criticism, but not here. For the record, I'm not entirely objective. I had my Bar Mitzvah reception here, and I attended plenty of others banquets here too. Coral Gables is important to the history of my home town. This restaurant/bar/banquet hall has been there since dinosaurs roamed the earth. When my parents were matriculating at State, East Lansing was a dry town. Coral Gables, being oh, about 20 feet outside city limits was the nearest watering hole, and by all accounts, it was the place (the only place) to be. Times have changed. Coral Gables is a bit of an old folks home now. However, the place is as consistent and reliable as the Northern Star. You can be assured of a pleasant traditional American meal. The owner and his family are ever present keeping a close eye on the family business. Good on 'em. The best bet for sure is the Sunday brunch buffet. Pleasant. Very family friendly.
(4)Gerald M.
Coral Gables is an institution in the East Lansing area as it has been there for a long, long time... Probably about 50 years! Although remodels have occurred over the years, the building is in need of a significant update. This was my first time back in East Lansing for over five and I wanted to again have the main item that Coral Gables has always been known for, their pizza and onion rings. I was not disappointed as the pizza came out nice and hot, with the great sauce I had come to know and love during my college years at Michigan State. That coupled with large onion rings and a cold draft beer really hit the spot... It was a dining trip back through time particularly as the clientele that currently patronizes Coral Gables was of the age that made me seem like I may be carded as I ordered my beer... Nevertheless, Coral Gables remains alive and well in East Lansing (but a little weathered)...
(3)Debbie R.
We went for the first time today and tried the Sunday breakfast buffet. We were seriously disappointed. Between the two of us we tried each item on the buffet. Most were mediocre and some were bad. The scrambled eggs and bacon were ok, nothing particularly special. The waffles were dry and flavorless, the pancakes and French toast were, too. The hash browns were undercooked and tasted funny. The "toast" was slivers of what looked like yesterday's garlic bread. The desserts were all stale... the cheese danish, cinnamon roll, the pecan roll and the doughnut holes were literally all stale and flavorless. Everything was luke warm and nothing tasted fresh. When we were paying the cashier asked "How was everything" and we replied, "Honestly not so good. The desserts are all stale, for one thing." She seemed disinterested in our complaint and just brushed it off with an "I'll let them know." We paid $20 for brunch and both left disappointed. We will definitely not be going back for this "breakfast buffet" again.
(1)Don R.
In response to other review $9 is cheap for a breakfast buffet. Only ones cheaper have eggs out of a bag and very cheap meats, bread and other cheap items.
(3)Mark P.
I travel all over the US and am in a different city every week. When I am in East Lansing I try to come here as the food is well prepared, great menu selection and the people that work here are always smiling. Can't go wrong
(4)