Woody's Oasis Bar Grill Reviews
by 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.
by 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!!
by 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.
by 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!
by 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).
by Shelby D.
Small cozy place. Very good mediterranean food. They have a decent bar, but sometimes the staff can be a tad slow.
by 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.
by 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...
by 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.
by 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.
by The Grave Maurice X.
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!
by Ed C.
It's a restaurant with a great bar, or a bar with great food.
by 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!
by 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.
by Kristen B.
Woody's is hands down my favorite bar in East Lansing. I love their kabobs and different kinds of hummus. I'm pretty sure I could live on Woody's pita hummus.Wednesdays are my favorite night to go here because they have $10 hookahs and $6 pitchers of sangria.Woody's signature drink is also my favorite drink on the planet. Stoli Around the World = 4 flavors of Stoli vodka (peach, blueberry, orange, and strawberry maybe?) topped off with cranberry juice and Red Bull. Trust me, it's amazing, and you should probably try one. They have a couple other house drinks that are all very good, so be sure to peruse the drink menu.
by Kristen B.Neal W.Raina R.
Woody's is hands down my favorite bar in East Lansing. I love their kabobs and different kinds of hummus. I'm pretty sure I could live on Woody's pita hummus.Wednesdays are my favorite night to go here because they have $10 hookahs and $6 pitchers of sangria.Woody's signature drink is also my favorite drink on the planet. Stoli Around the World = 4 flavors of Stoli vodka (peach, blueberry, orange, and strawberry maybe?) topped off with cranberry juice and Red Bull. Trust me, it's amazing, and you should probably try one. They have a couple other house drinks that are all very good, so be sure to peruse the drink menu.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.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!
by Kristen B.Neal W.Raina R.Ed C.The Grave Maurice X.
Woody's is hands down my favorite bar in East Lansing. I love their kabobs and different kinds of hummus. I'm pretty sure I could live on Woody's pita hummus.Wednesdays are my favorite night to go here because they have $10 hookahs and $6 pitchers of sangria.Woody's signature drink is also my favorite drink on the planet. Stoli Around the World = 4 flavors of Stoli vodka (peach, blueberry, orange, and strawberry maybe?) topped off with cranberry juice and Red Bull. Trust me, it's amazing, and you should probably try one. They have a couple other house drinks that are all very good, so be sure to peruse the drink menu.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.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!It's a restaurant with a great bar, or a bar with great food.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!