No East Lansing Liquor License Made Dagwood's Bar the Place To Go

Since 1947, the local Lansing bar that sports the same name as Blondie’s husband – Dagwood's – has been a fond staple of the Lansing/East Lansing area. Why Dagwood’s and just who was Dagwood?

The building was constructed way back in 1901 and became the home of Nim’s Saloon. It was purchased in 1947 by Derwood Root, who wanted to name it after himself...but the name wasn’t working: nobody could correctly remember his name. So he named it after a similar-sounding name – Dagwood – which was easier for customers to remember, as the “Blondie” comic strip and movies were widely popular at the time.

As soon as they opened all those generations ago, they were an instant success, thanks to having something no other place in East Lansing had: an actual liquor license. Now, of-age college students could go down and legally tip some brews after class. It would take another 21 years – 1968 – for an East Lansing establishment to get another liquor license.

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What took East Lansing so long for these licenses? They had been free of alcoholic beverages ever since Prohibition ended in 1933.....the town stayed dry for an unheard of 35 years. That’s why Dagwood’s was so important and popular when they opened in 1947 – East Lansing had waited long enough, and they took advantage of it. But in a good way.

Unlike many other establishments, Dagwood’s has remained open ever since at the exact same location: 2803 E. Kalamazoo Street. Voted in the Top 5 Best Lansing Neighborhood Bars, Dagwood’s has been frequented by many sports figures like George Perles, Mark Dantonio, former Detroit Piston Rick Mahorn, and many members of MSUs football and basketball teams. To the delight of fans, many MSU sports memorabilia items from decades ago adorn the entire tavern.

Around 2000, it was thought that Dagwood’s might be closing for good...but Mark & Marji Cheadle saved the day, bought the bar, and kept it going – preserving what has become one of the Lansing area’s historic and favorite watering holes.

Friendly service, awesome food servings, and frequent deals and specials make Dagwood’s place in Lansing history secure for a long, long time.