Why not go out for a meal one evening this week? Below we’ve featured 10 of the best restaurants in Lansing, Michigan to help you decide where to go.
1. Veg-N
You’ll love our first choice on this list if you’re a conscientious eater. Veg-N is a veggie-based, vegan, cruelty-free restaurant in Lansing known for excellent flavor and top-notch speed. They run fantastic specials each day, too, so swing by! Veg-N is open from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Wednesday-Saturday, and closed on Sundays and Tuesdays.
While you’ll obviously find no meat on this menu, you’ll find plenty of tasty snacks nonetheless. I learned pretty quickly in kitchens that veggies taste bad only when cooked badly – this is something Veg-N has learned quite well. So try out a breakfast sandwich, burger, or BBQ, without any meat sweats or guilt.
Head to Veg-N’s online ordering page to get your snacks.
2. Bowdies Chophouse
Bowdies Chophouse is a 25-year ode to the love of meat by owner Scott Bowdish that’s grown from its Chicago roots to become a Midwest favorite with over 30 stores across the area. They’re known for steak and potatoes and little else. Bowdies is open from 5-10 p.m. seven days a week.
Keeping in mind that your options will vary based on what’s locally available, Bowdies is an excellent experience. You’ll find the obvious incredible steaks and potatoes, along with scallops, escargot, smoked duck ravioli, and several other fine-dining-adjacent meals. If you want a touch of the good life, swing by Bowdies.
Go to Bowdies Chophouse’s contact page to get in touch.
3. Naing Myanmar Family Restaurant (temporarily closed for roof fix)
Naing Myanmar Family Restaurant is an excellent Malaysian food joint in the heart of Lansing. They’re closed until July 21st (2022) to finish roof repairs (Midwestern winter is no joke!), but they will reopen soon with their signature family flavors. Naing Myanmar is traditionally open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.
While the flavors on their menu may be new to some, Malaysian food is incredible. It’s filled with all of the sweet and tangy flavors of Asian food created with family recipes and a touch of love. From soup and curry to fried rice, there’s something here for everyone, so swing by when they reopen and give them a proper Lansing welcome.
When Naing Myanmar reopens, go to their contact page to reach out.
4. Fiddlers on the Grand
Fiddlers on the Grand is a laid-back breakfast and lunch joint with Lansing family vibes plastered all over it. They’re known for delicious early-morning meals, coffee strong enough to keep your spoon upright, and a generally welcoming environment. Fiddlers on the Grand is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday and closed Monday-Tuesday.
You’ll find all of the American breakfast staples here. From eggs Benedict and scrambles to tasty breakfast sandwiches and house-made cinnamon rolls, you’ll find something here to suit your tastes. And if you’re not feeling the early-morning crowd, just order takeout! Fiddlers on the Grand is, ultimately, one of the best breakfast stops in the area.
Go to Fiddlers on the Grand’s Facebook page to get in touch.
5. Bento Kitchen Cravings
Bento Kitchen Cravings (BKC) is another small business based out of Lansing, but its focus is a bit out of the usual for this list. Bento boxes and Asian fusion deserve a spot in the Midwest, and Bento fills that gap. BKC is open from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, opening a half-hour later on Sundays. BKC is closed on Mondays.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, you’ll find loads of bento boxes at BKC. And if that’s not your speed, you can always check out a few Korean classics, some Asian fusion creations, or the usual noodles and rice. In short, from Bibimbap to bento, BKC has something for every palate.
Go to Bento Kitchen Cravings’ Facebook page to reach out.
6. Meat BBQ
Just in case the name left anything to the imagination, Meat BBQ is your one-stop-shop for southern-style BBQ in the Midwest. They have everything your favorite carnivore could possibly need, and their cocktails are handmade from scratch. Meat BBQ is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, from 12-5 p.m. on Sunday, and closed on Monday.
If you love meat, then you’re in the right place! Whether you want a juicy brisket, steak sandwich, smoked chicken wings, or anything else equally meaty, Meat BBQ has you covered! Their drink menu is excellent. Eighteen taps and plenty of freshly-made cocktails await you.
Head to Meat BBQ’s contact page to get in touch.
7. Soup Spoon Café
Do you love soup? What about supporting local, friendly businesses? If you answered yes, you’d love Lansing’s Soup Spoon Café. Their tagline is, “Friends don’t let friends eat at chain restaurants,” and it’s both charming and accurate. Soup Spoon Café is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and is closed on Sundays.
Now, their name tells us that Soup Spoon loves their soup. But beyond a warm bowl of daily love, Soup Spoon offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert – all made in-house. From omelets to homestyle bread pudding, you’ll be thrilled with any plate to cross your lips here. So give them a taste, and see what the craze is about!
Go to Soup Spoon Café’s Facebook page to reach out.
8. Gump’s BBQ
Gump’s BBQ is another spot tailor-made for the carnivores in your life. They’re (clearly) known for BBQ in all its forms – though importantly, they specialize in a different style than Meat BBQ above. Gump’s BBQ is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and closed Sunday-Monday.
Okay, first things first – a spoiler warning. Now that you’ve been warned, Gump’s menu consists of (drumroll please…) BBQ! You can also grab some tasty breakfast, including sandwiches, tacos, and biscuits & gravy with house pulled pork and smoked bacon. You’ll find wings, wraps, nachos, and sandwiches for lunch, each made with house-recipe forms of your favorite meaty meals.
Go to Gump’s BBQ’s contact page to get in touch.
9. Zoobie’s Old Town Tavern
If you’re an old-school diner, you may prefer the Zoobie’s Old Town Tavern. Another Lansing favorite, Zoobie’s, is known for being the best laid-back local bar in the area – and yeah, they’ve got killer snacks, too. Zoobie’s is open from 11 a.m. to 10 a.m. Monday-Thursday, from 11-11 on Fridays, and from 12-11 p.m. on Saturdays. Zoobie’s is open from 12-10 p.m. on Sundays.
Zoobie’s is known for classic American plates with a modern twist. You’ll find pizzas, sandwiches, and a generous tap and drink menu. And the appetizers – oh, you’ll love the appetizers. From smoked salmon dip to stuffed corn fritters and duck fat fries, they have some tasty, crunchy appetizers to accompany your favorite drinks.
Go to Zoobie’s Old Town Tavern’s contact page to reach out.
10. Olympic Broil
The last restaurant on our list, Olympic Broil, is quite unique. They’re fast, easy, and greasy – but the affordable and tasty snacks on their menu just can’t be beaten. They’re a drive-through with attitude, and their snacks are to die for. Olympic Broil is open from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and is closed on Sundays.
You’ll find all of the fast-casual staples here. Fries out the wazoo, massive burgers, and top-notch fried chicken are the favorites, but the real standout is their “unburgers.” These are, essentially, gyros with all-American fillings, and that’s not even the end of the menu! If you love coney cheese fries or hot dogs or want fried shrimp or fish & chips, they’ve still got it all.
Go to Olympic Broil’s contact page to learn more.
