Eating your way around LA (Lansing Area

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If you have never visited Sweetlees Boutique, you are missing out on an AMAZING hidden gem! Adorable clothes and accessories, all occasions, all sizes...and literally the best, and softest leggings on earth! - Meegan W. Mason, 39 Years

By Nolan Coon My name is Nolan Coon. I’ve been a resident of the Lansing area for more than 19 years. Most of my life, I’ve had the luxury of my parents taking me out to eat and most importantly picking up the check. As I’ve gotten older, going out to eat regularly has gotten expensive and all of my friends can never make up their minds about where to go. Therefore, I’ve been thrust into the role of knowing where all of the best places are to go grab a bite to eat. Currently, I am a student attending Lansing Community College which has placed me in the middle of the Lansing area culture. Following is a list of restaurants located near the downtown Lansing/ East Lansing area. E A T I N G Y O U R W A Y A R O U N D LA (LANSING AREA)

Crunchy’s Pub, East Lansing: Starting o our list is a staple of the Michigan State Campus town. Located in the heart of the historic Spartan campus, Crunchy’s Pub has the best burger in the area that has stood the test of time. My father would tell me stories about how he and his friends used to go to Crunchy’s back in 1982 when the restaurant was opened. He spoke about how he had written his name in Sharpie somewhere in the restaurant, but we didn’t dare to look because the entire restaurant is cloaked in Sharpie sentiments. The burgers themselves are phenomenal. A half-pound patty cooked to perfection, and when combined with “Signature Toppings,” makes for one of the best burger experiences I have ever had. My favorite oering thus so far is the Famous Crunchy Burger. The “Shroom” topping (which adds Mushrooms and Swiss cheese to an already incredible patty), will make your mouth water. The classic sports bar feel of Chrunchys makes for a great place to bring a group of friends to watch your favorite sporting event and has reasonable prices to not break your wallet in the process.

MEAT BBQ, Old Town Lansing: While walking down the colorful streets of Old Town, you’ll come across a building with wrought iron, gated fence. Proceed indoors and you’ll be greeted to a welcoming atmosphere ’lled with Star Wars paraphernalia, pictures of the sta with Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives star Guy Fieri, and the numerous awards the barbeque fare and the sides have won. MEAT Barbeque has a plethora of delicious meats to try. My favorite, the fatty brisket, cuts with the side of my fork because the brisket is so tender. The pulled pork and chicken wings are also items I tend to gravitate toward. MEAT Barbeque pairs their selection of meats with 6 delicious homemade sauces, which range from a traditional sweet BBQ sauce (“Jazzy Q”), a tangy classic Carolina mustard sauce, to a coee-infused BBQ sauce (“Black Magic”) which carries a sweet and savory combination. I ’nd myself putting Black Magic on everything! MEAT also oers a variety of stupendous sides. The mac and cheese (while it might have a little kick) is hands down the best mac and cheese in the area. The seasonal fruit cobbler is a sweet escape from the savory of the barbeque and the cornbread is light, moist and serves as the perfect tool for cleaning up the scraps from your plate. MEAT Barbecue is my go-to spot a›er class and is a great place to bring the family for a ’lling, tasty meal.

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Everyone should check out Old Town! It’s full of amazing shops and great restaurants. Always something interesting going on! Jason C., Lansing 30 years

Steakhouse Philly Bar and Grill, East Lansing: Located just o the highway and just outside of Michigan State’s campus, Steakhouse Philly has the best Greek specialties and Philly cheesesteaks in the area. The Gyros are by far the best I’ve ever tasted. The lamb is skewered and prepared fresh daily and is paired with fresh tomatoes, onions, and a homemade tzatziki sauce (which is the icing on the juicy lamb cake) served on a warm pita. The Philly cheesesteaks are fantastic, oering many takes on the Philadelphia classic, from a gyro Philly, which combines both kinds of meat into one sandwich, to a chicken Philly which is my personal favorite. The Greek grilled chicken combined with lettuce, tomato, and melted provolone, served with their fantastic fries makes steakhouse Philly a must-visit for any Lansing area resident. These items are just the start for the steakhouse. The chicken wings are fantastic! Guests may choose to enjoy wings marinated in homemade Greek seasoning or chicken wings tossed in bualo or homemade barbeque sauce. Don’t forget to try their homemade rice pudding as a great palate cleanser or a treat for later. Steakhouse Philly provides a dierent style of food from your typical burgers and fries sports bar scene, this is what keeps bringing me back, to ’nd a new selection of Greek specialties to enjoy, anytime my family or friends ask where they want to eat, I always suggest Steakhouse Philly.

Thank you for reading about three of the many fantastic restaurants in the Lansing area. More and more businesses are coming to Lansing… more restaurants are coming to test the waters of this market… I hope this list helps you when you are deciding where to venture!

LOCATIONS: Crunchy’s: 254 W Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823 MEAT BBQ: 1224 Turner Rd, Lansing, MI 48906 Steakhouse Philly: 3020 Kalamazoo St, Lansing, MI 48912