Local Food Joints That Deserve More Credit

The Lansing area is lucky to have so many restaurants that have been in operation for years and have a very loyal following. They are the kind of place that if someone asks where is a good place to get pizza, an olive burger, or a great breakfast you have an answer for them right away.  Those are the places that we love to grab some food and go, like we are all doing right now.

So I made up a small list of just a few of our local restaurants that deserve respect for doing what they do so well.

Let's start off with DeLuca's. This Italian restaurant has been in business since 1960. They started of as the Willow bar, but soon the food they served became so popular that the name was changed to DeLucas Restaurant and Pizzeria. Still located on Willow St. and still family run.

Blondies Barn located off Marsh Road in Haslett is a great place for breakfast, in fact breakfast is what they are known for. Their food is off the charts. With breakfast omelettes named Big Chadi Daddy, Howdy Heidi, or the Clint Eastwood omelette. If locals find out you have never been there, they practically throw you in their car and drive you there. Yup, it's that good.

Looking for a local place offering great breakfast tacos or burritos? You need to go to Gumps BBQ. Hands down the best breakfast burrito I have ever had. Breakfast tacos to die for and biscuits & gravy topped with pulled pork, cheddar cheese and smoked bacon.  Gumps on River St. in Lansing is a must go to spot.

A favorite place of mine, and a spot that I enjoyed a bit too much when pregnant, is Sparty's Coney Island. In Michigan we do take our coneys very seriously you are usually a Flint style person or a Detroit style (Flint style is actually the best). Besides being known for their coney dogs they also serve an amazing breakfast. Check them out; you will love it.

Also some great spots to check out Zaytoons Mediterranean, the Soup Spoon Cafe near Sparrow Hospital on Michigan Ave, or East Side Fish Fry where the food is so good it was featured on the Food Network.

There are so many other great 'local' restaurants that really deserve more credit for their fabulous food, so if you are new to the area or just looking for a new place to grab a bite, ask your friends and co-workers because they usually will send you to a great spot. There are a lot more to try than I have mentioned, so order takeout and help local restaurants during this pandemic.