We know the #lovelansing community is eager to support local dining establishments. So we polled several of our GLCVB members and asked them to share some highlights about their restaurants. Get to know the faces and stories (behind the masks) that serve up delicious dishes in Greater Lansing. Unique in their own way, we encourage you to try them all!
Sansu Sushi & Cocktails
Link to online ordering: www.sansu-sushi.com
Follow them on Facebook for information on specials.
Offering: Take out. Delivery. Curbside Pick Up. Dine - in (when it’s safe to do so and allowed)
Best known for beverage item: Sake, wine and draft Japanese beer
Best known for menu items: Rolls, fresh sushi, teriyaki meals and Udon noodles
Top three dishes: Teriyaki salmon bento, double salmon roll and mango passion roll
A little bit about us: We are a family run business and our whole family works at the establishment every day. We have been in the restaurant business for 45 plus years, Sansu has been open 17 years. Our head chef has 28 years of experience. We use fresh fish and receive daily deliveries. We strive to offer the best quality of food and service.
How they give back: We are a part of Flag and provide meals for front line workers and support restaurants and a part of Sparrow Guild that gave percentage of proceeds to help support Sparrow Hospital.
COVID-19 Safety Protocols: Greater Lansing Safe Pledge participant. Utilize a screening process of questions at the door. We ask guests to log name and contact info. We use paperless QR code for menu and hand temperature sensor as they sanitize before they are seated. I wave air filtration throughout dining area.
The English Inn
Link to online ordering: exploretock.com/theenglishinn
Follow them on their website, Instagram and Facebook for information on specials.
Offering: Take out. Curbside Pick Up. Outdoor Dining 7 Private Heated Conservatories (greenhouses). Dine - in (when it’s safe to do so and allowed.) Delivery to guest rooms with dining tables.
Best known for beverage items: Elderflower Fizz Cocktail, St. Germain, Lemon, Champagne and Chamomile bitters
Best known for menu items: Filet Mignon, Lobster Stuffed Walleye and Grilled Salmon
A little bit about us: The English Inn first opened in 1989 as an Inn and the restaurant opened shortly after, since 1996 the property has been owned and operated by the Nelson family. The property is a State of Michigan Historic Site with a rich automotive history. The restaurant at The English Inn is a destination in mid-Michigan and prepares scratch cuisine as well as an award-winning wine list. As our industry has been impacted by Covid-19 we have pivoted to provide the most unique dining experiences available with our outdoor heated conservatories as well as guest room dining.
How they give back: We coordinated an angel’s Christmas tree for our staff’s children, an opportunity for guests to aid with donations for our employees families.
COVID-19 Safety Protocols: Greater Lansing Safe Pledge participant. We have done many things to go above and beyond, sanitizer dispensers on all tables, enhanced sanitizing including anti-viral spray, reservation time limits of 2 hours, additional time between reservations, deep cleaning of guest rooms with door seals to show entry.
American Bistro
Link to online ordering: theamerican-bistro.com
Follow them on their website and Facebook for information on specials.
Offering: Take out. Delivery within 10-mile radius. Curbside Pick Up. Dine - in (when it’s safe to do so and allowed.) Outdoor dining with a fire pit and heaters.
Best known for beverage item: Gourmet coffee and hard shakes
Best known for menu items: Gourmet hot dogs, breakfast to die for, homemade desserts, Reubens and meatloaf
A little bit about us: American Bistro opened in August of 2019 and despite the COVID challenges is becoming one of Lansing’s best known restaurants. American Bistro puts a modern spin on the classic American diner. The award-winning chef, Kurt Kwaitowski has created a menu sure to please. Rapidly becoming known as Lansing's best place for breakfast featuring homemade hash browns, 100% Michigan maple syrup and freshly baked cinnamon rolls to accompany an offering of eggs, pancakes, benedicts and more. We’re sure to offer something for everyone. At lunch and dinner, the culinary journey continues with hand cut fries and signature dishes like meatloaf, Reubens, deviled eggs and burgers that will keep you coming back. But save room for homemade desserts and old-world Sundaes too. At American Bistro it’s about the food - and the service is pretty awesome too!
How they give back: American Bistro participates in the Pass It Forward program.
COVID-19 Safety Protocols: Greater Lansing Safe Pledge participant. Restaurant has a stringent process called "Safety Committed." Each letter stands for another step we take to ensure the safety of our guests and staff under these trying times.
Sultan’s Express
Follow them on their website, Instagram and Facebook for information on specials.
Offering: Take out. Curbside Pick Up. Dine - in (when it’s safe to do so and allowed.) Delivery offered through Grubhub and UberEats.
Best known for beverage items: Mango smoothie (However we have not reopened our smoothie bar yet.)
Best known for menu items: Chicken Shawarma, Falafel and Hummus
A little bit about us: While in undergrad, the owner of Sultan’s Express, Abdullah Soubani, was working at a family establishment, the Sultan’s in East Lansing. Overtime, Abdullah’s passion for cooking and creating wonderful dining experiences became evident. In 1998, Abdullah and his family decided it would be a wonderful idea to provide healthy and delicious Mediterranean food for the residents, employees, and students of downtown Lansing. Abdullah grew up in Jordan surrounded by flavorful foods that his family loved to cook. Abdullah is happy to share his experiences with others.
How they give back: We’ve consistently participated in multiple food drives, especially in 2020.
COVID-19 Safety Protocols: Greater Lansing Safe Pledge participant. Staff follows all health and safety guidelines.
One North Kitchen & Bar - Lansing
Link to online ordering: onenorthdining.com
Follow them on their website and Facebook for information on specials.
Offering: Take out. Delivery within 10-mile radius. Curbside Pick Up. Dine - in (when it’s safe to do so and allowed.) Outdoor dining with Igloos, greenhouses that are mist sanitized between private groups up to 6 people and heaters for the remainder of the patio with a fire pit.
Best known for beverage item: 40 beers on tap featuring some unique Michigan specialties
Best known for menu items: Pizza, burgers, chicken parmigiana, fish and chips and fresh salads
A little bit about us: One North is a sports themed casual dining restaurant featuring scratch cooking, craft beers and cocktails. After running the first One North in Jackson owner Scott Berman sought permission to buy his own. It opened in December 2020 in an iconic location that was previously Renos West. This is a labor of love serving the public, providing jobs to dozens and contributing to the community. Committed to scratch cooking and great food Scott is lucky enough to work with Kurt Kwaitowski, the 2018 Michigan's Culinary Federation's Chef of the Year. His great food perfectly executed by Executive Kitchen Manager Colin Davidoski coupled with the oversight of General Manager Jason Martinez ensures guests will have a memorable experience. Whether it’s a night with family, a romantic evening with that special someone, or a group event. (when you can have them, delivery of catered events.) Featuring a large patio and 90,000 btu fire pit with ample seating the "Porch" is sure to be a favorite all year round. We will feature live entertainment and plan to have many special events.
How they give back: One North Lansing plans to implement a care program in support of public schools later in 2021.
COVID-19 Safety Protocols: Greater Lansing Safe Pledge participant. Restaurant has a stringent process called "Safety Committed." Each letter stands for another step we take to ensure the safety of our guests and staff under these trying times.
Crunchy’s
Follow them on their website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for information on specials.
Offering: Take out. Delivery. Curbside Pick Up. Dine - in (when it’s safe to do so and allowed.) Outdoor dining on the heated patio.
Best known for beverage item: Crowlers (32oz cans) of any beer on tap!
Best known for menu item: Famous Crunchy Burger
Top three dishes/menu items: Crunchy Burger, pizza and wraps
A little bit about us: Since 1982, Crunchy’s has been an East Lansing staple, serving up the best burgers, pizzas, wraps and 27 handles of craft beer that mid-Michigan has to offer! We have the best beer list in mid-Michigan and will sell it to you in 32oz cans! Though we cannot wait to have people back in-house to watch the Spartans, sing karaoke and share a bucket of beer, we are happy to be here to offer all of our amazing food and craft beer for take-out and delivery (food only, for delivery)! We would appreciate any and all residents to please support local businesses for take-out. Please order directly form restaurants, rather than use third party apps like GrubHub, DoorDash or UberEats to help keep those dollars directly benefiting the restaurant.
How they give back: We have participated with the FLAG program many times (offering discounted meals to front-line workers) and continued to donate gift certificates to numerous fundraisers that benefit anything in East Lansing. We are somewhat fortunate to have saved some money so that we have not (thus far) had to furlough our employees and have NOT had to ask the community to support an employee relief fund, and instead, we have paid our employees out of our savings in order to keep them employed. I really hope we do not have to resort to crowd-funding as we feel that puts even more of a burden on the community. We appreciate the region’s support so far!
COVID-19 Safety Protocols: Greater Lansing Safe Pledge participant. We have Pure Spaces spray down our restaurant twice a week to kill any potential virus on any surface (basically what people have to do if they have to do a “deep cleaning”).
Nuthouse Sports Grill
Follow them on their website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for information on specials.
Offering: Take out. Curbside Pick Up. Dine - in (when it’s safe to do so and allowed.) Outdoor dining on the open-air patio with heaters.
Best known for beverage item: 23 draft beers
Best known for menu item: Nutty Cheese Bread
Top dishes/menu items: Great wings, burger baskets, pizza and Big Daddy’s Steak Quesadilla
A little bit about us: Located In the heart of downtown Lansing across the street from the Lugnuts/Jackson Field, you’ll find the Nuthouse Sports Grill. You’ll know you arrived when you look up and see the big nut on top of a Board of Water & Light smokestack. The Nuthouse opened its doors in June of 1996 shortly after the Lansing Lugnuts started their first season. The Nuthouse has been able to withstand the test of time as many others have come and gone in our area. We are proud to have been able to serve downtown Lansing for almost 25 years now! We look forward to all the new businesses opening and bringing more people to our area. We can't wait to see downtown thrive again with conventions at the Lansing Center and baseball to come back to a full season, music concerts (NUTTYFEST right here in our parking lot!!) and all the fun things that bring people to Lansing! The Nuthouse prides itself on our commitment to provide an outstanding dining and entertainment experience through great service, product knowledge and great food. We pride ourselves on TEAMWORK and love being a part of all things downtown Lansing!
COVID-19 Safety Protocols: Greater Lansing Safe Pledge participant. Staff follows all health and safety guidelines.
Jolly Pumpkin Cafe & Brewery East Lansing
Link to online ordering: https://east-lansing.jollypumpkin.com/
Follow them on their website, Instagram and Facebook for information on specials.
Offering: Take out. Delivery with DoorDash. Curbside Pick Up. Dine - in (when it’s safe to do so and allowed.)
Best known for beverage item: Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales - world-renowned wild ales
Best known for menu items: Truffle fries, South Pacific Pizza and Perfect Fried Chicken Sandwich (pictured)
A little bit about us: Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales was founded by Ron and Laurie Jeffries in 2004. Then they decided these wild brews deserved food pairings to match. Thus, began the opening of the Jolly Pumpkin pubs. Jolly Pumpkin Cafe & Brewery in East Lansing opened in October 2020 and is housed in the downtown’s new Center City District, serving the best beers and bites to both Michigan State students, faculty and the local community. We are incredibly grateful for the warm welcome we have received from East Lansing and are excited to see what our future holds in this community!
How they give back: Provided holiday family meals and a holiday bonus to all of our furloughed staff.
COVID-19 Safety Protocols: Greater Lansing Safe Pledge participant. Additional info:
- Removing items that guests touch and replacing with single-use items, like salt & pepper.
- Guests may order using their phones to view the menu. Single-use paper menus are available upon request.
- Single-use plastic silverware and paper napkins are available upon request.
- Plexiglass screens have been added to our restaurants where applicable to help minimize contact.
- Staff will maintain a six-foot distance with guests and each other whenever possible.
- A more touch-less bathroom experience with motion-sensor sinks, paper dispensers, and foot pulls on doors.
Photo credits: Jolly Pumpkin, The English Inn, Sansu Sushi, Nuthouse Sports Grill, One North Kitchen & Bar, American Bistro, Sultan's Express and Crunchy's.
