Whether you are a working mom or stay-at-home mom, the whole concept of taking time out of your day to go out to eat and enjoy a moms’ lunch date seems like a funny joke or distant memory. Lunch time for working moms means we have time to get groceries or run errands because when else is there time for that? Then you have the moms who have to lug their littles out with them, which will likely lead to tantrums and food landing on the floor.
Whichever category you may find yourself in, my challenge for you is to make that time. Yes, ladies, take the time to treat yourself or go with girlfriends– an hour or so to sit at a table and eat food is something we don’t allow ourselves and it’s not right. To give you a little push, I’ve come up with a list of Lansing’s best spots for a moms’ lunch date.
Best Brunch
Good Truckin’ Diner, located in REO Town, has some creative options for breakfast or lunch. Whether it’s their Oreo Flapjacks or mac and cheese covered burgers, I guarantee you will find something that satisfies your cravings. Their environment is down-to-earth with an edgy yet welcoming flair. My personal favorite there is the Tony Montana– ham, pulled pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and Dijon on a ciabatta roll.
Best BBQ
Saddleback BBQ is conveniently located in REO Town and Okemos. For me, BBQ needs to have good meat and sides and these guys know how to pull it off. My favorite dish is their pulled pork tacos with the best fries in Lansing (dead serious) and homemade cornbread. Their rib sandwich was also featured by The Food Network as one of the Best Sandwiches in America! Who’s hungry?
Best Mexican
Pancho’s Taqueria is actually a food-truck-turned-restaurant. The food truck is located on Saginaw in Grand Ledge and the restaurant is on the west side of Lansing, near the Lansing mall. If you want authentic Mexican food, this is the place. I always get the chicken tacos, which come with beans and rice along with endless chips and salsa. You are going to want to wear your stretchy pants after eating here.
Best Food Truck
Bango’s Food Truck is mainly located in downtown Lansing and slightly east on Michigan Avenue near Reputation Beverage during the week and then at The Brew Cafe on the weekends. They have breakfast sandwiches and lunch options. They are also vegan friendly with vegan sausage options and a fried cauliflower wrap that is fantastic. My favorite is the Deering which is a breakfast sandwich with sausage, red pepper jelly, Muenster cheese, and egg on a bagel or English muffin. You also have to get their potatoes as a side. Just remember if you order them the “nasty” way, it’s a fun mixture of curry and other seasonings that make one delicious combo.
Best Variety
Horrock’s Farm Market is actually a grocery store on the west side of Lansing, but they have a hot and cold bar with the option to dine in. The options are endless and quite tasty. The salad bar offers your typical salad mix but also offers Mediterranean options such as grape leaves and Greek options as well. They have pizza with the perfect amount of cheese and thicker crust as well as wings, potatoes, soups, sandwiches, and so many more options. You could come here five times and still not have had everything. I also love their quaint seating area. Did I mention they have wine? Enough said.
To be a good mama, you need this time to be you without the littles. Think about it. You are sitting at a table, either by yourself or with friends, enjoying your moms’ lunch date, and don’t have to rush through it, feed someone else, clean up messes, and you are being waited on for a change. It sounds like a dream, right? So go out and do it, and once you have decided to take on this challenge, you have some delicious options to try. Lansing happens to have fantastic local gems for your taste buds and once you’ve seen what awaits you, this whole lunch thing will be a must.
