Trains, Antiques and Fantastic food- Clara's Lansing Station

We gave our kids the choice of where to eat in downtown Lansing and they of course chose the train. Where can you eat in a train car? Clara's Lansing Station, on Michigan Avenue, just a few blocks from the Capital building. Clara's was once a train depot built in 1903 when Lansing was the hub of the Oldsmobile industry. The Depot closed in 1972. The station was purchased by restraunteurs in 1978 and with the collaboration of the Wooden Skate Antique Shop they have created a beautiful and fun place to eat.

They have even converted an old train car into part of the eating space.   This is the best place to sit if you have small children.  They can watch the train cars out the window.



Clara's has one of the most eclectic menus I have come across.  You can choose from classic bar and grill food, Tex-Mex, salads, and seafood meals.  They have a great kids menu too! And of course they have a fantastic cocktail and beer menu.

We chose the triple play combo appetizer.  You can choose three of the items listed (onion rings, bacon and cheddar potato skins, fried mozzarella wedges, chicken tenders,  and spinach and artichoke dip).  We chose the wedges, onion rings, and spinach artichoke dip.  It looked so good that half was gone before I could take a shot but here is what I got.  The onion rings were huge, and very crispy.  The spinach artichoke dip was very good and it even had crab in it!  The chips were fresh and warm.  

The Chicken Fajita salad was calling my name and I am glad I answered the call! There was a full moist chicken breast atop lettuce, cheese, grilled peppers and onions and tomatoes,   There were two fresh green avocado slices on side and it came with sour cream and salsa! It was so yummy!!! 

It comes in full and half sizes.  This is the half!!!

My husband ordered the BLT.  Bacon, lettuce and tomato between two thick buttery toasted bread.  My son proceeded to steal the plate from my husband and leave him with the kid's burger.  He was kind enough to give me a bite and it was DElicious!
My husband was not disappointed though. The kids meals are really good.
The burger is really big for a kid's meal and has real cheddar cheese and as my daughter puts it is "not a hockey puck".  This means unlike a lot of kids meals it is cooked well but not overcooked.  My husband enjoyed his burger.  (even though that is not what he ordered).  The macaroni and cheese creamy and comes with a cup of fresh fruit.  We were all happy with our meals at Clara's.