Editor Pick
Clara's
- January 29, 2006
- Rated 4 of 5 by
lwitkop from St. Johns, Michigan
Clara's is a Lansing institution. Located by the train tracks on Michigan Avenue, it actually was once a train station. Visitors even have the option of dining in an old railroad car.
The first time I ate at Clara's, it was the first time I had ever seen a spiral-bound menu--their menu has that many pages! They offer a little bit of everything, from steaks and seafood to Italian favorites.
The food is first-rate. I especially enjoy the fried mozzarella appetizer, the French dip sandwich, and their calzones. Servings are plentiful without going overboard and the food seemed to be made from quality ingredients.
Service has always been prompt and pleasant, although if you arrive at a busy time, you'll have to wait for a table and the overall service time might be slowed a bit. If you're arriving with a large group, it's best to make a reservation if you wish to be seated in a timely manner.
Clara's carefully straddles the line between being accessible to all and being a "fancy" restaurant. It's a place you might go to before prom, but you could just as easily stop there after going to a baseball game.
From journal Exploring Lansing, Michigan