Let me start by letting you all in on my severe addiction to deals. Holy, Home Goods! TJ Saxx? Yes, please. I have students loans, so it should be no surprise that coupons are a huge deciding factor when it comes to Jhop and I's date night. Date night is our weekly roomie ritual where we take a break from school and paid search to chat and partake in an activity. Activities vary, but most of the time they involve cocktails and food.
Jhop swooped a coupon from the MSU student pack, a 'buy one, get one half off' meal at Clara's Lansing Station in downtown Lansing. We had seen Clara's from afar and kept insisting that we wanted to go try it out, but hadn't made it the less than a half a mile to the old Union Depot Eatery for the year we have lived here. Although the coupon inspired the selection, this was actually a great way to start our mecca through Lansing, with a train trip back in time (pardon the pun). But really, Clara's rich history really does mark an ideal starting point for our 3 month tour of Lansing and the surrounding areas.
We (illegally) walked along the train tracks adjacent from our apartment and ended up in the back of Clara's. We'd been told to go there for Sunday brunch, but Tuesday dinner and drinks sounded like a better idea.
First impression: Jhop and I love historical buildings; anything with a story or a unique history is right up our alley. The fact that the old train car is built into the restaurant made us squeal like little kids boarding the Hogwarts Express (This is supposed to be my positive outlook on Lansing. Let me indulge). In all honesty, I know that my family would get a kick out of it. We stood out front reading the historic site sign and inspecting the antiques in the front room.
The Facts: The Union Depot served as a passenger train service for Michigan railroads from 1902 to 1972. The train station was built during a time when the automotive industry was just beginning to prosper in Michigan and Lansing had just begun to show signs of wealth. The nearby "Old Town" was home to its namesake, Ransom E. Olds, whose motor car design revolutionized motor vehicle travel. The Union Depot began Passenger Service in 1902 and was closed in 1972. Shortly after, the Union Depot was bought by Peter Jubeck and transformed into the restaurant it still is today. For a full history of this awesome place, visit the Clara's Lansing Station history.
We wanted to sit on the patio, but quickly decided that it was too cold and secluded. We decided we weren't going to get the full effect unless we were aboard the train. It's a real train, come on! Being the obnoxious customers we are, we only had this revelation mid-way through our rum-runner and long islands and after we had already given our order, but our research couldn't be compromised. So, we ferried our beverages and silverware indoors where the waitress happily escorted us to the dining car.
The food was great. We ordered two meals an split them and the service was exceptional. Our waitress had no qualms about relocating us mid-meal or splitting our sandwich and salad for us. The prices were more than our usual date night pub or chain, but still moderate. I would definitely return to try other things on the menu. More than the food was the awesome atmosphere-- you kind of feel like you're actually aboard a train. We thought we were moving at one point, but that might have been fueled by the rum and tequila. We'll definitely go again, perhaps for the infamous Sunday Brunch.
RATING: 5/5 <3s
