Jose’s Cuban Sandwich and Deli“It should definitely be a top choice for students, as opposed to Jimmy John’s or Menna’s. I’d say Jose’s is way better than either of those.” – Nick Farris, MSU alumnus
Jose’s Cuban Sandwich and Deli, located at 2315 E. Grand River Ave. in Lansing, offers a variety of wraps and sandwiches that are healthier than the average sandwich shop.
Jose Miroquesada, owner of the restaurant, said pretty much everything offered on the menu is made daily and grilled.
“We don’t use any deep frying,” he said.
When Farris went to Jose’s, he said he ordered the Caribbean chicken sandwich, which is priced at $5.95.
He said the sandwich didn’t seem like it’d be anything amazing.
But then he took a bite of it.
“The bread was perfectly toasted, the chicken was tender and well-seasoned, there was a good proportion of sauce, the veggies were fresh-tasting,” he said.
Farris said he would definitely recommend students try Jose’s because he thinks it’s a lot fresher and healthier than the average sandwich shop.
“The food’s a little bit mixed, from a traditional Cuban sandwich to BLT, or French dip, so we mix it a little bit but we still keep our Latin American flavor,” Miroquesada said.
“I buy the soup regularly to bring home for my family, I get the gluten-free and vegetarian offerings normally,” – MSU alumna Teresa Tarn
Leaf Salad Bar, located at 1542 W. Grand River Ave., features an abundance of healthy options, including soups, salads and smoothies.
Regan said the salad bar offers more than 100 different options for vegetables, cheeses and meats to put in salads for an extra amount of variety in their meals.
She said the restaurant has a fruit bar as well, which can add a side to compliment the different salads at the restaurant.
Tarn said she loves Leaf Salad Bar.
She said she goes there at least once a week and usually gets a mango smoothie with protein powder and chia seeds, which is priced at $5.49.
“It’s basically a mix between a fast food restaurant and build-your-own salad bar. (It’s) super easy, quick, everything’s prepared fresh daily.” manager Kalie Regan said.
Regan said the restaurant offers three different soups a day, with at least one of the soups being vegetarian or vegan options.
On the weekends, gluten-free soups are offered to customers as well.
The Friday flavors are chicken noodle, clam chowder and vegetarian black bean.
Customers can purchase a cup for $3.49, a bowl for $4.49 or a quart for $12.49.
“It was good (and) moderately healthy.” — interior design junior Chloe Aalsburg
Woody’s Oasis, with locations at 1050 Trowbridge Road and 211 E. Grand River Ave., is a Mediterranean deli that boasts on its website that it’s the healthy alternative to fast food.
For students on the go between classes, the restaurant can also be found at the Crossroads Food Court in the International Center.
Co-owner Dalida Raad said there are only five options on the menu that are fried, but everything else is stewed or baked.
“We use a lot of olive oil and garlic, and those are two very healthy ingredients,” she said.
Aalsburg said she used her Combo-X-Change at the Woody’s Oasis at the Crossroads Food Court in the International Center.
She said she got a chicken dish and the spinach pie.
“I think the service with the combination of the food has a lot to do with the reputation,” Raad said.
One of the many vegetarian sandwiches offered at Woody’s Oasis is the falafel sandwich, which is priced at $3.99.
The sandwich features falafel, lettuce, tomato, pickled turnips and tahini sauce, all wrapped in pita bread.
The daily specials also offer healthy options for customers.
The oasis chicken stir-fry combo is offered on Fridays every week. The meal features a chicken breast sauteed with peppers and onions with a tomato sauce and Lebanese rice.
Customers can purchase it for $8.79, and can add a drink for a dollar more.
