For Michigan agility competitors, a road often traveled is I-96 between the West and East side of the state. If you’re hungry during this drive, State Side Deli is a restaurant that will satisfy far beyond traditional fast food.
The deli and restaurant serves fresh salads, homemade soups, hot corned beef sandwiches, and breakfast anytime. I ordered a hot corned beef sandwich on gluten free bread to go, since I had dogs in the car and it was warm out that day. It came within just a few minutes, in an insulated container.
The beef was hot, stacked high and tasted like New York’s finest! While I normally would only eat half, it was so good that I ate the whole thing! It came with a quarter of a Clausen pickle, and a coupon for $1 off any breakfast or sandwich. The dogs were crazy with the smell, and started performing tricks . . . hoping to earn a tasty bite.
Two Locations, more options
The State Side Deli I visited is located at 2552 Meridian Crossing, off the Okemos exit. Hours are from 8 am to 4 pm, every day. It is nearby two trial locations: Michigan State University Livestock Judging Pavilion in E. Lansing, and Camp PaWaPi in Williamston.
The Okemos restaurant is located in a small strip mall, and is on the side that doesn’t face the main road. I only found this gem because there was construction all along Meridian Crossing and I couldn’t cross over into a fast food restaurant originally selected. Planning to turn around and go back, I happened to find it. There’s a local Mexican restaurant right next door which I plan to try also.
Looking up State Side Deli online, I found they have a second location at 4140 E Grand River Ave in Howell. This location is open longer hours – Monday through Friday from 10 am to 9 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 9 pm, and Sunday from 9 am to 7 pm. It also isn’t too far from another agility trial location: Ann Arbor Dog Training Club in Whitmore Lake.
State Side Deli also has an online ordering feature, so fast food is really fast. Both locations are closed on holidays.