When I’m at work, I tend to be driving around a lot, hopping from client to client, and office to office. So when I eat out for lunch, I usually want something pretty quick. Often times, due to time and location, that means chain restaurants. I try to avoid too much fast food, and usually go for sandwiches, something like Quizno’s or Jimmy John’s.

Those places are okay, but as aways, I like to eat at local places. Schwartz’s Deli is one of my favorites when I’m in the Frandor area.

Before Schwartz’s, there was another deli there, called Amici’s. It was pretty darn good as well, but when Mike Schwartz bought the place, a few things changed.

First of all, the menu changed a bit. Don’t get me wrong, its the same style of food – New York style overstuffed sandwiches. Some of the sandwiches are similar, others are new.

However, the quality of ingredients is noticeably better. Better bread, freshly sliced deli meats. If you want a good sandwich, these things are critical.

Another thing is the environment. Mike Schwartz is behind the counter every day, taking orders, stacking sandwiches, and talking with customers. He’s a friendly guy, make sure you say hi when you see him. Its fairly apparent he loves the food he makes, and really does care that people enjoy it.

Today I got their signature Corned Beef Special – corned beef, cole slaw, swiss and Russian dressing on rye. Now, I don’t do Russian dressing, so I substituted spicy mustard. Outstanding.

Are they the cheapest? No, but $10 for a nice big sandwich, served with a side of pickle, a beverage and a bag of chips, its worth it – especially considering that for a lot of people you might have half a sandwich left over to go.

The only real complaint I can think of is the lack of variety for vegetarians. The one veggie-friendly item on the menu looks really good, and I know that Mike will cook you up a grilled cheese if you would like, but another option or two would be nice to see.

Beyond that, the food is outstanding. They’ll even sell you fresh-sliced deli meats by the pound (and at a fair price). With free wireless internet, a friendly staff, and a nice, clean establishment, I can’t recommend them enough.

Find their menu on their Facebook page.

Schwartz’s Deli is open Monday-Saturday 10a-7p, and is located near the Frandor Shopping Center, at 521 Clippert St. in Lansing. They can be reached by phone at 517-332-1000.