Finally Tried Lansing’s Iconic Nip N Sip—Here’s What I Thought

After more than three years living in Lansing, I finally did it. Something that longtime residents have been telling me to do all along.

At long last, I paid a visit to Nip N Sip Drive In.

And now I'm kicking myself for waiting so long.

Why I Waited So Long to Try Nip N Sip

Quite frankly, I don't typically carry much cash. Having been forewarned that Nip N Sip is a cash-only establishment, that's stopped me from giving it a try several times.

But on this day, I rolled up with a $20 bill in my wallet and decided today was the day. I was finally going to see what all the fuss was about.

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I will start by telling you that Nip N Sip Drive In is the very definition of "no frills". It doesn't have a website. It doesn't even operate a Facebook page. It has pictureless menu boards lining the edges of the parking lot, with buttons to push to speak to an employee inside to place your order. That's about as high-tech as it's going to get here.

What We Ordered—and Loved

I decided to try the turkey sub (hold the tomato) and an order of fries. My companion got a coney, and we each got a root beer. There's not a lot of places two can dine for less than $20, but we managed it at Nip N Sip.

Our food arrived at our car window quickly. What was meant to be hot was hot, and what was meant to be cold was cold.

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I liked everything about my turkey sub — Nip N Sip didn't skimp on the meat, and they included just the right amount of lettuce (no shreds falling out of the sandwich with every bite.) The bread was unique and flavorful as well.

My friend devoured his coney with a smile. I'll admit to a preference for the loose meat "Flint-style" coney — which this wasn't. He didn't complain.

The fries were right on the money — crisp, golden, and perfectly salted.

That menu board though. See, now I'm going to have to come back. There are lots of things I want to try. Everyone brags on Nip N Sip's "Hammy Sammy", so I think that may be next. Or maybe a burger. Or the fish 'n' chips.

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Just gotta wait until next time I've got a $20.