Old Town beat down

For years, the neighborhood has been known for shopping, boasting an eclectic collection of antique shops, art galleries and clothing stores. Recently, however, it has added a new weapon to its arsenal: top-shelf food and drink.

Zoobie’s (first place in Happy Hour, Pub/Tavern, Cocktails and Best Bartender) keeps Old Town well watered, offering classy cocktails and a rotating menu of craft beers. Neighborhood newcomer Cosmos (first place in New Restaurant) serves up a high-concept take on pizza, and BBQ hotspot Meat (first place in BBQ) has patrons lining up for ribs and brisket.

Speaking of lines, Golden Harvest is apparently worth the wait for Lansing residents, who voted it into first place for Restaurant Wait Staff, Breakfast and Diner.

Of course, Old Town’s shopping options are still going strong. October Moon took the top spot in the Gift Shop category, and Grace Boutique took first in Local Clothing Store (with neighbor Curvaceous not far behind).

SPIN Bicycle Shop took first place for Bike Shop, and Elderly Instruments, Lansing’s legendary purveyor of fine musical instruments, was named best Music Instrument Store.

Animal emporium Preuss Pets earned the top spot in Pet Care/Services and Pet Store (with owner Rick Preuss also voted best Local Advocate/Activist), while the body-artists at Fish Ladder Tattoo Co. took the top spot in Tattoo Parlor.

Turner Street gets pretty sleepy after 6 p.m., but Spiral Dance Bar (first place in Gay/Lesbian Bar, second place in Dance Bar) keeps the party going late into the night.

With all of these things going for it, it’s no surprise that Old Town earned first place in First Date Place.