Bangos has perfected an American classic

It’s always a surprise to me when I find out someone hasn’t heard of Bangos. Tucked inside Strange Matter Coffee in downtown Lansing, it’s become one of my favorite places to eat in the area. Like its sister restaurant, Babe’s Corner, there are almost as many vegan menu items as there are meat- and dairy-based ones, which is perfect for my boyfriend. The prices are agreeable, the vibes are casual, and the location is prime for an afternoon out on the town when you’re finished.

The majority of its offerings are breakfast items, but since I tried its Deluxe burger, I haven’t given a thought to ordering any of the bagel sandwiches. In fact, I haven’t purchased a burger anywhere else in town since that pivotal discovery. If I’m going to have a burger, a notoriously calorie-dense food, why not have it be the best?

Two aptly toasted brioche buns encase two smashed beef patties, two slices of American cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles and mayo. I add bacon, which is worth the $2 upcharge — Bangos is primarily a breakfast joint, after all, and it’s nailed the delicate art of bacon cookery. These are all very standard burger toppings, but they somehow feel elevated in this sandwich. The warm, melty cheese becomes somewhat of a second sauce alongside the creamy, tangy mayo. The tomato is almost as juicy as the tender, flavorful patties, ensuring no bite is too dry. The lettuce, onion and pickles add notes of freshness and acidity, cutting the richness of the animal-based ingredients. This is perfection on a plate. (Or, in this case, a foil wrapper.)

Lizy Ferguson mentioned Bangos’ fried potatoes in her 2023 review of the Maple Boy sandwich, but I would be remiss not to reiterate that they’re exquisite. After all, who eats a burger without some kind of potato accompaniment? While there are more “loaded” versions, I prefer the regular potatoes, seasoned with salt, pepper and paprika. Pleasingly crispy but still full of that starchy flavor that’s often lacking in processed potato products, I would love to know how these are prepared so I can amplify my at-home potato game.

Even if you think you’ve found your favorite burger in the area, I urge you to get yourself a Deluxe. Take a bite, wait for the shock to die down, then take a few more to let the deliciousness settle in. Though my attempt to nominate it for Best Burger in the 2024 Top of the Town contest was thwarted by more popular, time-honored establishments, if enough people see the light, it may finally get the recognition it deserves this year.