Get your fix of fine Italian food at REO Town Clubhouse

I’ve lived in Lansing my whole life, yet somehow, I’d never managed to visit REO Town before last month. Known as the birthplace of the commercial automobile in the United States, REO Town is also a hotspot for arts and culture. Everywhere you look, you’ll find an elaborate mural painted on some building. Even the area’s shops and restaurants have an innovative style, demonstrated perfectly by the REO Town Clubhouse.

The restaurant and entertainment venue opened in January in the building at 1314 S. Washington Ave. that previously housed Ellison Brewery and Event Space. One can see remnants of the former occupant in the huge bar and pool hall. The second floor is an event space available to rent for weddings, concerts and other gatherings. This is probably the first Italian restaurant I’ve seen with such an industrial style. I wouldn’t have pegged it for an Italian place if it weren’t for the brick oven close to the entrance, luring in customers with the unmistakable aroma of fresh-baked pizza.

As far as the menu goes, it’s your standard Italian fare of pasta and pizza. You’re given a complimentary serving of bread and oil while you decide on what to order. It must be said that the prices are reasonable for what you get: All entrees come with a choice of soup or salad, along with an additional side.

Since it was my first time, I went with the waitress’ recommendation of the baked ziti and a side of roasted rosemary potatoes. For those who aren’t Italian cuisine aficionados, ziti is an oven-baked pasta dish composed of hollow, tube-shaped noodles topped with marinara sauce, Parmesan and mozzarella. It’s a simple dish that you’ve most likely seen at buffets or catered events. Although it’s not the fanciest entrée the Clubhouse has to offer, it’s nevertheless delicious and not too filling.

As for the potatoes, I know what you’re thinking: They’re not a typical side dish for pasta. This is true, but you could say the same thing about the other side options: fries, pasta salad or seasonal vegetables. Anyway, the potatoes worked for me. They were hot, crispy and noticeably well seasoned.

If I’m ever in REO Town again, I’ll most likely try out another restaurant to broaden my knowledge of the area. However, that’s not to say that the food at the Clubhouse isn’t worth revisiting. The restaurant is still in its early days, and I’m sure it will draw in more curious visitors looking for an Italian meal at a reasonable price.