Check out these great Lansing spots for breakfast during the holidays

As things slow down during the holidays, December is the perfect time to grab breakfast with family and friends.

Lansing has several options for breakfast and brunch, and while this list isn't intended to be all-inclusive, here are a few fun places to check out while you're feeling festive:

Looking for something that's always different?

Good Truckin' Diner. 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., every day. 1107 S. Washington Ave.

Located in REO Town, Good Truckin' Diner is an eclectic and popular spot to grab breakfast in Lansing.

"We have local artists' artwork on the walls, we have stickers up everywhere. The servers usually pick the music for the day," said manager Nora Gorman. "It's very fun and fast-paced, and we have an open kitchen so customers, when they come in, can see us cooking."

There isn't one thing on the menu that's more popular than anything else, according to Gorman.

"You really can't go wrong," she said.

The restaurant features creative breakfast combinations with fun names, such as the 'Kevin Bacon LT' omelet and the 'Hippie Hangover' breakfast sandwich.

In addition to their regular menu, Good Truckin' Diner has weekly specials. Right now, many of the options have holiday flavors, like eggnog, cinnamon, pumpkin and cranberry.

Gorman personally recommends the diner's pancakes, all of which are made with a vegan recipe, something that sets the diner apart in the Lansing breakfast scene.

The diner is open for sit-in and takeout service. Space is limited inside the diner, with a capacity for about 16 diners. Door Dash also is available for those who want breakfast but don't want to leave home. Prices range from $4 to $10 per item.

Good Truckin' Diner will be closed from Dec. 24 through Dec. 26.

Need something made to order?

Fidler's on the Grand. 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays and Tuesdays through Thursdays; 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. 4805 N. Grand River Ave.

The kitchen at Fidler's on the Grand is almost always willing to accommodate guests. Special orders for omelets aren't a problem, and if diners are feeling adventurous and the restaurant isn't too busy, people can ask for a chef's choice meal.

"We'll ask them a couple of qualifying questions that reflect their interests and based on their taste buds, and then we'll make a meal that is catered to their very like," said owner Mark Taylor. "It's a win-win because it allows us to do what we are passionate about here."

Want something that's not on the menu? Taylor says his staff is happy to take requests.

"We're really flexible with creating those dishes that folks want," he said.

One of the most popular items on the menu is the Jamestown Loaded, which is Fidler's version of biscuits and gravy. The restaurant also specializes in Texas breakfast tacos and a waffle sandwich that uses a batter recipe from 1937.

People looking to satisfy their sweet tooth can order one of Fidler's extravagant hot chocolates and house-baked cinnamon rolls.

The cinnamon rolls alone are worth the trip, said Kitty Rothwell, a customer at Fidler's.

"You can't come here and not get a cinnamon roll," she said.

Fidler's is open for dine-in and takeout, and prices range from around $2 to $16, with most entrees around $7. The restaurant also has a small gift shop featuring food items and Lansing specialty gifts.

Hours will be limited during the holidays. The restaurant will be closed from Dec. 24 through Jan. 1.

Hankering for brunch (and booze)?

The People's Kitchen. Brunch served 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 2722 E. Michigan Ave.

Since it opened in 2019, brunch has always been one of the most important meals of the day at The People's Kitchen.

"We've always been a really hot spot for brunch," said general manager Douglas Mulkey.

Although the brunch menu isn't available every day, on the weekends people can enjoy the extensive food and cocktail offerings from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The colorfully named pancakes are one of the most popular items on the menu, Mulkey said.

"I don't know if I can necessarily say it, but the pancakes— I can just tell you really do live up to their name," he said.

The hash is also a menu highlight, and what's included in the dish along with the potatoes and eggs depends on what's in season and the latest flavor combinations from the kitchen.

"We try to have an inspired menu, and we like to get our creative element going," Mulkey said. "We like to keep it fresh and we try to support as many local farmers and local establishments as we can."

People can also order cocktails or an alcoholic kick to their coffee if they're looking for a boozier brunch experience.

The People's Kitchen will be open for brunch the day after Christmas, on Dec. 26.

"We're anticipating a great turnout," Mulkey said. "We don't take reservations or call ahead seating for brunch service ... but don't let that be a deterrent for anybody ... We don't ever have a problem getting anybody in."

On New Year's Eve, The People Kitchen will be hosting a champagne dinner, and although it's not breakfast, it's an event that Mulkey said should be a great time.

"Everybody should feel welcome when they come through the doors," he said.

Brunch items range from $9 to $15. The People's Kitchen will be closed Dec. 24 and Dec. 25.

Want breakfast for dinner?

Gregory's Soul Food, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to close Fridays and Saturdays. 2510 N Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.

At Gregory's Soul Food, "breakfast is the place to meet," said manager and main cook Edwin Burtley.

Although the restaurant's full breakfast menu is only available until 11 a.m., people can come in and get waffles anytime, Burtley said.

"We do chicken and waffles, pork chops and waffles, fish and waffles," he said. "We do waffles no matter what time, open to close."

Shrimp and grits are also popular, but Burtley said the menu has something for everyone.

"We have plenty of nice breakfasts," he said.

The Lansing restaurant opened in 1971 and is in its 50th year of operation and is still going strong. Gregory's prides itself in being a place where people can enjoy good food and good company, Burtley said.

Prices for breakfast items range from $3 to $9. The restaurant will be closed Dec. 24 and Dec 25, as well as Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

Contact reporter Elena Durnbaugh at (517) 231-9501 or edurnbaugh@lsj.com. Follow her on Twitter at @ElenaDurnbaugh.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Check out these great Lansing spots for breakfast during the holidays