Review: Kewpee has awesome burgers

Five out of Five Stars

By Mallory Stiles
Associate Editor

I don’t claim to be an expert in anything, but when it comes to burgers, I am pretty darn close.

Weston’s Kewpee Sandwich Shoppe in downtown Lansing is, hands down, the best burger joint I have ever been to, and I wouldn’t throw a sacrilegious statement like that out there for nothing, trust me.

I called ahead to get some information on the place and quickly discovered it’s a hidden gem of Lansing. I spoke with Gary Weston, National Guard veteran and a Michigan State University graduate, who was in charge for roughly 50 years before handing it down to his daughter in 2008.

According to Weston, the restaurant has been in the family for 100 years as of this year. He said it will remain family-owned to maintain a level of perfection that continues to protect the family name. An event is coming up but still in the works, so keep your eyes peeled.  

It all started with his grandmother in 1923, who he describes as a very intelligent woman. Weston said she was responsible for many integral parts of their restaurant that are still around today; the best example being the homemade olive sauce.

The olive sauce is world-famous after winning the “Schweid & Sons' Very Best Burger Award” at the 2020 South Beach Food and Wine Festival, hosted by Food Network. This is where THE Rachel Ray not only remembered the sauce, but circled back later to meet Gary’s daughter, Autumn Weston, and compliment the signature sauce personally.

Gary Weston also said that Magic Johnson is a fan and a regular when he is in town because he is a “burger guy.” With all this new information, I was more curious than ever and extra excited to hop into my car and be on my way.  

The outside of the business is very inviting black brick and the whole building seems to fit into the street like a book on a shelf. I had never been before but from the moment I walked in, I felt at home.

The inside has a lot of recycled barnwood and hand-polished brick that Weston harvested and installed himself. The booths are comfy and well-spaced, inviting you to bring a friend or two.

I had to have the world-famous Miami burger to see how it tasted for myself, but I also tried a classic cheeseburger and TWO types of fries. All for you guys, it’s hard being this selfless you know.

With all the food served, I tied up my hair and accepted the challenge.

If I had to describe the meal in one word, I would say … perfect. Weston sat with me and explained the ingredients in the olive sauce – which is a secret that I intend to take to the grave – and taught me about what makes a good fry. It’s the length, who knew.

I didn’t think I liked olives enough to eat them as a main ingredient in a sauce, but at Weston’s Kewpee Sandwich Shoppe, I definitely do. Also, the burgers being ground differently does more for the overall composition of the burger than you would think.

Each basket of fries was SO good. I ate most of both because I just couldn’t stop. The sweet potato ones ended up in first place for me, but it was Kewpee’s homemade ranch that will keep me coming back. Hope to see you there.