MomSkoop
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula holds a delicious secret that locals have treasured for generations. Pasties, those hearty handheld pies filled with meat and vegetables, arrived with Cornish miners in the 1800s and quickly became a beloved regional specialty. While the rest of the country obsesses over burgers, smart food lovers know that Michigan’s best pasties offer something far more satisfying and flavorful.
1. Lehto’s Pasties
Family recipes passed down through four generations make Lehto’s Pasties a true treasure in St. Ignace. Their secret blend of spices transforms simple ingredients into something magical.
Every pasty gets hand-crimped with care, ensuring the perfect seal that locks in all those savory juices. The beef and potato filling tastes like comfort food should, with tender chunks of meat that practically melt in your mouth.
Locals often drive hours just to stock up on these golden beauties. The crust strikes that perfect balance between flaky and sturdy, never falling apart when you need it most.
2. Muldoon’s Pasties & Gifts
Munising’s crown jewel serves up pasties so good that tourists plan entire vacations around them. Muldoon’s takes pride in using only the freshest local ingredients, sourced from nearby farms whenever possible.
Their unique seasoning blend remains a closely guarded family secret that adds depth to every bite. The vegetables stay crisp-tender, never mushy like some places serve.
Beyond the classic beef variety, they offer creative options like chicken and turkey that satisfy modern tastes. The generous portions mean one pasty easily feeds a hungry adult, making it perfect fuel for exploring Pictured Rocks nearby.
3. Lawry’s Pasty Shop
Ishpeming’s oldest pasty shop has been perfecting their craft since 1946, earning a reputation that extends far beyond the Upper Peninsula. Their commitment to traditional methods means everything gets made from scratch daily.
The crust achieves that coveted golden-brown color that signals perfection to pasty lovers everywhere. Inside, perfectly seasoned beef mingles with potatoes, rutabaga, and onions in harmonious proportions.
What sets Lawry’s apart is their consistency – every single pasty tastes exactly like the last perfect one you remember. Many customers freeze dozens to take home, ensuring they never run out of this Upper Peninsula gold.
4. Jean Kay’s Pasties
Calumet’s beloved Jean Kay’s proves that sometimes the best things come in small packages. This tiny shop focuses on quality over quantity, producing a limited number of pasties each day.
Their beef gets cut by hand into perfect cubes that distribute evenly throughout each pasty. The vegetables maintain just enough bite to provide textural contrast against the tender meat.
Smart customers call ahead because Jean Kay’s frequently sells out before closing time. The anticipation only makes that first bite more rewarding, with flavors that justify every bit of the wait and effort required to secure one.
5. Dobber’s Pasties
Grand Rapids brings pasty perfection to Lower Michigan with Dobber’s impressive operation. Their larger scale never compromises quality, thanks to careful attention to traditional preparation methods.
Each pasty weighs in at nearly a full pound, making it a substantial meal that satisfies even the heartiest appetites. The filling-to-crust ratio hits that sweet spot where every bite delivers maximum flavor.
Dobber’s offers convenient shipping options, allowing pasty lovers across the country to enjoy authentic Michigan taste. Their vacuum-sealed packaging preserves freshness perfectly, so distant customers get the same quality as local regulars who visit the shop daily.
6. Roy’s Pasties & Bakery
Houghton’s Roy’s combines traditional pasty-making with full bakery expertise, creating something truly special in the process. Their pastry skills shine through in crusts that achieve bakery-level perfection.
The filling showcases premium ingredients, with beef that tastes like it came from local farms. Vegetables retain their individual flavors while blending into a cohesive, satisfying mixture.
Roy’s also excels at custom orders, making them perfect for feeding groups or special events. Their reputation for reliability means you can count on consistent excellence, whether ordering one pasty or fifty for your next gathering.
7. Toni’s Country Kitchen
Rapid River’s hidden gem serves pasties alongside hearty country cooking that makes every meal feel like a family gathering. Toni’s creates an atmosphere where strangers become friends over shared appreciation for authentic food.
Their pasties feature generous portions of well-seasoned filling wrapped in perfectly flaky crust. The homestyle preparation shows in every detail, from hand-crimped edges to the golden-brown finish.
Beyond great food, Toni’s offers the kind of warm hospitality that makes visitors feel welcome from the moment they walk through the door. Many customers become regulars after just one visit, drawn back by both exceptional pasties and genuine friendliness.
8. East Fork Pasty Company
Copper Harbor’s northernmost pasty outpost serves up authentic flavors at the very tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Their remote location means every ingredient gets chosen with extra care.
The traditional preparation methods honor the area’s rich mining heritage while satisfying modern appetites. Each pasty contains generous amounts of perfectly seasoned beef, potatoes, and vegetables wrapped in golden pastry.
Visitors often make East Fork their final stop before heading home, stocking up on pasties for the long journey south. The memorable flavors provide the perfect ending to any Upper Peninsula adventure, leaving guests already planning their return trip for more.