Posted in Michigan Food & Dining May 15, 2021 by

These 8 Restaurants Serve The Best Pasties In Michigan

While much of the Lower Peninsula is pretty much Coney Country, once you cross over the Mackinac Bridge, you’re taken to Pasty Paradise. The pasty (pronounced PASS-TEE), that savory meat pocket pie, is rooted in the UP’s history in mining. When miners went off to work, they brought with them these hearty handhelds as a means of having something filling to eat, without having to leave the mine. In fact, when they were ready to munch, they placed the pasty on a shovel and held it over a candle to heat it right up. Talk about innovation. The methods of preparing these portable meals varies, with some using carrots, while others go for the sweeter rutabaga. No matter your preference, we’ve identified some shops with the best pasties in Michigan that will have your mouth watering.

1. Crossroads Restaurant and Lounge, Marquette
Crossroads/Facebook
Crossroads/Facebook
Looking for a hefty pasty, one of the most iconic Michigan foods, that'll keep you filled for days? The ones made here are a pound and filled with both pork and beef. For more information on Crossroads Restaurant and Lounge, visit the Facebook page.
2. Hiawatha Pasties, Naubinway
Hiawatha Pasties/Facebook
The crust is thin, flaky, and filled with a robust, moist, and tasty blend of beef and pork. Keep in mind, this pasty place is seasonal so call or visit the Hiawatha Pasty Facebook page for updates on dates and hours of operation.
3. Jean Kay's Pasties & Subs, Marquette
Heidi H./Yelp
Prepared with suet, or beef fat, these pasties are quite durable, with a flaky crust. They make pasties here the way grandma used to make them! Visit the Jean Kay's Pasties & Subs website for more information.
4. Lawry's Pasty Shop, Marquette
Lawry's Pasty Shop/Facebook
The pasties here are made using the original recipe created by Madelyne Lawry in 1946. If you don't live in Michigan, you can order Lawry's pasties online. To learn more, visit the website.
5. Toni's Country Kitchen, Laurium
Jeff F./Yelp
Toni's utilizes rutabaga (not carrots) and potatoes, in addition to big hunks of beef and the essence of sweet onions, making for a hearty, savory filling. For more information, head to the Toni's Country Kitchen Facebook page.
6. Uncle Peter's Pasties, Clarkston
Uncle Peter's Pasties/Facebook
This LP spot came almost by chance when the owners purchased a former pizza shop and intended on installing a deli in its place. Pasties were added as an afterthought but quickly became a hit. Visit the Uncle Peter's Pasties website to learn more, view other locations, and order some pasties, arguably the best food in Michigan, online.
7. Muldoon's, Munising
Teddy N./Yelp
Muldoon's goes for both carrots and rutabaga, as well as potatoes, onions, and spices in their award-winning pasties. Plus, the dough is made fresh daily, giving you a top-notch pasty experience. Visit the Muldoon's website to learn more.
8. Lehto's Pasties, St. Ignace
MaryLou D./Yelp
This spot has been around since 1947 and stands out for its moist, flaky crust, well-seasoned filling, and a homemade feel. To learn more, visit the Lehto's Pasties website.

Ready to grab a pasty or a tray-full, yet? Tell us where have you found the best pasties in Michigan? Please let us know in the comment section.

Interested in learning about other iconic Michigan foods? Head over to this post.

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Address: 900 Co Rd 480, Marquette, MI 49855, USA
Address: 11644 US-2, Naubinway, MI 49762, USA
Address: 1635 Presque Isle Ave, Marquette, MI 49855, USA
Address: 2164 US-41, Marquette, MI 49855, USA
Address: 79 3rd St, Laurium, MI 49913, USA
Address: 6215 Sashabaw Rd, Village of Clarkston, MI 48348, USA
Address: 1246 M-28, Munising, MI 49862, USA
Address: 2045 US-2, St Ignace, MI 49781, USA
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Best Pasties In Michigan

May 21, 2021
Melissa M.

What other foods is Michigan known for?

If you’ve never had Mackinac Island fudge, you are certainly missing out. This is the one thing you have to get when visiting the island. Just follow the smell of chocolate wafting through the air and you will be led to one of the many places that makes and sells it. If you like pizza then you’ll love Detroit-style pizza which is rectangular-shaped and has some delicious crust that’s both crispy and chewy, sauce, and cheese sure to make your mouth water. And come summertime, tart cherries are all the rage here!

What are the best diners in Michigan?

The Hut Diner of Redford is a lovely roadside stop with friendly service and delicious eats like coney dogs, hamburgers, and other classic diner fare. It’s a small place but packs a big punch in terms of tasty food. If you prefer to eat at an iconic spot that’s been around since the 1950s, head to Don’s Drive-In located in Traverse City. Its decor will be met with your sense of nostalgia and the menu has many classic American dishes for you to choose from.

Where can I find the best food in Michigan?

Michigan is filled with some iconic restaurants serving some of the most incredible food in the state. For a list of the best places to add to your bucket list, visit our article, 14 Of The Best Restaurants You Have To Visit In Michigan Before You Die.