11 Michigan Pastie Shops That Still Stick To Tradition
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has a comfort food that locals hold close to their hearts: the pastie. Born in the hands of Cornish miners back in the 1800s, these hearty hand pies became more than just a meal – they turned into tradition.
With golden, flaky crusts and savory fillings, small family-run shops still roll them out today, staying true to recipes that have been lovingly passed along for generations.
1. Lawry’s Pasty Shop: Mining Town Heritage
Family-owned since the 1940s, Lawry’s serves classic Cornish-style pasties in both Marquette and Ishpeming. Their beef-rutabaga pastie remains the star attraction, though mini pasties offer perfect sampling options.
The straightforward approach to this miners’ meal keeps locals and tourists returning daily. You’ll find their Marquette location on US-41 S, with hours posted for both spots.
2. Lehto’s Pasties: St. Ignace Staple Since 1947
The moment you walk into Lehto’s, the aroma of fresh-baked pasties transports you to simpler times. Their original beef pasty recipe hasn’t changed in over 70 years.
Nestled on North State Street in downtown St. Ignace, this family operation maintains the same quality that made them famous decades ago.
Beyond beef, their chicken and vegetable options have earned devoted followers.
3. Muldoons Pasties & Gifts: Award-Winning Munising Favorite
Gravy lovers rejoice at Muldoons, where the award-winning beef pasty comes with a side of rich, savory goodness. Located on M-28 W in Munising, this shop crafts each pastie fresh daily according to time-honored Upper Peninsula traditions.
I still remember my first bite of their fruit pastie on a summer road trip – the contrast of savory lunch and sweet dessert pasties made for the perfect Yooper experience.
4. Dobber’s Pasties: USDA-Certified U.P. Institution
Operating since 1975, Dobber’s has expanded from local favorite to USDA-certified producer with locations in both Escanaba and Iron Mountain. Their consistent quality makes them the go-to for hot, fresh pasties or frozen ones to enjoy later.
The beef and chicken options maintain traditional Upper Peninsula flavors while meeting modern food safety standards. Their website details both storefront locations and shipping options for distant fans.
5. Hunt’s Mackinaw Pastie & Cookie Co.: Straits Area Tradition
For over four decades, Hunt’s has been hand-making pasties daily in the Straits area. Their traditional beef pastie with rutabaga follows authentic recipes, while the “Pastie Meal” upgrades your experience with gravy, coleslaw, and a cookie.
My family stops here every summer vacation – the kids get as excited about the cookies as I do about the pasties! Find them in both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace.
6. Toni’s Country Kitchen: Keweenaw Peninsula Comfort
Tucked away in Laurium on the Keweenaw Peninsula, Toni’s Country Kitchen serves what locals consider the definitive Cornish pastie. This decades-old community hub bakes fresh daily, maintaining the mining-era tradition that defines the region.
The unassuming storefront on 3rd Street belies the culinary treasure within. Operating Tuesday through Saturday with daytime hours, Toni’s provides the authentic taste that keeps generations of families returning.
7. Roy’s Pasties & Bakery: Houghton’s Scratch-Made Specialties
Overlooking the Portage Canal in downtown Houghton, Roy’s crafts made-from-scratch pasties that honor traditional recipes while accommodating modern diets.
Their beef pasty remains the bestseller, though vegetarian and vegan options are available with advance notice.
I once watched the morning prep through their kitchen window – the care they put into each hand-crimped pastie explained why locals rave about them.
Find them on West Lakeshore Drive, open Monday through Saturday.
8. The Pasty Oven: Iron Mountain Area Classic
The Pasty Oven in Quinnesec near Iron Mountain focuses exclusively on perfecting the traditional pastie. Their family recipe produces a consistent, classic style that locals swear by, while their shipping program (humorously spelled “pastys”) extends their reach nationwide.
Located on US-2, this no-frills operation keeps extended daily hours from morning until early evening. The single-minded dedication to authentic pasties makes this spot a true Upper Peninsula treasure.
9. Irontown Pasties: Negaunee’s Inclusive Tradition
Irontown bridges old and new Yooper traditions by offering both classic beef pasties with rutabaga and modern dietary alternatives.
Their gluten-friendly and vegan options (available frozen or pre-ordered hot) make traditional flavors accessible to everyone.
The late operating hours at their Teal Lake Avenue location make them a favorite for travelers passing through the Marquette area.
Their commitment to quality ingredients in every style maintains the essence of Upper Peninsula pastie culture.
10. Jean Kay’s Pasties: Iron Mountain Morning Tradition
Early risers appreciate Jean Kay’s on East B Street in Iron Mountain, where pasties make a hearty breakfast option for travelers and locals alike. Their beef pasty follows a time-honored recipe that the current team continues to maintain.
Back when I worked construction in the area, these pasties fueled our entire crew through long workdays.
The substantial hand-held meals represent everything that makes Upper Peninsula food culture special – practical, filling, and delicious.
11. Gram’s Pasties: Escanaba Family Favorite
Gram’s on Ludington Street embodies the family-shop spirit of traditional pastie making. Their beef pastie with rutabaga follows classic Upper Peninsula style, while chicken and seasonal specials add variety to their menu.
The shop offers both hot-and-ready options for immediate enjoyment and frozen selections to stock your freezer.
Recently added Sunday hours make this Escanaba institution more accessible to weekend visitors seeking authentic Yooper cuisine.