Michigan Pasties That Taste Like Up North

Michigan pasties aren’t just food – they’re a taste of history and tradition in the Upper Peninsula. These savory meat pies were brought by Cornish miners in the 1800s and have become a beloved Michigan staple.

Whether you’re a yooper or just visiting, biting into an authentic pasty brings the spirit of Up North right to your plate.

1. Roy’s Pasties & Bakery: Houghton’s Innovative Take

Traditional meets modern at Roy’s, where classic pasties share menu space with creative varieties like breakfast pasties filled with eggs and bacon. Located in Houghton’s historic downtown, this shop caters to Michigan Tech students and Copper Country visitors alike.

Roy’s stands out for its exceptionally buttery crust that practically melts in your mouth. The shop’s bright interior features copper mining artifacts, honoring the Keweenaw Peninsula’s heritage while serving up innovative flavors.

2. Jean Kay’s Pasties: Marquette’s Student Favorite

Northern Michigan University students and locals alike form lines out the door at Jean Kay’s. Their pasties feature a thinner, more delicate crust than traditional versions, letting the savory filling take center stage.

The shop’s cozy atmosphere welcomes visitors with the scent of baking pasties and friendly conversation. Beyond the classic beef version, chicken pasties have become surprisingly popular here. Grab one with a side of gravy or ketchup (depending on which pasty camp you belong to).

3. Lawry’s Pasty Shop: Ishpeming’s Mining Heritage

Step into Lawry’s and you’re stepping back in time to when pasties sustained iron ore miners through grueling shifts. Operating since 1946, this Ishpeming institution still uses the same recipe that once fed the hardworking men of the mines.

Their pasties are hefty affairs with a sturdy yet tender crust. The generous rutabaga content gives them a slightly sweet undertone that balances the savory meat perfectly. Fun fact: miners would hold these pasties by the crimped edge, which served as a handle they would discard to avoid consuming the arsenic from their unwashed hands.

4. Muldoon’s Pasties: Munising’s Flaky Delight

The aroma hits you first when entering Muldoon’s – buttery pastry and savory filling that promises comfort in every bite. Located in Munising near Pictured Rocks, this small shop produces thousands of hand-crimped pasties daily during summer tourist season.

Locals swear by their perfectly balanced crust-to-filling ratio. Each pasty comes wrapped in foil, perfect for hikers exploring nearby waterfalls or beaches. Their secret? A touch of vinegar in the dough creates exceptional flakiness.

5. Lehto’s Pasties: The Highway 2 Legend

Family recipes dating back to 1947 make Lehto’s a must-stop destination on US-2 in St. Ignace. Their pasties feature a perfect balance of beef, potatoes, rutabaga, and onions wrapped in a flaky, golden crust that crackles with each bite.

What makes these pasties special is their simplicity – no carrots or fancy additions, just traditional ingredients prepared with care. Many travelers plan their entire UP trips around getting these iconic hand pies.