Unearth The Voyage
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a treasure trove for pasty enthusiasts, with its rich heritage of Cornish and Finnish traditions. These hearty, hand-held pies were once the sustenance of miners, offering a taste of home in the rugged landscape. Today, a dozen pasty shops across Michigan continue to preserve these age-old recipes, baking like it’s the 1800s. With flaky crusts and savory fillings, these establishments not only serve delicious pasties but also keep a piece of culinary history alive. Explore these 12 iconic shops that have perfected the pasty art over decades, each offering a unique slice of Michigan’s cultural tapestry.
1. Lawry’s Pasty Shop
Founded in 1946 in Ishpeming, Lawry’s Pasty Shop has been family-run ever since, embracing the traditional pasty recipe of beef, potatoes, onion, and rutabaga. The shop exudes a nostalgic charm, drawing locals and visitors alike. Nestled in the Marquette area, Lawry’s is celebrated for its hand-made crust and commitment to tradition. What sets Lawry’s apart is not just the taste, but the love and history baked into each pasty. The original location remains a beloved spot for those seeking an authentic pasty experience, where the legacy of the pasty is alive and well. With every bite, you’re transported to a time when meals were crafted with care and community.
2. Joe’s Pasty Shop
In the heart of Ironwood, Joe’s Pasty Shop stands as a testament to tradition since 1946. Known affectionately as the “home of the original pasty,” this no-frills shop stays true to its roots with a basic yet delicious recipe. The simplicity of Joe’s pasties – meat, potatoes, and onions wrapped in a flaky crust – captures the essence of the original miners’ meal. Each pasty is a hearty, satisfying bite, echoing the flavors of nearly 80 years ago. Joe’s continues to be a community staple, cherished for its authentic taste and nostalgic ambiance, offering a slice of history with every pasty served.
3. Muldoon’s Pasties & Gifts
Muldoon’s Pasties & Gifts, nestled in the picturesque town of Munising, is often celebrated for preserving the heritage of pasty-making. Seasonal and family-run, Muldoon’s focuses on the original pasty style, eschewing culinary trends for authenticity. The charm of Muldoon’s lies in its commitment to traditional methods and recipes that harken back to simpler times. As visitors step inside, they’re greeted with an inviting aroma that promises hearty satisfaction. Known for their dedication to preserving pasty heritage, Muldoon’s offers a warm, family-friendly atmosphere where every pasty tells a story of culinary tradition.
4. The Hut Inn
The Hut Inn, located near Calumet, claims deep roots in pasty-making tradition. Despite changes in building and ownership over the years, it continues to serve classic pasties in the old way. The Hut Inn’s pasties are a cornerstone of their menu, appreciated for their hearty fillings and flaky crusts. Patrons enjoy the rustic setting that offers a glimpse into the past, where the essence of the 1800s mining towns still resonates. Each pasty is crafted with care, maintaining the authentic flavors and textures that have been cherished across generations. It’s a place where history meets delicious comfort food.
5. Toni’s Country Kitchen
In Laurium’s charming town, Toni’s Country Kitchen offers a taste of tradition with its diner-style ambiance. Known for hearty, generously-sized pasties, Toni’s keeps the pasty simple: meat, vegetables, and a flaky, golden crust. This long-standing community spot is not about flashy presentation but familiar flavors that keep locals returning. The warmth of the kitchen and the friendly service enhance the experience, turning a meal into a nostalgic journey. Toni’s emphasis on quality and tradition makes it a beloved destination for anyone seeking a genuine slice of Michigan’s culinary history, served fresh and full of heart.
6. Suomi Home Bakery & Restaurant
Suomi Home Bakery & Restaurant blends Finnish heritage with pasty tradition in the Houghton area. Known for its time-honored methods, this bakery uses fresh ingredients daily to craft pasties that are both delicious and reminiscent of the past. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, reflecting the cultural roots that influence their baking style. With each bite, patrons enjoy a connection to Finnish culinary traditions, where the pasty serves as a delicious reminder of the hearty meals once enjoyed by miners. Suomi’s dedication to quality and heritage makes it a cherished local landmark.
7. Syl’s Cafe
Syl’s Cafe in Ontonagon offers a delicious journey into the past with its traditional Cornish pasties. The atmosphere and setting are rustic and unchanged, preserving that old-world charm that diners love. Known for its staple menu item, the pasty, Syl’s provides a comforting taste of history with each serving. The cafe’s focus on authentic flavors and simple, quality ingredients has made it a beloved spot in the community. As patrons gather, they enjoy not just a meal, but a connection to the area’s rich history and culinary heritage, making each visit to Syl’s a memorable experience.
8. Pasty Corner
In Iron River, Pasty Corner is known for its large, flavor-packed pasties that recall the kitchens of old mining towns. The classic fillings and perfectly crafted crusts are a testament to traditional methods. As visitors step inside, they’re greeted by the comforting smell of freshly baked pasties, evoking memories of home-cooked meals. Pasty Corner prides itself on maintaining the authentic taste and texture that has been cherished for generations. This shop embodies the spirit of community and nostalgia, offering pasties that are not only satisfying but also steeped in the local heritage of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
9. Lehto’s Pasties
Established in 1947, Lehto’s Pasties in St. Ignace stands as one of Michigan’s oldest pasty shops. Family-owned, it offers simple, honest pasties much like what miners would’ve carried in the 1800s. The unique log-shaped design and traditional beef filling make Lehto’s a standout among pasty enthusiasts. Each pasty embodies the rich history and culinary tradition that has been preserved through decades. Visitors appreciate not only the savory flavors but also the nostalgia of enjoying a meal that has been part of the local culture for generations, making Lehto’s a must-visit destination for pasty lovers.
10. Yooper Pasty Company
Though newer than some, Yooper Pasty Company leans heavily into traditional pasty-making styles. Located in Sault Ste. Marie, they use classic ingredients and baking techniques to craft each delicious pasty. The shop blends a modern approach with respect for the past, offering a variety of flavors while maintaining the essence of the traditional pasty. Patrons are welcomed into a warm, friendly environment where the pasty is celebrated as both a meal and a piece of history. Yooper’s dedication to quality and tradition ensures that each visit feels like a step back in time, savoring the flavors of yesteryear.
11. Au Train Grocery & Motel
Au Train Grocery & Motel may be off the beaten path, but it’s a hidden gem for pasty lovers. Each morning, fresh pasties are baked in the original style, offering a taste of the past in a cozy, rustic setting. This spot reflects the simplicity and charm of old-world pasty-making, where quality ingredients and traditional methods reign supreme. Patrons enjoy the welcoming atmosphere and the delightful flavors that make each pasty a satisfying meal. Au Train Grocery & Motel’s commitment to preserving pasty heritage makes it a beloved stop for those exploring Michigan’s culinary landscape.
12. Mohawk Superette
Located in the Keweenaw Peninsula, Mohawk Superette offers a delightful blend of Finnish and Cornish-style pasties. Sticking closely to traditional recipes, this store provides a taste of history with each bite. The pasties are crafted with care, using simple, quality ingredients that highlight the authentic flavors cherished by pasty enthusiasts. The charming setting offers a glimpse into the past, where patrons can enjoy the hearty, satisfying taste of these delectable pies. Mohawk Superette’s dedication to maintaining tradition and quality makes it a standout destination for those seeking a genuine pasty experience.
