Forget your diet plans, folks!
We’re about to embark on a mouthwatering journey through Michigan’s pasty paradise.
These humble shops might not look like much, but they’re hiding flaky, savory treasures that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
1. Lehto’s Pasties (St. Ignace)
Nestled in the charming town of St. Ignace, Lehto’s Pasties is a beacon of deliciousness for hungry travelers and locals alike.
This unassuming yellow building with its cheerful red trim might look like your grandma’s cozy cottage, but inside, it’s a pasty powerhouse.
As you approach, you’ll notice the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked pastry wafting through the air.
It’s like a siren call for empty stomachs, luring you in with promises of flaky crusts and hearty fillings.
The shop’s exterior proudly announces its offerings: “Soups • Salads” and “Smoked Fish • Jerky.”
But let’s be real, we’re here for the main event – those glorious pasties.
Step inside, and you’ll find yourself in a no-frills paradise.
The menu is straightforward because when you’re this good at pasties, you don’t need to complicate things.
Choose from beef, chicken, or vegetable – each one a pocket of pure comfort food joy.
2. Dobber’s Pasties (Escanaba)
If you find yourself in Escanaba with a rumbling tummy, make a beeline for Dobber’s Pasties.
This place is like the Clark Kent of pasty shops – unassuming on the outside, but hiding superpowers within.
The building might look like a standard strip mall affair, but don’t let that fool you.
Inside, they’re cranking out pasties that could make a Yooper weep with joy.
The shop’s simple signage belies the complexity of flavors waiting inside those golden crusts.
As you pull into the parking lot, you might notice a few motorcycles parked outside.
That’s because Dobber’s isn’t just a hit with locals – it’s a popular pit stop for riders exploring the UP.
Nothing says “road trip fuel” quite like a hearty pasty, after all.
3. Roy’s Pasties & Bakery (Houghton)
Perched on the edge of the Portage Canal, Roy’s Pasties & Bakery in Houghton is serving up views almost as delicious as their pasties.
Almost.
This place is like the overachiever of the pasty world.
Not content with just mastering the art of the traditional pasty, Roy’s has gone and added a whole bakery to the mix.
It’s like they’re saying, “Oh, you wanted a pasty? How about we tempt you with some cinnamon rolls and cookies too?”
The building itself is a cheery red affair, with a spacious deck that practically begs you to sit and enjoy your pasty al fresco.
And with that stunning view of the Portage Lift Bridge, who could resist?
It’s the perfect spot to contemplate the important questions in life, like “How many pasties is too many pasties?” (Spoiler alert: There’s no such thing.)
4. Lawry’s Pasty Shop (Marquette)
Lawry’s Pasty Shop in Marquette is proof that good things come in small packages.
This compact pasty paradise might not look like much from the outside, but step inside and you’ll find yourself in a world where flaky crusts reign supreme.
The shop’s exterior is adorned with a simple yet bold sign, leaving no doubt about what’s on offer here.
It’s like they’re saying, “We do pasties. That’s it. That’s the tweet.”
And honestly, when you’re this good at something, why complicate things?
Inside, the vibe is pure, no-frills Yooper charm.
The display case is a treasure trove of golden-brown delights, each pasty a perfect pocket of savory goodness.
The menu is straightforward, because when your pasties are this legendary, you don’t need fancy frills or gimmicks.
5. Toni’s Country Kitchen (Crystal Falls)
Tucked away in Crystal Falls, Toni’s Country Kitchen is the kind of place that feels like stepping into your grandma’s house – if your grandma was a pasty-making wizard, that is.
From the outside, it’s a humble, unassuming building that could easily be mistaken for just another house on the street.
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But don’t let that fool you – inside, pasty magic is happening.
The interior is a cozy time capsule, complete with vintage decor and a counter that’s probably heard more local gossip than the town barber.
The pasties here are the stuff of legend – hearty, flavorful, and big enough to fuel a lumberjack.
Or, you know, a very determined food enthusiast.
The menu might offer other options, but let’s be real – you’re here for the pasties.
And Toni’s delivers, serving up golden pockets of deliciousness that’ll have you planning your next visit before you’ve even finished your first bite.
6. Suomi Restaurant (Houghton)
Suomi Restaurant in Houghton is like the cool exchange student of the pasty world – bringing a touch of Finnish flair to this beloved UP staple.
The cheerful red exterior is like a beacon of hope for hungry pasty seekers, promising warm, flaky goodness within.
Step inside, and you’re transported to a cozy haven that feels more like a friend’s dining room than a restaurant.
The decor is charmingly eclectic, with a dash of Finnish influence that adds an extra layer of authenticity to the experience.
While Suomi offers a full menu of Finnish-American delights, their pasties are not to be missed.
These aren’t just any pasties – they’re like the James Bond of pasties: sophisticated, with a hint of international intrigue.
The crust is flaky perfection, the filling a harmonious blend of flavors that’ll have you saying “Kiitos” (that’s “thank you” in Finnish) with every bite.
7. The Pasty Oven (Quinnesec)
The Pasty Oven in Quinnesec is like the superhero of pasty shops – unassuming by day, but capable of satisfying even the mightiest pasty cravings.
This little white building might not look like much, but inside, it’s cranking out pasties that could make a grown Yooper cry tears of joy.
The shop’s sign, featuring a cheerful chef holding a massive pasty, sets the tone for what’s to come.
It’s like they’re saying, “Yes, we know what you’re here for, and yes, we’re going to deliver.”
And deliver they do, with pasties that are the perfect balance of flaky crust and hearty filling.
But wait, there’s more!
The Pasty Oven isn’t content with just being a pasty paradise.
Oh no, they’ve gone and added burgers and fish fries to the mix.
It’s like they’re on a mission to satisfy every possible craving you might have.
And let’s not forget the drive-thru – because sometimes you need your pasty fix without even leaving your car.
8. Muldoon’s Pasties (Munising)
Muldoon’s Pasties in Munising is like the quiet kid in class who turns out to be a secret genius.
From the outside, it’s a charming, unassuming little house that could easily be mistaken for someone’s home.
But inside? It’s a pasty wonderland.
The white clapboard exterior with its neat porch gives off serious small-town Americana vibes.
It’s the kind of place where you half expect to see Norman Rockwell setting up his easel.
But instead of apple pies cooling on the windowsill, it’s pasties that are stealing the show here.
Step inside, and you’re greeted by the heavenly aroma of freshly baked pasties.
The interior is cozy and unpretentious, because when your pasties are this good, you don’t need fancy decor to impress.
And speaking of impressive, let’s talk about that Bigfoot statue outside.
Because nothing says “UP cuisine” quite like a sasquatch guarding your pasty shop, right?
9. Joe’s Pasty Shop (Ironwood)
Last but certainly not least, we have Joe’s Pasty Shop in Ironwood.
This place is like the cool grandpa of pasty shops – it’s been around forever, it’s got stories to tell, and it’s still cooler than you’ll ever be.
The exterior is a no-nonsense affair, with a bold yellow sign that gets straight to the point: “Joe’s Pasty Shop.”
It’s like they’re saying, “Yeah, we’ve been here since 1946. We don’t need fancy gimmicks. We’ve got pasties.”
And boy, do they have pasties.
Step inside, and you’re transported to a pasty lover’s paradise.
The shop has that perfect blend of old-school charm and modern efficiency.
They’ve been perfecting their craft for over 75 years, and it shows in every flaky, savory bite.
So there you have it, folks – nine unassuming shops serving up slices of UP heaven.
Time to loosen those belts and embark on the Great Michigan Pasty Pilgrimage.
Your taste buds will thank you, even if your waistline might not!