Looking for a taste of tradition?
Lehto’s Pasties in St. Ignace, Michigan, has been hand-crimping delicious pasties since 1947, making it a must-visit for hearty comfort food!


Nestled in the charming town of St. Ignace, right at the gateway to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Lehto’s Pasties stands as a beacon of culinary tradition.
This unassuming little shop, with its cheerful yellow siding and inviting red trim, has been a staple for locals and travelers alike for over seven decades.
It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret family recipe, passed down through generations of Yoopers (that’s Upper Peninsula residents, for the uninitiated).


As you approach Lehto’s, the aroma of freshly baked pastry and savory fillings wafts through the air, teasing your taste buds and making your stomach growl in anticipation.
It’s like your grandmother’s kitchen, if your grandmother happened to be a pasty-making wizard with a penchant for feeding an entire town.
Now, for those of you scratching your heads and wondering, “What in the world is a pasty?” – let me enlighten you.
A pasty (pronounced PASS-tee, not PASTE-ee – unless you want to sound like a tourist) is a hearty hand pie filled with meat, potatoes, and vegetables, all encased in a flaky, golden crust.


It’s like a pot pie decided to hit the gym, bulk up, and become portable.
These delicious handheld meals have their roots in Cornwall, England, where miners would take them down into the depths of the earth for a filling lunch.
When Cornish miners immigrated to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in the 19th century to work in the copper mines, they brought their beloved pasties with them.
And thank goodness they did, because without them, we wouldn’t have the joy that is Lehto’s Pasties.
Step inside Lehto’s, and you’re immediately transported to a simpler time.
The interior is cozy and unpretentious, with wood-paneled walls and a menu board that looks like it’s been there since the Truman administration.


But don’t let the modest decor fool you – this place is serious about its pasties.
The menu at Lehto’s is refreshingly straightforward.
You’ve got your classic beef pasty, a chicken option for those who prefer poultry, and a veggie pasty for the herbivores among us.


Each pasty is a hefty handful, weighing in at about a pound of pure, unadulterated comfort food.
It’s like holding a warm, edible hug in your hands.
The beef pasty is the star of the show, filled with a perfect blend of tender chunks of beef, diced potatoes, rutabaga, and onions.
It’s seasoned just right, with a peppery kick that’ll warm you up faster than a Yooper sauna.
The chicken pasty is equally delightful, stuffed with juicy chicken, carrots, and potatoes.
It’s like chicken pot pie decided to ditch the dish and go on an adventure.
And let’s not forget the veggie pasty, a medley of potatoes, onions, carrots, and rutabaga that’ll make even the most die-hard carnivore consider switching teams.


But the real magic of Lehto’s pasties lies in the crust.
Oh, that crust!
It’s flaky, buttery, and somehow manages to be both delicate and sturdy enough to hold a pound of filling without falling apart.
It’s the kind of crust that makes you wonder if the bakers at Lehto’s have made a deal with some sort of pastry deity.
Each pasty is lovingly hand-crimped, creating a perfect seal that keeps all that delicious filling where it belongs – in your mouth, not on your shirt.


Now, let’s talk about the proper way to eat a pasty.
Sure, you could use a fork and knife like some sort of fancy pants, but where’s the fun in that?
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The true Yooper way is to pick it up with your hands and dive right in.
Just be prepared for a bit of a mess – these pasties are juicy, and they don’t care about your white shirt or your dignity.
But trust me, it’s worth it.


If you’re feeling particularly adventurous (or just really hungry), you can opt for the “full Yooper experience” by adding a side of gravy to your pasty.
It’s like giving your taste buds a warm, savory hug.
And if you’re still not satisfied, Lehto’s also offers homemade soups to round out your meal.
The chili and split pea with ham are local favorites, perfect for those chilly Upper Peninsula days when you need something to warm you from the inside out.
One of the things that makes Lehto’s so special is its commitment to tradition.
The recipes haven’t changed since 1947, and neither has the dedication to quality.
Each pasty is made fresh daily, using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
It’s like tasting a piece of Michigan history with every bite.


But don’t just take my word for it – Lehto’s has a loyal following that spans generations.
It’s not uncommon to see grandparents bringing their grandkids in for their first taste of this Upper Peninsula delicacy.
It’s the kind of place where family traditions are born and cherished.
And speaking of traditions, Lehto’s has become a must-stop for many travelers crossing the Mackinac Bridge into the Upper Peninsula.
It’s like a culinary welcome sign, saying, “Congratulations! You’ve made it to the UP. Here’s a delicious pasty to celebrate.”
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But what if I can’t make it to St. Ignace? Am I doomed to live a pasty-less existence?”
Fear not, my pasty-deprived friends!
Lehto’s has embraced the 21st century (while still keeping their 1940s charm) and now offers shipping.


That’s right, you can have these hand-crimped wonders delivered right to your door.
It’s like having a little piece of the Upper Peninsula shipped directly to your taste buds.
Just pop them in the oven, and voila!
You’re practically a Yooper.
But let’s be honest – while having Lehto’s pasties shipped to you is a delicious consolation prize, nothing beats the experience of visiting the shop in person.


There’s something magical about standing in line, watching the staff efficiently assemble these edible works of art, and then biting into a piping hot pasty while gazing out at the Straits of Mackinac.
It’s a quintessential Michigan experience that should be on every food lover’s bucket list.
And here’s a pro tip: if you’re visiting during the summer months, be prepared for a bit of a wait.
Lehto’s is popular, and for good reason.


But don’t let the line deter you – think of it as part of the experience.
Strike up a conversation with your fellow pasty enthusiasts.
You might just make a new friend or learn some local lore.
Plus, the anticipation only makes that first bite even more satisfying.


Now, I know we’ve spent a lot of time talking about the pasties (and rightfully so), but let’s not forget about the other star of the show – the cookies.
Lehto’s offers homemade cookies that are the perfect sweet ending to your savory pasty feast.
They’re like the encore at a rock concert, but instead of music, it’s sugar and butter.
And let’s be real, that’s even better.


As you leave Lehto’s, pasty in hand and crumbs on your shirt, you can’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction.
You’ve not just eaten a meal; you’ve participated in a Michigan tradition that’s been going strong for over 70 years.
You’ve tasted a piece of Upper Peninsula history, wrapped in a flaky crust and filled with love (and beef, and potatoes, and rutabaga…).
So, the next time you find yourself in St. Ignace, do yourself a favor and stop by Lehto’s Pasties.
Whether you’re a lifelong Yooper or a curious traveler, you’re in for a treat.
Just remember to bring your appetite, your sense of adventure, and maybe a napkin or two.
Trust me, your taste buds (and your soul) will thank you.


For more information about Lehto’s Pasties, including their menu and shipping options, visit their website or Facebook page.
And when you’re ready to embark on your pasty pilgrimage, use this map to guide you to this Upper Peninsula treasure.


Where: 626 N State St, St Ignace, MI 49781
Life’s short, eat more pasties.
Your stomach (and the ghost of every Cornish miner) will thank you.