If the number of road signs for pasty shops popping up amid the wooded hillsides and beach towns of Northern Michigan is any indication, these meat-and-root-veggie hand pies have now evolved to “world’s-perfect-road-food” status. Whether you’re grabbing a five-buck lunch or filling the cooler by the dozen, here are a few beloved pasty shops.
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Pasties Above the Bridge
The Pasty Oven
The LTR (Large Traditional with Rutabaga) has a just-right balance of beef-and-pork filling to golden crust. They’re simply wonderful. Road trip bonus: ample truck and camper parking. // W7279 US 2, Quinnesec // (906) 776-0990
Irontown Pasties
They serve the classics to be sure, plus gluten-free and vegan options (both with one-hour notice) so everyone in the station wagon is happy. The chicken pot pie or jalapeño popper mini pasties make for irresistible Yooper fast food. // 801 N. Teal Ave., Negaunee // (906) 475-6828
Epoufette Bayview Inn
Turn in for a house-made beef pasty with gravy and slaw and linger over the million-dollar view of Lake Michigan. There are binoculars at the tables to really take it all in. // W5961 US 2, Naubinway // (906) 292-0061
Read Next: Upper Peninsula’s Lehto’s Pasties, A Delicious Taste of History
Pasties Below the Bridge
Mr. FoIsie’s Pasties
The U.P. Cornish miners might scoff at this meatless wonder—until they tasted it. What a crust (!) and the skin-on potato, onions, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots and rutabeggie inside are robust and well-seasoned. // 154 Leisure St., Cadillac // (231) 779-9042
Cousin Jenny’s Cornish Pasties
You can get a traditional steak pastie, or venture out and try the French potato with ham, Monterey cheese, green onions and sour cream, or the rye-crust German pasty with Swiss cheese, ham and sauerkraut. // 222 E. State St. Suite 102, Traverse City // (231) 941-7821
Goodale’s Bakery
You’ll find the classics—chicken and beef—alongside endless glazed, frosted and sugar-dusted doughnuts. A delightful scene indeed. // 500 Norway St., Grayling // (989) 348-8682
Pro Tip: The Pasty Guy website has pasty rankings and even a pasty road trip map.
Read Next: Michigan Pasty Recipe Featuring Fall’s Favorite Root Vegetables
