If the number of road signs for pasty shops popping up amid the wooded hillsides and beach towns of the Upper Peninsula is any indication, these meat-and-root-veggie hand pies have now evolved to “world’s-perfect-road-food” status. Don’t miss the chance to add a pasty stop to your Upper Peninsula fall color tour.

Whether you are grabbing a five-buck lunch or filling the cooler by the dozen, here are a few beloved pasties in Northern Michigan:

The Pasty OveN

W7279 US 2, Quinnesec | (906) 776-0990 
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.

Irontown Pasties

801 N. Teal Ave., Negaunee | (906) 475-6828 
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 Bacon Cheeseburger or Jalapeño Popper Mini Pasties make for irresistible Yooper fast food.

Epoufette Bayview Inn

W5961 US 2, Naubinway | (906) 292-0061
Turn in for a house-made beef pasty with gravy and slaw for less than $10, and linger over the million-dollar view of Lake Michigan. There are binoculars at the tables to really take it all in.

Mr. FoIsie’s Pasties (below the bridge!)

154 Leisure St., Cadillac | (231) 779-9042
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.

What’s your favorite pit stop for pasties in Northern Michigan? Comment below!

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