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.Â
Whether you’re grabbing a five-buck lunch or filling the cooler by the dozen, here are a few beloved pasties in Northern Michigan:
W7279 US 2, Quinnesec | (906) 776-0990Â
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.
801 N. Teal Ave., Negaunee | (906) 475-6828Â
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.
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.
