Best Pasties in Michigan: 10 Shops Worth the Drive
After reviewing 100-plus pasty shops across Michigan and beyond, I decided to build another trail. Instead of a trail only covering the Upper Peninsula, this one is the definitive list of the best Michigan pasties from Metro Detroit to the tip of the Keweenaw. Consider this the Best Pasty Trail, hitting every region of the state.
Barb’s Pasties — Clawson
TPG Rating: 17.5/20
Barb’s pasties are straight from Copper Country, and her family has a long tradition of making them. They are one of the first I reviewed for The Pasty Guy and even though I don’t live in the area anymore, I still make sure to stop in when nearby. Found in a hole-in-the-wall just off Main Street in Clawson, this is the best pasty you’ll find in metro Detroit.
Read the full Barb’s Pasties review
Viki’s Bridge Street Pasty Shop — Saranac
TPG Rating: 16/20
Saranac is definitely not on any usual routes and unfortunately for me I don’t get to visit Viki’s as often as I’d like. But this is one of the best pasties in the Lower Peninsula. If you want something that is closer to traditional U.P style, this is one of the closest options in the L.P. Off the beaten path east of Grand Rapids, it’s worth the detour if you have time.
Mr. Foisie’s Pasties — Cadillac
TPG Rating: 17/20
Speaking of U.P.-style pasties, Mr. Foisie’s is also one of them that produces something similar, founded in 1987. The crust is one of the best in the Lower Peninsula with plenty of crispiness and flakiness. This is one of my go-to spots when traveling to the Traverse City area or really, anywhere north and west in the Lower Peninsula.
Read the full Mr. Foisie’s review
Shier’s Pasties & More — Midland
TPG Rating: 16.5/20
Formerly a deli, Shier’s went full-on pasties in 2026 and didn’t turn back. Unsurprisingly, the recipe is from “bonafide Yooper,” which is why it’s still around in Midland. When traveling north, Shier’s is probably one of the more convenient stops off US-10.
Lehto’s Pasties — St. Ignace
TPG Rating: 16/20
This is one of the first pasty stops after crossing the Mackinac Bridge and probably the most popular shop along US-2. Family-made, fresh daily, with a lard-loaded crust that makes you want more. In the middle of summer, the US-2 location is always packed and while they have a spot in downtown St. Ignace, getting them from the source is better, west of the Bridge.
The Pasty Oven — Quinnesec
TPG Rating: 18/20
One of the highest ratings on my list, The Pasty Oven is always one I try to stop by when driving through. Most importantly for me, who drives through US-2 a lot, being open at 9:30 a.m. is key. Their website is Pastys.com and they used to have a theme song. That’s dedication. If you haven’t been, get here.
Read the full Pasty Oven review
Joe’s Pasty Shop — Ironwood
TPG Rating: 16/20
“The pasty that made pasties famous. Since 1946.” Joe’s has some of the best prices in the business and more rutabaga than you’ve seen in a single pasty. On the far west side of the U.P., I don’t visit often, but it shows you can’t skip any portion of the state if you’re looking to try them all.
Read the full Joe’s Pasty Shop review
Slim’s Cafe — Mohawk
TPG Rating: 17.5/20
As the winner of numerous Pasty Fests, it wasn’t hard to include Slim’s on here. They’re closed Mondays and Tuesdays, and have frozen ones available until sold out, so call ahead if desperate. Slim’s is just north of Houghton in Mohawk, an unincorporated community in the Keweenaw with no defined boundaries or population statistics. Yeah, go here.
Read the full Slim’s Cafe review
Lawry’s Pasty Shop — Ishpeming
TPG Rating: 18/20
Near the top of my rankings since my first visit, I’ve never forgotten the feel of their original shop. The smell. You can taste pasties in the air. Lawry’s has been at it since 1946 in Ishpeming. The 17-ounce pasty is awesome. They also have a newer Marquette location, but the original Ishpeming shop is the move.
Muldoon’s Pasties & Gifts — Munising
TPG Rating: 17.5/20
The perfect final stop. Muldoon’s hits what you think a U.P. crust should taste like. They have two locations in Munising, and one of them has a Bigfoot out front. Muldoon’s is popular because of location and that’s a good enough reason to end your trip here. Grab your pasty and head to Pictured Rocks.
Read the full Muldoon’s review
The Route
This road trip covers almost 1,000 miles and hits every region of Michigan. Start in Metro Detroit, swing through West Michigan, head north through Cadillac and Midland, cross the Bridge, and loop through the entire U.P. ending at Pictured Rocks.
The Best Pasty Trail is unrealistic to do in a weekend. Honestly, it may even be too much to do in a week because there is so much to do and so many pasties to eat. For the U.P.-only versions, The Pasty Trail covers most of the bigger-name places, while The Pasty Trail 2 includes breweries and a few more sights.
New to pasties? Check out What Is a Michigan Pasty? and see how 100-plus shops stack up on the Pasty Rankings.