I’ve laid the groundwork for pasty trails in the Upper Peninsula and around metro Detroit, but the people still want more. Some of the most popular locations in the state are around the Mackinac Bridge, whether it’s Mackinac Island, Mackinaw City or the Bridge itself. And what do people love more than all of those things combined? Pasties.
I’ve decided to compile every place within a 30-mile radius from the Bridge that sells pasties. This isn’t like The Pasty Trail, which is more of a vacation. This is only about pasties. If you’re in the area and need a pasty, you’re in the right spot. This goes in order of distance from the bridge.
Hunt’s Mackinac Pastie & Cookie Co.
Hunt’s is first on the list because there’s a shop north and south of the Bridge. These pasties are a little different than most of the ones you’ll find… pretty much everywhere in Michigan. There isn’t a handle and they’re kind of folded up on top. They have a few options other than the Traditional, though the cheapest one is $8.59. Review
Taste of the Upper Peninsula (Zodiac’s Party Store)
This is the original pasty shop that got me hooked (somewhat) on pasties as a kid. They may not be the best, but they are extremely convenient if you’re going west on US-2. The pasties aren’t always hot and ready so if you’re in a major rush, call ahead. It’s also connected to a party store if you want to enjoy a pasty and a 6-pack. Review
Suzy’s Pasties
Suzy’s is just down the road from Zodiac’s so if you want to get away from the mass of traffic, drive a couple more minutes and it’s on your right (going west). The crust is kind of hard, but if you can get past that, they at least taste like pasties ($6-7). They are closed in the winter, though I don’t have exact dates. Review
Cunningham’s Family Restaurant
Unfortunately, it looks like COVID-19 took away Cunningham’s and it was closed as of summer 2020.
Lehto’s Pasties
Lehto’s is probably the most popular pasty shop in the area and that’s why they opened another location slightly north of downtown St. Ignace (the original is about eight minutes west of the Bridge). The new one also has a few more options, as the original only has beef. If you aren’t THAT hungry, I probably wouldn’t go here. If you are, the pasties are good and extremely filling coming in at $6-7. Review
Bentley’s B-M-L Cafe
I’ve been to Bentley’s, but have never had the pasty. It’s basically a diner so whatever a diner pasty tastes like. Right?
Bessie’s Homemade Pasties
Bessie’s is north of downtown so it’s kind of under the radar compared to the more popular shops on US-2. Their crust is a bit soft and the inside was lacking meat on the one I experienced, but they have a “Yooper Man” pasty, which is “twice as big and twice as good” as the original. I want to know why they don’t make the original twice as good since it’s more popular but… Review
Millie’s on Main
This place is on Mackinac Island and while I’ve visited the Island multiple times, I’ve never had a pasty at Millie’s, which costs $12.99.
Wildwood Pasties
Wildwood’s is roughly 30 minutes west of the Bridge so it’s the last one that’s truly in the area. This pasty is kind of put together like a burrito and the versions I’ve had lacked a bit of salt, but if you want to be healthy, maybe this is the choice. They are closed from December to April. Review
My UP favorite is Muldoons, but the best under the bridge is from Goodales bakery in Grayling MI. They currently sell for 3.25 ea. They make chicken beef and vegetable pasties. And their baked goods are awesome too.
Awesome. It’s on my list but still haven’t made it there off 75.
We love Muldoons in Munising too!
Cunningham’s had the best pasties south of the bridge. The winter snow collapsed part of the roof and the family decided to not make the repairs and keep the restaurant open. It really was a gem
Bummer. I unfortunately never made it there. Always harder to get pasties at restaurants when traveling.
We came up to Mackinac Island for our mini-moon we stopped in St Ignance and stayed the night. In the morning we went to Bentleys BML diner and I got a breakfast Pasty, which I never knew existed! But it was delicious!
Good to know! I went there a few years ago and didn’t do a pasty for breakfast but need to go back to try the pasty!