Pasty Haus was always on my list of places to check out, yet it probably took me a little too long. I didn’t think a pasty shop that also sells bubble tea and ice cream was actually a real place. And maybe that’s how more people around the state feel, but after reading this, hopefully that changes.

Pasty Haus, found in downtown Frankenmuth (at the River Place Shops), is a hidden gem that surprised me. I questioned the 20-plus options on the menu, but after one visit, there’s no longer a question. Even better, they have vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free pasties available. Not many pasty shops can say that, if any at all. As of note, you may be lucky and get a fresh gluten-free one, but it may be best to call ahead. The same goes for the pasties that aren’t available hot. On any given day, only six-to-eight flavors are ready to eat even though the menu runs about 20 deep.

Prices are a bit high and that’s mostly due to being a pasty shop in downtown Frankenmuth. That’s just how it works. Gluten-free pasties come in at 11 bucks, while regular ones are closer to $8.

The feel is different than your normal pasty shop and that’s partly because of everything else they sell. The crowd tends to be younger, though pasties surely add a few years to the average age of customers.

The Traditional Beef pasty is the one I originally reviewed and it has everything you’d expect to find with beef and pork the main ingredients. It was evident from the look and taste that the chefs mastered the pasty-making process and that makes Pasty Haus a must-visit in the Lower Peninsula.

What stands out most may be the crust, which is thick, flaky and most importantly, not dry. They look more like U.P. pasties (smaller handle) and that’s fine because according to the site, they were taught by local Yooper residents. I wouldn’t even be opposed to eating the crust by itself. That’s when you know you’ve hit the correct recipe.

There are some differences in these pasties, mainly that the potato used is a red potato, which is uncommon. That may not seem like a big deal, but red potatoes have a more distinct flavor than russet potatoes. That gave a different overall taste, which made them harder to rate.

While everything tasted great, there are some things that could be fixed. There was an abundance of carrots and rutabaga, which took over numerous bites. That’s not a terrible thing, but when I can’t see any meat while eating a pasty, that’s a problem. On its own, the meat was kind of dry and tasted almost overcooked. To top it off, this may be the first pasty that goes overboard on pepper and not salt.

I pointed out some flaws, but The Pasty Guy has different taste buds than everyone else. Some will like the red potatoes and extra pepper and that’s fine. Either way, these pasties are in the conversation for one of the best in the mitten and can’t be ignored, even if the shop also serves bubble tea and ice cream.

Oh… and they also have dog pasties.

Taste: 4 (out of 5)
Crust: 4.5 (out of 5)
Pasty Presentation: 4 (out of 5)
The Shop: 2.5 (out of 3) They have a big menu, but only some are available hot.
Would I come back for Pasties?: 2 (out of 2)

Total Pasty Rating: 17 (of 20 points)

(Reviewed early Winter 2018 at old location, Summer 2019 at new location)

Chicken Pot Pie