I don’t know who Ron is or how he started advertising his pasties, but I don’t care. These are some of the best pasties in the Lower Peninsula and maybe all of Michigan. That’s a big statement, but Ron is apparently from L’Anse, based off a Google review from a few years ago.
If you were driving down M-59, you probably wouldn’t even know they had pasties. Found on the east side of Howell on M-59, you can find these pasties at Great Lakes Custom Meats & More. Again, there is no mention of pasties from Great Lakes or anywhere on the outside of the building.
In fact, it’s only an assumption that what I ate was in fact Ron’s Pasties because not even the pasty was labeled as from Ron. The only thing with any mention of Ron’s Pasties is on Facebook and Instagram. It appears in 2018 he decided to start some social media pages and never use them again. The Ron’s Pasties website was up at one point, but as of writing, it was down.
If you’re looking for a U.P.-style pasty in the L.P., this is it. From the golden brown (lard) crust and handle to the perfect amount of rutabaga, this hit the spot.
Sure, it’s not a perfect crimp, but I don’t think Ron cares. The crust had excellent crisp and flake, and the only thing missing was maybe a touch of salt. Eating the crust alone, it tasted a bit bland, but in unison, I think it worked well enough with the goods inside.
I don’t know what it is, but most of the pasties I’ve had with sliced veggies always seem to be good. That was the case with this pasty. Everything was sliced and that allowed the meat to intersperse thoroughly throughout the pasty. As seen in the pictures, you get almost an equal amount of meat, potato and rutabaga in every bite.
By itself, the insides were as good as can be. The Pasty Girl had a taste and thought a touch of salt would’ve been nice, but I don’t always agree with her taste buds.
This pasty made me happy. In a random, somewhat middle of nowhere meat shop without a mention of pasty anywhere, are some of the best pasties I’ve had.
On the downside, the pasties are never fresh. Ron makes them in mass quantities when he has time and then puts them in a freezer/fridge for purchase. That’s a downside, but it’s something you should get past.
Taste: 4.5 (out of 5)
Crust: 4.5 (out of 5)
Pasty Presentation: 4.5 (out of 5)
The Shop: 2 (out of 3)
Would I come back for Pasties?: 2 (out of 2)
I am originally from Bay City. I have a hunting cabin in Kalkaska and I live in Virginia. So on my way coming up I have tried a few spots that aren’t much out of my way. I stopped into here looking for a hot pasty before I read your review. And found out everyting was frozen. Not a good day for me. But I did purchase one and heated it up at parents. It was pretty good. For me it was a 3 out of 5.
Nice. There’s not a ton on that route unless you go west through Cadillac. There is a place in Midland, though, so not too far off the main road.
I do know who Ron is and he is a great guy and makes fantastic pasties. Years ago I would take orders from my workplace and they ordered a ton of them. Ron’s pasties are my favorite in all of Michigan. I’ve eaten them in the U.P. and I’ve eaten them in lower Michigan and by far, Ron’s are the best. Thanks Ron and your family for the best pasty ever!!!
Haha, thanks for reading, Cindy!