There is a lot of praise in the hidden corners of the internet for the pasties at Shier’s Deli in Midland (also known as Shier’s Artisan Foods). Found north of downtown, not many would think of a sandwich shop as a place for pasties, but that’s what brought me inside.

Before we get to the pasty, there are some things you need to know about Shier’s. They sell hot pasties all day Wednesday and then after 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Of course, you can get a frozen one any day of the week (they open at 11 a.m.), but that’s not nearly the same. For the out-of-towners, Shier’s is only a few minutes south of US-10.

Some will wonder exactly how Shier’s got this pasty recipe having been in existence since only late 2014. The owner is from Midland and has been around the country, but the pasty comes from the “bonafide Yooper” of the shop. The two met while the Yooper had his food truck stationed at the Midland Brewing Company and the rest is history as the Yooper brought the pasty recipe to Shier’s (this was confirmed in person).

With the backstory out of the way, this pasty is as good as advertised, which can’t be said about many things. It’s easily one of the bigger pasties on the market and has to be at least 16 oz. I ate it in the early afternoon and wasn’t hungry until… the next morning. It’s that filling.

Coming from a deli, it was somewhat surprising (although maybe shouldn’t have been) to experience a legit crust in Midland. Everything was there from the flake to the crisp and of course the taste. I’d bet my money that they use lard for it.

The insides were top of the line with an enormous amount of beef. I’d even say there was too much beef, but I’ll never go that far. There’s even a healthy amount of rutabaga. The salt may have been on the high level, but again, it wasn’t so overwhelming that it was something I’d complain about.

Shier’s has a dang-good pasty that is near the top of the charts in all of Michigan. Their hours are questionable, but it’s in Midland so what do you want?

Taste: 4 (out of 5)
Crust: 4.5 (out of 5)
Pasty Presentation: 4 (out of 5)
The Shop: 2 (out of 3)
Would I come back for Pasties?: 2 (out of 2)

Total Pasty Rating: 16.5 (of 20 points)

(Reviewed Summer 2017, Fall 2018, Summer 2019)

Through my numerous visits, Shier’s has been consistent in putting out a solid pasty, loaded with meat and rutabaga. Fresh are the way to go, but frozen ones get the job done, as well.