Where to Pull Over for Pasties in Northern Michigan

If the number of road signs for pasty shops popping up amid the wooded hillsides and beach towns of Northern Michigan is any indication, these meat-and-root-veggie hand pies have now evolved to “world’s-perfect-road-food” status. Whether you’re grabbing a five-buck lunch or filling the cooler by the dozen, here are a few beloved pasty shops.

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Pasties Above the Bridge

The Pasty Oven

The LTR (Large Traditional with Rutabaga) has a just-right balance of beef-and-pork filling to golden crust. They’re simply wonderful. Road trip bonus: ample truck and camper parking. // W7279 US 2, Quinnesec // (906) 776-0990

Irontown Pasties

They serve the classics to be sure, plus gluten-free and vegan options (both with one-hour notice) so everyone in the station wagon is happy. The chicken pot pie or jalapeño popper mini pasties make for irresistible Yooper fast food. // 801 N. Teal Ave., Negaunee // (906) 475-6828

Epoufette Bayview Inn

Turn in for a house-made beef pasty with gravy and slaw and linger over the million-dollar view of Lake Michigan. There are binoculars at the tables to really take it all in. // W5961 US 2, Naubinway // (906) 292-0061

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Photo by Allison Jarrell

Pasties Below the Bridge

Mr. FoIsie’s Pasties

The U.P. Cornish miners might scoff at this meatless wonder—until they tasted it. What a crust (!) and the skin-on potato, onions, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots and rutabeggie inside are robust and well-seasoned. // 154 Leisure St., Cadillac // (231) 779-9042

Cousin Jenny’s Cornish Pasties

You can get a traditional steak pastie, or venture out and try the French potato with ham, Monterey cheese, green onions and sour cream, or the rye-crust German pasty with Swiss cheese, ham and sauerkraut. // 222 E. State St. Suite 102, Traverse City // (231) 941-7821

Goodale’s Bakery

You’ll find the classics—chicken and beef—alongside endless glazed, frosted and sugar-dusted doughnuts. A delightful scene indeed. // 500 Norway St., Grayling // (989) 348-8682

Pro Tip: The Pasty Guy website has pasty rankings and even a pasty road trip map.

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