Pasty Perfection From The U.P. To Metro Detroit

October 24, 2023
Traditional Cornish pasty filled with beef meat, potato and vegetables on black plate.

While Metro Detroit may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about pasties, Michigan surely has created a home for them. With roots in the Upper Peninsula and the mining industry, these hearty, handheld dishes are a Michigan staple. The traditional pasty is filled with meat, potatoes, and veggies, and these are flaky, filling, and delicious. When you’re in the mood for the Upper Peninsula favorite, make sure to stop at one of these spots.

MOTOR CITY PASTY COMPANY

Pasties on the go? Yes, please! With a food truck popping up at events across the state, the Motor City Pasty Company is a pasty-lovers-dream. “The Motor City Pasty Company is a passion project of mine,” shares owner Jason Edberg. “Born and raised in a small Upper Peninsula town, pasties were a staple growing up. Having lived in Metro Detroit for over 20 years, I’ve tried many of the pasty offerings in the area and, while there are some good ones, they just weren’t the same as the pasties ‘back home.’ I have a ‘day job’ as an executive at a local engineering firm, so I started the pasty food truck as a hobby/side hustle in 2017. My mission was to bring an authentic taste of my Upper Peninsula home to the people of Metro Detroit, and we’ve built a loyal following over the past several years.” Check out their site to see where Motor City Pasty Company is appearing next. 

motor city pasty co tray of pasties
Photo courtesy of Motor City Pasty Company

BARB’S PASTIES & PIZZA

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610 South Main Street, Clawson

Family-owned and operated for 35 years, Barb’s Pasties & Pizza is a Metro Detroit must. Using Barb’s Copper Country recipe, pasties come in beef, chicken, and vegetables, with optional beef or chicken gravy. Served hot, cold, or frozen, you can have pasties on hand whenever you want a cozy meal. 

THE PASTY SHOP

13255 Northline Road, Southgate

The Pasty Shop in Southgate offers up, you guessed it, pasties, and some pretty good ones too. The small shop features regular beef, chicken, and carrot and rutabaga pasties all with the option of adding more extras such as broccoli, potatoes, and cauliflower. Be sure to follow the family-operated store on Facebook for updates on products and hours of operation.

UNCLE PETER’S PASTIES

52155 Van Dyke Avenue, Shelby Charter Township

6215 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston

2573 South Lapeer Road, Lake Orion

Uncle Peter’s Pasties has three locations to dine in, but they also deliver nationwide for anyone wanting a taste of this Michigan classic. On the menu, there are over 2 dozen pasties to choose from, including gluten-free and coconut oil options. Available hot or frozen, you can get your traditional beef or chicken pasties, but also unique options like ghost pepper, bacon, egg, and cheese, bacon cheeseburger, spinach and feta, and many more. 

SUPERIOR PASTIES

34379 Plymouth Road, Livonia

The aptly titled Superior Pasties has been providing Livonia residents with superior pasties for the better part of 32 years. Featuring locally sourced ingredients and a homemade recipe, their wide-ranging handmade pasties are some of the best around. From beef, to broccoli and cheese, to chicken fajita, and shepherd’s pie pasties, you can’t go wrong at Superior Pasties!

This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on October 26, 2018.

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