Lehto's Pasties

Great meat pocket. Kind of reminded me of a Runza with a pie crust, instead of bread. Regardless, it’s good. Make sure to get the gravy as well. Outdoor seating available or take it to the beach.

Friendly owner and great food! I came in right before hopping on the ferry and found the beef pasty a delicious and mess free breakfast to have on the way to Mackinac Island. The pasty reminded me of a samosa, with a flaky crusty exterior and a soft and savory filling; in other words, very tasty.

First time here. Very good pasties. I could tell this was going to be good just taking it out of the wrapper. Starting with the homemade flaky crust, the meat to veg ratio was perfect. Contents were sliced thin, not cubed or minced, and well seasoned which made for a delicious meal. Solid gravy to round out the meal. Will stop again next time I'm there

First time having a pastie and Lehto’s did not disappoint! Bobby was great with the recommendations, the beef was definitely the best one! The bread was crispy, the texture of the beef and potatoes together was perfectly smooth, and the gravy was delicious with each bite.

Great crust, well prepared and flavorful filing, though I’d be willing to pay a little more for extra meat. First trip ordered beef and chicken. When we arrived at the beach one was vegetarian/vegetable. Fine, but I dislike eggplant. On next trip mentioned this, and they gave a chx, gratis. An unexpected pleasantry.

Very straightforward Pasties place across from the Ferry. The gentleman working was really nice. Appears to be family run. Menu is straightforward and simple. Once they run out they are out. The Pastie itself was delicious and worth it. Definitely an upper peninsula experience you have to do/try/eat.

This is by far the best pasties we have ever had. Even after becoming full, it was hard to stop eating. The filling is perfectly balanced and filled to the brim. The bread was perfectly cooked. The gravy is drinkable on its own. On top of an excellent meal, the service was outstanding. Extremely friendly guy who looks like he loves what he does for a living. I would highly recommend this shop whether you're staying in St. Ignace or just stopping for a drive break after you get over the bridge before you head farther into the beautiful Upper Peninsula.

We got one of each of the flavors, beef, checked and vegetable. Each one has it's advantages. The beef was hearty and the equivalent to a hamburger on how easy it is eaten. The chicken was like eating a chicken pot pie. And the veggie was the one with the most savory of flavors.

Great pasties, as good as any church sale could be. I stock up every year for a hearty meal to throw in the oven for my husband and I.

Came on a random Thursday and was greeted warmly. The person we talked to was friendly and offered some suggestions. We grabbed the beef and veggie and took them to the beach. Both were a good size, and I thought the price was appropriate. We actually liked the veggie one more than the beef, which we were surprised about! The veggie one had really great flavor. The beef was good too, but I think I would have liked to dip it in some gravy (which I'll remember for next time). I'd definitely come back, and everyone should stop by since it's a must when visiting the area!

As we are in the UP, we were told we must try a pastie and this place had decent reviews and was right up the road. First impressions, they definitely have some heft to them! The outside baked crust is crisp and tasty. My husband's beef pastie was filled with beef, similar to other posters pictures and he really enjoyed his. Everything was hot too I have a tough time eating beef so opted for the chicken option and while my sandwich was tasty, it was truly 95% potato, a tiny bit of carrots and just very, very little chicken. Maybe I got the bottom of the bowl or something, but it definitely needed more protein. He did have a veggie option available today as well. This place is super popular spot and the sandwiches are $8.50 each, we ordered a gravy, as per other Yelp recommendations and we shared that. It was an additional two dollars. He gives you a lot gravy!! Parking is very limited out front, but we found people were in and out pretty quick. There are a couple picnic tables where you can sit and eat but honestly, he really just doesn't have the room for that so get it to go. The owner seems super friendly, and I love the fact that so many people are supporting his business. Another UP box checked!

I am sure these are fine pasties as pasties go but as a first timer I have to say they did not wow me. I wasn't surprised because this is not known to be a dish bursting with flavor and spice. This is an old school workman staple. We tried the beef and the veggie. Both were solid but again nothing that made me say I need to get these again. Nonetheless the worker was friendly and the price reasonable.

Do you need dinner or lunch? You can either take the pasties cooked or cook them at home. Don't forget the gravy.

We had heard that Lehto's pasties are a must when visiting the UP. I had a beef pasty and it was wonderful! I ordered the gravy, it was good, but it really wasn't needed. The lady at the counter was kind and helpful. It was a great experience and we will definitely return when in the area!!

Great food and loved the outdoor dining. Great location in Saint Ignace. We for the chicken and beef pastie. My favorite was the beef. Service was great. Highly recommend.

"I like to do just like the rest, I like my sugar sweet But guarding fumes and making haste It ain't my cup of meat" (Bob Dylan) Today I sampled for the first time in my life a Michigan favorite food known as a "pastie". I also learned how NOT to mispronounce it. Say "Pastie" so it rhymes with "Nasty", not like it rhymes with "Tasty". It's a hand-held meat-and-vegetable pie that goes way back over centuries in English history. Want proof? Well, how about learning that Geoffrey Chaucer wrote about them in the 1400's. They were a food staple for English mineworkers due to their portability and convenience, and when English immigrants came over to work the Michigan iron mines in the 1800's, Pasties gained a foothold in the U.S. Lehto's sells 3 pasties - beef, chicken and vegetables. When we walked in, only the beef variety ($9.01 after tax) remained. It was a pretty big "croissant-like" pastry filled with a thick blend of Beef, Potato, Onions, and Rutabaga. Seriously, it was a big portion, certainly big enough for two as an evening snack. It was delicious, plain and simple. Customer service was great, and our server hooked us up with plastic silverware and paper plates to take our prize back to the hotel.

Such friendly service and a wonderful, stuffed pasty. Good value, close to the ferries, classic name in pasties with Michigan beverages.

Forgot to take pictures of the pasties as I only got frozen ones and ate them later. But was pleasantly surprised at how well they turned out after a few days still. Definitely pretty good in terms of taste and quantity for the price. However the only reason I gave them only 3 stars instead of 4 is that there is not much of a menu selection to choose from. In terms of pasties themselves, I would've loved if I could get more than just one flavor from them.

This was my first Pastie experience and it was AMAZING! I had the option of getting my Pastie hot, cold, or frozen. You could also get gravy for it.

For over 5 decades I've been doing here. Nearly since I could walk. We still stop every time we drive by. Everything is good, or they wouldn't still be in business. Highly recommended. They serve pasties fresh or frozen. Get some for now and later. Had some whitefish dip last time. Was good. There is only one place that makes better pasties. That was grandma and I can't those anymore friends.

This was my first time in Michigan traveling and trying out the local cuisine. I'd never had a pastie before but it's apparently one of the staples. These things are a meal fit for two and it's like a hot pocket but filled like a pot pie. I regret not getting the gravy with it to see what that was all about. By the time we got there late in the evening they were down to the beef, potato and Rutabaga. Overall I enjoyed it, it was hot, fresh, made on the daily with a limited supply and was a nice experience. 4/5 would recommend to a friend for a pastie and add the gravy.

Delicious! Definitely stop here for pasties if in St. Ignace First, what are pastys? The Upper Peninsula is synonymous with the pasty (pronounced PASS-tee), which are handheld meat and veggie pies - typically root veggies like potatoes, carrots and rutabaga. Lehto's is on the main street, across from the lake. It's pick-up only, no seating inside. Family owned since 1947! They offer beef, chicken, and veggie pasties And gravy on the side. As well as Chili, soup, and cookies. Lehto's pasty is hoagie shapped (oblong vs. a round hand pie) Their filling was super moist, so it didn't really need the gravy, but we wanted to try the full experience! It's very tasty and filling! We'd definitely go back Other: Bottled drinks are available There are picnic tables on the side to eat outside. A very small parking lot and then nearby street parking My rating rationale +1 Service +1 Food~Taste/flavor/quality +1 Presentation +1 Atmosphere/vibe +1 Value

Its a must stop while exploring Northern Michigan and the UP. It ain't fancy. They have pasties and thats about it. I did grab some smoked fish dip that was delicious as well. Pasties are something you either love or hate. These were decent. I would have preferred them a little moister inside. Ketchup helped but didn't solve the problem. The staff was friendly and efficient.

Easily the best pasties in the UP. We've been traveling in the UP for the past week and trying pasties along the way. I love pasties and I've missed them since moving from Michigan. These were the best. Non-traditional shape, but the best seasoning. Flaky crust, moist filling, with plenty of meat, potatoes and rutabaga. Very reasonably priced. Well done!!

Love Letho's! It's always my 1st stop after crossing the bridge or when leaving the UP. Get them for a meal and buy a couple frozen to go for later. Always get the beef someday will try the veggie, I always say that...

I hadn't had pasties since I was in England years ago. These were delicious: crispy pie crust and beef and onions inside. Definitely get the gravy for dipping. Wish I had some now!

This location of Lehto's Pasties sells beef, veggie, and chicken pasties, unlike the location on Highway 2, which only has beef pasties. Nate and I stopped here on our way back down state to try a chicken pasty and get some frozen to take home. They didn't have any frozen chicken available, so we got one hot chicken pasty and one hot beef pasty, as well as a frozen veggie. There are a few picnic tables outside and a couple of parking spots, so we sat down to try the chicken pasty, which we hadn't had before. It was ok, but I really prefer the beef over the chicken. The chicken pasty had a weird spice in it that I couldn't place, but I think it was nutmeg or cinnamon, something warm that I didn't really care for. The veggie pasty has raisins in it, so I'm interested in trying that soon. The beef pasty was good, but it needed some salt. I've had pasties from both Lehto's locations multiple times this year and I'm a little surprised at the varying levels of seasoning each time. Luckily they have salt and pepper packets available, as well as some tasty savory gravy you can purchase to dunk your pasty in. This location also sells merchandise (t-shirts, magnets) and smoked whitefish dip as well as smoked fish. There is no restroom available but there are public restrooms just down the street a bit in the downtown area of St. Ignace.

Service was great. Came in right before closing and was able to order food no problem. It seems they put a lot of heart into their food. I would give it a 5 but I am not a fan of the pasties.The people with me enjoyed them a lot

The absolute BEST pasties. Perfectly done crust, the beef, rutabaga, and potatoes were cooked SO nicely. Service was quick- we WILL be back.

I can't speak for the food, because when we found out they don't have gravy, we left. I just have to have the gravy. The cashier was very nice about it though. There's also no indoor seating, and only one table for two was in the shade.

My friend and I were looking forward to going here during the end of our trip to the UP. I was pleasantly surprised when they were open on the 4th of July. There was a parade barring direct access from the main street but with some creative routing we made it. The owner (or whoever was available at the time) was hanging out outside with other folks waiting for the parade to roll around. When she saw us we ducked inside for 5 minutes, our pasties were put in a bag and we were good to go. (And she was free to enjoy the parade) :) I couldn't ask for easier service or time from a pastie place. We got 1 beef and 1 chicken pastie (+1 cup of gravy to share) we both enoyed ours tremendously. Both pasties were fresh with crispy outside crust and moist full interiors. There was no scimping on the filling. This style of pastie also looked like a burrito, so while you don't get the crimped crust on one side, you DO get more moist meat filling. We ate our pasties before I could take my own photos but the pre-existing ones on Yelp are accurate. I wish I knew of more places like this in my local area. Lehto's is a legit establishment and I would be more than happy to return the next time I'm up north. Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Ambiance: 5/5

Out of towner, and was really struggling to find a meal in this lakeside town that sound appealing. Well I found the spot, this little spot had great food, great people working the register, where kind and nice, and the food was amazing. I never have had a Pastie or have heard of one and it was delicious. Felt like a chicken pot pie in your hand almost. Don't forget to grab a monster cookie !!!

I didn't like then at all. Sure, they may be just right for some, but this wasn't close to what I expected. It all seemed over-boiled and mushy, like someone already chewed it up. Meat was hard to find. Flavor was okay, so two stars.

Always a hit! I love the veggie pasty (worth the drive into St Ignace even if you're just passing through!); the rest of the fam prefers beef. Wish they had umbrellas for the outdoor tables...too hot to sit and enjoy on a sunny day!

Great tasting pasties beef gravy was a good addition for a wonderful experience service was excellent

We had our first pastie experience here and it was great! The spot was recommended by a local and didn't disappoint.

Worth it. We hunt for places like this. You will not find another pastie this good. Layered, tender, not dry, excellent dipping gravy, and pretty much perfect.

It doesn't look like much but it is good comfort food. Beef and potatoes inside a pastry outer shell. I think it tastes the best hot and fresh.

We got half dozen frozen ones to go - a mix of meat and veggie. They were fantastic and reheating instructions Simple. Loved them, should've gotten 2 dozen.

We only had pasty's twice while visiting the U.P. Both times were in St Ignace. These were by far the best. They didnt seem to be as heavy on the bread and were packed with more meat than veggies. The other place came with free gravy, and they needed it. The ones from Lehto's didnt need gravy.

Quick service and delicious! One of the better pasties in the area. I went in and grabbed my pasty, they gave me utensils and a plate since it was to-go order and I was on my way.

Stopped in @3pm on Sunday after many recommendations. Place was sold out except for 1 vegetarian.... Normally hurrah for them but they were supposed to be open till 5pm Apparently they don't make more and close WTH Pastie was ok but beef or chicken are better. Last word! Call ahead 3 stars on reputation

This is the Real Deal. Forget about Alby's; these are the best pasties in the north! Pro Tip: if you can't get into the shop in downtown St Ignace, take the drive fifteen minutes or so west on US-2 to the Original Lehto's shop, near Gros Cap Rd. There's gobs of parking and rarely a crowd there. The only pasty question that remains is: Do you eat your pasties with ketchup or gravy?

I literally make sure we purposely drive to this shop when in the UP. My mouth is salivating just thinking about it. I tried all the other shops in the town, and then I found Letto's. The pasty is always fresh, flaky, savory, and who knew I could fall in love with rutabagas. The gravy you dip in is to die for. The owner is always kind and quick with orders. My heart if pasties belongs to Letto's forever.

Excellent homemade. No inside seating. Liked the beef version better than chicken (too salty).

The beef pastie was good and eaten before a picture. No handle and a rather homogenous, but tasty inside didn't place it in the most photogenic category anyway. The filing was very tasty with a flaky (lard) crust. They do have other options here such as soup and salad but can't comment on those.

Excellent pasties across from the ferry to Mackinaw Island from St Ignace. They do not add gravy, but it is available for a price. Early in the day they have beef, chicken and veggie available, less choices as the day goes on.

Delicious! No indoor seating and only a couple of picnic tables outside, so in inclement weather you have to get it to go, which can be tricky with gravy, but we were traveling down state so we did.

Simple place filled with quality workers and even better food! When you make a specialty right, you don't need a complicated menu! Beef, chicken, and veggie pasties are available plus some soups, drinks, and desserts! The owner is very generous, patient, and friendly! Would definitely recommend adopting this place as your go-to pastie spot!

No handle? The Lehto's pastie doesn't need one. Rich crunchy crust, and layered dense delicious filling. Good gravy. Good service. Great pastie. Also, soft drink fridge full of Faygo, and they serve chili. So much love for Lehto's.

First time in the U. P., came up for the fudge that I've been missing since I was a kid in Northern California. I've had Cornish pasties in AZ, so now had to try these. Went to the State Street store across from Shepler's Ferry, as they had the variety. Great service...& the pasties! I won't say how many hot & frozen pasties I purchased...or the cookie...or the smoked whitefish pâté, but the hot ones didn't disappoint, can't wait to eat the frozen ones, the cookie was great & the whitefish pâté became a craving that I now miss since I've eaten it all. It was all SO GOOD!! A big recommend from me.

Had the veggie pasty. Was delicious. Don't forget the gravy. Ate outside on the picnic tables. Lehtos is almost at the end of town coming from the Bridge. So keep driving through town. Would eat there again.

Great spot to grab pasties. Super convenient to Shepler's ferry service- literally across the street. Stopped both before trip to the island and on our return. Beef pasty was flavorful and stuffed. Could have split it. Vegetarian- not for me, but my wife enjoyed it for something different. Stop in and enjoy.

Two stars for friendly staff clean building. I've eaten pasties for 60 years, not sure what that was

We picked up a beef pasty and a vege pasty, also smoked white fish. Delish. We always seek out Letho's, as the pasties are the best.

fantastic pasties. definitely old school the way they're suppose to be made. my "go-to" whenever I visit Da UP. I am a transplanted Yooper. Live in Las Vegas now but Rudyard will ALWAYS be home. Another reason I really love Lehto's is they have been around one year longer than me. I'm a 1948 model, 3rd generation Finn, so I know a good pasty !

Nice sized pasties. We planned on them just being an afternoon snack. Quite filling. We had a beef and a chicken.