Nothing beats biting into a steaming beef pasty on a bone-chilling Minnesota day.
These flaky, golden pockets of meat and potatoes are more than food—they’re comfort in hand-held form. Each one carries the warmth of a kitchen that knows how to fight the cold with flavor. From small-town diners to tucked-away cafés, Minnesota’s best pasties are served with care, packed with savory fillings that make your fingers greasy and your heart full.
Locals return like clockwork, chasing that perfect balance of crust and filling, the kind that sticks to your ribs and makes snowstorms feel trivial. Step inside these restaurants, and you’ll find more than meals—you’ll find tradition. Each bite is a nod to miners, farmers, and families who made the pasty a staple in Minnesota kitchens.
Cold outside? No problem. A hot pasty is all the heat you need.
Potter’s Pasties & Pies
In the Twin Cities, Potter’s Pasties & Pies is synonymous with flaky, hearty pasties — including the traditional beef, potato, onion, and carrot filling that feels exceptional on a cold day.
Pasties are an adopted Minnesota favorite thanks to mining-era migrants who brought this portable meal to the Upper Midwest. Potter’s specializes in classic and creative hand pies. Their Traditional Pasty features savory beef with tender potatoes and veggies encased in a durable crust that holds up to travel or chilly walks. Seasonal specials and variations (like Thai or Reuben pasties) make it a fun spot for repeat visits.
Locations in Minneapolis (Como Ave) and a newer St. Paul West 7th take-out kitchen give you options for lunch, dinner, or takeout. Typical prices are around $10–$20, and the vibe is casual, community-oriented — perfect to grab a warm, handheld meal after exploring nearby lakes or winter markets. What makes Potter’s special is its authenticity and variety: you’ll find old-school pasties and inventive fillings alike.
Local fans say this is one of the best places to get a satisfying beef pasty in the Twin Cities — ideal for warming up on a snowy walk.
Pasties Plus
Nestled on Minnesota’s Iron Range, Pasties Plus is a must-visit for pasty lovers. The Iron Range’s mining heritage made pasties a regional classic — hearty meat and veggies wrapped in a warm crust was lunch that lasted through long shifts underground. This take-out spot focuses on classic fillings like Beef & Kraut and the regular meat-and-potato pasty, baked fresh daily.
Customers praise the generous fillings, flaky crust, and complementary gravy that elevates every bite — making it feel especially comforting in colder months.
Pasties Plus is open Tuesday–Friday 10 AM–6 PM and Saturday 10 AM–5 PM, with prices typically $6–$7 per pasty.
There’s no dine-in, but the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming; locals often call ahead for pick-up so their pasties are ready warm when they arrive. It’s worth the trip to Grand Rapids not just for the pasties but for the Iron Range experience: this is where Minnesota’s mining culture and comfort food meet. A hot pasty from here — especially on a brisk northern Minnesota day — warms you from the inside out.
Carlson’s Pasty & Sausage Kitchen
On Minnesota’s Iron Range, Carlson’s Pasty & Sausage Kitchen brings classic pasties to a cozy small-town setting. Biwabik’s local favorite blends hearty ground beef, potatoes, rutabaga, and onions into satisfying hand pies that miners and outdoor workers have enjoyed for generations.
This bakery-deli hybrid also offers house-made sausage — perfect if you’re craving both a savory pasty and something extra on the side.
Reviewers note that Carlson’s pasties are rich and flavorful, though it’s more of a hidden gem than a tourist destination. Open Monday–Saturday with typical lunch-hour hours and prices usually $1–$10, this no-frills spot captures Iron Range nostalgia. The warm, filling food pairs perfectly with snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or exploring the local lakes in winter.
It’s worth a stop for food lovers seeking authentic regional pasties off the beaten path — a traditional, budget-friendly meal with charm as down-to-earth as the town itself.
Milda’s Cafe
In north Minneapolis’s Harrison neighborhood, Milda’s Cafe keeps a decades-old pasty tradition alive.
Local guides mention the diner’s hearty hand pie — affectionately referred to simply as “Jeff’s Pasty” — available fresh on select weekdays. This classic Minnesota diner serves pasties filled with beef, rutabaga, potatoes, and onions — the classic Iron Range combo that warms up cold days and recalls old-school mining lunches.
Open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 8 AM–2 PM, with frozen pasties available on other days, Milda’s keeps prices around $9.99 for a fresh pasty.
It’s worth visiting for that slice of Midwest comfort and nostalgia — the sort of place where regulars drop in for coffee and a pasty before heading out into a crisp winter morning.
Great Harvest Bread Co.
Though not a dedicated pasty shop, Grand Rapids’s Great Harvest Bread Co. regularly bakes pasties alongside its bread and roll lineup.
Local reports highlight the pasty’s steady popularity, with both classic and rutabaga-free versions selling out. The hearty beef and potato pasty here draws visitors warming up from outdoor winter activities or stocking up for cabin trips across northern Minnesota.
Typical cafe hours are early morning to late afternoon, with pasties priced affordably as part of the bakery’s comfort food offerings.
Worth a stop if you’re exploring Grand Rapids’s food scene: you can pair a warm pasty with freshly baked breads and sweets, making it ideal for cold weather walks downtown.
Sunrise Bakery & Deli
A beloved Iron Range institution, Sunrise Bakery & Deli in Hibbing sells classic pasties that locals enjoy year-round. While known for breads and Italian treats, pasties here carry that same hearty combination of ground beef, potatoes, onions, and sometimes rutabaga.
Open early to mid-afternoon most days, this bakery’s pasties make excellent grab-and-go lunches — perfect for warming up after a morning of winter sports or exploring the nearby parks.
Affordable and filling, these pasties capture Iron Range tradition without needing a deep dive into mining history.
Worth visiting for a classic Minnesota bakery experience with a local comfort-food twist, especially on crisp winter days when hearty fare feels just right.
Fulton Street Farmers Market
On weekends, you’ll often find local vendors selling homemade pasties (like “Grampa’s Pasties”) at the Fulton Street Farmers Market — a beloved community hub in Grand Rapids.
These pasties — sometimes traditional beef and veggie — are freshly baked and perfect for sipping coffee as you stroll market stalls.
Markets typically run Saturday mornings, and pasty prices vary by vendor but stay affordable and generous.
Worth a visit for chilly-day explorations; grab a pasty and local produce, then walk around nearby shops and trails catching seasonal sights.
Iron Ranger
In St. Paul’s Grand Avenue area, Iron Ranger is mentioned by locals for offering pasties and other hearty fare — giving Twin Cities foodies a range beyond Minneapolis options.
Though not exclusively a pasty shop, their versions are praised for rich meat fillings and solid crusts that rival range classics.
Typical dinner/lunch hours and moderate prices make it easy to stop in after exploring Capitol Hill or the Mississippi River path.
Worth checking out if you want pasty comfort food paired with a lively local restaurant atmosphere.
Hackenmueller’s Meats & Deli
This longtime Twin Cities butcher and deli sometimes stocks handcrafted pasties that locals love reheating at home — a bit different from dine-in but perfect for cold weather meals.
Pasties here pair well with freshly sliced meats and homemade sides for a full colder-day feast.
Open typical deli hours with prices $10–$20 depending on pasty size and sides.
It’s worth stopping if you want pasty comfort with premium deli offerings to take home and enjoy later.
Lands End Pasty Co.
At Lands End Pasty Co., the aroma of freshly baked pasties greets you the moment you walk through the door. Known for their quick service, this spot is perfect for those on the go. Each pasty is baked to golden perfection, encasing a savory blend of beef and hearty vegetables.
Whether you’re heading to work or exploring the city, a stop here promises a satisfying meal. Lands End Pasty Co. keeps tradition alive with their authentic recipes, ensuring every bite is a taste of home.
Their commitment to quality ingredients and friendly service makes it a must-visit for pasty lovers.
Grab one of these delicious handheld treats and embrace the warmth it brings on a cold Minnesota day.
Sun Street Breads
Nestled in the heart of Minneapolis, Sun Street Breads is a cozy haven for pastry lovers.
Known for their artisanal approach to baking, their beef pasties are a standout. Each bite offers a comforting blend of tender beef, potatoes, and root vegetables encased in a perfectly flaky crust.
The warm, welcoming atmosphere invites patrons to relax with a steaming cup of coffee alongside their pasty. A visit here feels like stepping into a delightful, warm embrace on a cold day.
Fun Fact: The bakery’s founder, Solveig Tofte, competed on the U.S. Baking Team at the Coupe du Monde de la Boulangerie in Paris.
Merlin’s Rest Pub
Step into the heart of Britain right in Minneapolis at Merlin’s Rest Pub.
This charming establishment offers an authentic taste of traditional British cuisine. Their beef pasty, a staple on cold Minnesota days, is renowned for its perfectly seasoned filling and flaky crust.
Whether paired with mashed potatoes or enjoyed solo, each bite is a warm reminder of home-cooked comfort. The pub’s cozy atmosphere and friendly staff add to the delightful experience, making it a favorite among locals.
Did you know? Merlin’s Rest Pub also hosts regular British-themed nights, complete with trivia and live music, enhancing your dining adventure.