Miners Pasty Kitchen

4 stars. Pasties-meat and veggies baked in pastry-are big in this area, assuming from the mining/coal history. Small shop with menu of five pasties on our visit. The traditional is a beef/pork blend with numerous vegetables including rutabaga which is rarely seen on menus. Other choices were chicken, veggie, breakfast, & gluten free. The pastry around these softball size meals was light and flaky, barely holding the filling. Best to eat with fork. The filling is reminiscent of a pot pie, but without the “gravy”. Chicken had a spice profile with something creating a level of heat-cayenne?-that was unexpected and took away from my enjoyment unfortunately. Beef/pork was delicious and imo a better choice. If you visit here, there is (at least during our time) a superstar menu item hiding in plain sight. On the counter they sell large square slices of homemade carrot cake. We enjoy this almost everywhere we go and regularly at home. I thought I had found the best anywhere at a bakery in So Cal but I can say unequivocally that this is THE BEST I have ever had!!! Moist, herbaceous, loaded with carrot, lots of sweet coconut, and just the right amount of raisins. Topped with a perfect portion of homemade frosting, with cream cheese I believe. Added a slice to our original lunch visit and the next day had to go get another slice. If you like carrot cake, on a visit here or even if you have to take a side trip to get here, it’s a 100% do not miss imo.

The gluten free yooper pie was very good. My family enjoyed the yooper pastie. They have plenty of outdoor seating. The only drawback was they were short staffed. The staff was friendly and helpful. They can sell out. They had a long line and only a few hot pasties left.