Mike's Pastry, Boston

Mike's Pastry Shop on Hanover Street is in the heart of Boston's Italian North End.

If you like Italian cookies, desserts, espresso and gelato, don't pass this up. You'll love it.

One of the photos in Mike's is that of President Bill Clinton. It was taken while he was president. He visited the North End and Mike's to "press the flesh", gain voter support and enjoy the pastries.

HINT: Do NOT drive into the North End looking for a parking place. It's easier to find parking just outside of the North End or better yet take the "T".

It's better to park at a nearby ramp garage and walk a few blocks (10 minutes). Weekend discounted rates are available in the garage across from Quincy Market. The weekday rates are usually $30 - $35 per 24 hours.

Favorite Dish: I love the almond paste cookies. They are very fresh and tasty.

The only thing worth getting from Mike's is the gelato (Itaian version of ice cream that's even creamier). If you want cannolis look acoss the street and you'll see a neon sign that reads "Modern" but is anything but. Mike's fills their cannolis hours before you get them so the shell is soft. For the real deal, go to Modern. The pastries are better, the cannolis are filled when you order them, and you'll pay half the price you would at Mike's.

While Mike's Pastry does offer a huge (and I mean huge) amount of Italian pastries and desserts, I find them to be slightly overrated. The fact that it's always so incredibly crowded in there doesn't make it any better, either... How can you enjoy your tiramisu and caffe when you're constantly being elbowed? If you're looking for some really fantastic cannoli, I'd recommend walking a few blocks to Modern Pastry (also on Hanover St) instead!

This wonderful italian bakery has all sorts of scrumptious goodies! There are a few seats inside but usually they are are taken and there is a line out the door! Counters full of treats line the walls. Check out the whimsical marzipan animals and fruits. Personally I don't find them tasty, but they are great to look at. They even have a gelato counter, which is separate from the pastries. We got gelato and then picked up cannolis to go. Unfortunately when I went they were out of chocolate gelato so had the mocha instead, very tasty!

Favorite Dish: We were stuffed from lunch and the gelato so we got some pastries to go. I got two types of cannolis,and Lou got a napoleon, they were out of this world!

Yes - This is my first stop in the North End of Boston for a Lobster Claw & Coffee!!! No not seafood but real Italian Pastry!!! I lived in Massachusetts until about 25 years ago but let me tell you I go to Mike's Pastry's first thing as it hasn't changed in all those years. It's REAL Italian pastry at it's best. I know a good Italian shop when the Older Italians are having there coffee & pastry's there. It's also run by Italians of all ages. The young girl's that work there their first language is Italian & their Aunt's, Mother's & I've even seen their Grandmother's stop in. It does get busy but is worth the wait or else take it with you & go & have a nice pastry picnic.

Favorite Dish: It's hard to pick a favorite but I would say my favorite is the Lobster claw they always give me 2 forks like I'm going to share it. NOT!! I can tell you that their cannoli's, ricotta cheese pies, marizan cookies everything I've ever had there has been wonderful

Wow! The selection of pastries, bread, cookies, etc, is amazing. I added calories by just walking in and looking at all different things for sale. There are other bakeries in the North End, though this one has the most to offer.

If you want gelato or coffee beverages for take out, line up on the right, by the gelato coolers. If you want pastries and other desserts, line up to the left.

Favorite Dish: Well, I went there twice and had a couple of classic Italian desserts, pistachio gelato and a cannoli! Having just been in Italy 3 months earlier, this place is quite authentic and always crowded. Apparently, when former President Clinton visits Boston, Mike's Pastry is always one of his stops.

SUPURB PASTRIES. Huge crowds wait for a turn to order pastries here. It somehow reminded me of the "soup nazi" episode of Seinfeld (although the folks at Mikes were very nice).

Favorite Dish: Its all good.