The line is very long and this is a very popular tourist destination. There is pretty much no indoor seating and you can only pay cash. The cannolis were good but the cream was a little too heavy. The bakery is a very interesting place but it isn't out of this world. Very Good, not incredible. 4/5 read more

Some of the best cake I have ever had! Be prepared to stand in a line, but it is totally worth it! It's a family business that has been in Boston for years! They only accept cash!!!! read more

We stopped here during our walk of the Freedom Trail. It was packed, but the lines moved surprisingly quickly. A little chaotic, as they don't have line markers, but there were enough people behind the counter that you could just work your way up and someone was there to help you. There is very little seating inside, so plan on getting it to go. We ordered cannoli and a brownie. The cannoli were great. The pastry was just right - not too brittle or crunchy - and the filling was sweet and rich. This is not the place to go if you are looking for barely sweetened ricotta in a shell. The desserts looked incredible, everything just a tad decadent. It's cash only, so if you're like me and charge EVERYTHING, be warned. read more

Mike's Pastry - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Cash only! Cute pastry shop famous for its cannolis. I stopped by the Little Italy location after walking around the neighborhood. Bostonians obviously love this spot and it's worth stopping by for tourist points. I tried the chocolate ricotta cannoli ($4). Not a huge cannoli fan but it was a neat experience stopping by and seeing all their deserts! They'll box everything up for you to take to go. Next time I'll try one of their cupcakes too. read more

Mike's Pastry - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

+5 stars for a fabulous, fresh cannoli (more on that below) and childhood nostalgia. I grew up on Mike's. When we'd come to mom's hometown over the holidays during my 90's childhood, Mike's was an essential stop. Of course, I never questioned *why* it was Mike's and not some other pastry shop. All I had known was that she worked at an Italian pastry shop as a teenager in Boston and thought Mike's was the best. Well, when I grew up and gained a mind of my own, I discovered another famous cannoli joint and decided I liked theirs better. I was a loyal devotee of "this other place" until...yesterday! Having said that, there's always room for improvement and one must always have an open mind about what is currently the "best" of anything. So, I decided that for a cannoli lover like myself, I needed to do a scientific taste test. So I acquired a "flight" of cannolis - one from each of the prominent North End bakeries and set out to see which one was best, once and for all. It's important to note that I'm a purist, and I only order plain cannolis, usually without powered sugar. My criteria were: flavor of filling, flavor of shell, texture of shell, Mike's was hands-down the best. Without denigrating the other bakeries, I'll tell you what I liked about Mike's: thick crispy shell (because of course they fill cannolis to order). No rancid oils from the deep fried shell. Flavor wise, the filling was perfect - not too rich or too sweet - it was just right for this goldilocks. Texture wise, it was velvety in the mouth. It had a little bit of ricotta texture, but it wasn't undesirable. It was a home run. I kicked my head back in deep nostalgia with every bite. I'm sure it's not for everyone, and that's ok. More for meeeeeeee! So, better yet, don't go here. Go to that other place. ;-) A few things to keep in mind: there are typically long lines to get an order and parking is pretty rough in the North End, especially during the pandemic since Hanover Street is now devoted to outside eating. read more

First of all *** It's CASH ONLY ***, so make sure you've got your cash ready. Mike's pastry has great cannolis and other pastries too, but cannolis is what they're known for and they have so many options to choose from -They're all up on the wall for you to see. The shop itself is an experience, it's all ver fast paced, you walk in and there's ladies taking orders everywhere behind the counter, there are no lines, no numbers you just walk up and kind of wait behind someone till you end up closer to the counter, they take your order box it up and pull on some if the twine above their heads they quickly wrap it around your box charge you, and your on your way. There's a few tables there to sit and eat, but I think mostly people get their orders to go. read more

A Boston area staple! Been a fan of this place since the 90s, when first visited! Everything is good! If I didn't have to cut way back on my sugar intake, I'd be there all the time. read more

AMAZING cannolis! Probably the best I've ever tasted. Customer service is a bit curt, but they are also dealing with a ton of patrons so they need to keep the lines moving. Important to note: they only take cash, so make sure you have cash on you. A must-stop if you're in Boston's North End! read more

The most amazing cannolis i've tried. The place has a very polished and bright vibe. Averge price of any dessert is about $5.5 per piece. They also have a variety of cookies and macarons read more

I was in line at another eatery and noticed everyone walking by was carrying a box from Mike's Pastry. Come to find out, this is THE place to go in North End for the best pastries! I walked over and did not expect the place to be jam packed with customers. I was a bit intimidated by the crowd, but I was told the line moves fairly quickly so I stuck it out with what only took about 5 minutes. I scoped out the menu, along with all the treats displayed. Everything looked divine! I decided to go with one of their most popular items, the cannoli. They had so many varieties it was so hard to choose from. And I had to make sure I didn't go overboard, because it is cash only. Well I think I did only because I could barely finish half of one, and I bought 4; the amaretto, hazelnut, pecan caramel, and pistachio. The 2 I enjoyed the most was the hazelnut and amaretto. At $4 a pop, these were the biggest cannoli I've seen. The staff there was quick and courteous...so don't forget to tip. read more

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CASH ONLY!! Seriously the best cannoli I've ever had. Perfect texture, amazing filling options. End of discussion. I got the hazelnut cannoli. The only downside is their cannolis are huge and I wish they had minis. I went around an off time, like 2:30pm on a Thursday. No wait, and super fast service. A MUST try in Boston! read more

Great pastries! You will not be disappointed. There is frequently a line out the door, but their employees work fast to provide great service. read more

Amazing !!! There was a canoli and I don't remember the name of it but it kind of had like a toffee shell it was our absolute favorite!!!! read more

Mike's Pastry - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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I don't care much for cannolis but the trolley tour guide said that this place had the best. I still don't care for them after trying them but I really didn't care for the rude workers. I felt rushed and uncomfortable, even though it wasn't very many customers in there at that time. And! They are cash only! Who carries cash anymore? read more

Getting off the train near the North End we saw lots of folks walking around with Mike's Pastry boxes. I assumed it was a "must try" kinda place so I looked it up on Yelp and saw that many of my friends had given it glowing reviews, so we popped in after a delicious dinner nearby. The lines are intimidating but don't let that dissuade you. They move fast. There are tons of cannoli flavors, from Key Lime to Oreo to your standard ricotta. I'm a bit of a purist so I went with the plain ricotta filling (chocolate dipped because I do like my chocolate!) where my husband went with the limoncello. We took our neatly tied boxes and went nearby to the park to enjoy them (no seating in Mike's) and they were great! The cannolis are huge but not overly sweet. At least the traditional ricotta isn't. Which I loved. The crunchy shell was prepared perfectly and the chocolate dipped shell on the sides added just the right about of bittersweet that I loved. Incredibly tasty. I had a bite of my husband's and his was also great, it was a bit sweeter but it also had the nice little zip of lemon that was excellent. But I was also happy to learn that they were just as good as the amazing cannoli from the Italian bakery that I love back home. So I can't say they're the best I've ever had, but they're certainly high on the list! Worth a visit for sure. As others have said-- CASH ONLY. So come prepared. read more

Take a number, and bring cash! pushing and shoving optional, cannoli, mandatory. just one of those things you need to do on your visit to little italy, just to say you have. read more

Mike's Pastry - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Visited this shop twice while on my recent visit to Boston. My friend lives in the North End, and I've heard recommendations from plenty of people about this place. The process of ordering can be a bit crazy. Generally, you walk into the shop and there are people all over. The rule is that, when you're ready to order, just get up to any woman at the counter with the string in front of her. There aren't really lines...you just need to get through the people and up to the counter. I've had the pistachio cannoli and the florentine cannoli. Both were delicious. I'd love to get back to the shop and try more of the delicious desserts (red velvet cake, anyone?), but it's all a bit rushed and the counters are pretty crowded. It's not like you can wander a bit and inspect all the different options. I guess you could... but you'd have to time it just right in order to avoid the crowds. If I remember correctly, each cannoli is $3.50. Perhaps a bit overpriced, but they're pretty large. I consider them worth it. read more

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This place is good! Not wait in a long line good, but still good if it's a regular line. It's not the best bakery I've been to but it definitely hits the spot. I went the Saturday after Thanksgiving and it was pretty empty and then I come to hear people sometimes wait 30+minutes. That's insane. Luckily I walked up to the counter, ordered a chocolate mousse cannoli, and sat down and enjoyed it on a blustery day. The cannoli was great and I love all the various types. I was also eyeing the sweet-looking cheesecake but I needed to limit the indulgences. My boyfriend though the place had a prison-like aesthetic with the white tiled walls. there were only a few tables to sit at. Clearly this isn't the place to go for ambiance and a relaxing place to have a pastry while sipping on some coffee. More of a take it and go place. And I guess they are famous enough to get away with cash only, so be prepared! read more

Mike's Pastry - Chocolate mousse cannoli - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Wary, uncertain, hesitant. These words described my mood as I approached Mike's Pastry. Reason being, my first and only prior cannoli experience was underwhelming (very dry but somehow still unpleasantly chewy pastry with a chalky, tasteless filling). Mike's, thankfully, has changed my cannoli mind. The outer pastry was crispy and delightfully flaky, and the filling - oh, the filling. Creamy, rich, decadent, blissful. I could have eaten every cannoli in the shop (and there were many), and still wished for more. I can't speak for all the flavors, due to my limited time in Boston, but I can vouch for the following: -Hazelnut -Florentine -Oreo All delicious and more than capable of satisfying any sweet tooth. Also, let it be known that Mike's only takes cash, so bring your George Washingtons - you do not want to waste time bumbling around for an ATM when these beauties await. read more

Mike's Pastry - Hazelnut and Florentine cannoli - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Mike's Pastry is a must while in Boston! My boyfriend, who lived in the area about 5 years ago, was shocked to see how empty the store was around 4pm when we went. They have stickers on the floors so people can socially distance in line, and there are a ton of yummy-looking dessert options in the cases. We stuck to a tried-and-true chocolate chip canoli and it was so good! They had a ton of different flavors to choose from. Next time I am definitely trying one of the other desserts as well; the cream puffs looked So. Good. read more

Mike's Pastry - Chocolate chip canoli - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

The Florentine Cannoli is the absolute best thing! 10/10 would recommend!! If you're in the Boston area, go to Mike's and get cannolis!

it was my first time in Boston and eating a cannoli so I wanted to try out this so-called iconic place. food: we got the chocolate covered and strawberry filled ones. I'm not sure what I was expecting but I was pleasantly surprised at the taste. they were crunchy on the outside and I loved the sweet, smooth cream filled on the inside. the strawberry one tastes just like pocky (the asian snack). service: I would've given it a overall higher rating if it wasn't for the super rude lady at the counter. she wasn't welcoming or friendly at all and seemed to rush me. when I asked what was the most popular flavor, she said "chocolate chip" in an abrupt cold tone. after I ordered she said "that's it?" like i was wasting her time. It was an incredibly disrespectful experience. some other things to note: they only take cash, and it's pretty expensive ($10 for 2 cannolis). also, the social distance measures/ safety cautions during covid was non-existent as people just piled in at once. it was yummy but not worth going back ;-; read more

Literally the best cannolis you could possibly ask for, I've been enjoying their sweets since I was in middle school and I swear the recipe somehow gets better with time. On top of that, their storefront makes you want to come back for seconds, thirds, hundreds.. you get the point And if you're coming for the cannolis, I guarantee you walk out with at least three other delights that will no doubt change your life read more

We were walking downtown, and saw someone with a Mike's pastry box. We looked it up to see it was a mile or two away and thought "that's gotta be good to lug that box around." We're pastry fanatics so we walked the freedom trail and ended up close by and had to go in. This place was AMAZING. No seating and very simple inside. The carrot cake was phenomenal, the Boston creme cake was incredible, the cannolis were life changing. The only thing we probably would not purchase again were the eclairs as we found the cream not to be quite sweet enough. Overall though it was a great experience, very authentic. We're only in Boston for 3 days and will be back again tomorrow. read more

Mike's Pastry - Case of goodies - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Worth all the hype. I really like the strawberry cheesecake. I will definitely go back , despite the long wait and cash only. read more

Mike's Pastry - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I only eat cannolis when I come to Boston and I make it here each time. Pistachio is my all time fav and I like amaretto too. It is crowded and busy all day. Cash only. read more

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When you're in little Italy you gotta stop by mikes and get a canolli. It's a must. There will always be a line to get in but it moves quickly. There is no place to sit and no drinks nor even water. Keep that in mind and walk down 2 stores and sit at Victoria's cafe and have a coffee with Mikes pastry. read more

This place was recommended to me and It didn't disappoint! The honey almond cannoli was utterly amazing! The boston crème pie was delicious. The desserts were well worth the wait! I wish they took cards though, I would have ordered more! read more

Mike's Pastry - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

How can one go wrong with cannolis? And, at Mike's, you'll get to choose from a multitude of fillings. Go early, and often.

Cannolis. Tried Mike's Bakery. Lots of selection along with other pastries. Came in while on vacation to give it try base upon other Yelper reviews. Walked in to the shop off the street and you know right away your'e in a bakery. The glass counters from wall to wall is a showcase of their delectable desserts. Variety of flavors and options to select. Fair is fair come check this place out and see what you think. Hint: Heard there is another shop located in walking distance to compare. read more

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Another must stop and purchase dessert in Boston. My family and I have been buying Mike's Cannoli's for many many years. With or without chocolate chips I love them. Always have to have one for the car ride home and a couple for later. No other pastry shops in the North End compare. Yes I've tried the others and I will only go back to Mike's! read more

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DELICIOUS CANNOLIS! I tried the regular and limoncello. Oh so light and flaky and cream oh so creamy and airy. A must try if you are in the North End! read more

Mike's Pastry - limoncello! - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Years ago, when I made the decision to attend a college in the Greater Boston area, everyone I knew raved about the North End and much of the praise was directed towards Mike's Pastry. After a few years of living here, Mike's has consistently proven why there's so much to talk and rave about. If I ever dine in the North End, I never order cannolis at the restaurants I dine in because I know that I'll be making a stop at Mike's before heading back to my apartment with half a dozen in hand and passing out from a food coma. While there is much debate and loyal fan bases revolving around Mike's vs. Modern, just know that both of these places have followings for a reason. I won't take a particular side since they both serve quality products and the cannolis are out of this world. Going back to Mike's - don't be intimated by the long lines because their service is really fast. Just keep in mind that it's cash only and the likelihood of getting a table indoors is highly unlikely. If you ever have to enjoy your cannolis outside, take a walk down to the Paul Revere Statue or go back to the front of Hanover street. Whatever you do, just don't congest the entrance. Why? Make way so others can enter and enjoy the goodness that is this North End institution. read more

I never thought much of cannolis, and I don't think I could have distinguished a cannoli from an eclair pre-Yelp-food-critic-wannabe days. But, like all other popular tourist spots, you brace yourself for a potentially long line and trust the process. And Mike's is **cash only**, so prepare accordingly (and it's better to overshoot than to regret not having enough $) Mike's Pastry is no-frills, with something of a historical vibe. You can imagine that the store hasn't changed too dramatically since it opened in 1946. The cannolis, lobster tails (note this is a pastry), and other goodies are laid out in display cases. All the options are also showcased in photos surrounding the shop. If you come with a group, I suggest you take turns looking at the pastry cases so you're ready to order when it comes your turn. They are no-nonsense and the line moves quickly, so don't be that person holding everyone up. Everything looks so good and it's exceedingly difficult to choose one cannoli, but I don't think you can go wrong. I got the amaretto cannoli thinking it would be laced with Amaretto, but it was non-alcoholic and they probably just meant almond. In any case, it was heavenly: the pastry shell was half crisp and half soft, and sinks into the luscious creamy filling. The ricotta has a beautifully fluffy whipped texture and isn't too heavy or sweet, so even though the cannoli looks big it is quite manageable. Interestingly, the experience changes throughout. You are first greeted with one of the fanned ends, featuring a mouthful of ricotta filling and the toppings, tapered to a more pastry-focused center, and returning to the other indulgent end. Tip: Seating can be hard to come by, and the way the cannolis are individually wrapped may require some manipulation for your Insta-perfect shot. read more

Mike's Pastry - Famous cannolis! - Bakeries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Brought a box of cannoli to my doctor's appointment at MGH. They put it in the back office and everybody loved it! If you want to bring an office treat l, you can't go wrong with Mike's Pastry! Cash only. $5.50 each. Don't try to buy it online - it's $2 more expensive abd won't work. There was no line when I stopped by. Service was quick and cannolis were freshly filled in the back kitchen. read more

Straight up unsanitary. Front workers handle cash along with handling food with dirty bare hands- no use of gloves or paper holders for handling peoples food. I left. The owners don't care- they are an overpriced tourist trap. read more

Two good pastry shops in the north end and I prefer Modern Pastry over Mikes Pastry any day. At least with Modern your getting fresh and no frozen and I choose that any day and the best part is the taste. Tourist don't know no better because the hotels direct them to go there and as you see they are as yelp states one of the best. So I disagree. read more

I had the pleasure of visiting Boston six years ago and one of the places that we visited to have some desert was Mike's Pastry. Here they are famous for variety of the Italian treats called Cannoli. This past week several of my co-workers went to a business trip and remembered how I raved about this place and surprised me with two cannolis. The two flavor were the nutella and the amaretto, which were really good and sweet. The Shell was nice and crushy, while my personal favorite was the nutella. I strongly recommend Mike's to anyone who are planning a trip to Boston anytime soon. read more

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Let's settle the debate: Mike's has the better cannoli. When you arrive, every person working the counter has their own queue. Don't stand in the long line that forms at the door; move left and find a shorter line. Grab a cannoli for now (don't even put it in a box, you're going to eat it on the sidewalk anyways) and a lobster tail to take home. read more

Went there after dinner. Waited on a line that extended out the door. Once inside, there are 4 or five lines to stand in to get to the counter. This takes forever...especially if you get someone that works slow at the counter...like I had. The flavor of cannoli's they have are listed on the wall so you have time to decide before you reach the counter. You quickly tell them what you want and they'll box it up. Hand over the cash (CASH ONLY - $5.00 each). We tried the traditional, mint chip, Limoncello and one Napoleon. While they're all larger in size, the traditional was no different than any other cannoli you can buy anywhere else. The limoncello was pretty good and the mint chip was downright nasty...with a horrible mint flavoring added. The napoleon was good and oversized but again just ok. I don't understand the hype for this place. There was nothing that really set these pastries apart from any other bakery. CASH ONLY.....CASH ONLY! read more