You walk off of the Harvard square transit station into a tiny shop in a side alley because everyone you know and their aunt has told you that you HAVE to try *Mike's pastry* when in Boston. Especially their cannolis. Their cannolis are to die for! So you do. It's the supposed prodigal son of Boston's canoli heritage, and nothing so embodies the Italian cuisine culture of Boston as a cream filled pastry. Let me get to the point. Mike's pastry is not it. Especially not their canolis. Their cannolis taste exactly like every other mass produced store bought canoli on the market. It doesn't even taste fresh. It's not a bad cannoli mind you, but it's not gonna blow your socks off and set the bar for cannolis henceforth like everyone says it will. Now, I haven't tasted the other big cannoli places of Boston, so this is coming from the objective lens of someone who's primary experience with canolis is in cheap pizza shops. And yet, even with that low, low bar, Mike's cannolis barely pass muster. The Pistachio cannoli was just a plain ricotta with sliced pistachio on either end, the filling too sweet and the pastry overly brittle. The oreo was a bit better, ironically because it was less sweet then the pistachio, but not by much. Price was $6 a cannoli which is pretty good for the size and the fancy way they tie your box. I'm giving these cannolis a solid 6 out of 10. As for the shop itself, there's barely a place to stand let alone sit and while service is fast, you can tell the people working there aren't exactly passionate about creating a masterpiece of pastry. Basically, if you've tasted grocery store cannoli, then you already know what Mike's tastes like. Still, no harm in trying for yourself! read more

Mike's Pastry - Pistachio and Oreo canoli - Bakeries Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Honestly pretty baffled by how bad this place is. I've never had a cake that I can only take 1 bite of until today. I ordered the carrot cake expecting there to be carrot involved. Instead I received a sugar bomb of the cheapest sugar known to man. Straight-up Walmart sheet-cake quality. You cannot taste even an ounce of effort. It's shameful to associate this with Italian baking. read more

The cannolies are the best in my opinion. I've never had them like they make them here. The other pastries are just ok. The chocolate cake is alright but I didn't really like the chocolate scone. The place is nice and at a great location. Service is always pretty good too. read more

One of these days I plan to go here in person, though that might just end up being the undoing of any hip to waist ratio I have left. Their desserts are to die for! When you're having a bad gay, a good day, or just a day, a cannoli from Mike's will make it better! Another one of my favorites is this raspberry chocolate cake that they have....so goooood! I just had one tonight and I'm already ready to reorder. read more

Mike's Pastry is the absolute BEST if you love cannolis...or their crustless cheesecake...or cookies...or basically any and every pastry! We recently stopped into their Harvard Square location and walked right in at 8 pm. We were pleasantly surprised to see a wide variety of pastries still available and scooped up a bunch of strawberry cheesecakes, a Boston Creme cake, a mint chocolate chip cannoli and a peanut butter cannoli. Every last item was delicious and my peanut butter cannoli was simply divine; fresh and not too sweet. In other words, pure perfection! I can't wait to stop into Mike's for another sweet treat the next time I'm in Boston. read more

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

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This is the second Mike's location after it's infamous North End location although here you will have a very different experience. This location is much smaller and as a result the lines are much shorter which I really appreciate! The cannolis are pre-made, not filled fresh, so your shell might be a little on the soggy side. I'm very much a visual person, so I like being able to look at them before making my final decision. One is certainly enough to satisfy your craving! The fillings are fluffy and creamy, and definitely not overtly sweet. I usually eat about half then take the other half home, but if you're on the hungrier side you can eat a whole one without feeling guilty. They're about $5 each, so they're not cheap, but you can justify it with their infamy and location. You're not missing anything by going here instead of the North End location, especially if you're already in the area. I would recommend the classic with chocolate chips for your first try! The oreo one is also really good. read more

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I tried the pistachio macaron and the chocolate mocha pastry. I thought the pistachio macaron was delicious but the chocolate mocha was just alright. Overall, I'm happy with my experience here. read more

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Covid review: Came in August. Cash only! And they mean it ! They were open late, which is so unique for a bakery. Will there be a line? Hell yeah. Its worth it. The cannoli are everything you need. The cream is smoother than pudding. And the flavor is perfect. Shell has a nice bite too. The Boston cream pie is great too. Specifically the cream itself. The staff id quick, funny, and alert. You'll be in and out despite the line. read more

Immaculate. I actually have no words to describe how good the pastries were at Mike's Pastry. My friends and I sampled a pistachio cannoli, pistachio macaroon, pignoli macaroon, and a rainbow cookie along with a hot black coffee. The pistachio cannoli was super rich and satisfying, and while I definitely can't finish an entire one on my own, it's a great size to share with 1-2 other friends. My favorite pastries were easily the pistachio macaroons and the rainbow cookies, and they were so good that I took a bunch home before heading back to Jersey. If you just wrapped up lunch in Cambridge, it's not a bad idea to grab some dessert here. Prices were super fair, and the owners are extremely kind. read more

Mike's Pastry - pistachio cannoli, pistachio macaroon, pignoli macaroon, rainbow cookie - Bakeries Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Went back today after almost a year. It was still really good, not as good as I remember the first time I ate the cannolis though. I got the plain and pistachio~ Each cannoli was quite large so we share two of them among 3 people. There were a lot of people but the line went fast. Staffs were friendly and helpful. read more

Mike's Pastry - Pistachio & Plain cannolis - Bakeries Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

For a long time I never could say that I really enjoyed cannolis but after having some here I will even go as far as saying that I find myself craving cannolis from time to time. The shells are perfectly crispy and the filling is just sweet enough but not too sweet. This is a delicious treat and I love coming here when I get the chance to visit MA! read more

I was never a cannoli fan until I tried Mike's. Being from California, I only tried a couple which all left a bad taste in my mouth, so I never get cannolis. I told myself I don't need to try Mike's (despite seeing all the people in the mulitple stores and high reviews) because I'm not a cannoli person. As my Boston trip was coming to an end, I caved in and got the pistachio cannoli. Didn't have any expectations and told myself I'm only doing this to say I've tried it. I don't know if it's because I didn't have any expectations, but damn, the cannoli was good. It's not as sweet as other cannolis and the ricotta cheese taste in the filling really comes out. I only wish the pistachios were present throughout each bite instead of the ends. I know this place might be a tourist trap for some, but I recommend just trying one (they have a variety of flavors). read more

Wow- the original ricotta canoli with powdered sugar is amazing! I love the pictures on the wall of all the different flavor combinations available. read more

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

mike's pastry did not disappoint! i tried the chocolate covered cannoli as well as the mousse cannoli and both were great. the portion sizes are HUGE too. i'm not the biggest fan of cannoli's but i did enjoy these. they also had a very impressive selection of other pastries. service is efficient & the line (though somewhat confusing) does move quickly. i would definitely recommend stopping by mike's pastry to try their items if you are in the boston area (they have three locations)! read more

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Located in Harvard Square, I'm glad I came to this location instead of the one in North End, because the lines were ridiculous. Service was very quick and there was maybe two people in line before me. I got the classic Chocolate Chip Cannoli ($4), and was surprised at how hefty it was. I liked that the cream wasn't super heavy, but I feel it was a little tooooo light in flavor (but maybe I'm just uncultured). I had to search for the flavor intensely, and the overpowering taste of the chocolate chips didn't help either. I was glad the shell wasn't soggy like some reviews said - quite the contrary, mine was super crispy and tasted fresh, but along the middle, I feel like the shell to cream ratio was a little too close. All in all, I think it was very good, but definitely not amazing as some people have expressed. Definitely want to come back to try the other flavors! read more

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When we got there was a line out the door but it went fast. There are quite a few options to choose from and everything we tried was great. Staff was kind however be aware it's not a sit-down place. read more

It is unpalatable, lacking aroma, leaving sweetness of the cream only-that you can get anywhere. The service is horrible too. read more

i got a nutella cannoli and it was pretty good - ngl the shell got a little soggy in some parts, like it didn't seem fresh. there was an impressive amount of other pastry options but i didn't end up getting any. i'm also not a huge cannoli fan but for what it was, i thought it was fine read more

Simply the best cannolis. If you're going to Mike's you may be tempted to branch out and not get the cannolis, huge mistake their cannolis are where it's at. We got the espresso cannoli and it was the best afternoon pick me up! read more

My fiance and I had a yummy time at this Mike's Pastry location! The cannolis and other sweets were just as yummy here as they are in the North End location. There's no real complaints really. Stop by and grab yourself the cannoli from this incredible chain! You won't regret it! (Plus, it's less busy here at Harvard Square than it is at the North End location.) read more

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

So nice to not have to go all the way to the North End to get these wonderful cannolis. The line is long but fortunately it moves fast. There is nowhere to eat except for a small standing counter but considering it was raining outside we didn't have much of a choice. We ordered the Plain, Florentine, Espresso, Hazelnut and Oreo. My wife and daughter found there was too much cream filling though I liked it. The Florentine shell was a bit too hard and way too sweet. Oreo seemed to be the favorite. read more

Lots of cannoli to choose from, where to start! The filling to shell ratio is way high (lots of oozing filling to just enough shell to hold it all together). I'm basic, so the plain ricotta was my favorite...followed by the chocolate dipped. You only need 1 since they are big, I had 2 LoL Also, no lines during the mid-morning weekday time, big plus+ read more

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Service sucks !!!! An older lady works the register and she seemed to have an attitude like lady don't work if you don't like your job ! It's a tourist trap for sure it's like any other American cannoli it's whatever I've had better in New York ! I know it won't be like an Italy but the hype they make I would have thought it will be a little better don't fall for it it's over priced and not good at all and the pistachio is only on the sides not even in the middle the shell you can tell the oil was old because it tasted like old used oil ugh worst experience ever read more

Mike's Pastry - Pistachio Cannoli and caramel pecan cannoli - Bakeries Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

I hate to write a bad review of Mikes since I grew up in the north end. But I got the lobster tail pastry ( in harvard square) and it was like chewing on an old shoe. I got 3 and returned them they were nice and replaced them all however they sucked as well lol dried out tough not crunchy as much as it was leathery and the filling was not like it is in the north end. Sorry guys but you need a new baker to show u how to make them like they do in the north end read more

Love this little pastry shop, and love that there are so many options! First i got the lobster tail and it was so fun to eat! so beautiful and satisfying to look at. lots of filling inside and it was just the right sweetness. would definitely order this one again! I also ordered the carrot cake. My sister said it was the best carrot cake she ever ate but I wasn't a huge fan of it. i thought the icing was too sweet and not as cream cheesy as i expected. the cake part was kinda bland and not as "spicy" as i expected. will def try more items tho! read more

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If you're only in town for a short time and feel the urge to visit the landmark pastry shop, do yourself a major favor and visit this location instead of the north end one. You'll save at least 30 mins of waiting in line, can pay by card and get all the same goodies as the original location. The cannoli are what brought you here but I recommend trying the almond or pistachio amaretti which are under-rated and a pretty good deal here as well. Overall, as good as the original but without the line and with helpful / kind staff. read more

The standard cannoli width should be around 1inch. That gives the optimal mixing of the shell and filling when you eat. This is definitely not the case at Mike's. You can't just increase the size of pastries as you wish. Their cannolis are super big. Overall, they are okay, but not special. read more

Out in the North End, Mike's Pastry is often crowded, or if not crowded, by no means empty. However, the Mike's Pastry in Harvard Square had one party resting by the counter seating along the window and a couple followed in after me as I walked in after my early dinner one Tuesday. Their pastries were well labeled with both name and price. The brownies were at least two inches tall, so I had trouble wrapping my mind around the concept that they were indeed brownies. The cannolis of a great variety were encased in the counter by the front of the store. They were huge and well decorated with nuts and etc. Another guest inquired after the mini version and was told those were only available by the dozen, for $24. My stomach still full, I considered their tempting array and opted finally for a single cookie - a pignoli macaroon, $15/lb. They charged me a buck. It was just the sweet that I was hankering for, but perhaps not ideal for me as I am more of an almond girl. read more

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We had been told we should try the lobster tail pastry while we were in Boston. The lobster tail pastry at Mike's was very large and delicious. Worthy of the $9 price tag. My daughter and I shared one and realistically it would have fed a third person as well. I have already recommended them to a friend who is traveling to Boston soon. read more

A must have while visiting! The coffee was delicious and the Boston cream pie was everything I could have hope for and MORE! The view eating outside wasn't too bad either. :) read more

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

I came here for a late breakfast because why not have dessert for breakfast? This location is smaller than the North End location, there was a tiny line around 11am. The cannolis taste just as good as the ones in the North End. There is limited seating as well, there are about 4 counter seats by the window so I recommend doing take out. read more

Totally worth the hype. We had to get this twice while in town for summer vacation. Yum!

It's the same icon now in Harvard Square with a wide selection of cannoli flavors and some other bakery staples like cupcakes, lobster tails, and cupcakes. The line is a lot shorter than that at the North End location, thankfully, and the cannolis are just as good as I remember. The filling is perfectly smooth and decadent, and the shell is nice and crispy. Worth a visit! read more

I am not happy or impressed by the experience here. It was late and I was just here for coffee. I was waiting to enter and one of the staff members was cleaning the glass door. She then rudely told me to wait till she is done, I was totally okay with waiting. I entered and asked for a coffee. To my shock, the same person with the same gloves came and took my order and gave it to me. I have nothing else to say about this place. read more

The hype is real. Best cannoli period. Sorry to cannoli connoisseurs but this is perfection. Why? because if it taste good the next day while being in the fridge then they are doing something right. We got the original, chocolate covered and espresso. My favorite was the chocolate covered. Not overly chocolate with the semblance of the original. We also got the lobster tail, Boston creme pie, tiramisu, and Creme pufff. Out of those the lobster tail was fabulous. The CREME was perfection! Fabulous box presentation to impress guests and incredible impression to a first timer! I can't stop saying great things about Cambridge and this is one of them. read more

Mike's Pastry - Cannoli cannoli cannoli - Bakeries Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Must try: pistachio macaroons. These squarish shaped green macaroons covered in powdered sugar have the perfect crunch on the outside and melt in the mouth texture on the inside. Several options ranging from cake slices, tiramisu, cookies to cannoli's. Place is clean, service quick and friendly. Cash only. read more

Great value and everything tasted great. There's a line , even with single digit degrees outside. The Boston cream pie was delicious, the cream had great flavor and consistency, the cake was fresh and not dry. Cannolis we're beautiful. It's a good spot. No eating inside so everything is to go only. State of COVID. Bon appetit. read more

Come for the cannolis, marvel at the rest of the goodies. Big selection of cannolis (nut-free!) and reasonably priced ($5). Good amount of filling and have a nice crunch to them. The Boston cream puffs are also quite delectable - fluffy with sweet and icy chocolate top crust. Bread is flaky and firm. Always worth stopping by when in the area! read more

Mike's Pastry - Cannoli Chocolate Mousse Cannoli - Bakeries Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Definitely a must go to as well as take out souvenir when your visiting the city. After reading all the raving reviews as well as from friend's suggestion, Mike's lived up to its hype. I personally got their pistachio and almond canoli with ricotta filling and it was heavenly. The crust is crisp and the ricotta was so delicious and not overwhelmingly sweet. I didn't have room to try their Boston cream pie but it looked delicious. Be prepared to wait in line especially on weekends or after work hours during the week. Make sure you bring cash as it is cash only. Overall, after trying other bakeries in the area including Modern and Bossa, I say my Personal favorite for cannolis is Mikes Pastry. Make sure to swing by and get to go for family and friends to share! read more

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I'm not impressed with this location. Yes it's true that there's no line that you have to deal with, but the selection is 1/4 of what you can get at the original Hanover Street location. And there is definitely a difference in products. My cannoli didn't taste as fresh as the one I tried at the other store. Don't waste your time at this location. read more