You mean the best pastries in all of Boston? I feel like that's enough said. Everyone's already said it: North End location is ideal, lines are long and crazy most times you go but the service is great, and the pastries? Phenomenal. Delicious. Worthy. It's a classic. Sure, I may be biased since I've been going since I was a little kid, but let me tell you: a slice of the strawberry cheesecake, a lobster tail canoli, and a marzipan all wrapped up and ready to go in the neat white box tied with the string? There's nothing better than Mike's, guys.
Mikes or Moderns. Mikes or Moderns. Yeah yeah yeah.
Overall, this place is a little run down and reminds me too much of my elementary school cafeteria with the white tiled walls and constant shouting.
That being said, every time I’ve been fortunate enough to go, they lines are super quick. The service isn’t the sweetest thing in the world, but they’re efficient for sure. Just make sure to know what you want before getting to the counter, else step aside and let those behind you go.
For the record, I’m a fan of Mikes. Chocolate dipped, plain ricotta.
Packed but went fast. The line went back to the door but we were ordering in about 10 minutes. Service is fast and efficient. Good prices for amazingly delicious pastry. Cannolis are out of this world.a
Yes, this is in a very historical section of the city. Yes, many reviews tell you that the line is long. It has always been that way. I've gone many times during the most busiest times, like on Christmas Eve. It's normal for the line to go out the door. This is the North End. Every shop, store and restaurant is in a small building. It's the North End. It's the original buildings. What this place is NOT is a tourist trap. Despite the long line, you won't be standing still very long. They have very efficient workers. They have incredible pastry. Selection is overwhelming, but I would suggest the Italian Rum Cake. Don't get discouraged because you see a long line. You'll get to the front much quicker than you anticipate.
The lobster tails and cannoli's are indescribable! Thick rich cream and crunchy pastry. Mike's is an absolute must if you're visiting Boston. We were super lucky and showed up when there was no line. The lobster tail took two hands to hold and half the day to eat while we were out and about. Staff was friendly and prices are easily acceptable.
From someone who usually does not like cannolis, these are amazing! Not too overwhelming with sweetness, with just the right amount of crisp. When biting into the cannoli, it had the structural integrity where it didn’t just fall apart.
The line was around the block, but the service was quick where we did not have to wait too long, maybe 15 minutes max. It was well worth the wait. A must visit for anyone on vacation.
The Cannoli was the best we had in a long time. The filling was fresh and creamy. We didn't have to wait longer than two minutes but even with a longer wait it is worth the visit!
Most popular pastry shop in Boston. If you're not from the area, it's a must need place to go. Huge selection of cannoli varieties and other pastries. Mike's doesn't create the best pastries I've ever had, but they are always pretty good and very reasonably priced. Just beware the crowds. Going on a weekday while people are at work would be the best time.
Was in Boston for vacation and was told that I had to come here. Line was pretty long but moved quickly and there were no tables to sit at so had to take my goodies back to the hotel. Pretty much every thing I tried was good. Nothing super special but good to quench a sweet tooth.
Considering there were about 200 people in line, the speed of service was reasonable. We waited for about 25 minutes. Because the place is so busy, there are no tables or places to sit. For tourists: prepare to take your goodies elsewhere. Luckily there are many parks and gardens in the historic North End of Boston. Since they are in one of the oldest areas of Boston, don't expect great parking but do expect small one-way streets. These factors shouldn't determine a lower rating due to circumstances beyond their control. Was it worth the wait? Absolutely! There are many flavors of cannolis and even a "Boston Cream Puff." You pretty much can't go wrong.
Came to Boston for a conference and thought to come early with my wife to see our friends. We decided to go to this "wonderful" spot to order some coffee and possibly a dessert. We started with the coffee and that's where it all went sour.
She made two coffees and a tea and when we paid, the attendant sneezed in her hands. She continued to process the transaction without a sense of having proper hygiene. I decided to let it slide seeing that money is exceptionally filthy. As she came back to hand me the change she handled my coffee from the lid with the same hand she sneezed in. I asked her for a new lid because it was for obvious reasons not drinkable at this point. She then proceeded to make me a new cup of coffee however she "forgot" to wash her hands again!
I decided not to say a word and continued on my day, sitting in the shop not enjoying a nice cup of joe, and noticed that she NEVER washed her hands after the sneeze. She went on her day helping other customers with their requests of both pastries and coffee as if she never sneezed on her hands a few minutes prior.
I am absolutely disgusted by this place. Thanks for nothing.
Good big cannoli, and lots of different flavors for your liking! It's probably better to share. They have other baked goods. A must try if you're in the area! Line goes by quickly.
Wow, I would love to own this place. Crazy amount of business and for good reason. My mother ordered a slice of carrot cake that was the size of a quarter of the cake and almost went into a diabetic coma. I had 3 canolis myself as did my sister.
The line might be out the door, but don't let that stop you!!! It's worth it and the line moves pretty fast. Absolutely delicious.. everything they sell Delicious.
Mike's has some good Italian pastries, but the tourist lines are way too long.
If you don't mind waiting in line, I recommend the mini cannolis.
After a quick Google search, it seems as though Mike's and nearby Modern Pastry Shop (basically across the street), compete for the "who's the best Italian bakery in the North End" claim to fame.
I've been to both, and both are good. I can't say I know either intimately well. But generally speaking, if you want some Italian pastries, I'd say go to whichever has the shorter line, because they're both delicious.
And, both have typically gruff, unpleasant staff working behind their counters.