A trip to the North End often includes an amazing Italian dinner, some shopping in the boutiques that have spilled over from Faneuil Hall (my personal favorite being Bobbles and Lace), and a walk by some of the more historic and beautiful architecture Boston has to offer. A night is never complete without a stop for an authentic Italian pastry.
Boston’s North End is home to one of the biggest rivalries in the pastry business. Just a few blocks apart on Hanover Street are two of the best bakeries in the city: Mike’s Pastry and Modern Pastry are in constant competition. Both family owned Italian bakeries; they specialize in handmade cookies, biscotti and every other kind of pastry imaginable, from the trendier seasonal favorites to the classic favorite cannolis.
Part of the pleasure in visiting the bakeries is the experience itself. The feeling of a family business is apparent in the atmosphere in both, but what really makes it fun is the competition.
My first time in Mike’s was my best friends 20th birthday and I was determined to get her favorite fruit tart from the shop—I had no idea what I was getting into. Not only was the line curving around the block (it still moves pretty quickly), but inside it was a madhouse. Imagine fight club at a bakery!
After quietly waiting for what felt like forever I finally aggressively made my way to the front and got served immediately by one of the many people behind the counter. In no time, they had my pastry boxed up in their signature blue and white box tied up with a string. To keep things quick, Mike’s only lets you pay with cash, but I was in and out in no time. Half of the experience at Mike’s is the success you feel when you reach the register, and the prize of one of their delectable pastries is certainly worth it.
My first time at Modern Pastry was potentially one of the busiest days of the year–Valentine’s Day. Nevertheless, the environment was a little bit more subdued than their competitor. In fact a table opened up fairly quickly, and unlike Mike’s, they have servers that greet you if you are sitting, so not only did I get to enjoy my dessert but I also had some of the best hot chocolate that I’ve ever tasted.
While some people are diehard fans of one or the other, I can’t say I have a distinct preference. I made the mistake of telling my friends at dinner the other night I was headed to the North End and I had an equal amount of orders for Mike’s and Modern Pastry.
Pick a night and find out for yourself!