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Caffé Vittoria
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Italian Food Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Food Desserts Coffee & Tea, Italian, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Desserts [Edit]
296 Hanover St(between Wesley Pl & Lathrop Pl)
Boston, MA 02113
Neighborhood: North End
(617) 227-7606
- Nearest Transit:
-
Commercial St @ Fleet St (4)
Atlantic Ave @ Commercial Wharf (4)
Commercial St @ Battery St (4)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 7 am - 12 am
Fri-Sat 7 am - 12:30 am
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dessert
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Touristy, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
233 reviews for Caffé Vittoria
Review Highlights
"CAPPUCCINO - Off the hook awesome."
(in 55 reviews)
"The mocha latte's and hot chocolate are my favorites."
(in 27 reviews)
"I love this place for a quick coffee after dinner."
(in 24 reviews)
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233 reviews in English
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Review from Oliver K.
Boston, MA
12/11/2011
Not sure why there are any bad reviews about the staff...maybe it depends on the time of day your here.
I came in the early morning, and I think it was the owners wife who was there, either way she was insanely friendly, and I enjoyed one of the best cappuccinos I have ever had. That's saying quite a bit considering I grew up in Europe in a country where they have coffee shops on every other corner. The cocoa on top is a small detail, but something so tiny can make a huge difference.
In order to appreciate Caffe Vittoria, you must appreciate Cafes as a whole. Because the whole "Cafe Culture" never made it to the United States, there really is not much for comparison.
I loved it though - and most certainly will return. -
Review from Melissa F.
Boston, MA
1/8/2012
Came here after getting dinner next door. We wanted something sweet and coffee too, so we decided to go in. The gelato was good, and our two spiked coffees were ok as well. They definitely don't skimp on alcohol. So why am I giving this place one star? Price and the staff. As another reviewer stated, the menu has no prices so it's a guessing game (the staff somehow seem clueless when you ask them how much things are, but can ring you right up when they want to charge you.) We got our bill for gelato and coffee and I wanted to flip out. Our bill was almost as much as dinner at Ristorante Fiore! I didn't want to make a scene so I was like whatever I'll pay and finish drinking my coffee. Then when we had literally just finished our coffees, one of the staff came over and asked us to leave to make room for a party of 4. Really. I am a paying customer that just spent an exorbitant amount for your average gelato and coffee.
If you're in the north end stay away from this place. There are far better coffee/gelato shops and for a fraction of the price. With nicer staff. I won't be returning. If somehow there are tables at Mike's get a cappuccino there. It's amazing! -
Review from Sylvia C.
Manhattan, NY
11/16/2011
The young blonde waitress there is either new or she has no idea. Since the menu doesn't have any prices which itself is a crime we had to ask her how much a glass of wine was. She didn't know the price so had to find out. We then asked her what a grappe was and whether it was an aperitif? She didn't know this either. She went to find out and came back and told us it was an aperitif so we ordered the pear grappe without knowing the price, assuming it was the same as a glass of wine. Were we shocked when we saw the bill for $23.50?!? Cappuccino $3.50 and $20!! for a small glass of grappe.
I think all menus should have prices because restaurants/cafes can get away with charging high prices as customers assume it is a certain price. Whoever the waitress spoke to should have told her the price and warned us or she should've found out the price. If we knew how much it cost we would've ordered something else. This is very sly so you have been warned! -
Review from K C.
Cambridge, MA
2/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
AMAZING tiramisu! We were entertaining an out of town guest and we happened upon this great cafe in the North End! You feel like you walked into a neighborhood cafe where the older folk sit around and drink espresso all day, gossiping about neighborhood happenings. Love it! Will definitley be back! Heard they have gelato too, but didn't see it.
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Review from Peter D.
Philadelphia, PA
1/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
A classic cafe, one-of-a-kind, and very relaxing atmosphere in the heart of Boston's North End. Sure the cappuccino may be a little much but you go to cafe's to sit and relax, have multiple drinks, not to go order your small coffee and use WiFi. Cafe Vittoria resembles those found in Europe and for that I give it its props. I see Sylvia's comment below, and that young waitress definitely does not know much. Definitely make sure to get a good idea of what the price is going to be before you order. For two cappuccino's, it came out to be about $7 something with tax. I left a one dollar tip specifically because of the waitress Sylvia mentioned. She did nothing, so a dollar was more than enough. Thankfully the ambiance is awesome and the cappuccino was even better. North End definitely exceeded all of my expectations.
Cash Only, so make sure you have the money but in case you don't, there is a Citizens Bank across the street and a Bank of America somewhere on the block. -
Review from Karrlie O.
Dallas, TX
I've never liked cannoli and now I know it's because I have never had a good one. This place makes to die for cannoli's and now that I am back home in Texas I crave them occasionally.
The atmosphere of Caffe Vittoria was welcoming and the service was fantastic. The ladies pulled together some tables for our large party and even joked around with us off and on. Overall a great experience! -
Review from Maria B.
Salt Lake City, UT
1/15/2012
Having read that Caffe Vittoria had the best coffee in Boston, I had high expectations going there that unfortunately were not met. First, my caffe latte macchiato was too strong (more like a cappuccino). Latte Macchiato is supposed to be a glass of steamed milk with a little bit of espresso and is very mild in taste. Instead it was dark and the brew was bitter and tasted nothing like Italian. The almond biscotti was not fresh. The hot chocolate was again overly-sweet powder mixed with water and milk plus instant whipped cream (btw. it is really really hard to find real drinking chocolate in the US). An additional star for an interesting, Italian-inspired decor with some cool-looking old-school espresso machines. Otherwise, not worth going there.
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Review from Daniel C.
11/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Amazing! You should already expect good Italian fare if you're in Boston's North End. Vittoria has some of the best I've ever had.....and at such a small price.
I had an espresso, a cannoli and a small drink of anisette for something like $6.....
The atmosphere is very old school cafe....black & white tile floor, nice artwork on the walls....professional looking service staff....it was totally worth the stop. -
Review from Michael C.
Boston, MA
12/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Classic north End location for an after dinner coffee and italian dessert. This place is almost always busy but it is not overly difficult to grab a seat. They serve typical italian desserts, nothing spectacular but there is something everyone in your group will be happy with.
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Review from Anthony G.
Durham, CT
12/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Cannoli aren't the best, neither is the sfogliatelle but, with an espresso, they are a great way to end a night of Italian revelry.
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Review from Sarah J.
9/5/2011
This place has good dessert. I have been coming here for years and it never disappoints. Give me cannoli and tiramisu with a cappuccino and I am a happy girl. Don't bother with Mike's...Mike's is a tourist trap and in my opinion, isn't very good. You will get right into Vittoria without having to wait, get great service, and pay little for what is some delicious dessert. I recently tried an after-dinner coffee drink which was quite tasty as well. Granted, their gelato isn't really gelato...I'm pretty sure it's just regular ice cream. But I love ice cream so fine by me!
Remember, like many spots in the North End, Vittoria loves to rock the cash only policy, so bring cash with you and enjoy your dessert!Listed in: Yummies with My Honey, Hidden Gems, The Boozey Life, Pahk the Cah, Caffeine High
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Review from Giuseppe C.
Boston, MA
11/7/2011
Overall I'd give Caffe Vittoria a 4/5 review: Good cappuccinos, great tiramisu, and usually just a nice place to be
However, I got to give it 2 stars now after years of having gone there and the service having just gotten progressively worse over time. It used to be much simpler: Yeah, the waitresses are all old and crabby, relatively rude, and usually rush you even if its a Thursday afternoon with no crowd, but you did get served at least. Now, most just stand around and survey the floor waiting for the next big group (4 people) to come in to serve.
Most recent experience involved me sitting at a table directly facing the main bar, about two feet from where the waitresses stand and apparently look busy. Did the menu dance for about 15 minutes: picked it up, put it down to look ready. 15 minutes later basically just stared down the waitress who continue to glaze over, who I think also realized we were a lost cause for tip. In the end, went over to Mike's next door where, despite the line being out the door, managed to get pastries in less than ten minutes.
Hey Caffe Vittoria, I'm not mad, just disappointed -
Review from joseluis a.
Miami Beach, FL
1/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
we checked out vittoria cause mikes was packed. mikes has been packed for the past 10 years. poor people those who work and shop there. cafe vittoria seemed like a better alternative cause it was more peaceful inside and they also have delicious italian pastries. they also have some great teas. i had a peach/ginger hot tea that was excellent. their sorbetto is excellent too. i had a cup and half and now want some more.
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Review from Erica U.
8/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you find yourself strolling through the Italian area of North Boston and you have a sweet tooth then Caffe Vittoria is the spot for YOU!
The gelato is really good. I opted for the blue kind, I think it was bubble-gum, and it was great. It reminded me of being a kid and ordering ice cream from Longs drug store. But I digress...
The Gelato was great!
The Cannoli was equally awesome.
Service was good
Very interesting ambiance.
Its cluttered, but cool with old school italian decor -
Review from Paul K.
Dallas, TX
11/25/2011
Jersey Shore is alive and well here - Pauly D will be your Barista, and Snookie will be seating you. Skip this tourist trap and go anywhere else....overpriced, mediocre coffee/cappuccino.
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Review from Jonathan J.
Springfield, MO
12/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Lovely, close atmosphere. Attentive and pleasant staff. The fruit tart was divine. Excellent mocha and soy latte.
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Review from Amy C.
8/25/2011
Out of all the cafes on the street, this one stood out to me because of the antique-looking brass espresso machines. The tables were also spread out so patrons can sit comfortably without being elbow to elbow with their neighbors.
The cakes here are scrumptious without being soaked in syrup and sugar. I tried the chocolate mousse cake and it was very light for a cake that consists of 4 layers of chocolate. The coffee is also very good. I only wished that they had a larger menu with more variety of cheesecakes and I was disappointed to see they didn't have panna cotta. -
Review from Mike B.
Springfield, MA
1/15/2012
excellent cappuccino and lobster tail was huge! great price for excellent quality
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Review from Lindsay M.
Boston, MA
9/15/2011
Cute, old-school-italian feel to the decor, a very warm atmosphere
It's always nice to enjoy a hot cup of the delicious coffee here on a freezing winter day! -
Review from Allie L.
11/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Cute place! I loved the opened windows. Great dessert and espresso. The service was great and seemed really busy.
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Review from Robert Z.
Silicon Valley, CA
4/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Following dinner, we were recommended this place by the owner of another nearby locale, as they don't serve desert, so we took a short stroll to this establishment. Easy enough to find, it has a very nostalgic sort of interior to it; they really don't make them like this any more, and that is sad. I have a particular fascination with architecture, I should have been an architect or designer, and Caffe Vittoria had me looking around so much that my colleagues must have thought I was off my rocker.
Quick post-meal follow up of Cappuccino and Canoli, both were simply fantastic, I can find no fault with either. Nights spent like this eating, drinking and talking made me long for a time long ago when people used to go out and carry on like this daily, I wish that was a time I could have lived in, a simpler time with no thought of technology. I even had a bit of the Tiramisu, and it too was rich and sweet, however not overtly so. If you are looking for an end to a great evening, you just found it. -
Review from Eve S.
5/23/2011
The espresso here is simply not good. I consider this rather surprising considering the vintage espresso machines on display and claims to being the "first Italian cafe." The espresso tasted burnt and bitter, perhaps just a fluke though both my cappuccino and my friend's espresso had the same poor taste.
The desserts looked appealing, though I was a bit put off by a neighboring table who had only taken a single bite of both their fruit tart and ice cream.
I'm certain there's better in North End. -
Review from Elle J.
Boston, MA
11/13/2011
Totally overrated! I used to really like this place and hadn't been for over year. After discovering new cafes in the Boston area in the past couple of years, I realised that I really don't like Caffe Vittoria. The service is crap - but I don't think that they ever had good service. The coffee isn't even that good. I've tried their cappuccino, macchiato, espresso.. nothing to write home about. They do make a good hot chocolate and they have decent pastries. At least the company I was with made up for the bad experience! Also being a cash only business is quite inconvenient..
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Review from Marilyn T.
Palo Alto, CA
5/22/2011
It's kind of old school with all the historic coffee making machinery, but they have flat screen TVs.
It's definitely my go-to place for after-dinner espresso or cappuccinos. They also have limoncello and some other liqueurs, with a full liquor license. They have desserts and gelato, as well, but most people opt for Mike's next door - still, if you want to sit down and enjoy your dessert in a less crowded space, come here. -
Review from A A.
Hempstead, NY
4/3/2011
Two words.
Coffee. One of the best cappuccinos I've ever had in my entire life.
Gelato. Freaking great. You always put me into a Gelato Coma. -
Review from Julia F.
Updated - 2/27/2011
I would, and have gone here at any time of day to get caffeinated. I'm one of those people who loves a good espresso, cappucino, or latte after a good (or bad!) meal, or day. This is one of the best places I've found to get my fix!
Gelato is very good, the space is nice, the people who work there are equally as nice, and promptly hand you your drink of choice.
It has a cigar bar downstairs, which is also a nice place to sit and relax, or hang out.
Good place to end a date, or dinner out with a friend.Listed in: take me out!, I scream!, mambo italiano
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/28/2008
Thank god for real coffee. I have come here a couple of times with another "partner" from Sbux and… Read more »
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Review from DonPaul N.
North Weymouth, MA
10/22/2011
This vibrant and beautiful cafe is often part of my dinner plans when I'm in the North End. It is lively and serves the best coffee, a nice rejuvenation (or preparation) for the evening or afternoon. There are two sides to the cafe, and you should go into the right hand door to the original cafe. It is perfectly lit with high tin ceilings, tile floors and filled with little tables. The room is decorated with photos, murals and intriguing antiques. The place actually has a bit of a glitter to it.
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Review from Bryce G.
Boston, MA
10/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Pretty darn good Hazelnut lattes. Really good coffe and desserts.
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Review from Joe G.
4/14/2011
The North End's best cappucino, best eclairs & nicest cafe atmosphere. I put them in a three way dogfight with Mike's and Bova's for best cannoli, but rest assured they are very much in the running.
Full liquor license=awesome addition to the cafe scene. Because of the variety of its offerings, Vittoria is a great place to hang out with friends or grab a bite to eat or drink at any time of the day, for any reason. -
Review from Lindsay M.
Somerville, MA
12/16/2011
The second star is ONLY because the food and drinks here are good.
Sadly, for Caffe Vittoria, the surly, ineffectual, slow waitress we had when we visited negated any benefit we might have enjoyed from the delicious gelato and after dinner drinks. Once she finally got to our table, after about 5 minutes of waiting in an only partially full restaurant, our waitress managed to produce one menu for the four of us to share. Fine, not a big deal, we can share. She waited another ten minutes to come back to take our order and, when she did, she didn't know the menu, couldn't answer our questions, and really couldn't have given less of a crap about us. We got our order, and all was well. I had some sort of hot chocolate drink with Kahlua and it was great. My husband had a great cup of coffee, and our friends had perfectly made gelato and tiramisu. We were all happy, despite the fact that everyone working in the restaurant gave off a distinct "F off" vibe, for no apparent reason.
But then ten more minutes went by. Then another 15. Until, finally after about 30 minutes of waiting, my husband had to stand and flag our waitress down for our check. She challenged him, telling him she had already left it, until she came to the table to prove him wrong and realized that she was, in fact, wrong. She then left the check, and walked away. AGAIN, FOR TEN MINUTES. When she came back to find us waiting with the check and a credit card, she told us they only take cash. You can't disappear for ten minutes only to come back and tell people they've waited for NOTHING.
So, we left her a very small tip. The smallest I have ever left, in fact. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 3%. She COUNTED THE MONEY IN FRONT OF US, then turned and scoffed when she realized what she was getting. She rolled her eyes, sighed audibly to all the other customers, and glared.
I'm not some kind of asshole, I was a waitress for years. My husband now makes a living off of tips, as does our friend who was with us. But if you behave like an ass, you'll get paid like an ass.
So, to the pretty, young waitress with long dark hair, and a tattoo of something written on the middle of your upper back, don't roll your goddamn eyes at me when you've been nothing but a slow, rude bitch all night. You didn't earn the tip so you didn't get it. That's how gratuity works. You need to do better.
Also, there's a cigar bar or something in the basement so, when you leave this charming place, you'll smell like cigarettes. -
Review from Maria A.
4/11/2011 1 photo
Back in August 2010, I went to Boston for a few days. It was a Friday night, and there was a 2-hour wait at a restaurant, so I had time to kill. I remembered reading the reviews about Caffé Vittoria, and so we decided to go here.
When we walked inside, they politely told us that we can sit anywhere we wanted. The server was really nice and attentive. The decor was nice - comfortable café-style. The place was clean, and there were a lot of tables.
I'm a coffee/cap/latte gal. I didn't want to eat anything before the restaurant, so I only ordered the cappuccino. Omg - the cappuccino was FANTASTIC!! That was my last night in Boston, and I even went back in the morning to get a cappuccino before I left.
If I ever go back to Boston, I will definitely return.
I wish there was a Caffé Vittoria in New York - for real!! -
Review from Katherine E.
Brookline, MA
5/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great place for coffee and dessert. Prices are pretty reasonable, and if you are lucky, the service is given with a smile and a few jokes.
I agree with the other yelpers, the espresso drinks are well done and the foam perfect. The lobster tail is big enough for 4 people (don't confuse that with the sfogliatella, it's smaller cousin)! Gelato selection is great, and I've always been a fan of the beautiful ornamental tin ceiling.
I just wish they would dust off the decor on the walls and add more restrooms. -
Review from Temurkin C.
Boston, MA
3/12/2011
What an establishment! As soon as I walked into the place I felt like I was transported back into another era. And the coffee. Wow. My friend ordered a cappuccino and I ordered a cafe latte. We also ordered tiramisu instead of going to Mike's Pastry next door. And I'm really glad we did.
The cappuccino and latte were delightful. Her cappuccino tasted almost like creme brulee, with a hint of burnt sugar and chocolate taste. My cafe latte was rich and creamy, but not at all bitter. And the tiramisu....... OMG. That is what tiramisu was meant to taste like.
The prices are also very reasonable. Each of our coffee drinks were $3.50 and the tiramisu was $4. Caffe Vittoria will have my business for as long as I'm in Boston.
A++ -
Review from Claude F.
1/18/2011
Here is what makes Caffé Vittoria a 5 star establishment:
1. Always consistently great eats!
2. Always consistently enjoy the great eats at an actual chair and table (grazing is so 1990s)
3. Always consistently avoid the annoying tourists who ask you to take their picture (and from now on I will say to them "NO!!! I am Yelper Now!!! I only take pictures of food!!!...Though your complexion does closely resemble a pepperoni pizza.")
Came here the other day with coworkers after lunch at The Florentine Café across the street. I had the Flan (Caramel Custard with Caramel Sauce straight from heaven) and the Chocolate Cannoli (Dark Chocolate Dipped Shell...ooohhh yeeeaaaah!) Both were devine (and thank you excessive running for letting me eat what I want with out turning back into fat Claude....I will post the pictures of fat Claude)
I could not recommend both desserts high enough!!!
Now if only my coworkers could be as appealing...Listed in: Places to enable your food…, THIS...IS...BOSTON!!!!!, 5 Stars!!!
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Review from Stephanie Y.
San Francisco, CA
3/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Totally reminds me of this pastry shop in Little Italy in Manhattan. You walk in and get lost among gelato flavors, dessert choices, and smell of coffee. My high school friend brought us here to chill and chat. Whenever, we get together, we need a few hours, just to catch up, so this was a perfect spot.
We got the chocolate gelato, mango sherbet and I HAD to try the cannoli. Everything was delicious and the gelato was like ice cream. The cannoli was on par with Termini Brothers in Philly. I love a crispy shell and creamy mascarpone filling. It was awesome with my aromatic coffee. It was a good ending to the night. -
Review from Jessica H.
Hyde Park, MA
1/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
The North End is the absolute worst for vegans in all of Boston - eggs in every homemade pasta, cheese is most of the sauces, it's impossible!
However thank God for Caffe Vittoria - otherwise I'd never eat anything in the North End. I love love love their coffee. It's so strong and just delicious. Surprisingly - and I don't think many folks know this, they carry soy milk! Yes you too vegan can now have a delicious and huge soy cappuccino smack in the middle of the North End. They also have a few flavors of sorbet (also vegan) so while everyone else is eating their Mike's Pastry cannolis, you can join them with your sorbet.
During the summer it's super fun to eat at their two outside tables. Sit there and drink your coffee while people watching. Almost like your actually in Italy! They also have alcohol, so you can sip your wine as well.
They also have good service and bring your order out pretty fast. I've never had a problem finding a place to sit and I really like all the coffee equipment around.
For non-vegans they have lots of other Italian desserts, various dessert drinks, etc. It's a great place to bring your visiting family.
so so so glad I found this place last year! -
Review from Sergey A.
Brighton, MA
4/17/2011
It's too bad I didn't know about this place before...
This places serves one of the best cappuccinos / cafe mocha's I've had in the New England area. They actually use REAL chocolate!
The service is always pretty quick and friendly. The only thing I don't like about this place is that it doesn't accept credit cards.
Definitely recommend this place to anyone who wants to try good coffee without traveling all the way to Europe for it. -
Review from Lauren Jeanne G.
Grand Canyon, AZ
1/14/2011
Best Mocha in Boston, and the best Tiramisu stateside.
While I feel this is all that needs to be said, I will add that I begin to unwind as soon as I walk into this cozy and romantic shop. Just thinking of Cafe Vittoria makes me want to move back to Boston. If you know how what a outdoorsy, mountain girl I am, then you understand how much I do love and miss this Cafe. -
Review from Lorrie M.
11/11/2010 1 Check-in Here
This is a cute little shop in the North End to grab a bite or have some delicious Italian lattes, made just for you. You can also, if you so desire, indulge on the delicious homemade gelatos they offer here.
The service is friendly and everyone seems to know each other inside. The waitress was kind of hanging out more so than serving but again she was extremely friendly. I feel like everywhere here is cash only so be prepared!
Their lattes were delicious and perfectly flavored (with soy!) and it was nice and cozy with lots of character. A recommended stop in North end. -
Review from Beth B.
Dallas, TX
4/11/2011
Meant to go to Mike's Pastry next door but turned in too early. When I got a blank box instead of the one marked Mike's, I realized that I was in the wrong place but didn't turn back. Ordered an eclair, a napoleon, a cannoli and anise cookies. After I ordered, I realized that I couldn't take anything but the anise cookies on the plane...everything else was filled with what TSA considers liquid...boo on that. Two people helped me but neither was especially friendly...the two stars are based on the so-so service. Maybe they're bitter that people are going next door to Mike's for baked good.
Next time I'll be more observant....
