Comparing Cannoli in Boston, Massachusetts: Mike’s Pastry vs Modern Pastry

At the end of Hanover Street in the North End of Boston, Massachusetts an old rivalry has been brewing since 1946. A sweet, crunchy, chocolaty rivalry between Mike’s Pastry and Modern Pastry. A line has been drawn and you must choose a side. Who has the best Cannoli?

Mike’s Pastry
300 Hanover St
Boston, Massachusetts 02113
Phone: 617.742.3050
Hours: Sunday – Thursday 8a – 10p | Friday & Saturday 8a – 11p

The North End

The North End is one of the furthermost stops along the Freedom Trail that runs through Boston, Massachusetts. It is located between Paul Revere’s House and Trinity Church. It is the epitome of Little Italy.

Mike’s Pastry is located on the West side of Hanover, while Modern Pastry is located on the East side. 

Mike’s Pastry

Mike’s Pastry has an old local charm to it. The shop is bright from the moment you step inside.

The walls are painted white with oversized decals of cannoli bordering the ceiling. There is full lighting in the shop and the case, giving you a great view of all the incredible pastries offered here.

Their recognizable signature blue and white circular baskets of string hang from the ceiling to tie up your goodie box.

The employee’s here are almost as sweet as the pastries; friendly, encouraging and helpful, with a little bit of that Boston edge.

Mike’s Pastry is crazy busy, all the time, but there isn’t a formal line. In fact, if a formal line starts forming, the employee’s will encourage you to get out of line and come to the counter to take a look and order.

Mike’s Pastry has five refrigerated cases full of every imaginable type of pastry including biscotti, brownies, cakes, cannoli, cheesecakes, cookies, cupcakes, custards, eclairs, marzipan, pies, puffs, sponges, and tiramisu.

This list is by no means comprehensive.

Modern Pastry

On the flip side, literally it’s right across the street, Modern Pastry is dimly lit, much smaller in comparison, and feels a bit stuffy (or chic depending on your point of view). There is a formal line here, and the employees aren’t nearly as friendly.

They have just three cases of refrigerated pastries, including many of the same items, just on a smaller scale. Plus, the pastries at Modern Pastry are smaller and they are slightly more expensive than at Mike’s Pastry, though they do fill the cannoli upon ordering.

Rivalry

All that is fine and all, but this rivalry doesn’t just come down to these two mere pastry shops. No, it’s narrowed down specifically to a competition between Cannoli and Boston Creme Pie.

Side by Side Comparison

We did a side by side comparison of the two, where Mike’s was the clear winner! Watch our taste test YouTube video to find out why! 

Extra Treats

Ever since doing this taste test, the kids want to do one for every single place we eat! We also ordered a slice of Dark Chocolate Cake, and a Peanut Butter Brownie from Mike’s Pastry. Both were excellent! I really wanted a Cream Puff from Modern Pastry, but Gabriel turned out to be the voice of reason.

Disclaimer:

I may say in the video that I prefer Modern Pastry’s Boston Creme Pie Cupcake, but with that, it should be noted that a Boston Creme Pie Cupcake is not Boston Creme Pie. So, while I may have preferred Modern Pastry’s specific rendition of this dessert, only one of these two shops offers a true Boston Creme Pie. Mike’s Pastry wins every time.

Have you been to Mike’s Pastry or Modern Pastry? Are you cheering for the red, or the blue team? We’ll still like you even if you prefer Modern, we’ll just question your judgement.

Check out our other favorite activities in Boston including a Duck Tour, our family field trip to the Museum of Fine Arts, and our day spent in Salem, Massachusetts.