Modern Pastry, Boston

Modern Pastry is like the pastry king of the North End, and it's got a die-hard fanbase. Even though this family-owned bakery has been around for ages, it's got a cool and modern vibe—hence the name. These guys are famous for their mouthwatering pastries, including old-world cakes, fancy cupcakes, cookies, pizelles, and chocolates. But the real star of the show, the reason you might have to wait in line...?

Well, people here are serious about cannoli, and there's a bit of a showdown between Modern Pastry and another big-shot bakery, Mike's Pastry, for the title of "Cannoli King" in Boston. Tourists usually flock to Mike's, but the locals swear by Modern. You've gotta taste both to pick your side on this tasty turf war. And while you're at it, head over to Modern Underground for a nice cocktail to go with your dessert.

Modern's indoor seating area is much like a social club where the owners pride themselves on knowing their regulars by name. Whereas cookies are the main highlight — sold by the bulk for as little as $5 per bagload (what a deal!), they also serve breakfast and brunch before noon. So if you're in the vicinity struck with veracious appetite, be sure to pop in and, after finishing your meal, treat yourself to, say, some delightfully flaky 'sfogliatella' (a lobster tail pastry) and a coffee.

The family of chefs running this bakery has been perfecting their pastry skills for over 150 years, across different parts of the world, so they really know their stuff.

Tip:
When lines get long, they open a smaller shop next door that sells the same stuff as the big bakery. Only the locals are in on this secret.