Bova's Bakery
Most people that visit the North End usually end up eating dessert at Mike's Pastry or Modern Pastry. Both places are extremely popular and quite often you'll find long lines that overflow onto Hanover Street.
Next time you're in the North End and want a dessert to treat to try - Bova's Bakery. It's usually a lot less crowded and pretty much has the same food selection.
Bova's Bakery is a Family-owned bake shop, opened in 1932, offering up delicious loaves of bread, cookies & sandwiches 24 hours a day.
Description from their website:
Visit us and celebrate a family history made around the oven. North Enders will tell you, there's nothing quite so comforting as walking home in the early morning with a warm loaf of bread carefully cradled in the crook of your arm. Once home, you sit down at the kitchen table, sneak the butter from the fridge, and open a jar of jam. With mounting anticipation, you prepare for a delicious breakfast.
Photos
Click on image for a larger version.
Not always crowded like some of the popular bakeries on Hanover Street.
Misc Bova's Bakery Info
Anthony Martignetti, of the Prince Spaghetti Boy commercial from the 1970s, worked at Bova's Bakery at night
You can see Bova"s Bakery in the Fever Pitch Movie. The main character lived right upstairs.
Food Selection
I have found that they have a better selection of desserts than Mikes Pastry. I have enjoyed their homemade Italian cookies and fig bars.
I don't have a go-to item, I just browse around and see what looks good.
Bova`s Bakery has sandwiches and pizza too, which I keep thinking of having but the desert treats are a meal in themselves.
The Whoopie Pie is really good, kids will enjoy the character versions such as Cookie Monster.
Hours
Always Open - Open 24 hours!
According to Google, the most popular time is between 6 and 9, but the bakery does appear to get considerable amount of late night traffic.
Location
Bova's Bakery, located at the intersection of Prince Street and Salem Street. The Street address for Google/GPS is 134 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113
It's a quick 10-minute drive from Logan Airport via Taxi. Which is good to know if you have some layover time and want to grab some great Italian food.