We'll be in Boston for one night only, next Monday (before an early transatlantic flight). We've visited the city fairly often (live in CT) but have not been to the North End. We'd love to remedy that grievous omission.

The "Italian in Boston" thread was very helpful, but I wonder if the places recommended would be open on a Monday evening? We'd like to wander the area (Hanover St best?) and stop wherever looks good, so calling ahead is not really an option.

And what's the nearest T stop, or is it best to get a cab? (we're staying near the airport, Hampton Inn in Revere).

Thanks for any and all info!

Take the T to Haymarket if you are staying near the Airport. You will need to change trains,so you could just get off at Government Center and walk a few blocks intead. I'm sure you will find plenty of restaurants open on a Monday. It will be much nicer without all the crowds.

Thanks Doc, that's just what I needed to know.

Actually, it would be difficult to get to the Haymarket stop as that is on the green line, and SB_Travlr will be coming in on the blue line, and there is no need to go up to Government Center to switch to the green line to go one stop to the Haymarket stop.

Instead, you'll just need to get off at the Aquarium stop which is on the blue line, walk through the Quincy Market towards the Millenium Hotel and cut through the actual Haymarket to get into the North End.

Leslie is correct. Make sure you get some canolis at Mike's Pastry to eat on plane the next day.

According to weather report you should be glad you are leaving early Tuesday as it is expected to snow 24 hours later. And seriously, if the Patriots win the Superbowl this weekend festivities are likely to take place Tuesday in Govt Center area (hope that is not a jinx to even mention that). But if you are leaving early enough this will not interfere with your plans. If you are leaving after mid-morning, it might be a zoo!

Our favorite dining destination in the North End is Assaggio (see http://www.2nite.com/assaggio/) open seven days. It's located on Prince just off Hanover.

Revere Beach and Aquarium stations are both on the Blue Line. See www.mbta.com

In the alternative, try www.opentable.com

Mike's Pastry is an overrated tourist trap. Go to Modern Pastry on Hanover for the best desserts in town.

-North End Resident

Sorry, but IHMO, both are nowhere near the best desserts in town. I have been to both several times. Mikes is an institution, you can get though the line in five minutes or less. It has typical "italian-american" pastry. It is extremely popular and fresh. Modern is a cut below, still very good. That being said, neither is great. Mikes is a North End institution, not a great dessert place. It is priced accordingly.

Everyone says that the cannoli at Modern is great. However, I don't care for cannoli and I have found the other things I have ordered at Modern to be sub-par. Mike's has a wider selection and I have found the pastries there to be better.