Long lines in Boston

The viral places people queue for, what to get when you reach the front, how long the wait usually is, and how to beat it. Waits are typical, not live.

4 places in Boston · by Chef Amazing · updated October 23, 2026
Photo: neptuneoyster.com

1. 1

   Neptune Oyster

   Seafood · North End

   Get: A hot buttered lobster roll, and oysters

   Twenty seats and one of the most talked-about lobster rolls in New England. Expect: an hour or more at weekend dinner. Beat it: put your name in at 11:30am opening.

   Critics: 79% liked it, from 6 reviews (2024 to 2026). Read MICHELIN Guide, The Infatuation 2026, Time Out, Savory Tooth 2024.

   The crowd: 4.4 of 5 on Tripadvisor (2,144 ratings).

   Also on these lists: Boston: what to eat and where, The best lobster roll in Boston, Where locals eat in Boston.

   63 Salem St, Boston · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
2. 2

   Mike's Pastry

   Italian bakery, cannoli · North End

   Get: Cannoli, filled to order

   The white box with string you'll see all over the North End and all over your feed. Expect: crowds out the door most evenings. Beat it: go before noon.

   300 Hanover St, Boston · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
3. 3

   Regina Pizzeria

   Neapolitan-style pizza · North End

   Get: A thin-crust pie from the original Thacher Street oven

   The North End original, open since 1926. Expect: 30 to 60 min at weekend dinner. Beat it: go at lunch.

   Critics: 81% liked it, from 5 reviews (2018 to 2024). Read The Infatuation 2024, Time Out Boston, Phantom Gourmet 2023, The Boston Globe 2018.

   The crowd: 4.5 of 5 on TripAdvisor (3,034 ratings).

   Also on the list: Where locals eat in Boston.

   11 1/2 Thacher St, Boston, MA 02113 · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
4. 4

   Modern Pastry

   Italian bakery · North End

   Get: Cannoli and ricotta pie

   Locals' answer to Mike's, across the street. Expect: lines in the evening. Beat it: go in the afternoon.

   257 Hanover St, Boston · Map · Add to Chef Amazing