Boston’s North End has seen Italian settlers since the 1860s, and even today Italian culture is evident here. And keeping with that Italian tradition, is Caffe Vittoria (1929) one of the oldest and most authentic Italian cafe.
Walking along Hanover Street (if you are doing the Freedom Trail, there is every chance you’ll end up in Hanover anyway), you’ll come across this vintage establishment, a haven for true lovers of cappuccinos.
Caffe Vittoria has been a popular destination for locals and a pleasant stop for tourists, attracting household names like actor Al Pacino.
And keeping with my habit (drinking coffee in legendary café in every place I visit), I make my way to Caffe Vittoria, giving serious thoughts to the Boston of yore.
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Boston, I know, is ripe with macabre stories — that of serial killers like Albert DeSalvo (Boston Strangler) and Jolly Jane, tragic stories of unrequited love, the reason for spirits to haunt several historic streets, buildings and landmarks. Locals swear by one or two paranormal activities regularly, thus making Boston America’s most haunted city.
In hope, I head to Caffe Vittoria, closest to the Holocaust Memorial on Hanover Street, for a cup of the famed hot chocolate followed by coffee, arguing that if I were to face a ghoul, it should be only after a cup of coffee. Especially an Espresso.
I love the fact that there is a certain air of opulence – old Italian class if you will. A waitress takes your order, the menu is to the point, the coffee is good and pastries – divine.
I am hoping to speak with the young, pony-tailed waitress about the café’s past – but she looks as though she has no interest or time to stick around to chat. So I divert my attention to the café walls – a newspaper clipping stuck on the wall tells the story.
This cafe has a spooky history and many report paranormal activities here. Investigations found that 292 Hanover Street (where the cafe is located) may have once housed a baby farm. A syringe was found in Caffè Vittoria’s foundation and upon its removal, the alleged paranormal activity stopped. Though the haunting is naturally not a confirmed part of the cafe’s history, Caffè Vittoria still draws paranormal enthusiasts intrigued by its mysterious history.
Caffe Vittoria is spread over three floors, four seating areas, a tin ceiling, mosaic tile floors, marble tables, and hanging lights. The marble-topped tables with stainless steel chairs give it a rather authentic air, the walls are alive with coffee posters and pictures of ghouls and there are old coffee urns and vintage espresso machines lying around.
I visited during the day, but apparently, this cafe turns into a ‘bar’ during the night.
I am slightly disappointed to note that while there is an actual espresso machine around, the coffee now comes from a modern machine – there is no old Italian lady roasting coffee beans, so no pure house blend type of coffee. Also, Caffé Vittoria now serves Lavazza coffee.
I had an espresso and hot chocolate (pictured above) and couldn’t help but wish that the espresso was shorter – there is a reason why it is called ‘espresso shot’ – and not long coffee, right?
Caffé Vittoria has something for everyone – plus, there is no SML or XL. Whether it is coffee or tea or hot chocolate, it is one size for all. There’s also a well-stocked bar, with liqueurs, spirits and wine and, of course, some very tempting Italian pastries and ice-cream.
Caffé Vittoria is an institution in every way and a visit to Boston without a visit to Caffé Vittoria would be incomplete.
Cafe Victoria is my go to when I am in the north End. My favorite waitress is Jenny, although she has not been there much lately.