Isgro Paticceria $

1009 Christian St., 215/923-3092,
www.isgropastries.com [1]

HOURS: Mon.–Thurs. 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.,
Fri.–Sat. 8:30 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun. 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

COST: Most entrées less than $10

Opened in 1904 by Mario Isgro, who studied culinary arts in Vienna and Messina before coming to Philadelphia [2], this popular old-school South Philly bakery has been owned and operated by members of his family for over 100 years.

Recipes for the award-winning cannolis (my personal fave), cookies, and cakes have been passed down through generations, and have garnered a loyal following in generations of Philadelphians.

The sweet aromas fill the street outside the row-house storefront, and inside, traditional Italian ricotta baba au rhum, fogliatella, jelly-filled croissants, hazelnut genoise, and chocolate cake with layers of ganache and raspberry jam fill the glass cases.

Be warned, the line often wraps well around the block during the holidays.