Vaccaro’s in Little Italy

If you’re willing to spend a little time — and money for gas — Vaccaro’s in Baltimore’s Little Italy is definitely the place to go for a dessert like none other. The Baltimore site is Vaccaro’s only sit-down location.

The small café in Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-Calif.) old neighborhood is tucked away on a quiet corner on Albemarle Street, deep within the maze of streets that makes up Baltimore. Its red awning and light-up sign in loopy cursive are as welcoming as their cannolis, which are good enough for even Tony Soprano himself.

Gioacchino Vaccaro established the pastry shop in 1956, after being born and raised in Palermo, Italy. Since then, the shop has grown to include the Pasticceria, which offers take-out and sit-down options, and seven other locations throughout Baltimore and its surrounding areas.

Almost immediately after opening, Vaccaro’s cannoli and rum cake became instant hits among the people of Baltimore, according to vaccarospastry.com . Today, Nick Vaccaro continues the delicious family tradition begun by his father over 50 years ago.

The twinkling Christmas lights and Italian flags swept across the street add to the café’s romantic yet homey feel. Inside, pale blue signs advertising espresso and cannoli abound, and the staff is very attentive. The café can fit about two-dozen people, although come later and you’ll have nearly private dining, as the café is open until 1 a.m. on the weekends.

When I visited, I chose the “Snickers Volcano.” For $7.50, a huge slice of Snickers pie with vanilla gelato, Snickers pieces, hot fudge and whipped cream was put in front of me. After I tasted my first bite, it definitely was worthy of being called heaven on a plate.

We both also chose the double shot of espresso, which was a surprisingly delightful warm treat on such a hot summer evening. The café also offers cappuccinos, chai lattes served hot or cold, and hot chocolate with whipped cream on top.

My friend who visited the café with me chose the “Peanut Butter Fantasy.” Also for $7.50, he received almost the exact same dessert, substituting the Snickers for a slice of peanut butter pie and chopped Reese’s cups. I was impressed with the rich, fresh taste of the desserts.

Most items on the menu have whimsical names such as the “Lost at Sea,” which is a homemade Belgian waffle with homemade Italian cookies and cream, vanilla chocolate chips with wet nuts, hot fudge and whipped cream topping. There’s also “The Real Deal”: a slice of cinnamon pecan pie served with amaretto gelato, hot fudge and whipped topping. For $8.25, it’s guaranteed to “knock you out,” according to the menu.

Vaccaro’s has a coffee-of-the-month program, in which you buy 10 coffees or cappuccinos and get one free. Gift cards can be ordered online or by phone.

For more information on Vaccaro’s, including hours of operation, visit www.vaccarospastry.com or call the Little Italy location.