Little Italy Landmark Named One Of The Best Southern Bakeries

BALTIMORE (WJZ)— They've been in business for more than half a century, and if you've lived in Baltimore for any time you have probably enjoyed a pastry at Vaccaro's.

Ron Matz reports why a national magazine is sweet on this Little Italy landmark.

You'll always find a crowd at Vaccaro's, and it's easy to see why: delicious cookies and pastries, a place for coffee and conversation.

"I work right down the street at the Marriott and we send guests here all the time. People have actually heard about Vaccaro's. People come from all over the United States and come here," said Katie Walny.

Now Southern Living Magazine has named Vaccaro's one of the best bakeries in the south, a big honor for Maria Vaccaro and her family.

"It came out of nowhere," Vaccaro said. "This gentleman came in and was going around testing everything. He thought Vaccaro's was great and wrote about us in the magazine."

The magazine is really sweet on the sliced almond cookies and the pine nut cookies or pignolis.

"I work at Hertz around the corner. I get people from out of town all the time. Any time they're looking for a good cup of coffee or a place to go in Little Italy, I send them here. It's a great place," said Travis Smith, of Canton.

Ron Matz's personal favorite at Vaccaro's:  the cannoli chip and dip.

"Our 56th anniversary is coming up March 16, and we want to have a celebration and maybe give out a cannoli to everyone who comes in to visit us," Vaccaro said.

A time to party and celebrate this Little Italy landmark . . .

"It's overwhelming," Vaccaro said. "It's great and it makes us proud. A lot of people have called us to say congratulations."

Vaccaro's will celebrate its 56th anniversary in March and is promising a big celebration.