Three Words, Two Sandwiches, One Dream: Mike and Patty’s

by molly dehaven and anna chalupa

Our academic advisors told us to follow our dreams… so this week, we ended up with a breakfast sandwich from Mike and Patty’s. We may be no closer to an internship, but our dreams are more than fulfilled. Fresh-baked English muffins, hearty sausage, runny eggs… need I say more? A little birdy told me that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so let us tell you about our favorite local breakfast joint: Mike and Patty’s.

Ambiance/ First Impressions:

Let me (Molly) start by saying this isn’t our typical first impression story. My very first introduction to Mike & Patty’s actually came from a phone call with my dad way back in the fall of 2023. Just after he had dropped me off for my first year of college, he set off on his own adventure and soon after told me he had found the best breakfast sandwich in Boston. He insisted I try it immediately. It wasn’t until April of 2024 that I finally went, and I regretted not listening to him sooner. Since that first visit, I have gotten to share the joy that is Mike & Patty’s with Anna, and it has become a go-to spot for those mornings when nothing but a great breakfast sandwich will do. The shop is located on the corner of the quiet Bay Village neighborhood, about a 10-minute walk from campus. The commute is not completely unbearable on a bitter Boston morning, and the payout is worth it. When you walk in, your first thought will be something along the lines of Wow, this is tinyy. It kind of feels like you’ve stepped straight into someone’s kitchen, and frankly, you have. The kitchen takes up most of the store, save four window seats and a condiment bar. The service is fast; someone will greet you and take your order at the counter immediately. Unless you manage to snag one of the coveted window stools, you’ll wait outside until your food is ready. Their distinctive, cozy setup adds to the charm, you’re immediately aware you’ve stumbled upon a small but loved shop. They do have somewhat limited hours, only open from 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM every day of the week. But for us, it's an excuse to leave our dorm before the afternoon, and we never regret it.

Taste/Menus:

Their menu consists of all types of handhelds–from breakfast burritos to sourdough sandwiches to English muffins to wraps. There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, and even a kid’s meal (that comes with a “Mike and Patty’s Adventure Book!”). Almost all ingredients are locally or thoughtfully sourced, including the bread, baked at their own bakery here in Boston. The menu will satisfy any breakfast or lunch needs, from the classic bacon, egg, and cheese (BEC) to fried chicken wraps to Nutella Fluff sandwiches. But, our insider tip: get the English muffin. We’ll be the first to admit our frequent disregard–maybe even disdain–for English muffins. But, this isn’t your stale, chalky grocery store English muffin. No, no, no, this is something far more magical–fresh, airy, luxurious. Whatever you choose to put on it, you won’t be sorry. But we’ll get more into that later…

MOLLY:

I order the same thing every time I go. One day, maybe I’ll branch out, but every time I consider it, I’m overwhelmed by the thought that if I order something else, I’ll have extreme FOMO about my usual. Instead, I rely on taking bites of the orders belonging to whoever I go with in order to explore the menu. Until the day I decide to switch up, I’ll be ordering The Classic sandwich ($6.00) with sausage (+$2.50). Without fail, as soon as I take the first bite, I think, Why don’t I come here more often? Because, let me reiterate how STANDOUT this English muffin is. It’s the first impression of the sandwich, and it couldn’t have done a better job. It’s fluffy, warm, and flavorful. What I’m trying to say is: Mike and Patty’s is the only place where I’ll willingly order an English muffin. The egg is fried thoughtfully, and yes, it will burst yolk while you’re eating, which I personally look forward to. If runny eggs aren’t your thing you can request the egg cooked differently. The sausage and cheese are as delicious as every other piece of the sandwich, tying everything into one cohesive, satisfying breakfast. At first glance, the sandwich looks tiny. But trust me when I say that it packs a punch. It’s stacked tight, so every bite delivers all flavors in perfect harmony. In my opinion, it’s worth every penny. Sure, you can find breakfast sandwiches at other coffee shops for a similar price, but the quality and experience here more than justify the cost. At Mike & Patty’s, you get the rare opportunity to actually see the ingredients come together on the griddle before they get wrapped up and handed to you, and you can taste the love that was poured into every bite.

Rating: 7.5/8

ANNA:

The Carolina Caviar ($8.50). Fried egg. Sausage. Pimento cheese. HOMEMADE English muffin. When I sleep, I dream about this sandwich. When I wake up, I think about this sandwich. When I eat this sandwich, I’m actively planning when I can get another. It’s that good. Snugly nestled in foil, this compact stack of deliciousness is as close to heaven as I’m ever going to get. The ingredients are all high-quality, and you really can taste it. Their menu boasts “Vital Farm’s pasture-raised” eggs and bread from their local artisanal “Flourhouse bakery.” But to be honest, you could give me Unimportant Farm’s Factory-Raised Eggs and Grocery Store Bread, and if it tasted this good, I’d still eat it. Just an added bonus to know where your food comes from. The composition is perfect. The ingredients unite harmoniously, packed tightly into the foil. Be warned though: the egg might explode. Quite possibly the egg pop of the century, the runny yolk complimented the savory flavor profile and textural components almost too well. The pimento cheese-egg yolk sauce combination had me levitating above their window seats. I did have to wash my sweatshirt sleeve (a victim of The Big Pop) soon after these pictures were taken, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I suppose what I’m trying to say here is: if you take any recommendation from this blog, make it this one. Seriously. I know neither Mike nor Patty, but if you happen to see them, tell them I need to give them a good, solid handshake.

Rating: 7.7/8

Final Thoughts:

Mike & Patty’s is more than just a breakfast spot; it's an experience. It’s the kind of place that sticks with you long after your meal is over. Whether you’re a breakfast sandwich connoisseur or just looking for a quick bite that delivers in every way, this little shop is worth the trip. It’s the perfect place to impress visitors with. They also offer an order-ahead option if you suspect that you will get there during a rush and you want to avoid waiting out in the cold for your order. So, if you're craving a breakfast that’s equal parts delicious and memorable, Mike & Patty’s is the spot that will keep you coming back for more. It’s time for you to follow your dreams.