My friend and I went early this morning and we loved our experience! Customer service was awesome and that Crab Dip Bagel though- Hunny! *chef's kiss* Oh and...my "Crookie" was gone by later this afternoon. All this to say we'll definitely be back! read more

Small pastry/sando shop with seating outside and super close by Canton waterfront park. Highly recommend pre-ordering 1 week ahead, as there's usually a line. + Mango Passionfruit Tart/Danish ($8.50): mindblown by the sweetness and juiciness of the mango, there's a cream inside too, and topped with coconut flakes and tajin. But I love that the mango flavor shines the most (9/10) + BLT Sando ($10): thick cross section with iceberg lettuce, arugula, bacon, tomato, and onion-fig like jam and aioli. Lots of flavors! (8/10) + Crab Tamago Sando ($14): lighter side, but the crab was a bit saltier than I'd like (7/10) + Burrata Caprese ($13): tomatoes were really sweet, yummy w the pesto and cheese (7.2/10) + Ham and Cheese Croissant ($6.5): interesting look w the cheese hardened on top, wish it was flakier (6.5/10) read more

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Cafe Dear Leon Overall - 10/10 Everything about this place is worth the wait. The Food - 9/10: Sandwiches, pastry or other baked goods. You can't go wrong, it's all pretty good. Dropping sandwich pictures as this place doesn't usually get the credit it deserves for that, it usually gives awards out on social media for the crab bagel or the pastries. The Vibes- 8/10- Definitely a cute spot to grab and go but there's no space inside and space outside is limited. If the weather is off it can make it unbearable in the rain or extreme cold, assuming there is a wait- which there usually is OR you had to park a block or two a way and walk. The Service-10/10: These people get it. Even at the end of the day before they close. Always stellar, always attentive, and just overall amazing. The Drinks- 9/10: Never had a bad coffee or matcha from here on multiple trips Price: 7/10: fair to good. Upscale bakery in the heart of the canton square that is going viral- it could be worse. I think it's truly a fair or even good price depending on what you get. The food is pretty well priced IMO drinks are normal as they are on the higher side for a chic bakery. read more

Café Dear Leon - Cafes Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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Excellent service and food. Highly recommend. Coffee sizes are only 12oz need to have larger size as optional

I waited in a line that wrapped around the corner for this and would absolutely do it again. I had the crab dip bagel, crème brulee tart, and matcha latte with lavender. Everything was perfect. The staff was really sweet as well. I hope they expand though. Definitely need a larger space. But there is a cute little sitting area right outside if you want to just sit and enjoy a bit. read more

Café Dear Leon - Crab dip bagel - Cafes Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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This place sells out everyday for good reason. I've never had anything bad here, or even mediocre; everything exceeds expectations. The burrata caprese sandwich is on the lightest, crispiest focaccia and has a bit of sweetness from some very ripe roasted peppers. It is truly perfect. The egg sandwich and crab egg sandwich are equally good. They have standard pastries (croissants, danish), but also a rotating cast of things I've never heard of before - all have been excellent. The website tells you at what time each day they start selling certain items, so be sure to check that before you go. Also, on weekends you're probably gonna have to wait on line, which sometimes wraps around the block. It's well worth it, though. read more

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This is a hole in the wall bakery but they have a crab dip bagel....amazing!! If u live or visit Maryland anything crab or old bay is a must try!! There is a line & a limit as u can only get 2 crab dip bagels per person but worth the wait !! We waited about 25 mins! Check their bakery schedule as they drop certain pastries at certain times throughout the day. For example today the crab dip bagel was dropped at 7:30am & we got there at 8am & there was already a line & once they run out that's it. Plus I just happened to see a story about this bagel in People magazine today so I'm sure this place will be busier than it already is. I also got an iced dark chocolate Mocha which was good as well!! If u like it sweet this might not be the drink for you. My daughter got a matcha & it wasn't sweet either. There is a place to sit outside if you want to eat there but we took it to go. The other pastries looked amazing as well. read more

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Worth the 25 min wait in line. The shop only allows 6 people total so it can take a while. But, once inside the service is fast and efficient. It's quite small inside so it makes sense why there's a wait. The coffee and pastries made the wait definitely worth it. Sadly you can only get max 2 pastries for each type you get. So, I got 2 Crème Brûlée Tarts, 2 Ispahan Danishes, and 1 Tiramisu Croissant with the seasonal, Rosemary Nutmeg Latte (Iced.) The Crème Brûlée tart was my favorite. Perfect amount of cinnamon-vanilla custard with a nice crunch from the pastry. Usually I prefer pastries with fruity or eastern flavors, but this classic custard was phenomenal. I came for the Ispahan Danish. It was delicious; crunchy with flavors of raspberry, rose, thyme garnishes, and lychees. This is more of a pastry I lean towards. The thyme added a fresh, delicious component when paired with the floral-fruity notes. Great staple to have at the bakery. Keep in mind, this isn't a cheese danish, but instead more of a raspberry jam/sauce as the base. The Tiramisu Croissant was loaded with a tasty coffee filling. It's honestly quite massive so 1 was enough. Great for coffee and chocolate lovers. It was good, but it didn't wow me like the other two pastries. Last but not least, the Rosemary Nutmeg coffee was a pairing I never heard of before. It was very sweet but delicious. My mother who hates coffee even enjoyed it due to its sweetness and flavor. I honestly expected a strong Rosemary Nutmeg flavor, but you couldn't really taste it much. Next time I hope to try the Hojicha Latte. Overall, I see the hype. No one makes great pastries like this in the area I feel. Would I come again? Sure, but sadly not as often due to lines and it being out of the way for me. I'd come back for the Crème Brûlée tart for sure read more

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Waking up for a specific bake schedule can be brutal pending on season but at least you're guaranteed what you want if you make it there on time. Although the crab dip bagel trend died down a bit, to my surprise, I was able to get one during the 9 am release on a Sunday. The crème brûlée tart is solid. I'm glad this is a standard item on their schedule but this tart is best to get at 7:30 as the brûléed sugar starts to melt as it sits - still delicious tho! Their seasonal guava cheese tart is amazing. The laminated dough is incredibly flakey on every pastry they use it for and the best compliment, nothing is ever too sweet. I've been going to this bakery since they've opened and they have significantly improved the queue process. The only major wait time is if you get a drink. If you're only there for pastries, you are in and out. The early alarm is worth it! Check out the bake schedule and plan accordingly~ *CDL is a no tipping establishment read more

Café Dear Leon - Crème brûlée + Guava Cheese + Crab dip Thank - Cafes Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

This place is absolutely worth the hype! Some of the best pastries I've ever had! I will definitely be back often. No tables inside but quite a bit of outdoor seating. I went on a weekday morning so I only had to wait in line about ten minutes. Free street parking nearby! read more

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This place is a staple of the community! Odds are if you ask anyone around the Canton or Fells point areas, they'll tell you that Cafe Dear Leon is a great place to get coffee, food, and delicious pastries! This place definitely can get crowded because it's super quaint and small and on warmer days you will see a line forming out the door (it's quite popular!). Since they release food on a baking schedule, You have to carefully time when you're going to go (peak busy is around 10-12noon). They open quite early, so if you're able to come for the first release of pastries and baked goods, you likely won't see a line at all. My favorite drink from here is the dark mocha (10/10, creamy, not too hot when served, and sweet but not overly sweetened..I would wait in line for this any day!) They have so many seasonal beverages and pastries on a rotating schedule, which makes it fun to visit because you never know what you may get to try that day (or month)! Since moving here from Los Angeles , I believe that Café dear Leon is a place that reminds me a lot of the LA coffee shops that I used to frequent, but with a more quaint and cozy vibe. This is currently my favorite café in the area, I even have their tote bag and sweatshirt if you have friends or family visiting the area, take them here it does not disappoint! read more

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I didn't try the famous crab bagel but this was genuinely. The best. Almond croissant. Ever. Also the latte was really good I forgot what I got tho lol read more

I've heard so much about this place and it lives up to its glowing reputation! There's not really a place to sit, so just a heads up that it's more of a grab and go bakery. They do have a little canopy tent in front, which is great for eating your goodies standing up. My girlfriend ordered the black sesame salt caramel latte...it may sound a little strange, but it was tasty!! I can't even begin to explain how delicious all of their pastries were. Anything you get will be great. I had the crème brûlée tart, and oh my god!! The financier is incredible too! It's soft and delicious, and has an outer coating (crunchy) of sugar. Also tried a Korean rib croissant and again, just out of this world. Can't go wrong! read more

Café Dear Leon - Counter - Cafes Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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I am not a huge coffee drinker, so the fact that I have never been disappointed with any item I have gotten here says something. I haven't been in a while since I don't want to wait in line for a crab egg sando or crab dip bagel, but the waiting is worth it. I never experienced sitting outside, but the small interior is really cute and staff have been super friendly every time I have been there. read more

I love CDL! I go at least a few times a month to get their coffees, baked goods, and sandwiches! My favorites recently are the butternut squash sandwich, the black seasame latte, and the almond croissant is an all time fave! The line gets long on weekends, but go early and it's worth the line!! read more

Café Dear Leon - Almond croissant and pain au chocolat - Cafes Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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Fan-f***ing-tastic. Everything we had was amazing. Coffee was fabulous (my first wife had a cappuccino and I had an iced latte). The crab dip bagel was outstanding and the crème brûlée tart needs all the love in the world. 13/10 no notes. read more

Overall a fantastic experience at Cafe Dear Leon. Some friends and I went to try several of their pastries. The interior is predominately the kitchen and counter space, so they only let in 6 people (and one dog) at a time. They have an outdoor line and some small cocktail tables for people to eat, but it was cold and we got our pastries to go. We waited maybe 5-10 minutes on line on a Friday morning. Everything we had was fantastic. All of the croissants were puffy and flaky, with great filling in the almond and chocolate croissant. The passion fruit monkey bread was extremely tasty. I personally did not try the sandwich but both members of my group thought it was superb. Really all around no complaints in terms of quality or taste. The price also felt reasonable, with items ranging from $4-$11 dollars. My box of five pastries cost $29 total, which I was very content with. I am personally not a big coffee drinker, but my friend ordered a latte which was the "highlight of her day" Overall a great experience and I will be returning. The when I have driven by in the past I have seen quite a long line so this may be a better place to go on weekdays or early in the morning read more

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Always a good day if it starts at Cafe Dear Leon. A Baltimore must try for coffee and pastry lovers and those who are willing to wait for it, their famous Crab Bagel - always worth it. read more

Where has this place been my whole life? Cafe Dear Leon is this small cafe tucked into the side of Baltimore, but teeming with delicious smells and food. People told me that there's always lines for this place, and be prepared to be amazed by their food! I can see why. There's only 6 people allowed inside at a time (and one dog). It's small inside. It's cozy. It's not too cramped. But the smells are divine, and the vibes are immaculate. There's a spot to get some water while waiting for food to be heated up, but you can also see their schedule online when things are brought out to be sold. I tried my best to get there right when the maritozzis were brought out, but many people had the same thing in mind and they were sold out quickly. Luckily, there were some other things my boyfriend and I were interested in getting such as the: - Tamago Sando - Crab Tamago Sando - Creme Brulee Egg Tart - Pepperoni Pizza All were divineeeeeeeeeeeeee. My boyfriend and I inhaled these things so quickly!!! It was definitely worth the drive to Baltimore (it was a pit stop on the way to Pennsylvania). I'd definitely make the drive back here again if given the opportunity! I would love to try so many of their other pastries and treats here. :) read more

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The perfect sandwich! Who knew that egg salad and crab could taste so good! The Japanese milk bread took it over the top! read more

Café Dear Leon - Crab Tamago Sando - Cafes Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Their baked goods are amazing. The service is personalized. The place can be crowded, but those baked goods are worth it.

Loved loved loved cafe dear Leon!!! Definitely lives up to the hype. Monkey bread was soft and flaky and coffee was amazing. Line was short since bagel was sold out iykyk but definitely worth the wait. read more

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Yea, it's amazing. The best breakfast sandwich I've had in a long time! The pastries were all great, but my favorites were the crème brûlée, coco soboro, the blueberry jam that came with the scone, and the strawberry maritozzo. I went two days in a row, once at 7am and once at 9 ish. On weekdays, there was like a 5-10 min line! read more

It meets the hype!! The crab dip bagel isn't the only good thing on the menu. The pastries are both savory and sweet. I can't wait to visit their new location. read more

This place was amazing!! long line which is to elected considering the place has gone viral all over social media! Fresh delicious pastries and coffee! Small bakery which only allows 6 patrons at a time which is fair. They are incredibly patient and have no problem explaining different items as they change throughout the day!! read more

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This has to be one of the best baked goods I've ever had--it was absolutely divine. I really enjoyed everything I tried, especially the crab bagel. It was so delicious, I can't even describe it! I'll definitely be coming back whenever I'm in the DMV area. The staff was super quick with my order, and even though it was a small place, it was mighty. They were moving fast, and it was such a cute little bakery shop. read more

Café Dear Leon - Pastries - Cafes Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

I don't say this lightly: Café Dear Leon might be the best bakery I've ever been to. But it all depends on when you go. The menu rotates constantly, the pastry case is always a surprise, and they usually have a unique special feature that changes every month. That said, when they get it right, they really get it right. I recently went and tried their Crab Dig Bagel, and I'm not exaggerating when I say it's one of the top 5 things I've ever eaten in my life. Perfectly toasted, stuffed with creamy crab, and herbs. It was genuinely so amazing and completely unforgettable. I'd go back just for that. However not everything is that great. The Raspberry Croissant Éclair and the Brie + Blueberry Danish sound amazing, but both fell a little flat for me. They were overly creamy, and the richness kind of drowned out the more delicate flavors. It felt like the balance was off and i was just eating the cream. Sometimes you'll find something life-changing, other times just pretty good. If you love pastries, then this place is an absolute must. It was voted top 10 bakeries in the country by Beli. read more

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The best baked goods in Baltimore. 10/10 for the food, and their coffee is really good. A must try place. Be warned that if you go on the weekend, be prepared to wait in line outside for close to an hour, especially around late morning mid afternoon. But the wait is SO worth it. They bake their stuff by the hour, and what they make that day is what you get, so sometimes you might miss out on what you want if someone gets it before you. But all the more reason to come back. I got a dirty matcha, SO GOOD, and the crab sandwich made my mouth water. Inside is super cute, and clean, but it can get a little cramped when 6 people are inside. ALSO, they allow one dog inside while ordering, which is a huge plus. read more

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I had heard about this Canton bakery from my physical therapist in Silver Spring who is a friend of the owner, and was lucky enough to be driving through Baltimore on a crisp autumn morning, at an hour I would never ordinarily be there in the middle of the week. Around 830am, the queue outside was significant, the inside waiting area ( which is very small) at maximum capacity. Now I know why! The pastry is fluffy and buttery, fresh from the oven, powdered and silvered with almonds and pistachios. The breakfast sandwiches (dubbed 'Sandos') are hearty, and full of flavor. There are no substitutions, which means vegans will suffer; but if you have no problem with dairy, Cafe dear Leon tastes like a puff of heaven, serving rolls as soft as clouds, filled with whip cream and custard. The coffee is very good, also- you can credit Ceremony for the beans, but the barista has a smooth hand, which is the key. We enjoyed our flat whites, lattes, and matcha, as well as conversations with the locals in the pleasant outdoor seating area in the square and felt refreshed after a long and arduous drive. I look forward to returning, though that will take some machination since the cafe closes at 3pm and it is only once in a blue moon that I am in Baltimore before 4pm; nonetheless, where there is a will, there is a way! read more

Café Dear Leon - Our collie marveling at the crowd gathering outside Cafe Dear Leon on a chilly Tuesday morning. - Cafes Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

The first thing that came to mind when I decided to visit Baltimore for a music festival wasn't the flight or the lineup or how I'd recover financially ... it was the chance to reunite with my beloved CDL. Yes, we call it CDL in my circles. When you talk about it as often as we do, it becomes a mouthful. Our weekend CDL runs were probably the only thing that motivated me and my two brain cells through grad school. CDL has rightfully become part of my personality and I'm not ashamed of it. After having been in CDL withdrawal since my move to California (haven't found an equivalent in SoCal), I figured I'd try the August menu and also share a few more tips! WHAT WE GOT: Banana pudding Frozen mango bowl Brazilian lemonade Matcha yuzuade FOOD + DRINK: Absolutely amazing. They never miss. The banana pudding I'd say was similar to what you'd get at Magnolia Bakery, but perhaps a little bit less sweet, which I enjoyed. The frozen mango bowl was what GOT me though. It's not shaved ice, like we assumed; it's actual blended mango. The chunks of mochi were delightful, but can we talk about that mascarpone cream??? Do me a favor and make sure there's cream in every bite you take of this bowl. The Brazilian lemonade was also a pleasant surprise - it was blended/frozen. So refreshing during a hot and humid Bmore summer. The matcha yuzuade also hit the spot. Perhaps sounds odd if you're used to matcha only being in oatmilk, but trust me, this is it. OTHER TIPS: * You generally don't have to worry too too much about parking - we've generally been able to find a space on the small streets closer to Dangerously Delicious Pies. Worst comes to worst, you'd have to wander around the area but never more than a 5-10 minute walk away. * Be sure to familiarize yourself with the bake schedule, on the website, so you know when your desired item drops. Important - follow the Instagram too in case they drop any fun special treats that aren't on the bake schedule. That's how we knew about the mango bowl. * Now that you have your eye on a menu item, come about 15 minutes before the drop. That way once you get to the front of the line you'll be on time before it sells out! read more

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This is probably my favorite bakery's in Baltimore! It's located in charming canton square and there's always a line down the block! Just get in line! I promise it's worth it! Check out their bake schedule on instagram and just remember that it changes every month. The morning "queen" is amazing and so is the egg sando. Which are both regulars on the menu. But I've never had anything from here that I didn't love It's a really cute, really quaint store front. The staff is always kind although they're non stop busy from the moment they open the doors. Truly one of my favorite spots in Baltimore. I always tell people visiting to go check it out. I like to make a morning of it so we can wait in line and eat outside and then stroll around the harbor. My only warning: don't go if you're in a hurry! read more

Dear Cafe Leon: Oh did I mix that up? I felt that after I had their Pain au chocolat croissant the other day. I walked into a cute looking bakery. There are no tables to sit, sip a latte and enjoy a freshly baked croissant. It's a small space, make your purchase and GTFO. While waiting on line, I noticed the quality of their various baked goods. There are so many great choices but it's my first time here so I'm going to stick with a classic, Pain au chocolat. Leon! My man, you nailed it. Nice chocolate ratio and the croissant had a flaky exterior. As I grabbed my latte and said au revoir, it truly was a pleasure to find your little French bakery during my Baltimore visit. read more

Café Dear Leon - Cute entrance - Cafes Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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If you don't get up early, go on a weekday. You'll still have a wait but it won't be crazy long. And no matter how long the wait, it's worth it. The cashier is really sweet, helped us with our coffee order, yet moves the line along quickly. Max of 6 ppl allowed in at once otherwise it gets very crowded but service is VERY fast. The coffees are phenomenal and syrups are made in house. I added lavender and he added the maple cardamom, both at half strength and it was just enough of a taste. My lavender flavoring tasted of real delicious lavender rather than sugary lavenderish syrup that you get elsewhere. We got 3 items to try: coffee bun, crab dip bagel and the blueberries and lemon ricotta danish. All of them were culinary delights! The danish had the lightest, flakiest dough with absolutely stunning lemon ricotta inside, topped with blueberries and blueberry compote. The crab dip bagel is an out of body experience. If you like crab, you'll love this bagel. The coffee bun is a large, perfect bite of coffee made of perfect pastry. Is it worth the wait? Yep! But get up early to start your day by being so good to your belly! read more

Café Dear Leon - Crab dip bagel interior - Cafes Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Not shocked to see that this cafe has a solid 5-star rating by many, many other people. Came here for the first time recently and am super sad that I haven't discovered this gem sooner! The aesthetic of the inside is super cute. The pastries look delicious (my partner thoroughly enjoyed his), and they occasionally offer gluten-free ones, which is a start at least! Most importantly, to me, the coffee was divine. I don't know if this makes sense, but it tasted "real" (trust me, I love starbucks, but it doesn't always feel like "real" coffee - perhaps due to all the sugar and preservatives?). read more

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Stopped by at 6:20am and it was packed! And got good reason, I picked up an almond croissant and a black coffee. The coffee was really good, not too bitter. The almond croissant was really good, wouldn't say it is the best I have ever had but a really solid option and would likely get it again next time I visit! If you are in the area I would suggest this place but expect to wait, the barista told me they are busy all day. read more

Café Dear Leon - Busy at 6:20am - Cafes Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

I also tried the raspberry eclair and blueberry cream cheese muffin and they were delicious. I recommend going during the week to shorten the wait time to just 25 minutes!! read more

Café Dear Leon - Crab Dip Bagel - MUST HAVE!! - Cafes Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

I can't say enough good things about Cafe Dear Leon-- the pastries are all SO good. The creme brulee tart is very popular (for good reason) and I'd absolutely recommend it for first timers. The Ispahan danish comes in second-- raspberry, lychee, and rose all feature prominently in this pastry with perfectly crunchy dough and creamy filling. The croissants are a must-try (for your second or third trip) too. My least favorite pastry was the pan de coco-- but that's probably because I stuffed my face with really flavorful pastries first. This one clearly is a high quality pastry, but meant to be kind of plain to accompany coffee. We also ordered each of their frittata sandwiches: bacon, and spinach & leek. Both were amazing, and humongous. Definitely make for a good breakfast with leftovers. I personally preferred the nuance of flavors in the spinach and leek option more, but the bacon one is by no means a bad choice. To drink we got their current specialty iced latte which has house-made hojicha syrup. The espresso and tea flavors complement each other really well. The cafe itself is really cute, but small-- you won't spend much time there; just order and head out. We arrived around 8:30AM on a weekday and waited in line until about 9 to order. Once ordered, it came out very quickly. They stagger releasing different items throughout the day, so make sure you check their website to time stopping in for what you want! read more

Café Dear Leon - Ispahan danish! - Cafes Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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Pastries were interesting and executed well. Love the fruit inspired pieces. Worth the wait even on a chilly spring Saturday morning. Popular spot as you'll be in line 5-10 minutes agter opening. But quick service so no complaints. Happy that I experienced it and would recommend if you're longing for those niche, small but great find cafes. read more

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If I could visit here everyday for breakfast I would! This place absolutely deserves all the hype, it has probably the best pastries I've had in the US. From the presentation to the taste, everything is absolutely perfect. I will suggest getting here early though.. we arrived around 9am and had to wait for a bit in the rain before being able to get inside. The storefront itself is quaint and adorable and the staff here were very friendly. We took a look at their beautiful display case and ended up ordering a ham and cheese croissant and a blueberry galette. Because there were no tables to eat at inside, we took the order to-go. I wasn't expecting the ham and cheese croissant to be as excellent as it was. It sounds and looks a little bit basic but it was anything but. The croissant is so fresh and warm with some crispiness to it (but not too much) which was absolutely perfect for me. The gooey cheesy inside was paired perfectly with the ham. The blueberry galette though was probably my favorite. It just felt so fresh and decadent, and each element in this pastry felt perfected. I so wish I could've tried everything here! You can't go wrong with Cafe Dear Leon. read more

Café Dear Leon - Cafes Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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Cafe Dear Leon always has the best selections of pastry drops every month. Every time I go to Baltimore, my sister and I make time to go here to try the varying selections. My favorite pastries so far have been: the Crab Dip Bagel, the Dirty Pain Au Chocolate, the Breakfast Sando, and the Chausson Aux Poires. Make sure to get there early so you don't miss out on the nice selections! You have to go check out their instagram to see the money drops for the specific times. Definitely stop by if you are in the area! read more

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