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    Café Dear Leon

    4.8 (480 reviews)
    ModerateCafes, Bakeries, Desserts
    Closed 6:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Café Dear Leon Photos

    Business Info

    CAFÉ DEAR LEON ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Café Dear Leon

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    Reviews With Photos

    Crab dip bagel
    Taylor D.

    The crab dip bagel was 100% worth the hype. If I lived in Baltimore I'd make this a weekly purchase it was that good! Although there was a line for the bakery, it moved quick and the staff was so friendly and had great recommendations which made the experience feel personal. I also tried the Brazilian lemonade which wasn't too sweet or sour it had a perfect balance. And the chocolate chip cookie was one of the best cookies I've had period.

    Peter P.

    This place still is the best in Baltimore for baked goods/ pastries. There can be a line depending on the time but it's worth it. The staff here are so welcoming and friendly. Plenty of coffee drink options. Inside is small but they have covered seating out side so you can enjoy your treats. Most recent visit I got an almond croissant and it was amazing, definitely one of the best I've ever had. It was crisp and flaky chewy, right amount of sweetness with the perfect balance of almond flavor. This place is a Baltimore must stop, definitely recommend and will be back for sure.

    Brazilian Yuzuade with Espresso
    Joel H.

    I had heard great things about the coffee at Cafe Dear Leon and I thought I'd try something new. Why five stars: *Incredible vegan friendly drinks! I ordered a Brazilian Yuzuade with Espresso and a Japanese Cold Brew with Oat Milk. Both were great, the Yuzuade was extremely pleasing. I wasn't expecting much from it (citrus and coffee?) but it was my favorite of the two. *Line moves quick. When I arrived, there was a line out the door. I was able to order in a lot less time than it seemed. *Personable service. The Cafe limits the number of guests inside at one time to six. This allowed the staff to focus their energy on only a few people at a time. I ordered the drinks about an hour a part and the person at the register remembered me and struck up a conversation about my earlier order. Despite the five stars, what don't I like? *No vegan baked goods. I will definitely be returning to Cafe Dear Leon because there is ample parking, the prices are good and the drinks are awesome.

    Outside
    Wini O.

    Definitely believe the hype! I was so excited to come visit Cafe Dear Leon. I went around 6am and there was no line so I was very excited. I ordered their infamous Crab Dip Bagel and a matcha. The crab dip bagel was everything and more! So good and great quality ingredients. I enjoyed every bite. The matcha had a strong taste and wasn't too sweet at all which is great. They also make their syrups in house. Overall a great cafe to visit if you're in the Baltimore area!

    Iced mocha latte & iced matcha latte w/ vanilla bean syrup
    Rachel N.

    Update: I don't come here as often as I should. Just know that the quality is the same. I haven't seen it falter. Always a good time here. The food is so so so amazing. If you're visiting MD, you MUST stop here. It's worth it.

    Drew S.

    Yelp fam! I can't believe I haven't done a review on this Gem. Cafe Dear Leon is like that friend you had growing up who got famous but still checks in and hangs out with you. Even after they went viral they continue to provide a fantastic product, experience, atmosphere & vibe. Pro Tip* If you can find time to go during the week early you can really get in and out quickly. Great service as always. I usually go with an Iced Mocha- which is top tier Crab dip bagel - GOATed Honestly any pastry item from this bakery is great, they don't miss, Steph Curry type stuff. The staff is always nice and prompt. Highly recommend this spot.

    S'mores cookie
    Jazz T.

    So there's not an awning or sign to locate the shop. But there will be a long line. Apparently the line is typically around the corner from what ppl say. But, the line wasn't this time. I got in line at 12:37 and left with my items by 1:08. They do take FOREVER and they only allow 6 ppl in at one time and it's STRICTLY enforced. I ordered the crab dip bagel, banana bread, s'mores cookie and monkey bread... my total was $30. I was wondering why something with crab was so cheap and that's because the little bit of crab that you see at the top of the bagel is all that you get. There was no crab throughout. It was mostly cream cheese and corn. And not much crab flavor. The banana bread lacked that uhmph... like it was missing something... maybe cinnamon or even more banana. The s'mores cookie was basic and too chocolatety for my liking. I ate the marshmallow/biscoff cookie top. Now the monkey bread was ok. Actually it's the best thing that I ordered really. It wasn't traditional in any way, it was croissant-textured, the passion fruit caramel is what steals the show. Definitely the best part. To be honest, I wouldn't go back. The long wait mixed with the bare minimum makes me realize that this was just an overhyped tiktok trend.

    Jody M.

    I'm glad I waited in the line! When I first walked up I didn't know what make of the line out front. Should I wait? Should I leave? I asked the couple in front of me if this was usual and they said yes but it moves quickly. I'm so glad I waited! The coffee and pastries were amazing. I had a seasonal coffee and a crab dip bagel. That bagel was pure heaven. There's no seating inside but there is some outdoor seating on the sidewalk. Friendly and fast service too.

    Thomas N.

    Hands down the best bakery/cafe that I ever tried. Came here from Baltimore and the line wasn't that bad however the service and line moved quick. This location was big and had seating which was nice. The pastries and items they had was PHENOMENAL!

    Kaya E.

    Whenever I'm in Baltimore in the morning/early afternoon I make sure that I head to one place... and that's Cafe Dear Leon. Their crab dip bagels are sooo sooo good. I tried them out for the first time last year and then again a week ago and everything was exactly as I remember it to be. Friendly service, hot and fresh food and not too long of a wait The inside of the cafe is also very well organized with a small retail space filled with merch and plants. They do a great job making the most of the small space, it's a very homey feel. I haven't tried anything else on the menu lol but other items in their case look delicious with sweet and savory options. Highly recommend especially because parking isn't too bad during the day. Support this small, local business.

    Crab dip bagel
    Lauren C.

    Ventured up to Baltimore to hangout for the day coming from DC. Cafe Dear Leon has been on my list for some time now and I was so excited to try. I went on a Wednesday so no line and plenty of goods still in stock. Had to get the crab dip bagel. It really is that good. Never sure nowadays what is hype and what actually tastes good but the bagel was amazing. I was debating getting another crab dip bagel to take home and eat later. It has a generous about of crab in it and they serve it warm. I recommend eating the crab dip bagel soon after you receive your order. Yes, you could place it in the microwave at home but I don't think it's the same experience. I also got a s'mores cookie for dessert. It was very good as well. My total came out to $16 for my two items. The crab dip bagel was $10-$11 and the cookie $4, plus tax. I will be back for sure!!

    Qinyue H.

    Needless to say, everything I tried was delicious. My personal favorites were the Smoked Salmon on Everything Focaccia (12/10) and the Basque Cheesecake (10/10). The smoked salmon focaccia is incredibly rich and well-balanced. The scallion cream cheese is deep and flavorful, pairing beautifully with the crispy pickled onions, caper berries, and fresh arugula, which add brightness and layered aromas to the sandwich. I truly can't recommend this focaccia enough--and the portion is generous. I ended up sharing half with my friend! The Basque cheesecake is dense and indulgent, bursting with cheesy flavor without being overly sweet. It's the perfect companion to a cup of coffee. The staff were gentle and very attentive to hygiene. They spoke softly when near the food and were warm and enthusiastic at the counter. The space itself feels cozy and inviting. I can't wait to come back and try more items!

    Edrika G.

    I've been wanting to try this bakery for quite some time. I don't know why, but I've been on this bakery kick for the past few months. This place has rave reviews. My partner & I came through on a rainy day, hoping there wouldn't be a long line. It wasn't that long. It helps that they have a heated awning to wait under. It was a bit cool, so that was great. It didn't take us long to get inside. We studied the menu while we waited. I ordered the crab tamago sando. I was initially planning for the smoked salmon, but since that's my go-to, I thought I'd try something different. It tasted like an egg salad sandwich with crab. There was enough crab in the sandwich that I could taste it. I also ordered the Koginut Pumpkin Tart, Toffee cookie, and chocolate chip cookie. OMG, those sweets were delicious. That's my Achilles heel------- sweets. If I return, I'll opt for the Salmon! And of course, more cookies!

    Crab Dip Bagel

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    1 year ago

    Amazing pastries, really good. Coffee as well, but I wonder if it is worthy it to pay those prices and wait in line for so long...

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    Café Dear Leon Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Café Dear Leon

    Do they make a kouign amaan? (French variation on a donut theme)? Can be spectacular!

    Hey I'm not sure sorry! I didn't see that multiple times I went there.

    Are dogs allowed indoors?

    Yes! They allow one dog in at a time

    View All 3 Questions

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    Didn't love it, but I think it's just not for me…read more Came on a Sunday morning, as others have mentioned it's very small inside but it's nicely designed with beautiful tile. We got 2 pastries and 2 coffee drinks. I got a lemon spritz espresso soda thing which actually was delicious! My husband got plain iced coffee which was also good. What I didn't appreciate was my drink being served in a soggy, soaking wet/condensing cup. They use paper to go cups. They need to figure that out, it was pretty rough to hold - collapsing and soggy, not a great experience. Our pastries were just okay - got the fig/creme filled big puff and a spinach ricotta pastry. Both were fine, a bit dry, and I've had similar/better things from Tous Le Jous, cafe dear Leon, and even ovenbird. These seemed maybe not so fresh. They do charge a 15% gratuity for all orders so we paid about $4 extra for a soggy cup and only okay pastries. Ultimately we just didn't love the experience and the cost. I'd come back to try the pizza and sandwiches but I will have low expectations.

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    Café Dear Leon - cafes - Updated September 2026

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