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Café Dear Leon

4.8 (457 reviews)
ModerateCafes, Bakeries, Desserts
Closed Closed

Café Dear Leon Photos

Business Info

CAFÉ DEAR LEON ATMOSPHERE

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

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Recommended Reviews - Café Dear Leon

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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.

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.

Zayn D.

The hype is real. The crab dip bagel is THAT GOOD. A must try if you love crab and visiting or haven't been. I think it's something everyone should at least try once. However, everything else on the menu is also incredible. My mom loves their croissants and raves about them. I unfortunately have tried 2-3 drinks and never liked any of them - either they aren't sweet enough or the flavor profile isn't what I imagined. It may take a while to get the food but is worth the wait! Go to the Remington location for more spacious and sit down location!

Al
Janee F.

Always worth the wait!! Tried a few new things this trip and loved them all, but the raspberry pistachio pastry was the standout!! And the staff was super sweet and gave great recommendations.

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!

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!!

Farah K.

3 years later and the same complaint stands. The people working inside are nice but again I just cannot get on board with their business model. Yes they've opened La Maison in Remington and maybe that siphons some of the business that way, but there is always a line here. Though the wait this time was 15 minutes instead of 40 minutes and it was Friday at 9:30am. I wasn't actually anticipating that I would end up getting the infamous crab dip bagel on a Friday morning well past the 7:30am bake schedule drop time, but I managed to snag what looked like the last one (I actually don't know if they keep on making this one item throughout the day to have just have some available always). And yes. Its delicious. I get it. But man imagine if the person in front of me had snagged that last one as I stood behind them. (Happened the last time I was here with the tamago sandwich). But luck was on my side this time. Once they took my order I was in and was out of the store within 5 minutes. I also got the mushroom tart which served with the garlic aioli is so dang good. And the tiramisu brioche. Good lord who even conceived of such a thing? Diabolical in a good way. Man if only they had some way of mitigating the line situation. Rest assured you won't ever catch me going there on a weekend.

Crab Dip Bagel
Danika G.

Cafe Dear Leone is exactly as hyped as everyone says. As you can see in the photos, all the items are pictured, and yes, there is always a line down the block. I was not excited about standing in line at all, but I had to try the crab bagel, so here we are. The wait was about 30 minutes, and it was hot outside, but it was absolutely worth it. Once inside, we had a lot of questions. Even though the staff was clearly focused on moving the line along, they were calm, kind, and genuinely helpful. We didn't linger, but we never felt rushed in a bad way. The space itself is very small, so there is really no room to hang out and enjoy your food there. Since we already survived the line, we figured we might as well order everything that caught our attention. My favorite item ended up being the Tamgo Sando. I would stand in that line every day for that sandwich, or honestly just for the recipe.

Stracciatella sandwich
Lauren F.

Cafe Dear Leon knocked it out of the park as usual! The new seasonal passion fruit and coconut Danish with pandan caramel at the base was a phenomenal combination of flavors that worked perfectly together. The lamination on the pastry was so good. The presentation was gorgeous. I got to try the lunch menu for the first time and the stracciatella and cauliflower on focaccia was absolutely delicious - a friend and I spit it and loved the flavors. The sauce was perfect and the cheese was so creamy! The service was friendly and fast as always, despite the long lines. My friends loved their coffee, especially the flat white with herbs. The cookie trompette wasn't on the menu, but when I saw them bring it out I snapped one up and it was wonderful - so rich and so delicious, like the best chocolate chip cookie merged with a croissant. I was so impressed and so happy. I really think this is one of the best bakeries - maybe the best bakery? - in the DMV!

Crab tamago sando, vanilla maritozzi
Jinny K.

I have been wanting to try Cafe Dear Leon's crab tamago sando since I moved to Baltimore! After hearing so many people's reviews and recs, I checked out their instagram before visiting to make sure I arrived in time for their bake time which was 11AM. I got there on a Friday at 10:40ish and there were two groups in line ahead of us. The line area had heated lamps to keep us warm which was nice and there's plenty of street parking around the block. Once we got in, we were able to order quickly and also get our orders pretty quickly. The staff were super nice and helped with other recommendations that were available. I tried the fig lavender fog? which was amazing!! And the crab tamago sando did not disappoint! My sister, who was visiting from NYC also really enjoyed it and said she would return just for the sando. Will be back for the pear vanilla danish! I highly recommend Cafe Dear Leon and can't wait to try their new location La Maison soon!

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!

Cindy W.

Came here before my best friends graduation reception. It is definitely a quaint spot. Super cute and small. They let 6 people in at a time. The line is outside the door for this reason. Menus are outside with all offerings. The cashier was super patient and nice! I really appreciated that since we were ordering multiple items. I loved the crab bagel! Not sure why it has corn in it but it still tasted good! The crème brulee tart was tasty but messy. The mascarpone stuffed bread was light and delicious! I'm not sure of the names of everything but we got about 7 things to share. I would definitely recommend going! It is worth the trip!

Crab dip bagel
Angela L.

Adding to my existing review -- this is the first time I ordered for lunch instead of breakfast and the line wasn't so bad! We went on a Sunday and we were able to find parking easily. Same as per usual, only a few people in at a time and the line went by quickly. I can't wait to try the Maison but love being so close to this location!

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3 years ago

Such an adorable gem in Baltimore with absolutely delicious food and pastries. Get up early to go get the best of it! It's worth it

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3 years ago

Overrated. Went there and they had nothing but mediocre chocolate chip cookies and financiers. Not with the trek.

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2 years ago

Very cool concept, unique baked goods and sandwiches. Long line is worth it! The crab and tamago sando is one of my faves.

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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

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Café Dear Leon - cafes - Updated May 2026

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