I recently read an article that said the best bakery in Maryland is Ovenbird. They are wrong. IT IS THIS PLACE. Fantastic bakery -- the croissants are fabulous. If I had to critique the place it would be they need a 2nd barista, or a cheap intercom system. The tiny place only holds 6 people (and a dog!) and 5 of those are standing around waiting for their coffee.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Katherine Davis
Exceeded my already high expectations. That crab bagel... WOW
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
cheryl crosby
Every visit to Café Dear Leon feels like a celebration of flavor and care. The food is consistently exceptional—fresh, thoughtful, and absolutely delicious. If I could give them a million stars, I would!
The crab-stuffed bagel is a standout—rich, savory, and perfectly balanced. The cheesecake is divine, creamy with just the right touch of sweetness. And the crème brûlée tart? Simply outstanding. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite.
Café Dear Leon has truly mastered the art of comfort and quality. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick treat or a full meal, you’re in for something special. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crab Dip Bagel, Bakery, Crookie and Almond Croissant, Cheesecake, Crème Brûlée Tart, Banana Pudding, Crab Cake Bagel with Cream Cheese
Youngmin Cho
I visited at 10 AM and there was a waiting line. BUT it was absolutely worth it. I ordered several breads, and every bite was satisfying. The coffee was also good flavored. All staff were professional and warmly welcoming. I am definitely willing to revisit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
S Matteos
Rotating Menu , Long Lines but worth it !! A few of my favs are The Crab Dip Bagel , Banana Pudding *When it’s available & their Ham & Cheese Croissant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bakery
Anam
This used to be a hidden gem when it opened 3 years ago. Happy to see them grow and get popular with social media but have also noticed they’ve been cutting corners. Had the crab tamago recently after a while with a friend who was trying it for the first time and the bread was stale. Used to be baked fresh every morning, doesn’t taste like that’s still the case. Don’t feel like it’s worth the $$$ or the time in line anymore.
Laura Eng
A super cute little bakery with really delicious pastries. The only downside is that the place is tiny and only a few people can be inside at once, so there’s often a long line out the door.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Elijah Britton
The cafe itself is very small, so expect to wait in a line outside. However, the food makes it so worth the wait! The selection is unique and everything tastes amazing. Must try the ham and cheese croissant!!! Employees are very nice and the outdoor seating is cute. Prices are also so reasonable!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Ham and Cheese Croissant
Frederick Curtis
I admit that I can be a contrarian for contrarian’s sake sometimes, so when pressed to go here for the first time since they went viral and the lines got increasingly longer, I was looking for a reason to write a cheap review and say it’s not worth it.
They shut me up. It’s still worth it.
I’m a coffee snob and I absolutely love every drink I’ve ever gotten from here. In fact, I HATE iced coffee drinks (yes, I’m a grandpa) but their Flat White Cherry Cola latte is perhaps my favorite coffee drink, like, ever. The blueberry ricotta danish and the guava cheese danish make me wanna dance. The sandwiches are delicious, filling, flavorful, and not too much. Their service is immaculate.
You will stand in line for about 15 mins on a weekday, maybe even 30-45 on the weekend. Bring a book, or startup your favorite podcast, or just hold your lover’s hand while you wait your turn. It’ll be worth it.
And pro tip, this is one of those places where you won’t regret filling your eye before your belly. Grab everything you find even the least bit enticing and take it home. It’ll all be gone by the time you go to sleep.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Linda Wagner
If you want to to eat ,like a star . Like a real millionaire ....Hop on this bus ,cause it will definitely take you somewhere . Food for god's. So happy ....And i didn't have to wait in hour line .
It took 3 attempts to get the much-talked-about crab dip bagel, first two attempts they were sold out. The bagel itself is really good with a pleasing texture and taste. However, I have to say, I was a little underwhelmed by the crab dip component — for me, the dip was over-salted and I’d hoped there’d be at least a little lump in there, but there isn’t. I’d take half a star off if possible because it’s almost what I expected, but not all the way. I’ve also tried two of their sandwiches, both were so so delicious. Their coffee is good, but doesn’t compare to my favorite coffee spot in Highland. The service is always efficient and polite. I’ll be back to try more.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ambrose Hastings
No issues worth mentioning. Quick, simple, and stress-free.
Kesha J
Haven’t eaten anything I didn’t absolutely love! Best cheesecake of my life!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jordan Cook
I was really looking forward to trying Dear Leon’s pastries after seeing so many photos on social media. Fortunately, my wait wasn’t bad and the service once inside was quick. The product, however, left a lot to be desired. The baklava latte was sickening sweet and two different pastries had broken custards, which was so disappointing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
Sharon Scheirer
OMG, this place is all that it's hyped up to be! Got here just in time before the line started forming. YUM!!! Go here if you are in Baltimore, it's a must visit!!
I recently read an article that said the best bakery in Maryland is Ovenbird. They are wrong. IT IS THIS PLACE. Fantastic bakery -- the croissants are fabulous. If I had to critique the place it would be they need a 2nd barista, or a cheap intercom system. The tiny place only holds 6 people (and a dog!) and 5 of those are standing around waiting for their coffee.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Exceeded my already high expectations. That crab bagel... WOW
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Every visit to Café Dear Leon feels like a celebration of flavor and care. The food is consistently exceptional—fresh, thoughtful, and absolutely delicious. If I could give them a million stars, I would!
The crab-stuffed bagel is a standout—rich, savory, and perfectly balanced. The cheesecake is divine, creamy with just the right touch of sweetness. And the crème brûlée tart? Simply outstanding. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite.
Café Dear Leon has truly mastered the art of comfort and quality. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick treat or a full meal, you’re in for something special. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crab Dip Bagel, Bakery, Crookie and Almond Croissant, Cheesecake, Crème Brûlée Tart, Banana Pudding, Crab Cake Bagel with Cream Cheese
I visited at 10 AM and there was a waiting line. BUT it was absolutely worth it. I ordered several breads, and every bite was satisfying. The coffee was also good flavored. All staff were professional and warmly welcoming. I am definitely willing to revisit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rotating Menu , Long Lines but worth it !! A few of my favs are The Crab Dip Bagel , Banana Pudding *When it’s available & their Ham & Cheese Croissant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bakery
This used to be a hidden gem when it opened 3 years ago. Happy to see them grow and get popular with social media but have also noticed they’ve been cutting corners. Had the crab tamago recently after a while with a friend who was trying it for the first time and the bread was stale. Used to be baked fresh every morning, doesn’t taste like that’s still the case. Don’t feel like it’s worth the $$$ or the time in line anymore.
A super cute little bakery with really delicious pastries. The only downside is that the place is tiny and only a few people can be inside at once, so there’s often a long line out the door.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The cafe itself is very small, so expect to wait in a line outside. However, the food makes it so worth the wait! The selection is unique and everything tastes amazing. Must try the ham and cheese croissant!!! Employees are very nice and the outdoor seating is cute. Prices are also so reasonable!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Ham and Cheese Croissant
I admit that I can be a contrarian for contrarian’s sake sometimes, so when pressed to go here for the first time since they went viral and the lines got increasingly longer, I was looking for a reason to write a cheap review and say it’s not worth it.
They shut me up. It’s still worth it.
I’m a coffee snob and I absolutely love every drink I’ve ever gotten from here. In fact, I HATE iced coffee drinks (yes, I’m a grandpa) but their Flat White Cherry Cola latte is perhaps my favorite coffee drink, like, ever. The blueberry ricotta danish and the guava cheese danish make me wanna dance. The sandwiches are delicious, filling, flavorful, and not too much. Their service is immaculate.
You will stand in line for about 15 mins on a weekday, maybe even 30-45 on the weekend. Bring a book, or startup your favorite podcast, or just hold your lover’s hand while you wait your turn. It’ll be worth it.
And pro tip, this is one of those places where you won’t regret filling your eye before your belly. Grab everything you find even the least bit enticing and take it home. It’ll all be gone by the time you go to sleep.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
If you want to to eat ,like a star . Like a real millionaire ....Hop on this bus ,cause it will definitely take you somewhere . Food for god's. So happy ....And i didn't have to wait in hour line .
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
It took 3 attempts to get the much-talked-about crab dip bagel, first two attempts they were sold out. The bagel itself is really good with a pleasing texture and taste. However, I have to say, I was a little underwhelmed by the crab dip component — for me, the dip was over-salted and I’d hoped there’d be at least a little lump in there, but there isn’t. I’d take half a star off if possible because it’s almost what I expected, but not all the way. I’ve also tried two of their sandwiches, both were so so delicious. Their coffee is good, but doesn’t compare to my favorite coffee spot in Highland. The service is always efficient and polite. I’ll be back to try more.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
No issues worth mentioning. Quick, simple, and stress-free.
Haven’t eaten anything I didn’t absolutely love! Best cheesecake of my life!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
I was really looking forward to trying Dear Leon’s pastries after seeing so many photos on social media. Fortunately, my wait wasn’t bad and the service once inside was quick. The product, however, left a lot to be desired. The baklava latte was sickening sweet and two different pastries had broken custards, which was so disappointing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
OMG, this place is all that it's hyped up to be! Got here just in time before the line started forming. YUM!!! Go here if you are in Baltimore, it's a must visit!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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