La Maison by Cafe Dear Leon

This was honestly an all around pleasant experience besides waiting in line in the cold outside but it isn't their fault they are so popular. Well I mean it is their fault they are popular since they do a good job but there's only so much space for a line. I will be going back here many times. I had the classic breakfast sando and the almond croissant and both were both so tasty it made me want to do a little dance.

I got the famous crab bagel. Truly expected them to be sold out by 1:30 on a Saturday. This crab bagel has such a following on B’more. I tried it just to checkout what all the hype was about. It’s absolutely amazing a delicious, creamy, crabby taste sensation. The service was weird and not super helpful . I had great difficulty getting a water. I wanted to buy a bottle but… no go. I was directed around the side to coffee area to get a cup and self service tap water in a carafe. It was free soo. Not complaining. This bagel is delicious. I got a 2 crab bagels. 2 Croissants and a muffin ( that I did not ask for) and stracciatella sandwich for 57$. Expensive yes. I’m not sure it is worth all that, not sure if I will be back. However I will definitely recommend that crab bagel!!!!

The best bakery in the country may be Cafe Dear Leon. Their original location is small and always with a well-deserved line. This location is their second and very large. (It's inside the building of a popular butchery/deli that shut its doors.) Walk inside Tuesday-Saturday early because their pastries sell out quickly. Every single option is a good one, but I love their chocolate croissants and kouign and hazelnut focaccia. They also have a full coffee menu of drinks with Ceremony Coffee. Inside is a large space with lots of tables and free wi-fi.

They have a wide variety of baked goods and most of them are delicious, but the Crab Dip Bagel and the Coffee Bun are my absolute favorites. Their cookies are high-quality and delicious as well. There are plenty of seats, so it’s a nice place to stay for a while.

Is the quality going down? or May this be a training issue with new staff? My two salmon focaccia sandwiches today were both all wet and soggy at the bottom. Not to mention excessive onion and very little salmon. Maybe they were made too early and sitting for a while because I have never experienced this issue before. In addition, my friend and I got the Trempette danish and the espresso caramel was dry or missing? IMO this is what makes the entire experience of this pastry! BTW: the ones on display did HAVE the liquid caramel. I added a picture. The rest of the items were fine so hopefully this is sone minor QA supervision needed at this location? At the price point of these items, I would have expected the same quality from the past. I may need to go back to the Canton Square location to avoid disappointment. I do love this bakery and hopefully this helps them!