Brightening North Lawrence’s Elm street, Cleo and Leo opened their doors in October and have kept hearts warm and bellies happy. A Mexican-themed restaurant, Cleo and Leo is owned by Gabriela Otero, a former employee of the Roost, who had a vision and some sweet treats to share with the world.
When you first walk into Cleo and Leo it is hard to decipher what hits you first: the mouth-watering aromas or the thematic decor. Whichever one, it is hard not to feel at home in a place like this. The walls are adorned with delectable looking pictures of cakes and shelves hosting things ranging from “The Baking Bible” to colorful pots and plants. The seating, while close together, is comfy and artsy.
As for the food, not enough could be said about how much I recommend making a trip across the bridge. I enjoyed a spiced cinnamon roll topped with buttercream frosting that somehow tasted better than it looked. The roll peels open beautifully to reveal scrumptious layers of dough in a perfect ratio to the fluffy frosting that is swirled atop the bun.
I also tried something I had never heard of before—a concha. A concha is a traditional Mexican pastry that is somewhat dense and extremely divine. They had multiple flavors, but I enjoyed the cinnamon and sugar one that was hard on the outside yet soft when opened up. While I was there for breakfast, they are also known for their desserts arranged in a display case that hits you right when you enter. It contains delectables such as their beautifully decorated macarons and cupcakes. They also do special orders for cakes, which I would definitely recommend for your next event based on what I tried.
As for their drinks, I went with their specialty Mexican Mocha and a hibiscus berry iced tea. The tea was refreshing and perfect for even this chillier season. The slight spice to the mocha brought out the already tasty flavors and enhanced the idea of the drink in general.
Cleo and Leo has all the right ingredients and aesthetic that lead to a recipe for success. I could not sing more highly of this new cafe on Elm. Take a trip—you won’t regret it!
