My parents have been raving about this spot for years. I saw this spot in a Youtube video, and wanted to pickup a gift card for some family in the NY area. We figured while we were grabbing the gift card we just had to try a cookie too. When we arrived, there's a couple steps you go down to get into the store. We went in about 10am on a Saturday, and there was about two people ahead of us. We were helped within minutes, and I ordered the Two Chip Chocolate Chip Cookie, while my partner got the Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie. I believe each cookie ran a little more than $5/cookie. We threw the cookies in my backpack, got lost going to Trader Joes, and then went back to the hotel (a 40 minute journey) and to our surprise - the cookies were still warm even though it was raining outside! My partner and I demolished those cookies within seconds. They were warm, slightly crispy on the edges, so many chocolate chips inside and chewy in the middle. If I could describe the perfect cookie this would be it. I imagine this would be delightful with a cold glass of milk. I also noticed several people at JFK with Levain bags, so I'm guessing it's common to stock up and bring home. Now, I'm trying to convince my partner to go to the location in Beverly Hills when we're in the area. read more

See all

Taste wise, the cookies at Levain are delicious. Teller soft gooey center that's not too soft but crispy edges are just right. I have always loved boneless cookies so this was definitely new but delicious. This location is very tiny so beware, it was cramped. I had to shuffle in and out. It's better for a quick order. Staff were friendly. You could see directly behind counter how they make the pastries and drinks. read more

See all

Only go here if you are throwing a party for your tastebuds. The cookies-chocolatey chocolate chip is pure heaven. They had lemon last I was there and it was pure bliss. For those that can have nuts, I've heard only great things about the chocolate chip walnut, and for the deranged who like to contaminate their cookies with raisins, you'll probably love their oatmeal raisin edition. These cookies are dense but with the finest crumb. They are served warm and are gooey and soft on the inside. Eating one is more like six regular sized cookies, so pace yourself and take caution to avoid a carb coma. read more

Okay YUMMM I am a self proclaimed cookie expert and these were delicious. They're pretty big and so fresh, soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. I make my own favorite cookies and these were close in comparison! After a few bakery disappointments on my NY trip this was a breath of fresh air. read more

Levain Bakery - Two Chip Chocolate Chip Cookie - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

I had high hopes for this cookie, it's fresh baked, crispy and chewy on this inside. It's a big cookie, and has tons of chocolate chips, but it's very very rich. You need to have the ice cream, milk, or an iced latte to wash this cookie down. The workers work hard and it's fast. I like a less rich cookie so I'll keep trying top bakeries in the city read more

Levain Bakery - Chocolate chip cookie - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

Was so excited to try Levain after years of hearing about it and seeing those massive cookies! We got a two chip chocolate chip cookie and a dark chocolate peanut butter chip cookie. Cookies were good, but not the best cookies ever like they're often hyped up to be. I liked the cookie of the dark chocolate cookie better, but didn't like the peanut butter chips, I'm not usually into PB cookies though. The two chip chocolate chip cookie was loaded with chocolate chips and was a little too sweet, so I'd probably opt for the chocolate chip with walnut next time to cut the sweetness. Service was very friendly and the line moved quickly! read more

See all

Aesthetic: Classic cookie bake shop What to try: Chocolate chip Service: Excellent Parking: None Rating: 5/5, we took the cookies back to our hotel this time since we were getting sick, but I had to get a Levain while in NY, they really are the best cookies. I love the chocolate chip and walnut, and my husband prefers the oatmeal raisin. Try this place! read more

Levain Bakery - Chocolate Lovers - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

See all

I saw these cookies on social media and had to see what the fuss was all about. Located in SoHo, Levain's Bakery had a line outside the door. Clearly a very popular spot! These cookies are thick and decadent! I won't argue that these aren't good or worth the hype. I just prefer a thinner cookie with less chocolate and softer and gooey. This was not it for me, but to each its own. read more

See all

These are hefty cookies that are great for sharing since it's otherwise a sugar rush! The coffee toffee was a nice surprise given how aggressive it looks. It wasn't too sweet (shocking!) and is one I'd probably got back for. Oatmeal is... oatmeal. lol! My husband insisted w get this one bc it's a flavor he typically enjoys and I'd say it is a typical oatmeal cookie. The choco chip walnut is one of my favorites and is something that's always a hit. The chocolate peanut butter one was also very good! I thought it had a good balance of both flavors and I surprisingly enjoyed it. These cookies are pretty expensive for what they are but they are delicious and dense. There was no line when we went on a weekday lunch time. Final note... wow to the iced mocha or whatever it was that we got. It tasted like someone dumped hersheys cocoa powder mix into iced coffee but forgot to mix it and just served it as a beverage. It was probably one of the worst coffee drinks I've ever had. read more

Levain Bakery - Cookies - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

I went to a different location closer to lower Manhatten but I can't find it but anyway, the cookies were so delicious and large and great for sharing! The guy who helped me was so kind and patient and packed it all so nicely. He even wrapped the gf cookie to pack it separate. Everything was well separated as to not spread flavors. I personally didn't like the gf cookie but my friend who got it really liked it. It was clean and fast service inside. I liked the merch and it was cute. My hotel desk guy told me I had to get the banana bread and I'm so glad he did because I would never have tried such a delicious banana bread. Since I was already getting cake, I also tried the lemon cake. I got a big box to share with my family back home and it transported well and still tasted great a couple days later. read more

Levain Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

See all

Chain bakery known for good cookies - tried this in other cities, but it was so good on a cold winter day --------------------------------- Food: as someone who does not like cookies, this place has amazing cookies! We ordered 4 different cookies (chocolate chip, black and white cookie, dark chocolate chocolate chip, GF), everything was so good!! The cookies are thick and chewy with a gooey interior and crusty exterior Recommendations: love the basic chocolate chip Ambiance: N/A (delivery) Service: no delivery issues Good for: a sweet treat read more

Levain Bakery - cookie spread - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

The OG location, the cookies are a must get when you're on the UWS or to bring out of towners. Lines may be long but moves quickly. They're always a hit at get togethers and parties. I go for the classics - regular chip, chocolate chip walnut, peanut butter chip. They hold up well in the fridge or freezer. Pop them into the microwave or toaster oven to reheat and get the same in store ooey gooey chocolate chip pull. There's a bench outdoors but is a to-go place. read more

Pretty casual bakery, kind of like a quick serve kind of cookie shop, some seating along the edge. Nice branded packaging. The cookies are hefty, the chocolate toffee coffee one was really good. You don't really see cookies being made and this spot doesnt really have a wait. My only caveat is it would be nice to offer them warmed up. They were nicely packaged abd sturdy enough that I could travel with them home. read more

See all

Delicious cookies - if they're good enough for Taylor Swift, they're good enough for me. We got the chocolate chip and chocolate chocolate chip. Came early and the cookies were warm and gooey, haven't had them fresh in over 10 years and the mailed variety we are gifted every now and then just don't compare. No frills, no seating at this takeaway original location (there's a sit down option a few blocks away). read more

The cookie was absolutely massive! Definitely shareable and delicious! It's not just an ordinary cookie, this was my first time having it and oh my goodness! It was so amazing, delicious, tasty and depending on the cookie rich/sweet. The perfect cookie to have with tea or like we did right after dinner. The cookie was filled with so many chocolate chips and walnuts and I LOVED it! You would break off pieces it and you would see the chocolate chips melted and it was the best. oh! I love how parts of the cookie was gooey and chewy when you eat it. Honestly I think that is the best. I didn't want the cookie to end. The service was great! It was my first time there and the employees were very helpful and answered all of my questions. They gave great feedback and advice back on each cookie and they even rated the sweetness level on each cookie depending on my mood which I thought was awesome! The inside is cute! There is very little seating but you can stand too. It's mostly just take out orders. There was a line when I went but it goes but pretty fast and they are making cookies in there as well so they don't run out as much. read more

Levain Bakery - Chocolate chip Walnut - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

See all

I wanted to visit Gray's Papaya on the Upper West Side before leaving town on a Sunday morning, and I noticed on a food map that Levain Bakery was nearby. I've known the name Levain Bakery for a long time, but I've never visited and I didn't know what they were famous for. My handy dandy Google AI Summary said they're known for cookies, and especially their Chocolate Chip Cookies. I arrived shortly after their 8 am opening. The bakery is a 1/4 flight of stairs down from street level. The bakery is small, and my eyes were immediately drawn to a glass case of THiCK cookies. Flavors like White Chocolate Macadamia Nut. Oatmeal Raisin. Walnut Chocolate Chip. Coconut Chocolate Chip. Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip. Two Chip Chocolate Chip. I love nuts like pecans, but my wife has a walnut sensitivity so I had to skip a couple of the nut cookies. I ordered 2 Two Chip Chocolate Chip, 2 White Chocolate Macadamia Nuts, 1 Coconut Chocolate Chip and 1 Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip. After my purchase, I took a cab back to our Midtown Hotel. The cookies were still a bit warm when I opened the box. I broke a Two Chip Chocolate Chip down the middle, and the chocolate from the chips on the inside was still melty. I ate half. My wife ate half. She said it was the best chocolate chip cookie she's ever had. I might not go that far, but it's way up there in the top tier. Over the course of the day, I tried parts of the Coconut Chocolate Chip, which reminded me a bit of German Chocolate Cake, and the White Chocolate Macadamia Nut. Both were delicious and had a firm, fresh texture. Levain also has baguettes, coffee and some other things. Service was professional. There was no seating. Now I know. Levain is known for its amazing, thick cookies. And rightfully so. Get em while they're warm. 4.75 Stars read more

See all

Small bakery in the upper west side. Very efficient with crowd control. Gets you in and out pretty fast. I had an oatmeal raisin cookie that was hands down 10/10. I also tried the blueberry muffin. But the cookie was my fav. I will be back again. read more

Levain Bakery - Today's offerings - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

See all

Post blue willow. First time having levain and it did not disappoint. I love any double chocolate chip cookie and levain was no exception. I will admit it did get to be a bit much at the end with like 3 bites left but still so good. I wish they had milk because I really needed something to wash it down and clear my throat to eat more. They had almond and oat milk, but that's just not gonna cut it for me read more

Levain Bakery - Double chocolate chip and Caramel Coconut Chocolate Chip - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

Very small bakery by Central Park. Take the steps down. Be careful as the steps are small and the line can go out the door. The bakery is very small. It smells amazing in there. Service was painfully slow. Lots of cookie varieties. We bought a box and shared the deliciousness. read more

HOLY YUM Eat it right away while it's warm and you'll be back for more! This place is so cool and obvi delicious. Service was quick and very friendly for how busy they were. The place was clean and super cute. A must stop in NY! read more

This Upper West Side location on W 74th is supposed to be the OG location of Levain Bakery. Now they are known to have the best chocolate chip cookies and have multiple locations across New York City. This one has stairs leading down to the bakery. It's a small spot; it felt tight even with only seven customers in there. There is a small counter with a couple stools, but it feels more like a quick stop. They also have a bench outside. The chocolate chip cookie with walnuts is delicious! They have other baked goods that look tasty. They started out as a bakery, so I'm sure they make good bread too. This is always a treat when I'm in New York City. Credit card/Apple Pay accepted. No bathroom. No Wifi. read more

See all

I tried Levain on my most recent trip to NYC and it was so good that I absolutely needed to go back for more! You would think it's just a big chocolate chip cookie, but I swear, it tastes like heaven. It's perfectly chewy, sweet, and has a good balance of different textures. A must try when you're in the city :) my favorite is their caramel coconut chocolate chip cookie, it all fits so perfectly together. read more

Levain Bakery - Variety box - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

I don't have a Levain where I'm from, and we are such big fans of their cookies! We always get a dozen cookies to bring back home to give to friends. Honestly they're all so good, but I think my favorite is the standard chocolate chip cookie. I also got a scoop of ice cream, which was from cafe panna. The ice cream was so rich and one of the best ice creams I've had! I still think about this ice cream. It was exciting to go to the original Levain Bakery after going to different outlets across the US! There's not much room to sit and enjoy food, besides a counter inside and bench outside. read more

See all

Here's the thing - Levain at this point is an NYC legend, but I don't think it's a tourist trap at all. Because they've got so many locations around the city, there wasn't a line even on a Saturday afternoon at the OG spot. Cookies are fresh out the oven ALL DAY and the smell of fresh cookies hits you like a brick the minute you walk in. It is more of a grab and go spot, but there is a singular blue bench outside if you're able to snag it. They also sell merch (shirts and totes) and have free postcards that are super cute. Service was 5 stars - super friendly and even gave me multiple cups of milk for free to enjoy my cookies with! I pretty much tried every cookie - all the classics and the seasonal options. My personal favorite actually ended up being the oatmeal raison cookie, even though I normally am not a fan. It's just so fluffy and the raisins add a bit of fruity sweetness. Second favorite I have to recognize the Chocolate Chip Walnut cookie, just so gooey and nuttiness from the walnuts is perfection. Normally, I'm a crispy cookie gal, but this place does the big fluffy, gooey bites right. read more

See all

Clean looking interior, have sitting area, register worker was apologetic and polite. Came a little after 6pm, not a lot of choices for a bakery, even though they close at 10pm. Brioche (chocolate chip & cinnamon) weren't fresh, dark chocolate chocolate chip cookie was rock hard. No coffee served at the time. Was looking forward to delicious bakery experience but alas! read more

Levain Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

I got to try Levain's cookies and I think they're pretty good. I like how this location is walking distance from Central Park. The shop is small and there's barely room to walk around. There's only one door to get out the shop and you have to squeeze your way through people when a line forms to the register. Their chocolate chip cookie was pretty good. I wish they added less chocolate because it's already sweet enough. The oatmeal raisin was my favorite though. What I like about their cookies overall were the chewiness and doughiness taste it had. Although the food quality is okay, I think this bakery is overpriced and the total cost of 3 cookies already add up to a whole meal read more

Levain Bakery - Store front - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

See all

I tried the two chip chocolate cookie. It might be an unpopular opinion, but they were just okay. Cookies are heavy and not sweet, I guess I just expected something more. It was still nice to have it with a cup of coffee. Staff were nice, rthe store was nice, warm and clean, and they have a decent amount of seating. read more

See all

Really decadent delicious cookie, get it warmed up and it's so gooey and hefty and chocolatey and luscious, 10/10 cookie! I love how well baked but still soft and rich the cookie is. read more

Levain Bakery - dark chocolate chocolate chip - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

See all

These cookies are amazing. Soft on the inside but baked well on the outside to give it a. Ice crunchy texture. read more

Levain Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

I don't understand the hype. These are terrible cookies. They are flavorless, the texture is horrible, just BAD overpriced cookies.

We meet again!! Here was my experience after 5 years. Many have imitated their creation but there's like no other than the original. Here was my experience. AMBIANCE: Parking: It's in a neighborly area so it's street parking moreover but it's probably easiest taking the subway here. Seating: No seating inside but there's a nice bench outside to sit and enjoy. Vibes: Welcome to Upper West Side NY! It's a classy place to enjoy the residential houses, leafy trees, and close to Columbia University! The spot itself is small, humble but iconic. You're welcomed to lite rock, smells of sweets, and a friendly hustle and bustle greeting. They are not shy about their history and recognition. Great place for a grab and go! FOOD: Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie (Recommend) THE original. Thick and gooey sweet delight with elements of a cookie and a fudge cake. The size is HUGE and you can enjoy the crispy golden brown exterior and the soft doughy middle. The toasted walnuts give it a nice nutty touch. An absolute must! CUSTOMER SERVICE: Awesome! A popular spot but glad I got my order in a timely matter. TL; DR OVERALL: 5 Stars. Can't get any better. Good selections, delicious sweets, and a pleasant experience. I'm glad they expanded so I can get a taste of NY in California now. It's always hard to try their other delights as I always gravitate towards this cookie. TIPS: * They got ice cream now so enjoy the cookie sandwich! read more

Levain Bakery - Woooo! - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

We got the chocolate chip walnut cookie. It was good! The outside was very crispy and the inside was gooey with lots of chocolate chips. My only complaint was that it was not warm when we got it. read more

The black and white cookie here was absolutely divine. They were mouth watering and filled with delicious fudge. The Walnut chocolate chop was good too, but the black and white cookie was the star of the show. The restaurant gives warm and comforting vibes . The service here was decent. read more

I stop in here every time I'm in the neighborhood. Coffee and the cookies cannot be beat. Special today was a white chocolate macadamia. It was delicious. The nuts were toasted a bit and the cookie was soft and buttery. Chocolate chips are always good. But today the dark chocolate peanut butter was extra extraordinary. read more

Levain Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

Day 2: Escape from NYC to the North Shore of Long Island Eatery 1 of 2 I had the incredible fortune that a friend from grad school was living within a mile from all this great Upper West Side food and I was being hosted for several days. On this day, we would be driving out of the city to the North Shore of Long Island, which would be a first for me ... and I was doing the driving, which I usually enjoy. There was nothing to eat in the apartment, so I was discussing breakfast. I remember that I had bookmarked both Ess-a-Bagel and Levain Bakery, the latter owing to a review by a friend from L.A.'s San Fernando Valley. In looking up these places, I saw that there was a Levain Bakery about a dozen blocks away. In driving out of Manhattan toward the Queensborough Bridge, I happened onto a parking space on the street near Levain Bakery where my friend stood guard while I went in. Levain Bakery's facade is sort of understated. You do need the address. With that, I found it fairly easily. You go down a few steps into the bakery, and they help you quickly. While they did have more than cookies, it was easier to just opt for a few of their famous cookies. As some people have mentioned, the cookies are huge. They cost a little more than usual. However, they are somewhere between the size of a cookie and a small dessert. I guess that justifies the cost of the cookie, as does the cost of doing business in this location. The service was on point and there was an apparent manager who was also helping expedite things. The store is small, so queuing wouldn't be optimal. I showed the cookies to my friend waiting in the rental car and, based on the look I got, it was obvious she wasn't interested and probably assessing their caloric content. This meant that these two big cookies - one with chocolate chips and the other with peanut butter - were going to be mine, even though that's not what I had intended. That said, they were eaten slowly while on one of the roads with which to cross Central Park, going across the Queensborough Bridge, and proceeding into Long Island on the Grand Central Parkway and the L.I.E. Because they were big and rich, they lasted for quite a while. These cookies fueled this trek! I liked these cookies very much. It's just not something that you would, or should, do often. And, while I enthusiastically put bookmarks on things, this is one that I actually got to check off. read more

See all

Chocolate Chip Walnut ($5.75) - The hype for this place is very well warranted because it's one of my new all-time favorite cookies. They achieved the perfect, gooey center and the walnuts balanced the sweet chocolate chips so well. read more

Levain Bakery - Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

Best cookies in the world! Service is always pleasant with a big smile. This location is pretty small so be patient with the staff. Only so many can go in at a time. It's worth the wait, don't trip. read more

Levain Bakery - Enjoying a double Two Chip Chocolate Chip Cookie in Central Park - Bakeries Near Me - New York, New York

See all

I love the Levain Bakery! I honestly think it really lives up to the hype. The staff were so kind and helpful and the cookies were absolutely delicious. I really enjoyed the chocolate chip walnut cookie the most. I actually grabbed a few more cookies before my flight home and they held up really well over the next few days. I'll definitely be back! read more

My husband and I visited NYC back in January 2025. Once we stopped at this Levain location and tried their cookies, we came back a few more times during our trip. The cookies are THAT good! We even took some in our carry-on back to California. This small, cozy shop is located in a quiet area of the Upper West Side (maybe a 10-15 min walk from Central Park). Service here is friendly and warm (just like their cookies). The girls working the counter were all really nice and they gave us recommendations for cookies to try. Someone suggested the chocolate-PB cookie and I am so glad I tried it. The toffee coffee (a seasonal flavor), coconut caramel, and the OG chocolate chip with walnuts were all really good too. Customer service is exceptional. I was surprised one of the girls working the counter recognized us after we came back. If I go back to NYC, this is a must-stop for sure! read more

These cookies are awful. Lemon cookie has very little lemon flavor. There is mostly marshmallow sticky consistency with very little taste of any cookie base. Do not recommend. The chocolate chip cookie has way too much to chocolate . There is no cookie base to this cookie either. The consistency of both cookies is like eating lard. If you used a plate to eat cookies you would have to use elbow grease to clean the pate and lots of soap. Just imagine what it does to your stomach. Not worth it! These cookies do not taste like a cookie. read more