This place is one of my favorite cookie spots. I love all the flavors and also get it warmed up to eat on the walk home. I did recently try the gluten and vegan cookie and I wasn't impressed. It had a strong flour taste and very flaky cookie. Everyone here is friendly and helpful and fast service. It's a small place but clean and open. read more

I spied that Chicago had a Levain and knew I had to make a stop by for their crave-able cookies. We bought one of each that they had on display (minus the double chocolate as I found this to be a little too decadent for my taste). We tried the Oatmeal Raisin, OG Chocolate Chip Walnut, (new) Lemon and a Caramel Coconut Chocolate Chip. Everything was divine! I can't say enough about how much I love these cookies. They've got a perfect edge crust and are like little mountains of cookie gold. Could I say, they're almost fluffy on the inside? I've no idea how they do what they do, I've tried cookies wherever I go and nothing beats Levain. Service was quick, and it's good to note that there's no seating inside, it's a grab and go type of place. read more

I have now gone to both locations of Levain in Chicago. Both locations have basically the exact same things although I think this location stays open a little longer since it's in a more touristy area. For Mother's Day/30th anniversary of the bakery chain, they had these super cute tin boxes you could buy. They also have a seasonal lemon cookie rn. It's pretty yummy but the oatmeal raisin is just too superior here My favourite here is still the oatmeal raisin cookie. The fresh Levain cookies have a texture no other place can compare with a crispy outside but buttery soft inside. The oatmeal raisin is the perfect amount of sweet (i think their 2 chip choco chip cookie is too sweet). I also finally got to try a banana bread. I went in the afternoon here and they were already almost out. (In NY I've never been able to get my hands on them). It was super moist and soft with tons of flavour. It also had choco chips in it which is a little different than the one I make at home with raisins and it was yummy! read more

Levain Bakery - Lemon cookie - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I love the sweet sweet of the bakery when you first walk in. We went midday so it wasn't busy at all and everything was quick. The cookies were so warm. We tried the caramel coconut one for the first time. It was oozing with caramel and you def can taste the coconut, not actual coconut pieces though (but that would be a nice touch) we tried the lemon one again, it's okay. Our favorite is still the choco chip walnut one. We actually ordered one of their walnut sticky bun. It's so good! I love this place. So glad they came to Chicago T-T read more

Levain Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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We come here on the reg, mostly for their coffee when we run out of grounds for our machine at home. My girls favorite is their lemon cookie which is a seasonal item from what we understand which is a bummer the amores and chocolate chip cookies are good too, but it's the lemon one that hits the spot. The place is typically packed, but the service is great. The place is small, but always clean and they are quick to take care of you. read more

My friend bought a few cookies from this Levain location this past Friday and shared it with us in Houston. Even after a 3 hour flight (+ more time with commuting), these still tasted moist and fresh. I had a bite of the CHOCOLATE CHIP WALNUT and DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CHOCOLATE CHIP, and both were so decadent and rich. I thought the double chocolate chocolate chip was a bit too sweet, and liked the chocolate chip walnut more since it had a nutty texture that balanced out the sweetness more. Overall, solid cookies that preserved its quality after several hours. I would recommend! read more

Hiii new fan here! I didn't want to cave to the hype but I must say, the oatmeal raisin cookies and two time chocolate chip cookies are the bomb diggity! Yes they are almost $6 each but I'm here to tell you it's a sweet little treat you won't regret getting into your belly. There's a reason why there's almost always a line. Don't catch FOMO, you need to check it out if you're in the neighborhood. While you may not be able to walk in and be capable of resisting the heavenly scent of their cookies and muffins, I can honestly say Levain's freshly made country baguettes are the best in the city. Crispy but not hard and just perfect to make a deli sandwich or toast up for a snack sized bruschetta plate at home with your favorite fixings. It's almost dangerous Levain is so nearby and stays open til 10pm which is quite late for a bakery. Going to call out this is pretty much a grab n go spot which totally works for me. Also the gals behind the counter are so cheerful. Love it. read more

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Good bakery, lots of options. There was no wait on a Monday in June at 8:30am. It was $54.85 total for a latte and 11 pastries. THE FOOD Everything below was moist and sweet, solid 4 stars: Sour Cream Coffee Cake Banana Chocolate Chip Cake Oatmeal Raisin Scone Blueberry Muffin Caramel Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookie Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie These two were a bit too sweet, 3.5 stars: Lemon Cake Lemon Cookie This one was on the dry side, not as cake-y, but maybe this is more what you're looking for, 3 stars: Whole Wheat Walnut Raisin Roll read more

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Levain is some of the best cookies I've ever had! It's been a few years since I stopped in but to this day, I'm still thinking of their delicious cookies. Full of flavor, hot out of the oven. The place itself is small, with no real space to grab a bite and talk so it's recommended to grab some treats and go. Don't let that deter you from stopping in! Amazing cookies and great staff awaits! read more

Levain Bakery has an almost iconic reputation for being the home of the great cookie. I had to see for myself and on our recent trip to Chicago, we made a pit stop in the River North location to find out. If you've been to the original New York location or the Larchmont Village location in Los Angeles, the River North outpost has the same ambiance as its siblings, but on a smaller scale. Obviously, the location is set up to highlight it's fantastic cookies and fantastic they were. We ordered the Chocolate Chip Walnut and the Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip cookie. Both were decadent with an overabundance of butter and chocolate chips. One would think a cookie that thick would almost be cake like. That was not the case. In fact, it was very moist...to the point of being unhealthy, but delicious. The hype is definitely real! If you're in a city with a Levain Bakery, I would highly suggest you make a pit stop for a cookie. read more

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Before this trip to Chicago I was excited for Garrett Popcorn. I looked up directions to my intended location, but once I realized Levain was TWO blocks away from my hotel, I only needed to indulge here! Can't believe their hours, too, 7am - 10pm! Thank you! Levain cookies are as good as it gets. Perfectly sweet, crispy on the outside and soft inside. These oversized cookies resemble a muffin top. My favorite is their signature Chocolate Chip Walnut. Great ratio of chips to dough, although here there seemed to be fewer nuts than the ones I've tried in New York and Los Angeles. Are the walnuts roasted cuz they taste elevated, baker's kiss! Also always get the delicious Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip and Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip. I tried the seasonal Lemon. The flavor was minimal but I'm glad I tried it. Other baked goods- muffins, scones, bread, and coffee and souvenir items also available. Service was friendly and the interior is charming. There's also a beautiful mural of River North on the outsideside of the bakery. Yes, the cookies will run you over $5 each, but they're totally worth the taste and quality! read more

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The best cookie chain by far. We tried the specialty, Coffee Toffee Cookie, and it was pretty good. Definitely rich, but the toffee gave it a little something. I can't say I tasted coffee, more caramel. Worth a try though, but have some milk on stand by. read more

Levain Bakery - Coffee Toffee Cookie - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Yeahhhhhhh this spot is totally worth the hype its getting!!! The cookies are fire. Crunchy and chewy on the inside, great ingredients, so so good. Service was quick too and friendly! Its a walk in, pick up, head out kind of spot. And it always smells like cookies when you walk in :) read more

I went for the cookies and I have to say, Levain is on my top 3 for store bought cookies. As of March 2024 the cost for most cookies are $5.25 excluding tax but for the taste and size it's definitely worth it. The cookies are big and I made 2 servings out of one. Due to the lack of parking, my husband dropped me off so he never went in. When we got home and unboxed our haul, he had one look at the goods and he was like, "Holy Hell! WTF is this? These aren't cookies babe. These are cookies on roids and they look more like scones!" Because of their hefty size expect calorie shock as I'm sure the calorie count is near 1000 per cookie. They also sell additional items like bread, pastries and coffee. That being said their other tempting items may require a second trip. They keep popular signature staples on their menu like their Chocolate chip walnut. If Chocolate chip walnut is your jam, I highly recommend it. Aside from that, they rotate their menu and offer a seasonal item. When we went their featured cookie for Spring 2024 was their Lemon white chocolate chip. They don't have a parking lot and if you're lucky to find a metered space nearby, I would snag it. The day we went, we could not find a space so my husband dropped me off while he waited in the car. I had six people ahead of me but the line moves swift. The whole ordeal got me out the door in under 10 minutes. If you can't drive out they have an online shop where they can ship cookies across the US for an additional fee. read more

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I've heard so much about these cookies, so when visiting of course I stopped by. This bakery is adorable and tiny. There was no line and I was confused about what to get the gentleman at the register suggested the chocolate chip walnut, so I took him up on it. This was a large decadent cookie. Absolutely perfect. It wasn't to sweet. It was moist and gooey. I would certainly visit another location if the opportunity presented itself. read more

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Big. Fat. Ginormous cookies. I've been missing out and wanted to try Levain for a while now. The service team was helpful and the store is beautifully decorated. I purchased a few different flavor combinations, while my daughter tried the lemon loaf. I was disappointed by nothing! And they were warm! A warm cookie! I was appalled I didn't have a cold glass of milk. The prices are expensive, $5.25 per cookie to be exact; but it's not something I would eat often. But I do plan to return next time I'm 'round the way. read more

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Came again on this Chicago trip. It's turned into a Chicago-trip essential. Tried the dark chocolate chip cookie this time - sheeeeeeesh it's incredible. Love these cookies! read more

Levain cookies exceeded the hype! Served warm and soft! Such a treat to get for yourself or order a few to share. Best cookies I've ever had.period. read more

Levain Bakery - Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie and Two Chip Chocolate Chip Cookie - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

OMG BEST COOKIES EVER. Literally these were so good. They are a pretty large size and come in a bunch of different flavors. Their special flavor atm is double chocolate peppermint and it is AMAZING. I'm not sure how long it will last so go get it before it's gone. Otherwise the caramel one is so good and the chocolate chip. Truly you can't go wrong. They are also served warm which makes them 100x better. read more

Levain Bakery - Cookies - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Cute Bakery that offers delicious sweet treats. I've tried their dark chocolate chip and lemon cookie that were divine. They also sell coffee and variety of drinks. My one cookie lasted me 3 days! Pretty hefty portion :) A must visit if you're looking for something delicious and sweet. read more

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Warm, gooey giant cookies in the heart of Chi town. Who doesn't love a giant cookie?! Super friendly individuals that greet you when you enter. My friends tried the original chocolate walnut and I got the double dark chocolate. Their cookies looked amazing! My cookie didn't have the same warm, gooey center like my friends. I would come back and try the original just for that warm chocolate chip center. This cookie was giant!! You could share, but I didn't! So goood! read more

Levain Bakery - Interior - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I thought it was going to be overhyped, but I was pleasantly surprised at how good this cookie was!! It was still warm too. Slightly crunchy on the outside, soft and chocolatey on the inside. The line moved quickly too which was a bonus! The inside was small and cute, and of course, smelled like freshly baked cookies! read more

Levain Bakery - Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I was recommended by a friend to try their cookies. Really? How good could they be??? INCREDIBLE. I really couldn't decided between the salted caramel and peanut butter. So I asked they to just put one in (surprise me) well, they gave me both and they both were delightful. Great service. Clean store. Love love love them! read more

Levain Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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undeniably well-crafted cookies! indulged in the chocolate chip w walnut & the chocolate chip cookie while my honey had the dark chocolate chocolate chip one. we both agreed that the cookies were rich, decadent, & a perfect combination of crispy & chewy. they are also huge! i couldn't imagine eating more than one a day, but maybe that's just me. cute packaging too. would recommend! read more

I've been wanting to try a Levain cookie since it went viral online a few years ago, and when I saw they were in Chicago I had to try on my visit! The bakery is small, truly just a counter to order and a snake for the line. We came mid-afternoon on a Saturday and it wasn't busy at all. There were tons of yummy options for cookies and other baked goods, plus coffee. We opted for the classic Chocolate Chip Walnut. The place runs a little pricey with the cookie being about $5-$6, but I really wanted to give it a try. It was deliciously gooey, rich and warm. I'm glad I shared it with someone because I couldn't have finished it - and it definitely needed to be eaten warm. However, I do feel like this flavor really just tastes like a Double Tree cookie. I'd like to try some others. Only other downside was there's no seating anywhere near this location other than one bench that was taken. We ended up trying to walk and eat our cookie which was a bit messy. read more

Levain Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I have heard so many people rave about Levain, but I have never experienced it for myself until now. Levain is top notch. You walk in and get the cozy smell of fresh baked cookies that smacks you in the face. The overall presentation matches the taste. We ordered 24 cookies for a work event and these cookies were a hit. Ever person was impressed by how large the cookie was and how good they tasted. Nothing compared to these cookies. I am so happy to hear that Levain has made its way to Boston where I am from so i will have plenty more cookies in no time. Definitely try this place out. It is in the middle of the city so no parking but great spot to grab a cookie and walk around. read more

Levain Bakery - Yummy cookies - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Tried the seasonal fall spice cookie and the classic chocolate walnut cookie. Both were delicious. I can't wait for the other holiday seasonal cookies. Staff were friendly and an all around great experience. Ambiance was cool since you can see them baking the cookies behind the counter. read more

Levain Bakery - Fall Chocolate Chunk & Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I haven't had a Levain cookie in awhile and when I found out there was a store across from the restaurant we were out, I wanted to stop by. It smelled so delicious when we were in there but these cookies are PRICEY. I bought way too many for our Thanksgiving weekend with family. They are thick and sweet and although good, it really is too much to consume in a large quantity (in one sitting). Most people took half a cookie and it was enough. It wasn't anything too special to be paying that much money for a money, but of course, if someone bought it for me, I wouldn't say no. LOL. read more

The best cookie that ive ever had. I had the walnut and chocolate chip cookie. I dont think you should dream about a cookie after trying it one time. Staff was friendly and service was fast. The bakery is small store front that is cute and clean. read more

Levain Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I'd say these cookies are probably the best cookies you can get next to homemade. We tried four different cookies because we couldn't decide. Chocolate chip, double chocolate, coconut caramel, and the fall cookie. 10/10 The coconut caramel was probably my favorite. Not overly Sweet with just the right amount of coconut. 9/10 double chocolate - yummm! If you're a chocolate lover this cookie is for you!! I found it to be the softest one also. 8/10 chocolate chip- this one had too many chocolate chips in it IMO. Think of Gideons cookies. (Ifykyk) 8/10 fall cookie - perfect if you love pumpkin/ fall flavors ! Not overpowering with pumpkin. This one has the perfect amount of chocolate chips and sweetness! I love that these cookies aren't overly rich or greasy. They are almost like a hearty cookie that leaves you feeling satisfied after eating only half! read more

Levain Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Like a normal person, I first learned of Levain Bakery through the relatable eyes of Arthur James Seuss in Becky Albertalli's What If It's Us, since Arthur was so lovingly drawn as a three dimensional character. I have to assume as well as she did portraying the magick of Levain in the book (as well as at least mentioning, if not reviving, the old classics of Waffle House, ferris wheels, and Elliott Smith from the Simon-verse), she gets something like a dollar off of every sale of "the double" at Levain locations since she has sent so many new fans into one of the stores in NYC and other real cities that host a spot since 2018, including now two in Chicago, with this as the new one and the older one on the West Loop. Levain ostensibly fits into the picture as being luxury without being snooty. It is a $5 cookie with a cult following in several major cosmopolitan cities. But you also have the haters who think the cookie is too large (what backwards planet are you people from?) or a myriad of other absurd complaints like this cookie didn't beatbox on your soundcloud album or do your taxes correctly. On the Upper West Side regular people can wait 20+ minutes in a line for "the double" without thinking twice about it. That is basically the kind of customer base that lu-lemon (I have summarily revoked the second lu for them making me order size XS and the shorter length pants so they get to dunk on me twice but not thrice, I will not be taking questions at this time), Aesop, and peloton pine for in the marketplace these days. Since my 5am flight was actually on time (I had not expected it since I am averaging ten flights per month on bidness this year and averaging less than one of them per month actually landing on schedule) I was able to visit this location while it was still early in the morning since they open at 7am. There was only one couple in front of me who walked into a bakery and seemed to have no idea what Levain sells or what they wanted, which was just weird. If you are here early in the morning on a whim, positively having no idea what this place sells or what you want, maybe just hang back a second and let a real thug pull up and order his cookies. Or maybe these are the famous cryptids you hear about that wander in to the city from elsewhere and try to blend in like real humans, but have difficulties in doing so since bakeries are naturally confusing to cryptids. This store has a small footprint with the actual bakery taking up most of it. No tables and chairs, but a windowsill near the napkins you can make short work of if you must eat your cookie before leaving the premises for one of two reasons: (1) the wife can't smell cookies on your breath again or this marriage is splitsville so you need to eat the cookie here, then down a tin of Altoids on the walk home so nobody is the wiser or (2) you are concerned, not without some reason, that the cookie will sprout eyes and legs and demand to be called Susan if you get too far down the road with it still intact. "The double" is the cool nickname for their most legendary offering, but the trade name is the two chip chocolate chip cookie if you must be formal about it. I took glamour shots of the cookie before devouring it so you get an idea of size (I was travelling sans-banana because of what happened in Budapest so no banana for scale) but she is a full figured lady, she takes up space. The chocolate is gooey and it goes everywhere, so be ready with napkins no matter how fastidious you are, or are not. The middle is so squishy and delightful, it is absolutely the best part so break through the edges to get to where you need to be. On a sweetness scale of 1-10 this is a 5. But taste, flavour, the salty, the sweet, it all comes together like magick. The double was my breakfast as I walked around River North and back into the central loop. This has an ideal location to be a block away from both a Starbies and one of the only recreational dispensaries in the area. It is less than a 10 minute walk to the river from the front door, and then another less-than-10 minutes further to the bean in Millennium Park (which is currently in jail behind a construction fence - some kind of Sumerian harvest god summoning spell gone wrong?) so you can get to a lot of the cool stuff in town on foot with cookie tucked tenderly into the crook of your elbow. The caramel coconut was saved for later for dinner on the way to the UNited Center for the Blackhawks game. I was hoping this baddie was going to be more caramel than coconut, but it was mostly coconut. While "the double" was a 5 on the sweetness scale, this one was more like a 10 or 11. It was fun to try since this was originally a limited time offering but due to popularity got promoted into the full time menu. So if you are new to Levain and not looking for the sweetest thing you have probably ever had, you will want to look more towards "the double" than this one. read more

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Super friendly service! Perfect sweet treat! Super filling! They sell milk if you would like as well. Can't wait to go back when I visit the city again. Such an inviting place. I asked a customer what they recommend since it was my first time. He recommended this chocolate ship with Carmel cookie. It did not disappoint read more

I had Levain years ago in New York, so I was excited to see a location opened in Chicago. I happened to be in the area so I figured why not try one again. The bakery was pretty empty around 8 pm. I inquired about the fall chocolate chunk cookie, but was told it had a very strong ginger spice flavor. That didn't sound like it would be my top pick, so I went with the two chip chocolate chip cookie. I broke into right away. It really is a well made cookie - crispy exterior and warm ooey gooey center. However, the flavor was not super strong. I think my homemade chocolate chunk cookies have a better flavor to them. Still a fun stop for a special sweet treat. Pricing is between $5-$6 per cookie. read more

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Gigantic chocolate chip cookie. It's nearly more chocolate than cookie I definitely recommend splitting it with someone because they are huge! read more

Levain Bakery - Two Chip Chocolate Chip Cookie - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Oh my goodness, I was so excited to see they had a location here. The chocolate chip walnut, you can't beat it. Unfortunately I didn't like the fall seasonal cookie as much & I kind of wish I hadn't been talked into it by the associate, but that's ok. Next I'll know to stick with the classics! read more

Levain Bakery - Fall Chocolate Chunk - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Came here after dinner because of the hype! I only ordered the double chocolate chip cookie. It came out still slightly warmed. Service was friendly. I had the cookie a little later. I enjoyed that the cookie was crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. The name holds up pretty well since there are so many chocolate chips! It was quite sweet for me, but I can see why it's so hyped. The cookie is definitely shareable and would be best eaten warm, with a glass of milk (or alternative dairy of your choice)! read more

Levain Bakery - Double chocolate chip cookie - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

So good. Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Grab and go. Would recommend and they heated up well later. read more

Levain Bakery - Chocolate chip and double chocolate chip - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I was in the area with colleagues and decided to stop by Levain for some coffee. I tried the loaf cake slice, which was tasty. I ordered a latte and cold brew, and my colleague had drip coffee. The barista was super accommodating and customized my latte to a cold brew with some special requests. We all enjoyed our drinks! It's a grab-and-go spot with no real seating area, just a small section to pick up your order. Overall, a nice place to grab coffee on the go. read more

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I was excited to try this newest Chicago location of Levain in River North, and was not disappointed. I went mid-afternoon and was delighted to find how many baked goods options they had - we're talking whole loaves of bread, we're talking scones, muffins, brioche, and we're talking their pièce de résistance - the cookies! This visit, I was feeling the caramel coconut chocolate chip cookie ($5) and a slice of the pumpkin ginger spice cake ($4.75). I'm a big fan of coconut, so I liked this cookie flavor better than their chocolate chip walnut, however the inside was not just gooey, it was straight up underbaked. The cake slice was tender and flavorful and perfect for fall. Similar to other locations, the bakery is clean and cute. The interior is small, without seating, so you must take your goodies to go. No designated parking lot, just street parking, but service was friendly and efficient so I was in and out in no time :) read more

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I did DoorDash for one cookie! This is the perfection of a chocolate chip cookie. I was in my good place eating this! I would love to see a sampler pack. I would definitely pay! read more

Levain Bakery - Two Chip Chocolate Chip Cookie! - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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