Reviews of Levain Bakery - 74th Street (Bakery)

Daniela Kelly

AMAZING PLACE! I come here during work for lunch or a snack, and their Tuna sandwich special is amazing. Please make this a regular! It has the best lemon oil dressing, pickled onion, and the right amount of salt with the tuna and bread... could have one everyday. Their baked goods are awesome too, just wish the price was lower.

George Yamine

Love love the cookies here! I come very time I am visiting NYC. The texture..the quality. The tastes. Always well worth the purchase price. The cookies are really thick. Almost like a scone. Let’s you savour it for longer. Pictured below is the Chocolate peanut Butter. So good!

Lotte Kersten

Absolutely loved the cookies at this bakery. My favourite was the oatmeal raisin one, as it was a little less rich and decadent ;). Nonetheless, the chocolate walnut was also lovely, with its big chunks of walnuts and high quality chocolate chips (of which there was absolutely no shortage!). Oh and sidenote: the guy who helped us was very kind and calm, good vibes all-over. HIGHLY RECOMMEND A VISIT!

Shelley McBride

3 words is all it takes to describe this place. WORLDS BEST COOKIES. Seriously they were...5 minute walk from central park and worth any queues you might find. We got the dark chocolate and peanut butter and the choc chip and walnut cookies. They were outstanding and still warm and gooey. We also got a blueberry muffin each which again was still warm the full of flavour, not bitter or tart like some muffins I've had before. I'm already waiting on friends to go to bring me back some of these wonderful delights! A cookie will never be the same again!

Within_and_Beyond

Tiny hidden gem on UWS!! The most incredible cookies ever!! Enough crunch on the edges with a soft melting chewy inside. If you're lucky you might even get one that is still a bit doughy - like I did. The only negative comment is that it only has 4 flavors to choose from and nowhere to sit to indulge the cookies still warm.

Oliver jane

One of my favorite place in NYC. Amazing cookies, everything was fantastic. So much better than fancy shops. Chocolate peanut butter cookies are the best! I love that they are always warm. I definitely will be back to try them again

Carlos Basa

Delicious treats, great selection! Depending on the time and day you go there might be a lineup. I went in March and there was a 20 minute lineup, I went again in August and I was in and out in 5 mins.

Su R c

Best cookies I ever had.chocolate chip chocolate cookies and chocolate walnut cookies are must have.a tiny shop with really delicious mouthwatering cookies.each cookie is for four dollars but worth it

Ana Corona

Small place, it can only fit like 6 people, so the rest have to make line in the subway. We got the huge famous cookies. They ar $4 each. One can be share.

Gali Segal

The best cookies I have ever had in my life. Every time I'm in new York I will come as much as I can and get these cookies. We always say that we will try the banana bread (we heard it's super delicious) but every time we get there we just can't say no to the cookies. Be careful, very addictive! (Little tip: share a cookie, they are a full meal...). Can't wait to get back!

Narod Haroutunian

One of a kind! I always visit Levain when in NYC just make sure they are hot .. mine wasn't today but delicious nonetheless

Aria Lambert

The very best cookie that I have had in my entire life.

F Kim

Yes, confirming the delicious nature of their cookies. My favorite is their featured Choc.chip w/walnuts

Joel Herzog

These cookies are off the hook good. Among the best in Nee York, you can’t go wrong stopping in here and indulging. Yum yum yum. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Chris Dinkelman

Whenever there is a line out the door you know a place is good. Only waited about 15 min to get in and it was worth it.

Isreal Miller

Cookies are huge and extremely rich. Definitely worth it

Augustus

Enormous and tasty chocolate chip cookies (very filling as a result), but the employee displayed impatience and sass while I was just trying to pay because I didn't realize there were multiple registers to pay at. This behavior was uncalled for.

Tad Ignatz

Now I understand why there is always a line out the door. The cookies are amazing but make sure you have a drink to wash them down with

Jeremías Padilla

Great little bakery with some of the most amazing cookies ever. Levain Bakery has built quite a reputation over the years and it's not in vain. In spite of the small place and the long queue, once you reach that counter and taste those mouth-watering cookies you'll see it's all worth the while. I only visited the store located in 74th Street but I've heard they added a new location which may mean shorter wait or maybe more sitting space. In any case, you can take away and enjoy in any of the neighbouring parks. An obligated stop if you're in the area.

Evelyn Mendoza

Massive cookies. Choco chip walnut is a classic. Choco brioche is amazing. Be prepared to wait in line tho it goes quickly.

Lauren H

I'm a pastry chef. I have had too many cookies to count. These were the best cookies. Ever. I have waited and waited to try them and good lord they were huge, gooey, and super tasty. I'm glad I don't have one at home because i really wanted to try the brioche and jelly roll thing. This place is dangerous. If you're just visiting like me i reccomend getting a few things to try. Very worth the trip. I could go back to NY just for these cookies. Store was tiny but put people through fast.

Marwan

Chocolate chip walnut cookie is excellent, so is the dark chocolate chip one. Friendly service, quick turnaround. Tight spot, barely any room but they seem to make it work. Overall awesome experience, highly recommended.

Jennifer Mcdonald

Favorite bakery in New York, they have the best babkas and croissants. Everything is baked fresh in house, with amazing coffee too. There's lots of space to sit, and they come around with trails while you wait in line. Absolutely delicious!

Vibhav Mehrotra

One word..... "Delicious"...Crispy from outside and soft from inside. Cookies were hot and perfect. Must have when in NYC.

Gloria Ho

Saturday afternoon, line was out the door and down 2-3 stores but it moves quickly. I was in line and done buying within 10 minutes. I got cookies, which can seem expensive, but for the size i think $4 per cookie is an okay price. They only have 4 cookie flavors and a small assortment of other sweets. I don't like any of the cookie flavors (i bought for other people) but they are tasty, in and of themselves.

Sonia Lee

The cookies are delicious here (a little heavy) but the brioche with chocolate chips was the real star for me! My mom got an iced coffee and was happy with that as well. I'd recommend it to anyone, the wait shouldn't be too bad (I've been a few times and only wait 10-15 minutes). Service is friendly and efficient. They have four flavors of the cookies, the best one in my opinion is the chocolate chip walnut followed by the chocolate with peanut butter chips. There's very little seating and it's very crowded inside, so it's best to buy your goods and then eat elsewhere.

Daniel Díaz

This is an awesome bakery with delicious pastries. You have to go there is you are around the Natural history museum or central park. The cookies are simply the best

Billy Capozzi

Best. Cookie. I’ve. Ever. Eaten. Worth the wait, worth every penny. If you’re reading this, you’re wasting time. GO, GO NOW! (Also the staff are super nice and though the space is small, the cookies are otherworldly levels of amazing. Figured this should *actually* say relevant things too)

Imah Effiong

If you want the best cookies in NYC, then you must go to Levain bakery. The cookies are huge and gooey and almost cake like. You can also get coffee drinks. There is no seating inside bc the order space is very small (same for the 116th location). It’s possible that if you see a long line it’s bc the space inside only fits 5 people at a time. I recommend going to the 116th location bc the line is usually really small.

Leigh D.

Heard about these gargantuan cookies from a Buzzfeed video - and honestly - waiting in line was WELL worth it! I got one of each cookie - but my favorite was by far the chocolate chip. Yum!

Michael Ord

Busy. Kids got great stuff. Enjoyed chatting with Adam outside.

Afshan

Yum! Big gooey and oh so big!! I usually nibble on the cookies for a long time or share with a couple people because they are huge! One of the tips the server suggested to me was to cling wrap the cookies and they should last one week and you can even toss them in the freezer to last even longer. And it seems to work so I am glad that I can have them around for longer! The cookies are absolutely delish (my favorite is the dark chocolate chip cookie) and definitely worth a try! Tip: I would go to the Upper East side location in mid afternoon because it seems to be less crowded than other locations.

Robyn Huang

The hype and the line is worth it. These cookies are deliciously addictive - soft, gooey, warm, and soulful. They are also the size of your face (at not an unreasonable price). We waited maybe about 15 minutes - the line moves pretty quickly. We ordered a variety - all of them were pretty good (and warm out of the oven!), though the original was the best for me. It was a nice day and we walked to Central Park afterwards to enjoy every single bite. There wasn’t after all much place to sit - it’s more of a grab and go.

Kelley Miller

NYC's best cookie! Such a great guilty pleasure!

James Korge

Legendary cookies are perfectly crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Chocolate chips are always a little melty. Must-visit spot

Jeffrey Hwang

Every chance I get when I come to the city, I have to visit Levain. These are the absolutely the best cookies,If you love a gooey inside and crusty outside. It might seem expensive but you are definitely getting your monies worth because of how huge and delicious they are. I am salivating as I think about it haha. The service is super nice and efficient. Even though there is a line, you never spend too much time on it.

Twanda Fonninger

The bakery is one of the best in the city. They offer really good Cookies, especially dark chocolate. No regret at coming here. I love the place and the music. Worth coming back.

Ryan Seit

Never not busy, but the wait is worth it especially if you have a sweet tooth like me!

Dan Brown

Absolutely delicious cookies. They are huge, so we should have shared them - but no. Too good to share. It's a tight fit to order and busy, but worth the wait.

TY C

Best cookie ever! I feel so guilty when I ate those cookies, but I still finish whole. Because it's too hard to stop!! My favorite is oat meal raisin, they just perfect match, and the flavor are just amazing. And sometime I would buy the chocolate chips walnut as well. dark chocolate and chocolate peanut butter was way to heavy to me, but if you are chocolate lover and love sweet stuff, you will be addicted to this!

Sara Kamal

Hands down the best cookie on earth. Worth any drive and waiting in any line. Chocolate chip walnut is my fave

Kendra Hall

The cookies at this bakery are really good, they’re a bit filling though so if you’re planning on having dinner, try not having these cookies before because you’ll probably be full. I tried their dark chocolate chip cookie with ice cream. Honestly, I’m not a fan of their actual ice cream,it taste slightly artificial and just blah.However, in combination with the cookie it’s pretty good. I definitely recommend this place especially if you’re looking for a filling dessert, or if you just have a major sweet tooth. I would definitely be returning to try there other cookies.

Sonia Lee

The cookies are delicious here (a little heavy) but the brioche with chocolate chips was the real star for me! My mom got an iced coffee and was happy with that as well. I'd recommend it to anyone, the wait shouldn't be too bad (I've been a few times and only wait 10-15 minutes). Service is friendly and efficient. They have four flavors of the cookies, the best one in my opinion is the chocolate chip walnut followed by the chocolate with peanut butter chips. There's very little seating and it's very crowded inside, so it's best to buy your goods and then eat elsewhere.

Elyssa Himmer

Yum!! Best cookie I have EVER had!!! I was sad the weren’t selling any classic chocolate chip cookies. There were only 4 cookie flavors. We got dark chocolate with peanut butter chips and chocolate chips with walnuts. They were both AMAZING! The dark chocolate cookie almost had the texture and flavor of a gooey brownie on the inside. They were both a little crisp on the outside and gooey (but not raw) on the inside. Between the 3 of us we ate 2 cookies and it was very filling. Will DEFINITELY go back!

Gali Segal

The best cookies I have ever had in my life. Every time I'm in new York I will come as much as I can and get these cookies. We always say that we will try the banana bread (we heard it's super delicious) but every time we get there we just can't say no to the cookies. Be careful, very addictive! (Little tip: share a cookie, they are a full meal...). Can't wait to get back!

Ariel Bautista

This place was recommended by my aunt and I have heard that it was one of the best cookies in New York. It's a very cozy shop that doesn't look like a powerhouse. But I am so glad we made the mission out to get these cookies. Ended up getting 2 of each kind: chocolate chip with walnuts, oatmeal raisin, chocolate peanut butter and double chocolate chip. They came in this nice box, all individually wrapped and still warm. The crisp on the cookies when you first bite into them, then the warm chocolate chips melting into your mouth. The cookies themselves feel dense, and it would have been amazing with a nice cold glass of milk. There are other pastries and goodies that Levain Bakery makes, but I will make a trip out of those cookies whenever I'm in NYC

Anna Beard

Go here. Order a coffee and a chocolate cookie. (The line goes fast, don’t ever let that disuade you!). Walk to the park, find a bench with a view (you’ll need to sit down. It’s one of the best cookies on earth....and I’m not even a cookie person). LOVE this bakery!! ❤️❤️

Romeo Santos

Woooow- I see what all the hype is about! Delicious cookies that are very unique with their cake like quality. We got the chocolate chip walnut, oatmeal raisin, and double chocolate (dark chocolate chocolate chip). I liked all of them as I have such a sweet tooth but would say - was pleasantly surprised by the oatmeal raisin! These are literally the best oversized cookies in NYC!!!!!!!!!!!

Raouf Touati

It's just the best cookies in : nyc ,the country ,the world,the univers,all time.......

Megan

Such incredibly delicious cookies. My favorites are the chocolate pb chip, and chocolate chip walnut. They are huge and not a bad price for being NYC. The employee who took my order was friendly and patient as I tried to accurately place my order since I was splitting the quantity between two boxes to bring home as gifts. My only complaint is that cookie prices are marked up by 50% if you want to order them online, not even including the cost of shipping.

may

Tried the chocolate chip and dark chocolate peanut butter cookies. Both are too sweet. The cinnamon butter brioche is tasteless and is not a brioche.

Kyle Rechsteiner

The cookies are large, filling and fresh. The bakery has lines so be prepared to wait. I tried the chocolate and peanut butter cookies. Great to go with friends or a date instead of ice cream.

Chris Phillips

I live in Los Angeles and my girlfriend flew these cookies in from New York and my first experience with this bakery are the ones she just flew in today. The best cookies I ever had in my life!! When I fly to New York I will be visiting this bakery.

Kay Bernadas

Always fantastic! The line is basically always down the street, but that's part of the experience. Definitely check it out if you are in the area -- it's worth the hype.

allen m

The cookies were so fresh, the chocolate was melting with every bite. Small place.

Humza Sheikh

The best cookie in New York. 74th street is my fave location as due to the high volume of people cookies come out fresh all the time. Whereas in the other locations such as Harlem, it doesn’t receive the same kind of traffic and so I haven’t gotten that signature gooey in texture and crisp outer texture that people love levain for!

Kenneth Delgado

First thing I gotta say, I almost made the huge mistake to not make the line and wait for my cookies.. Please do not let the line outside the door intimidate you. We actually spent no more than 10 minutes in line... and what I was able to indulge afterwards, was without a single doubt, the absolute best cookie I have ever had in my entire life. Levain bakery has completely and utterly perfected the Chocolate Chip cookie. I am a CC Cookie nut so this is all I wanted. But all my family members got different things and everyone was simply in absolute awe at the deliciousness

Bruna Ortiz

These cookies are insane. The best. Flew a couple down to California for a friend and she’s already obsessed haha

Debbie Zwiers

Small bakery selling delicious, enormous cookies! You will get them still warm and ready to eat. But after a trip back home and a few days later they are still great. When this place is busy, go to the new location around the corner a few blocks uptown. Subway station nearby!

Anusha Tippa

Best cookies I have had so far! I love their chocolate chip walnut cookie. They are so delicious and moist on the inside just the way I like them!

Sharon Heinig

One of the best chocolate chip cookies I have ever has. Serves hot and melt in your mouth

Robyn Nasrallah

If you’re visiting New York, this place is a MUST. Best cookies I’ve ever had. Expect to wait in a long line, and the place is very small. But nice staff and awesome cookies

Meg In The World

We love their pastries! And story about owners was interesting and inspiring to me. :-)

Veronica Phua

Totally deserving of its popularity and fame, the cookies here are large, thick and chunky. We ordered the “Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip” and the “Chocolate Chip Walnut”. If you are a chocoholic, the former is a must-have. Once your teeth breaks through the very thin layer crunchiness on the outside, your mouth will be met by fantastically gooeyness from the melted chips within. The latter is also very enjoyabke with an added bonus of fragrance from the nut. A visit here is vital for all who love cookies.

MV

Cookies are huge and delicious! Also really liked the banana bread.

G Money

Omg, best cookies ever. Chocolate chip is great. I'm not an oatmeal raisin fan but it tastes great here.

Brian Li

Cookie is so yummy! It is gooey despite being at room temp

Evan Jones

Ahh this place hits the spot! Nothing you get here is bad. Make sure when you buy any of their cookies to buy a large milk with it!

Tsadik Kaplan

Their "cookies" (more like cake), are not huge anymore, but still worth the $4. Choc chip walnut is the best flavor by far. Nice staff. Sometimes the lines can be very long.

Nabeel Zeeshan

The cookies are great and melt in your mouth ... But they are only good for eating fresh while the chocolate inside them is warm. Once it goes cold, it's still good but not as good as the fresh ones. The place however is extremely small with very little space to stand and eat. But the turnaround is pretty fast so you only have to wait a few minutes. As you're wait the warm aroma of freshly baked cookies prepares you for the ultimate chocolate treat :) Highly recommended.

Jeffrey Zheng

Delicious tasting MASSIVE cookies. I thought I could eat 2 for dessert one evening but I was wrong. One of the chocolate chip walnut cookies put me in a coma and I had to save the second for breakfast the next morning. They are fantastic cookies though. Definitely try them out. The dark chocolate cookie was my favorite one I've tried. The shop is below street level so keep an eye out when heading there.

Kendra Hall

The cookies at this bakery are really good, they’re a bit filling though so if you’re planning on having dinner, try not having these cookies before because you’ll probably be full. I tried their dark chocolate chip cookie with ice cream. Honestly, I’m not a fan of their actual ice cream,it taste slightly artificial and just blah.However, in combination with the cookie it’s pretty good. I definitely recommend this place especially if you’re looking for a filling dessert, or if you just have a major sweet tooth. I would definitely be returning to try there other cookies.

Emilee Burrows

Got there 30 minutes after they opened and line was already up the stairs but it’s so worth it!! Got the dark chocolate cookie and a chocolate chip walnut. Crunch edges and soft perfect centers.

Jason Marrero

I always say Magnolia is the best hands down...but...in the case of the cookie, Levain has the best cookie I have ever had. Oatmeal rasien was incredible. I wasn't a big fan of the chocolate chip but I can definitely see how someone would love it. Will come back

Dan Marks

The cookies here were delicious. Even my dad liked them!

S Chan

Best cookies in the world!!! Have tried several flavors but their Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies would still be my favorite. I tried bringing home in ziplocks from New York to Manila and they were still good even after more than a week. Their brioche breads were also a revelation!

Amey K

The cookie powerhouse. Absolutrly delicious cookies.

Synergy wellness Chiropractic & physical therapy

Hands down the best cookie and brioche in nyc.

Joey Rodger

I LOVE LOVE THIS PLACE! I find them better than Starbucks. I love being able to try so many different flavors and be able to choose different styles to the drinks. Customer service is always great when I walk in. The workers always great me and take care of me pretty quick .

McKenzie Johnson

Got the dark chocolate chocolate chip. Milk was very necessary as it was so rich, but soooo good. The line wasn’t too bad - only waited about 15 minutes. Staff does a really great job of regulating it so that it isn’t insane inside the shop.

Denise Hill

The oatmeal raisin cookie was to die for; it was almost like a scone - and more than enough to share with another person. The chocolate one is also excellent and super rich. Personally, the chocolate peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies weren’t my favorite, but I can see their appeal. The bakery’s smell is also heavenly!

Becky Bergemann

This is my favorite cookie bakery EVER!! The cookies are HUGE and perfect- slight crisp on the outside and ooey gooey deliciousness on the inside. I especially love them fresh, or warm them 10 seconds in the microwave. Also, the new location 2 blocks away is bigger and helps- no line on a summer sunday!

Shirly Niego

One of the best cookies I have ever had!

Kel Ar

Gosh double chocolate amazing cookies. This bakery is already very well know for their tick $4 cookies and i have to say their cookies the bomb. Worth every penny. The services is excellent. Good coffee. A must hit when in NYC.

Kel Ar

Gosh double chocolate amazing cookies. This bakery is already very well know for their tick $4 cookies and i have to say their cookies the bomb. Worth every penny. The services is excellent. Good coffee. A must hit when in NYC.

Jerry Jons

As a native New Yorker I can't believe this weekend was my first time trying Levain Cookies.... but it sure won't be my last ... the Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie was a chocolate lovers dream. There was about a 15 minute wait on a Saturday afternoon to get into the bakery just enough time for the suspense of about to be eating one of the best cookies to build up. They were warm and they were perfect I got dark chocolate chips chocolate peanut butter chip, and the chocolate chip walnut just because I had to try a little of them all!

Jerry Jons

As a native New Yorker I can't believe this weekend was my first time trying Levain Cookies.... but it sure won't be my last ... the Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie was a chocolate lovers dream. There was about a 15 minute wait on a Saturday afternoon to get into the bakery just enough time for the suspense of about to be eating one of the best cookies to build up. They were warm and they were perfect I got dark chocolate chips chocolate peanut butter chip, and the chocolate chip walnut just because I had to try a little of them all!

Leo Hernandez

I am not a big cookie person but this place just might turn you into one. Best cookies ever. What a treat!

Seidy Sleiman

COOKIE HEAVEN. The Heaven for Cookies. All cookies go to heaven. Perfect delicious moist crunchy-chewy cookies!!!

Lola Zimmerman

We love their pastries! And story about owners was interesting and inspiring to me.

Davey Singleton

I moved to NYC with a foodie mission of identifying the best cookies in the city ha! I went to every place reviews recommended & went into a ton of places no one talked about online...but listen- these cookies are THE. BEST.Yes the line is worth it. Yes you should get the chocolate peanut butter AND the chocolate chip with walnuts, and NO I have never liked cinnamon raisin cookies until THIS place. We go get the cinnamon raisin cookie when it's officially fall in NYC...it's a perfect "WELCOME FALL!!" tradition bc of Levain!

Seth G

Worth a detour. I reviewed their more modern outpost, which is just a block and a half away, with much less waiting and the same products

Trina Do

Huge cookies full of chocolate chips. It's quite pricey at 4 dollars a cookie but they're very substantial heavy cookies. I love that it comes warm with a nice gooey center. Would be hard to eat one by yourself, made for sharing!

LSUFAN67

My wife and i stumbled across this place after we finished a couple of hot dogs at Gray Papaya just a few minutes from Levain. We each got a cookie (choc chip walnut and an oatmeal raisin). Holly cow! Best cookies we’ve ever had. They weigh about a 1/4 lb. each and are so moist and chewy. We also split a blueberry muffin which was also good. The cookies we got were still warm with the choc. Chips melting. This location is a hole in the wall but so glad we found it.

brian eykenboom

Unfortunately I didn't try my cookies until I got back to the hotel on the LES. If I had I would have bought more, and a bigger size pair of pants. Great product and great service. There are some places you can tell pride themselves on service and these guys are the real deal.

Anna Beard

Go here. Order a coffee and a chocolate cookie. (The line goes fast, don’t ever let that disuade you!). Walk to the park, find a bench with a view (you’ll need to sit down. It’s one of the best cookies on earth....and I’m not even a cookie person). LOVE this bakery!! ❤️❤️

Kim Paolucci

Got a chocolate chip GF cookie. It was okay. The cookie is thick so it's not really baked in the centre (like a cookie dough). The cookie had good flavor but i thought it tasted floury. The cookie is the only GF thing they have.. I wouldnt go there again for it.

Ava Wu

The chocolate cookies are crispy on the outside, yet moist inside. Very delicious! But the brioche was meh. So I would say just stay with their cookies. Inside the store was very small and maybe have 3-4 high chairs. Great for takeout.

Ariel Bautista

This place was recommended by my aunt and I have heard that it was one of the best cookies in New York. It's a very cozy shop that doesn't look like a powerhouse. But I am so glad we made the mission out to get these cookies. Ended up getting 2 of each kind: chocolate chip with walnuts, oatmeal raisin, chocolate peanut butter and double chocolate chip. They came in this nice box, all individually wrapped and still warm. The crisp on the cookies when you first bite into them, then the warm chocolate chips melting into your mouth. The cookies themselves feel dense, and it would have been amazing with a nice cold glass of milk. There are other pastries and goodies that Levain Bakery makes, but I will make a trip out of those cookies whenever I'm in NYC

Uzair Haq

I love these cookies, there’s no where else that can provide cookies of this value.

James Pierce

Update: after 11 years of munching here, Levain continues to have THE BEST cookies in NYC. Few places even last 10 years, and most places are just hype and short term fads - but Levain Bakery breaks all those molds and delivers the most delicious bites in Manhattan (and Long Island!). Note: the best cookie hands down is the Dark Chocolate PB chip - it hits all the right notes for your tastebuds and is so rich. Ask for a warm one (even though most are a little warm still due to the high turnover and freshness). People think they’re supposed to order regular chocolate chip walnut (also very good, don’t get me wrong) from blogs, etc., but they’re missing out big time. The Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip is also excellent. The oatmeal raisin makes a perfect morning breakfast. :) The original. The best. Connie, you’re amazing.

Jennifer Kusch

Love. The best. Literally changed my life. Moving next door. Gaining love and light and 10 pounds in my life.

Joshua Caleb Collins

I can’t believe how amazing these cookies are. Pro Move: Buy the cookies and then go to the bodega next door to buy a gallon of milk and ice cream and then head to the park to enjoy.

Seçil Kizilirmak

The pictures speak by themselves... By far the best cookie I've ever eaten, it's a must!

Maral Artykova

Great cookies. Great prices. Too small of a spot and we had to wait in a huge line to get the cookies. But totally worth it. Except if they had more space so thr lines can get short faster

Jerard Kemper

I heard about this place so much! I though it's just the hype around it before i tried by myself! Everything is so YUMMY!! We tried so many stuff and everything was so delicious and fresh! The one that i will recommend the most are the chocolate chip walnut cookie and the chocolate peanut butter one! I will definetly recommend to try it atleast once!

duncan wood

Peanut butter cookie was amazing, very filling suggest sharing :)

Nick Kerins-Mills

Have the cookies. Really, have the cookies! They are pure heaven.

David Gwen

Jessica L and I worked up a sweet tooth after visiting Belvedere Castle in Central Park one day. After doing the necessary Yelp homework on our smartphones, we finally came across Levain's. I don't feel I need to offer a review because honestly, I'd just be preaching to the choir with the other 5000 recommendations here. So instead, I'll write a few tips to make your cookie experience that much more enjoyable: 1) Let's face it, there's going to be wait. Although the line goes out the door on most occasions, it's fortunately not long. We waited 15 minutes tops on the weekend we arrived. 2) Seating is limited. There's like only a half-dozen bar stools inside. Central Park is 2 blocks away though, so a nice stroll can help you earn some of those cookie calories back. 3) As for the cookies themselves, they're deceptively large (see my fiancee's hands). While it fits the traditional "cookie circumference", a massive amount of dough rises from the top, making these cookies appear more like scones. With that said, enlist a friend who also has an appetite--that way you won't feel so guilty afterwards. 4) Great cookies come with a great price tag. They're $4 each, but like I mentioned earlier, you can easily feed 2 people with 1 cookie. Bomb cookies! I think our next trip to Manhattan can't be complete without a stop to Levain's.

Theodore Chang

Long lines out the door, however fast and efficient service. I waited about 10-15 minutes but I'm sure the wait may be longer earlier in the day. I visited the bakery for the first time in the afternoon and by that time, they sold out on a bunch of their most popular items. Cookies however were still there. Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie - served warm. Slightly crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside with warm gooey chocolate. Takes more like a scone than a cookie. It was good but not something I'd crave to have again. Definitely worth a visit to try at least once when visiting the city though. Double Chocolate with peanut butter cookie - Not as warm as the chocolate chip cookie and the peanut butter chips are not gooey, but with the chocolate dough mixed with the peanut butter, it was pretty good! Tasted more like a brownie with peanut butter than a cookie.

Priyanka R

Yummy gooey cookie. Def worth trying atleast once!

Jim James

We had this on our list of places to grab a bite while on vacation in New York. It did not disappoint. Grab a bite to start the day when you are touring Central Park or stop by here for a treat to take a break.

Glenn Cody

The bakery is small so when I went, there was a line formed outside to get into the place to make an order. I've never had cookies like this before. They are massive and baked to perfection with a crisp outside and a soft center. I had the chocolate chip walnut cookie and I loved it.

Roy Mano

Amazing cookies! Definitely one of the best, if not the best chocolate chip cookie I have ever tasted. Have tried them in the past several hours after they were bought and they were great. Tried them in the bakery itself and they were even better. Definitely a must if you are in the area and looking for something sweet to eat. Actually, even if you are not looking for something sweet to eat...

John Mahoney

One of the top cookie holy places in America. Come here for melt in your mouth awesome cookies. Nothing beats fresh from the store still warm. I've ordered from the store and had shipped to Illinois and they were still good, but I forgot how much better they are from the store still warm.

Sonali Gera

The cookies are delicious, no doubt. But they are not really cookies, more like gooey brownies. I tried their dark chocolate chip cookie and it was yum, but a bit too sweet for my taste. If you are averse to sweet things, you have to try their Oatmeal and raisin scone. I was surprised by how sumptuous it was, the right balance of sweet and savory. I will definitely go back for that scone alone!

Paul Harding

Absolutely decadent cookies. For just $4 each, the size of the cookies are the size of your hands. My favorite flavor is the double chocolate chip, but I recommend trying all 4 flavors.

Samantha Pinheiro

BEST COOKIES IN NYC!! The Varholna chocolate bun is also a must have. Plus the raspberry jam and butter baguette. Perfect addition to your UWS morning routine :)

Deepan Guharajan

The cookies and cakes are good!! We got the double chocolate chip cookie and a slice of lemon cake, and both were delicious. While they were warmed up, it would've been nice if it had been hot, so we took it home and microwaved it.

Brian Berger

Probably the best cookie I've ever had. I ate one of the oatmeal raisin cookies, and it was just amazing. Definitely want to return here sometime!

Mirto Ala

I cannot stress this enough: they ruined biscuits for me... Best biscuits ever, everything else pales in comparison! Do yourself a favor and have the chocolate chip/walnut cookie, you won't regret it

지다인

I LOVED the cookies. The only thing i felt bad was i did not try every single flavors!! I would definetely go again.

Vao Horlback

I was sad there was such a limited selection. A few cookies and some breads. The line was long but took total 20 mins to get through so they were quick. Didn’t know until I was inside that selection was limited. Can’t see selection through window as inside is very small can fit about 4 customers comfortably. Cookies were good very thick don’t have to buy much but bring from Hawaii it tasted just like cookies from the Cookie Corner. Only thing i didn’t like about the cookie was the inside was a little wet, others in my party didn’t mind but just not my preference. 3 stars because my niece is allergic to nuts and there’s no chocolate chip without nuts option. Good thing sign clearly states can’t guarantee nuts aren’t mixed into other items.

CIRCUIT TREE

I make a great chocolate chip cookie I also sell and make money 4. I was skeptical about how delicious these cookies would be. I felt maybe the people may have been over selling this place. Not that I didn't think it was delicious; it's just way they were explaining the cookies seemed a little over the top but girl oh girl they did not exaggerate one bit. As someone who makes a phenomenal chocolate chip cookie I got to say that. Cookie took me to a place that was unique and Uber delicious. I make a classic cookie but this fluffy sensation is unmatched. I am in full support of this place. Go there now if you haven't been yet

Mehal Shah

I tried both the chocolate chip walnut, and the oatmeal raisin. The chocolate chip walnut is their most popular cookie and rightly so, it was absolutely delicious, definitely in my top five best cookies. The oatmeal raisin however was mediocre. It felt more like a muffin in texture than a cookie. I had higher expectations for that, however loved the choc chip walnut cookie!

Carissa Espinosa

I ordered a chocolate chip walnut cookie and could not believe how heavy it was!! It was absolutely delicious and tasted like it contained about a pound of butter. I had to eat it over the course of two days (and shared with others) because it was so rich, but I have no regrets.

K Liu

Amazing cookies. Chunky. Substantial. Flavorful. Satisfying. Addictive.

Jocelle L

Their cookies are so huge and delicious! Theyre four dollar a piece and worth every dollar! Definitely a must try when you go to NY.

Davis Miller

This place has the delicious cookies I've ever had. My favorite is chocolate chip walnut cookies. The staff here is very friendly. The line is long usually but it is definitely worth the wait. I always make a stop here when visiting town. Stop by and get your own. You won't regret it

Agapito Garcia

One of the best chocolate chip cookies in NYC. Their chocolate chip cookie feels like it weighs a pound. You know you should share it but you can't help but eat it by yourself. Maybe even have 2. Love the fact that they include nuts for texture. The outside is slightly crisp but the inside stays moist with the chocolate magically gooey. It's one of those magic tricks that leaves you in awe.

Sean Reiter

Best cookies ever! They’re dense and crispy on the outside, yet perfectly moist on the inside. We had both chocolate chip walnut and oatmeal raisin - both were amazing!

Luna G

Good cookies! Really soft and smooth while a little crunchy on the outside. They do put a lot of chocolate chips inside! My only complaint may be that even half of the cookie is too large and sweet for my taste. But if you love that then this is definitely your thing!

Quiendra Brown

The best cookies ever in life. They literally never disappoint. Every trip to NYC involves a visit to this delicious place. Thank you for such delicious sweet treats!!!!

Madeleine Loose

The cookies from Levain were delicious! Very thick cookies, so the outside was nice and crispy while the inside was still soft, which was perfect. However, the brioche was a little lacking. We went right near closing time, so perhaps if it has been freshly made it would have been better, but at that point it was just okay. Even despite the brioche though, I’d definitely go back for the cookies!

Ron P

I will never forget those awesome cookies.

Eric Yeh

great cookies but closes waaaaay too early.

Fiona T.

You just can't beat Levain bakery's chocolate chip cookie! They are MASSIVE but as a result have the perfect consistency - crunchy and crisp on the outside but gooey and doughy on the inside. Lots of chocolate chips and walnuts as well. Be aware that this is a tiny location and there's really nowhere to sit down and enjoy your cookie. On a nice day, it's pleasant to go sit in Central Park to eat.

Brooke Bushman

We were able to make it to this bakery JUST before closing time. We had to go quite a bit out of the way to get there. (Our hotel was on 6th Ave and 32nd Street). But we just HAD to try one of Levain's famous cookies. Unfortunately the chocolate chip was sold out, but we got the Chocolate chocolate chip. We had just finished dinner so I saved it into we got back to the hotel. Once I had a bite, I immediately wished we'd bought more than just one cookie. It was soooo good. And totally worth our travel time. When you go, buy multiple cookies-- you'll be glad you did.

Warren Warbrick

great service, very courteous staff and the product was as great as expected. Long queues are a by-product of their cookies.

Russell Pergola

If you haven't tried the cookies here yet, stop what you're doing and go! Always fresh, delicious, and filling. Service and fast and friendly. They also have a second location now right down the block.

Juliana Carrera

Cookies and Chocolate Chip Brioche are the best! The service is great. You can't resist the smell of fresh baked goods when you walk by this place.

Pedro Pacheco

I’m a lot in the area and always saw a big line to buy, so today in the morning I decided to buy a dark chocolate cookie. The true: it was good. For my personal choice is too sweet, I ate just half of it with a black coffee that it was really good. I know now why there is such a big line always.

Grace Roh

I must be missing something here. The cookies here are so supposed to be life changing. I give them points for fresh, well made, texturally pleasing, hefty sized “cookie.” I tried all four varieties available. The best balance of flavor was the chocolate peanut butter. The oatmeal raisin was so bland. Some people reviewed how wonderful it was and how they could taste the cinnamon. I think they forgot the cinnamon. The chocolate walnut was just ok. The line was short, ordered and had my cookies in hand in 10 min around 2pm on a weekday. Their trash was overflowing. If you are not the occasional baker and want a cookie fix, and enjoy scone-like cookies, this is the place for you.

Valerie Lambert

We were told to put this bakery on our must go list of things to do while visiting New York. We did and we we're SO glad to find it and indulge in a sweet treat! It's super tiny but extra delicious:) We know they are famous for their chocolate chip cookie but we got the oatmeal raisin and omgoodness were they delicious!!

Linda Kidd

Great service and the cookies are amazing. Really appreciate the way our food was handled and packaged for us. Quiet and comfortable seating amidst the bustle of Manhattan. Coming here from North Carolina this felt wonderful and peaceful.

Austin Abraham

A wonderful place to grab some pastries and desserts! The cookies are very big and filling, but not the best I have ever experienced. The staff was very kind and welcoming. Like most places in NYC, there was not much room to stand and wait to order and most people were lined up outside in the freezing cold. A great experience in NYC and close to the Museum of Natural History.

William Whalen

This place only serves four cookies but that is the beauty of it. They do all four cookies extraordinarily well. They also serve milk which is a plus as it is the perfect compliment to the rich, gooey, and flavorful cookies.

Ryan Kwong

As someone who has eaten many Chips Ahoy! cookies and freshly baked cookies (by good bakers of course) in their lifetime, Levain Bakery falls on the better side of the spectrum. But I was trying to find the WOW factor that most reviewers seem to imply. Yes, Levain Bakery probably makes the best cookies in NYC, but this is how freshly baked cookies taste like. Where is the WOW factor that my grandma can't do with her oven? I guess the WOW factor comes from the fact that 90% of other NYC bakeries can't seem to maintain a level of freshness that Levain Bakery is so good at. I got one of each cookie type and my favorite was the classic chocolate chip and let me tell you...these cookies pack a punch in taste and in mass (they're unbelievably heavy for its size). Upon reading some reviews, one review struck me, so I would like to make more aware of this issue to whoever finds this important: Levain Bakery have used "high gluten enriched bleached bromated flour." Interesting stuff when you look into it. Unfortunately, I don't know if they still use this ingredient. -update- The owner replied back to me and stated that all Levain Bakery shops have stopped using bromated flour last year. Hooray!

Elizabeth Jenkins

Best cookies in NYC and quite frankly the best I’ve ever had. A trip to the city is not complete without a stop of Levain! Got one of the double chocolate and one chocolate with PB chips. So gooey and yummy. Really rich flavor. Definitely a decadent treat!

Henry Spry

Great cookies and very big. We got a dozen and should have gotten more.

Emily L.

Wish my thighs would let me eat here everyday. The cookies are so soft and moist. A dream come true for the chocolate fanatic

Lauren Prescott

I had been wanting to try the cookies here for a very long time. I did not like how they were dense, not crunchy on the outside and chewy inside like everyone says, just dense and the dark chocolate one was quite dry. Maybe it was an off day but not blown away like everyone else.

Elyssa Himmer

Yum!! Best cookie I have EVER had!!! I was sad the weren’t selling any classic chocolate chip cookies. There were only 4 cookie flavors. We got dark chocolate with peanut butter chips and chocolate chips with walnuts. They were both AMAZING! The dark chocolate cookie almost had the texture and flavor of a gooey brownie on the inside. They were both a little crisp on the outside and gooey (but not raw) on the inside. Between the 3 of us we ate 2 cookies and it was very filling. Will DEFINITELY go back!

jonathas lanna valle filho

This used to be the best cookie in the planet, always warm and fresh, unfortunately the usual line of stupid tourists that ruins everything has done it's diabolical work here. With unlimited supply of idiots that will buy anything they can put a picture on Instagram of why to worry about quality anyway? Incredibly even the price went down. But still 3 stars as the cookies are still decent, and good bread too. Better come in the morning on a week day, and ask and see if you can get a cookie out of the oven.

M. J.

Fantastic! The line is basically always down the street, but that's part of the experience. Definitely check it out if you are in the area -- it's worth the hype!

Henry Kim

Huge thick cookies you can have as a full dessert. Their chocolate chip cookies are very tasty with melted chocolate and soft insides. Even after saving them due to their size and cooling off, the cookies still taste great.

Paul

Wow! The hype and thousands of 5 star reviews is legitimate. This is probably the best soft style chocolate chip cookie in New York, if not America. I wanted to see what the hype was about after reading amazing reviews for years from various sources. I went in late afternoon when there was no line. My cookie was just baked and warm from the oven. It's almost like a mini-cake since it's about an inch thick. It's filled with gooey rich chocolate chips and nuts. It's literally a perfect representation of a soft style chocolate chip cookie. Every bite was decadent and incredible. I've never had a better soft style chocolate chip cookie. I must return to try their other varieties. If you're in NYC area or live there this is must go destination if you're a chocolate chip cookie lover.

V. D.

The hype is real. I was recommended this place and the line was out the door. I wouldn't let that detract you from going tho. They have the ordering system down pretty quick so the line was constantly moving. Tried basically everything and nothing short of very good! If you have a sweet tooth for cookies, this place is a must.

H. S.

Huge line always but just go to the other Levain nearby! :) Two blocks north. Lovely cookies. Also like to stop at the BEARD PAPAS for the best puff cream. Yum!

Alejandro Porcel

Delicious products. Small and cozy place. Can get crowded very fast, specially in bad weather.

Jonathan Fry

These guys make awesome $4 half-softball sized cookies among other baked goods and sandwiches and coffee. There's often a line but it moves pretty quickly. Very little eat-in room at this location, so don't plan on setting up to work. Cookies are best when eaten warm.

Junaid Channa

Fantastic bakery... I deducted one star as there is literally no room inside this store! Their cookies are a hybrid between brownies and cookies!

Jenna Wigman

My favorite cookie of all time. I live in la and make this a must stop whenever I visit. Or make people who go to ny bring me back some! My favorite is the chocolate peanut butter cookie but honestly, they all are SO GOOD!!! I've been blessed to have tried all of them. Can you tell I'm obsessed? I've actually tried to remake them myself and though they come out yummy, it's not the same. Every time I get one, they are always warm and the peanut butter chips just melt when you break it in half. Ahhhh I dream about these cookies. Please open up in la. I promise I'll be there almost every day. Anyways, come here. Do it not just because it's Oprah's favorite cookie but because it's just THAT DAMN GOOD! Don't let the long lines deter you. It moves fast because the staff is awesome. You will not regret it. And please bring me back one!!!!

Léo Paillier

You canno't go there and not try the cookies. There will be a before and after in your life. That being said, you won't be the only one to have this idea. There is some queue but the guys and girls inside are usually pretty fast!

Anre Garrett

One is only allowed these humongous delicious cookies on that rare occasion otherwise you’re sure to balloon to inappropriate size. Definitely one of the best chocolate chip cookies in the city; but you’ve been warned, you’ll be tempted to try more than one.

Ingrid Robbinson

I’m a lot in the area and always saw a big line to buy, so today in the morning I decided to buy a dark chocolate cookie. The true: it was good. For my personal choice is too sweet, I ate just half of it with a black coffee that it was really good. I know now why there is such a big line always.