Next.js logo

LEVAIN BAKERY

Last Updated: ~2 months ago

Phone: (908) 963-1485

Address: 2 WEST 18 STREET 10011

TLDR

NYC's legendary bakery w/ massive, gooey cookies – a true indulgence you can't miss!

Sentiment Overview(Based on 147 Reddit comments)

50% Positive33% Neutral17% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

Next.js logo

Tags

american 96bakery 44dessert 5cookies 114bakery 50dessert 17View All

Neighborhoods

Chelsea

Instagram Posts References

Summary
Summary
Summary
Summary
Summary
Summary

Details

This iconic New York bakery is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth, particularly for its famously decadent cookies. These oversized, gooey treats are a delightful indulgence that has garnered a dedicated following. While the cookies are the main draw, the bakery also offers other baked goods and has been known to collaborate on unique dessert experiences.

Food Overview

The star of the show is undoubtedly the cookies, particularly the chocolate chip walnut and double chocolate chip varieties. These are described as thick, gooey, and decadent, often cited as some of the best in NYC. Some customers find them to be too large or sweet, and a few have noted a perceived decline in quality or consistency over time. Other baked goods like baguettes and cakes have also received positive mentions.

Highlights / Recommended

"The bakery is renowned for its thick, gooey cookies, with the chocolate chip walnut and double chocolate chip cookies being particularly popular choices. Other recommended items include the oatmeal raisin cookie and their baguettes."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • chocolate chip cookie(11)
  • cookies(5)
  • cookie(5)
  • oatmeal raisin cookie(4)

Customer Sentiment

Customers overwhelmingly praise the bakery's signature cookies, describing them as delicious, massive, and worth the hype. While a few find them too dense or sweet, the general consensus is highly positive.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

This thread discusses and ranks various chocolate chip cookies in NYC, with Levain Bakery frequently mentioned and several users listing it among their top choices. Some comments detail specific rankings and opinions on Levain's cookies.
A discussion about NYC food experiences where Levain's chocolate chip cookie is critiqued as 'mid' and needing salt, while the chocolate peanut butter chip cookie is praised. This post also includes a range of other opinions on Levain, from being overrated to being a favorite.
This thread provides extensive advice on how to keep Levain cookies fresh during travel, with many users confirming they travel well and can be reheated. Tips include using airtight containers, microwaving, and even freezing.
A user asks for dessert recommendations, and Levain Bakery's cookies are suggested as 'amazing stuff'.
This discussion centers on identifying the best 'inside out' or black and white cookies, with Levain Bakery's version being a topic of debate. Some users express strong negative opinions, while others find their specific offerings good.

Recent Mentions

From post: Everything I Ate In Nyc In 5 Days From Canada

"The commenter, a native New Yorker, enjoys Levain Bakery cookies, preferring them soft and gooey."

Positive
Dec 27, 2025View Comment →

From post: Everything I Ate In Nyc In 5 Days From Canada

"The commenter recommends The Pastry Box in Alphabet City for excellent baked goods."

Positive
Dec 26, 2025View Comment →

From post: Everything I Ate In Nyc In 5 Days From Canada

"The commenter suggests cutting Levain Bakery cookies into smaller portions and freezing them for later enjoyment."

Neutral
Dec 26, 2025View Comment →

From post: Everything I Ate In Nyc In 5 Days From Canada

"The commenter finds Levain Bakery cookies to be too much, even a single cookie being excessive due to their size and sweetness."

Negative
Dec 26, 2025View Comment →

From post: Everything I Ate In Nyc In 5 Days From Canada

"The commenter asks for alternative cookie recommendations in NYC."

Neutral
Dec 26, 2025View Comment →

From post: Everything I Ate In Nyc In 5 Days From Canada

"The commenter states that most New Yorkers do not enjoy Levain Bakery cookies, finding them too dense, thick, and sweet."

Negative
Dec 26, 2025View Comment →

From post: Everything I Ate In Nyc In 5 Days From Canada

"The author did not enjoy the cookies from Levain bakery, finding them too big, hard, and sweet. They felt that the ice cream from Caffe Panna saved the experience."

Negative
Dec 26, 2025View Comment →

From post: Roast My Nyc Food Itinerary

"This user found Levain's cookies to be disappointingly underbaked, suggesting they were taken out of the oven too early. They preferred cookies from Janine's and Counter Service."

Negative
Dec 18, 2025View Comment →

From post: 100 Food Related Gift

"Levain Bakery offers gift boxes on their website, which can contain cookies, tea, coffee, blankets, or candles."

Neutral
Dec 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: Roast My Nyc Food Itinerary

"The commenter is not a big fan of Levain cookies, especially when compared to other top chocolate chip cookie options like The Pastry Box, La Mercerie, and Culture Espresso."

Negative
Dec 16, 2025View Comment →

From post: Roast My Nyc Food Itinerary

"Similar to Katz Deli advice, this opinion suggests that cookies from Levain Bakery are great for taking home, rather than eating on the spot. They can be stored and enjoyed later, possibly frozen."

Neutral
Dec 16, 2025View Comment →

From post: Roast My Nyc Food Itinerary

"Recommends picking up Levain cookies to take home on the last day, noting they reheat well. This is suggested as a good option for travel compared to other desserts."

Positive
Dec 16, 2025View Comment →

From post: Roast My Nyc Food Itinerary

"Levain Bakery is considered overrated and not unique to New York by this commenter."

Negative
Dec 16, 2025View Comment →

From post: Roast My Nyc Food Itinerary

"The user is considering Levain Bakery for cookies and asks for a comparison with Funny Face. This comment suggests Levain's cookies are good, but perhaps better saved for later due to the size of other planned meals."

Neutral
Dec 16, 2025View Comment →

From post: Heading To Nyc Next Weekend Is There A Food Item

"Lists Levain cookies as a potential item to buy and freeze."

Positive
Dec 11, 2025View Comment →

From post: What I Ate In Nyc For 2 Days And A Half

"The commenter agrees that while Levain Bakery is popular, their cookies have seemed extra dense and hard recently."

Neutral
Dec 9, 2025View Comment →

From post: What I Ate In Nyc For 2 Days And A Half

"Levain Bakery is a must-try, though the cookies are best when microwaved briefly; otherwise, they can be dense like a brownie. The peanut butter chocolate cookie was the favorite, with a rating of 7/10."

Positive
Dec 8, 2025View Comment →

From post: Crunchyhard Cookies Recs

"The commenter's dad has had Levain cookies multiple times and does not consider them crunchy or crispy."

Negative
Nov 12, 2025View Comment →

From post: Crunchyhard Cookies Recs

"There are two Levain locations nearby that are recommended."

Positive
Nov 12, 2025View Comment →

From post: What Is The Best Dessert Youve Doordashed In Nyc

"This user likes the chocolate cookies from Levine's Bakery."

Positive
Oct 19, 2025View Comment →