Levain Bakery – Harlem, NYC

Delicious. These cookies are so worth the hype! We got the traditional chocolate chip with walnuts and the peanut butter chocolate one. I must say that the original is the one to go for. It is crispy on the outside and super gooey in the middle, almost like raw cookie dough but in the best way possible. The chocolate chips were still slightly melted still so it was perfect! I didn’t like the peanut butter as much. I love peanut butter but for me there wasn’t enough peanut butter flavor. I would maybe do streaks of peanut butter and peanuts instead of the chips. But I understand it might not work in the recipe. The chocolate dough is also less gooey probably because of the cocoa. So if I had to give advice I would say stick to the classic one! Also don’t make the same mistake as I did and order two cookies. One is more than enough 😂 My mom also tried their sticky walnut buns and she was super happy with it. It was overflowing with walnuts. I have never seen so many whole walnuts in a sticky bun! The place is quite small and there are only two seating places inside. Maybe some outdoor seats would be nice but I understand it might not be possible.

I’m from DC, we now have 2 Levain shops in our area but I prefer the cookies from NYC. For whatever reason, they taste better here! Yes… tried and true for at least the past 10yrs! I stop here for chocolate chip walnut cookies every time I’m in NYC. My husband says I plan trips to NYC just to get Levain cookies. We were here in early December 2024 and then again 7-10January 2025. Both times, I got your delicious chocolate chip walnut cookies. Best cookie ever! Crispy edge with gooey moist center, full of chocolate chips and huge pieces of walnut. The perfect chocolate chip walnut cookies!

Staff are great, food is excellent, atmosphere is nice (there’s no seating inside besides their outside table). Each cookie is about $5.25 plus tax.

Googled ‘best cookies’ & this bakery came highly recommended to try in NYC ~ It did not disappoint. Some of the best cookies I’ve had! I tried the No. 1 bestseller, Choc chip walnut first & it was insanely good. Warm, slightly crispy on the outside but perfectly soft & gooey on the inside w the subtle crunch of the walnut. I ate the whole thing in one sitting which was a lot to handle but I don’t regret it. I later enjoyed the Dark Choc Peanut Butter at home. That’s my fave one 🥰 I ended up ordering 10 more cookies online the next day to take back home to New Zealand for my family to taste a little bit of NYC. Safe to say, they all enjoyed them. Thank you Levain Bakery, Harlem! Your warm, friendly & efficient service did not go unnoticed either. I can’t wait to come back☺️

This spot was in the neighborhood and I was craving something sweet. Got an oatmeal raisin and a chocolate chip. First off they are MASSIVE cookies, a little crunch on the outside but gooey in the middle. I would even say one cookie could probably be split by two people if that’s more your thing. Lots of flavor options, my only regret is not taking a picture of the cookies before we ate them!

I read about this bakery long ago... fell on my path and wanted to see what they have... I tried the banana bread. They have freshly baked warm products. I choose a cold piece. They are big and tastes good. Alhamdulillah.

A bakery serving god-tier chocolate chip cookies with walnuts. I was told about this chain’s famous chocolate chip cookies and was worried they were overhyped. After taking one bite into it, I immediately realized they were properly-hyped. I don’t know how this location compares with the other Levain Bakery’s, but I’ll definitely be stopping by at more now thanks to this location.

Had the walnut chocolate chip and oatmeal scone they didn't have the cookie which is what I went for, not a fan of chocolate chip cookies but this was different! Def stopping by when in the area! Great taste crunchy buttery and soft all at the same time

Most decadent cookies! Cooked perfectly! A little crispy on the outside and soft on the inside!

I like this Levain location because it's not too busy, it's on my way to Lidl and the 125th shops, and they generally have all the seasonal flavors/cookies stocked. Their staff is friendly and it's clean. This time around I tried the seasonal dark chocolate peppermint cookie and it was excellent! So, excellent that I forgot to take a picture before I ate it haha. I also grabbed a holiday tin for my family! They put out the cutest designs each year.

My cousin said the best oatmeal cookies he'd had. Next to subway station. Must try cookies on East Coast.

Hard to give 5 stars to a take-out only place, but my cookie was so delightful and memorable several months later. Decently friendly service. Fast and fresh -- and no wait!

This cute little bakery shop comes with an array of sweets treats. They are generous with their portions, and the service was swift, polite, and efficient. Sweet treats right in the heart of Harlem. We had an assortment of the Lemon Cake, Oatmeal Cookie, Raisin Bread, Sour Cream Coffee Cake, and Banana Chocolate Chip cookie with a vanilla chai latte with oatmilk My favorite was the lemon cake. I thought the sour creme coffee cake would be the best, but it needed more cinnamon for me. I could see myself dropping in here again and again. There is no seating, just a grab and go spot. Although there are lawn chairs out front, those look like they are there for decoration...lol

Levain bakery met my expectations! I had a coffee and a lemon cookies! The lemon cookie was sorta dry on the outer edges but moist as you made your way to the middle. The customer service was really good and overall a good sweets and coffee spot!

Ordered a few times from this location and have yet to have any issues. Order is always correct and is always packaged nicely. Cookies are phenomenal. My favorites are vegan and GF chocolate chip (which says a lot since I'm not the biggest fan of classic chocolate chip cookie) and oatmeal raisin cookie. They also had a lemon cookie that I loved but seem to take that off the menu. Brioche with cinnamon butter and oatmeal raisin scone are a couple of other items that I enjoy. Though a little pricey, the portions for most items are pretty big so would definitely order from here again!

Talk about a tasty cookie! My football team won tonight, and we bet a chocolate chip cookie as the prize. Levain was right next to the Harlem Tavern, so the famous shop was a no brainer. Small, clean and well lit with a full bakery cabinet and plenty of options even though it was 645pm. My friend chose the caramel coconut chocolate chip cookie for us (when I was leaning towards a basic CC) and I'm glad he did. It was magnificent! Perfectly undercooked, many layered deliciousness! I bought a mini wheat raisin roll to just to try it, and it was great too. Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Would be even better toasted with some salty butter. While sitting there at the wrap around bar on some stools, the sweet server said she had accidentally bent an oatmeal raisin cookie and couldn't sell it. Would we like it. Ummm, YES please! Again, so good! Took half of it home. We have a bet going on the SF/Detroit game and there's a Dark chocolate peanut butter cookie riding on it. Can't wait to collect my booty!! Go SF!

Yummy, thick, gooey burst of heaven in every bite! I stopped in here in my way to a colleague's get together. I had no wine but I saw this spot and was like wow!, it's right here. So I ordered a dozen assorted cookies nuts/no nuts, my gf has a severe allergy. Service was quick even with it filling up. Hopefully I will be back in the neighborhood

LeVain Bakery at this location is a straight walk for me up Central Park West. Central Park West turns into Frederick Douglass Boulevard and LeVain is easy to find in this busy neighborhood. I'm usually going to see a lot of places when I walk this far. I typically get a cookie to go and eat it when I stop somewhere to rest. I've never been to a LeVains where service wasn't friendly and timely. Employees know their business and get you on your way promptly. I'm definitely going to return and I'm recommending this location to you too. Just look at the reviews and photos. My mouth is watering thinking about the cookies and the Blueberry Muffin. I didn't care for the pound cake because the filling was too sweet. Other than that I've never been disappointed. It's still my favorite cookie of all time!!

The cookies are to die for. I had the chocolate chip ball cookie when some coffee and was totally blissed out for like an hour

I think about this cookie ...a LOT. When I first tried it that day, I thought you know it's a solid cookie. Have I had better though? The trip I took to New York that time had so many sad moments to it, but honestly this cookie was such a pick me up through a rough moment. Looking back, it was delicious, it was filling, it was THICC, and I would even say worth the price. The cookies are rich with butter and you can definitely taste the freshness of them. I think you can even ask to have them warmed up. The line at Levain moves fairly quickly, it's a grab and go service with small standing tables on the sides of the bakery. You can definitely stand and eat your cookie if you choose to! Space clears up quite quickly. The employees are very helpful when recommending options depending on the flavors you like. Definitely go, and bring your loved one back one too!

tldr: bomb-ass cookies that are baked FRESH throughout the day. Cookies with chocolate chips in them are a win in my book. YUM! Just delicious! any cookie with chocolate chips in it for me is a win. The Double Chip Chocolate Chip cookie is A LOT of chocolate!! However it's ooey and gooey!! YUM. So just know you'll need space in you tummy to get this down cuz the cookies are pretty thiqq - in a GREAT WAY!!! So good. I especially LOVE that they bake all day so you always have it fresh. pike I said: they're amazing! I highly recommend AND I love this bakery! Such a good product!! With friendly, professional service!

Just get extra for later, you're going to want more. The cookies are perfection. Indulge yourself because it's worth it.

These cookies never fail. Opted for the chocolate walnut cookie this time! Chewy, warm, decadent...simply amazing!

Got the vegan cookie. Kinda expensive for a cookie, but it was a decent size. I'm glad I tried it, but I probably wouldn't go again. Definitely worth at least a visit.

The cookies are good. The service was quick and they were pleasant. I ordered on line snd picked it up. I would go back again.

When in rome ... so yes, I had to try the famous Levain chocolate cookie! Agree with other reviewers .... covid safety protocol and service are solid. The location is clean, bright and well organized. Now onto the cookie. .. my friend got the double chocolate peanut butter cookie and that to me is the hands down winner! It was perfect in every way - just the right amount of peanut butter chips to chocolate cookie ratio ... it was creamy and a nice contrast in flavor to solely chocolate chips and chocolate dough cookie. It was also perfectly baked throughout where the edges had it's nice crunchiness to it and the middle was baked through. I had the chocolate chip cookie which had a huge amount of chocolate chips ... too much for me as there was barely enough cookie per bite. The edges were also nice and crispy/crunchy but the middle seemed a little under baked for me. Still giving this 5 stars as I think it's personal preference on doneness as the double chocolate peanut butter cookie was spot on. Came back to by 6 for the family back at home.

This place is dangerous for your diet. The Walnut Chocolate Chip cookies are a must have.

Time and time again Levain hits the spot! Haven't found another cookie like them, and I'm not sure I want to! Love this location because it's always quick and never crowded. Staff is always a pleasure, too. The only problem I can think of is that I can never walk out with just one cookie... Hope everyone else has the same problem!

Food: Chocolate Chip Walnut 10/10 Double Chocolate Chip 7/10 Dark Chocolate 6/10 Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter 9/10 Tea 4/10 wouldn't order again These cookies are verryyyy decadent. Honestly one cookie is enough for me in one sitting. Walnut is my absolute fav. Peanut butter was also a great second runner up. The double chocolate was a little too much. I had to take breaks to finish this cookie because it is so rich and decadent. Dark chocolate is meh. Service: 10/10 very quick, efficient and polite

You know you are one special person if l bring you a Levain cookie or a slice of their amazing lemon, banana nut and walnut slices of cakes.....OMG!! The #1 reason l patronize this bakery frequently is also due to their excellent customer service. Like the one l had this Sunday 2/25/2024 at their Harlem location with the manager Destiny. Destiny was super courteous in making my very complicated order for 15 cookies and cakes were arranged correctly. She took her time in placing the cookies and cakes delicately in the boxes beautifully....appreciate it Destiny Also, she is also quite pretty!!!!

I had the chocolate walnut cookie which is the most popular item. It was nice and crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside. A little treasure-a must stop!

First, I am a cookie enthusiast. Second, I am alway in search of the best, chewiest and rich ingredient filled cookies. I stopped here with a friend who swears by these baked goods. This cookie DOES NOT DISAPPOINT! At the whopping price of $5.00 it is well worth the value. The cookie is "plump", so it's not some thin treat. I had the chocolate chip walnut and I tried a nibble of the oatmeal raisin. I may just return tomorrow to get some cookie to go home with.

Super quick service from this location! I had never been before so had to check out the hype with Levain bakery! I went on a Saturday morning around 10:30 AM and there was no line so I didn't have to deal with the crazy lines every one's always talking about. I got the two chip chocolate cookie and my mom got the famous walnut one. I found that the two chip one was extremelyyy sweet (even for someone who absolutely loves chocolate and sweets). I didn't try the walnut one because I'm allergic to it but both my mom and brother said they couldn't even taste the walnuts and agreed it was too sweet. As the price point, I thought $5 was completely reasonable since the cookie was HUGE. Overall, if you like Levain Bakery, it's probably best to go in the mornings since it seems to be there are less lines but not sure if I would personally be going back!

Walked by and saw the reviews but at a glance the cookies at the display and in the back looked dry. We got a chocolate chip brioche. It had a nice sweetness and was soft but was still on the dry and heavy side, so I knew I needed to get a coffee right after. Might consider trying a cookie from here another time but not at a rush for it. Employees spoke very cordially and respectfully.

This by far has been the BEST cookie I've ever had in my life!? It's been years since I've moved away from NYC and I still have yet to meet a cookie as delicious as these ones! The chocolate walnut chip cookies are my absolute favorite!?! It has the crispy shell on the outside, but once you bite into it, you have the gooey cookie dough in the inside. It's soft and fluffy and a whole lot of cookie! I would always think that I couldn't finish the cookie in one go...but, I literally can't stop eating it...and then suddenly the cookie vanishes! The other treats are just as wonderful. The oatmeal raisin cookie is also very delicious as well. The best part is having freshly baked cookies right out of the oven. It just melts in your mouth and the rush of pure happiness in each bite. I still dream about these cookies and I know this will be the first stop I make when I return to NYC again!?!!

Cookie monster here! Omg best cookies in the entire world! And look how ginormous it is, a must try in NYC! Location: It is located in Upper West side, interior is small and only take out! Service: not really interact with them, just buy and go! But you might ask them if it is your first time! Food: Everything was so delicious and ginormous! You will love all the flavors! CHOCO CHIP WALNUT: this the original flavor, this is so good! Best choco chip cookie I had! Big chunks of chocolate inside! DARK CHOCOLATE CHIP: omg so dark and gooey! Perfect for tea! DARK CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER: this is my favorite!! A must if you go! The chunks of peanut butter pieces is just heavenly good! I don't usually like peanut butter but this is an exemption! CHOCO CHIP BRIOCHE: meh, sorry this is the list I like here, the brioche itself is hard and taste old, maybe only that day. So just by cookies! Price rating: 7/10, the price matches all the deliciousness! Not bad for all the goodness. Been here multiple times so I am sure I am going back for the gooey deliciousness cookies! Get the DARK CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER!!

All the cookies we tried were incredible. The chocolate is gooey and the cookies are huge! My favorite is either the double chocolate or the oatmeal raisin! I don't like raisins- I'll eat them if I have too but I usually pick them out. But their oatmeal raisin cookie is incredible! The texture, the taste- impeccable... except for the raisins. If there was a plain oatmeal cookie, it would easily be my favorite. We also tried the two chip chocolate chip and the fall chocolate chunk. They were both good as well. I like the combination of different types of chocolate. It adds another dimension of flavor to the cookie. Personally, as much as I love chocolate, there was too much chocolate for me... you couldn't really taste the actual cookie component that much. Fall chunk is good if you like gingerbread- you can taste the other spices as well but ginger is the most prominent. I placed a pickup order to avoid any possible line. Service was good and the order was ready on time. This bakery location is small with limited space inside to eat. Overall, I will definitely be returning!

I discovered Levain Bakery many years ago while living in NYC. It has been 16 years since I moved away, and they are STILL one of the few places I go out of my way to visit whenever I return to NYC. My favorites are their brioche, especially the chocolate chip version, and any of the cookies. Give them a try! You won't be sorry. P.S. Don't be deterred by a line. The wait is worth it!

Levain is the best! They have a new cookie now with coconut. I like the classic but no coconut for me. The peanut butter chocolate is the best. The two chip chocolate chip is 2nd best but not by much. Love this spot and every location is consistent! 5 stars.

Banana chocolate.chip slice was tasty, moist and flavorful! Iced coffee was great! Will return!

Very good caramel coconut chocolate chip cookie! Texture was perfect, gooey inside, soft with light crunch texture outside. I would recommend! Service was very nice. Thank you!

Dropped by on my way back to Philly. As with most places in the city, parking was a pain ... however I was determined to try one of these infamous pounder cookies. I am so happy that I was able to secure parking on a side street! I oh so very quickly dashed over to pick up some sweets for the ride home. I ordered a blueberry muffin, a walnut chocolate chip cookie, and a cinnamon brioche. The blueberry muffin was a great road snack (I ate half and saved the other half for breakfast the next day). Super moist and packed with blueberries! The brioche...meh! Either it was old and dried out or I received a bad batch. I love cinnamon or coconut on just about anything but I was highly disappointed with this treat. Good thing it was not what I came for. I would not order it again. Now about that walnut chocolate chip cookie... OMG! What a gooey, chewy, chocolate chip goodie!! To be honest, I can not and did not, finish this treat in one sitting. I cut 1/4 piece, wrapped it in foil, and lightly warmed it in the oven. Best way to have it! It was so soft and went perfect with my evening tea. The $4 price tag is not that bad either. Especially considering the size. I enjoyed that cookie for several days.

The best cookie I have ever had in my life. I'm always here whether it be for a snack, post-exam treat, or picking cookies up as gifts for friends or to travel with. I recently brought a dozen with me to Atlanta for a Thanksgiving dinner and they were an absolute hit! All 4 flavors are amazing but my favorites are the chocolate peanut butter and the oatmeal raisin. These are normally cookies I would not prefer but Levain Bakery has completely changed my opinion of them. Can't get enough of these massively delicious cookies that have the best flavors and textures a cookie could possibly have!

The staff is really nice and friendly. She indulged in my excitement to finally try Levain's. The cookies are better when warm. However, my only gripe with this place is that everything is $5 each. In my opinion, I don't think it's worth $5 for a cookie, but to each their own. It's still a must-try for foodies alike.

Quick customer service, however, too free with letting animals in the store. Not everyone is accustomed to that. A huge dog was on line with his owner, and he literally put his paws on the corner top, and his face against the counter, and nothing was said, nor was the counter cleaned off! Dog and store owners need to be mindful that this is a place of business that serves edible items, and animals should not be allowed to droll, and/or jump laying it's paws up to the counter, it's unsanitary!

A friend treated me to some desert here, we got some chocolate chip cookies and I had to try the Lemon cake (my favorite), unfortunately the lemon cake was too bitter for my taste but I fell in love with the chocolate chip cookies, so warm & Delish! Small little bake shop with very friendly workers. I'll be back for more cookies!

I first discovered Levain Bakery because they won NYC's Munch Madness 2016 for their walnut chocolate chip cookie. I am so glad I did! Their cookies if we can call them that are in a league of their own. Instead of being flat, they are tall, round, and incredible moist. Beware, each cookie packs in about 600-700 calories. I once made the mistake if giving a whole cookie to each of my children. I knew the cookies were over the top when my children couldn't even finish the cookie and said they were full. That has never happened before. Since 2016, my favorite cookie has become their oatmeal raisin -- cranberry raisin? -- cookie. Its crumbly and moist texture makes it a cross between a scone and a cookie and is the best oatmeal cookie I've ever had. My kids have gravitated more towards the double chocolate cookie as well. Of late, the walnut chocolate chip cookies have been sightly undercooked, with a gooey center of undercooked cookie dough. I told the bakery and they said I should just wait to eat it because it is like that when it is fresh out of the oven. So, basically, they didn't believe me! I ate it 1 hour, 6 hours and 12 hours after purchasing and it was still undercooked in the center. I will still eat this heavenly dessert, but it makes me think twice before buying it as a gift for someone.

You can avoid the lines by trying this location of the bakery chain. I got a dark chocolate peanut butter chip cookie: to me, I still think they bake their cookies too little. Most of the cookie I got was uncooked inside, and made me nauseous. It tasted good, but it's not what I look for in a cookie, which must be baked all through. No reason to go back.

While celebrating my Bestie's birthday an impromptu trip to Levain took place as we waited for another party member. Small shop with great service and a bunch of goodies to choose from. With a cookie explosion seemingly taking place in the city Levain is a long time contender and a good competitor. However they are not a one trick pony. They do Cookies, Cakes, Muffins, Coffee and etc. I honestly couldn't remember if and when I had Levain's previously and with an unofficial Cookie Challenge presented to me by fellow yelper Alana D. I was intrigued to try a cookie as I purchased my bestie a very large slice of lemon pound cake. The chocolate chip walnut cookie was oversized full of chips and a good amount of walnuts that didn't overpower the cookie. Sweet and gooey and nice weather warm or not. Overall a good treat... let's face it, its hard to go wrong with sugar, chocolate and carbs. Lol Just A Note: As the cookies are big, the suggested cookie care instructions are recommended.

Is this a rhetorical questionDah‼The Two Chip Chocolate Chip cookie is heavenly divine. The staff, especially in Harlem, NY are AMAZING & stellar‼

Got there chocolate chip walnut cookie with whole milk and it was pretty good! Compared to a normal cookie the cookies here are very thick. The edges are still crispy but the middle part is very soft and doughy. The walnut adds a perfect crunchiness and counters the sweetness of the chocolate. The cookie here is pretty good but i don't think it was mind blowing or life changing as it is very hyped up.

It is a sin to have cookies this good. Like I don't even eat cookies like that, sugar is evil as far as I am concern, but evil is this heavenly, then I have been sadly mistaken for most of my life. Take me back to New York, I need another monster chocolate cookie so I can live again. That just about sums it up!

Hands down the best cookie in NY. Crispy on the outside and just PACKED with chocolate and nuts (whatever type you get) on the inside. After 15 seconds in the microwave, they taste as if they'd just come out of the oven. The Chocolate Chip Walnut is the best, in my opinion, though the Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip will win any chocolate-lover over, as will the Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip for nut-lovers My roommate fought me for the last one.

Not to be dramatic but I'd do anything for these cookies. They are a buttery and chocolatey amazing gift to earth with a nice crisp outside but super gooey and moist inside. I have a huge sweet tooth so I'm bias, but I seriously love these cookies and go every time I'm in New York. If you aren't a huge fan of sweets, I'd recommend getting some milk for the side to wash everything down with. YUM.

Absolutely adore their cookies. I'm so blessed that this place is walking distance from school for me. They sell other baked goods and coffee as well at this location. My personal favorite is their oatmeal raisin cookie, but their chocolate chip walnut cookie is a classic as well! The cookies are giant, almost like scones, but so extremely delicious. Highly recommend dropping by any of their locations!

I recommend this business because they do have gluten-free options. My children love the chocolate chip cookies as well as the scones. I highly recommend a visit.

Great service but I honestly don't see the big deal about these. They were okay but nothing to go crazy over. Maybe I need to try them warm. I did love the little seating area outside.