Levain Bakery, NYC

This tiny place on the Upper West Side of Manhattan is a cookie giant that became world famous in a relatively short period of time.

Levain is mostly known for their cookies which are huge, delicious and weigh a generous six ounces.
The bakery, which now has two locations in Manhattan and one in the Hamptons, was founded in 1994 by friends Connie McDonald and Pam Weekes.

Levain is a leavening agent or bread starter which is used frequently in place of yeast to rise dough.
That is where the name of the bakery originated from.

Let your sense of smell lead you to this little bakery. The wonderful aroma of chocolate is intoxicating and can be smelled on the street.

The stairs lead to where the magic happens.

It's fun to watch the employees move about this cramped space with real precision. The goods are baked right in the back, you can see them mix the dough and take the freshly baked yummies out of the oven.

There is a small counter inside and a bench outside.

these cookies are waiting to be baked.

Cookies are packed in a paper bag or a box if one specifies that they are a gift.

Dark chocolate chocolate chip cookie

Oatmeal Raisin cookie

Chocolate chip walnut cookie

Dark chocolate peanut butter chip cookie

So fresh the chocolate was melting, oh my.

I like their lemon pound cake which is moist and has little hints of tart lemon.

Chocolate chip brioche

My most favorite thing from Levain is their baguette with butter and jam. Whenever I come here I make sure to do so early since these babies go fast.

Levain Bakery
167 West 74th Street

Monday - Saturday 8am - 7pm
Sunday 9am - 7pm

Joanna

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