Levain Bakery was one of the highlights of our Chicago trip. It absolutely lived up to the hype and exceeded our expectations. The chocolate chip walnut cookie was phenomenal--crispy on the outside, warm and gooey in the center, with rich chocolate in every bite. The banana bread was incredibly moist, flavorful, and paired perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. We also ordered a sandwich, and although it took a little while to come out, it was fresh, delicious, and absolutely worth the wait. The staff was friendly and welcoming throughout our visit. Another huge plus is that they're open late, making it a perfect stop for a late-night dessert or snack. The prices were also very reasonable for the quality and portion sizes. Pros: * Amazing cookies and banana bread * Delicious sandwiches worth the wait * Friendly staff * Open late * Reasonable prices * Fresh, high-quality food Cons: * Sandwiches can take a little longer to prepare Levain Bakery is a must-visit if you're in Chicago. Whether you're craving dessert or a great sandwich, this spot delivers. We would definitely come back on our next trip. read more

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

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I remember waiting in long lines for Levain cookies in New York City and was happy to see a location in the West Loop with essentially no line. I came on a Sunday wanting a sweet treat after having lunch nearby. The shop was nicely air conditioned but didn't offer indoor seating for customers. I like the open kitchen concept so customers can watch the cookies and other items being prepared. I ordered the caramel coconut chocolate chip cookie, oatmeal raisin cookie, dark chocolate peanut butter chip cookie, and their new carrot cake cookie. I wanted the chocolate chip walnut cookie but unfortunately they were out at the time (the cookies in the glass case are just for display since the workers grab the purchased cookies off the trays in the back). Each cookie was very well crafted and I enjoyed the dense but soft consistency. The cookies were also large and felt like they were worth the cost. I especially enjoyed the carrot cake cookie since it had the carrot cake flavor while still in the form of a cookie. Levain cookies are a nice treat and I wish there were more locations throughout the country, especially on the west coast. I know that Cookie Gift Boxes can be ordered and delivered but nothing beats cookies which are freshly baked the same day. read more

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Came here on a random weekday for the very first time. While I am fully aware of all the hype and excitement people have across the US about this place I really had to check it out. I have posted the pictures of what was on display this day. I personally, however, did buy a chocolate chocolate chip cookie ate oatmeal raisin cookie, a cinnamon butter brioche a blueberry muffin half of a coffee cake and a slice of the lemon loaf. With tax those few items actually came out to $59. So this place is definitely pricey as expected because they are located on Randolph and they come from New York. At this price point I also expected everything to be absolutely amazing. Everything was amazing with the exception of their cookies which is our number one item. I found the cookie clump to be actually over baked and rather dry. I would definitely come back for all the other items. Another disappointing thing was that the coffee cake was only sold in half or full loaf. The half loaf was I believe 27 or $29. That's a hell of a price for a half a loaf of of coffee cake and when I asked the person they're working, who was helping me if it was any good he said it was good and I was very clear to tell him that I was debating whether I should buy a half a loaf for a full loaf because I wasn't sure if it was good because I had never tasted it before. He had no point ever bothered to offer me a slice or a sample of the coffee cake. If this is their practice or their motto, I suggest that they change this. Because there are many bakeries and patisserie and chocolate shops that actually give you a sample so that you can in fact, enjoy it like it and buy it. This place is not top-tier and they can afford to give me a sample. As with all places located on Randolph, there is absolutely no parking. So be prepared to either find parking somewhere and pay a high price or have a driver bring you so you can run out and get your stuff and leave. There is barely any seating on the inside, but they did set up a few tables out on the sidewalk. So if you want to sit out there in the heat and have everybody walking by you caulking at what you're eating and drinking this is the place to do it. read more

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My first visit to Levain Bakery was to this location in the West Loop area of Chicago. My brother, his son, my wife, and I had some time to kill while waiting to dine at a popular nearby lunch spot. So we stopped into Levain Bakery, and found the cookies to be very good. Founded in 1995 in NYC, it has expanded its cookie empire to 17 locations, including 3 in Chicago. The young cashier was very friendly. As mentioned by others, the cookies are very thick, but still taste like a cookie (vs a cake or brownie) and the flavor was very good. I was content just breaking up a chunk of my chocolate chip walnut ($5.75) every once in a while, and appreciated the rich chocolate taste. My brother ended up buying a small tin as a house gift for our uncle/aunt. I finally finished my cookie couple days later, and it was still good. read more

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While walking, we came across this bakery and the fragrances lured us in. We picked up a double chocolate chip and it was a great decision! The cookie was thick and gooey and exactly how I like it! The chip sprinkle was generous and it was luscious warmed up! Do try it! read more

Trying local places to eat since we were at this side of town and this place came up on our Yelp query for deserts. Staff was friendly. I went and straight up asked what to get and the guy recommended the chocolate cookie which was so rich and delicious. There was like no one here which was surprising. We took our treats to go but enjoyed our cookies at the hotel!! read more

Levain Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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​We were looking for a place on a Thursday around 9:30 p.m. to be able to hang out with an 18-year-old, and this was one of the very few places that was open, and off we went. ​It is a small shop with limited seating. I ordered a decaf Americano with pistachio milk and a vegan chocolate chip walnut cookie. Yes; they have a vegan massive cookie ! The cookie was incredible! Even this late at night, the chocolate chips were just super soft and the cookie was delicious but 6.25 for a cookie, darn. ​But the staff--oh my goodness, the staff! The girl that helped us was so, so absolutely sweet. She really made the visit even more memorable. CC accepted No public restrooms read more

Levain Bakery - Vegan chcolate chip cookie $6.25 - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I was window shopping and everything looked so good. The displays were gorgeous. The cookies look amazing. They open early and close late Please come and create your own adventure. read more

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I finally got to try Levain Bakery in Chicago! I tried their walnut chocolate chip cookie and two chocolate chip cookie. Although I'm not the biggest fan of walnuts in cookies (but love them otherwise), I still wanted to try their classic cookie. The cookies were baked well and priced the same as other higher-end cookie shops. They were yummy, but didn't blow me away. The bakery was small but clean and cute. Service was nice and quick. read more

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

West loop location. Paid street parking. Nice and cute inside. I loved the blue color. We order d two cookies and a cortado. The coffee was very good and the cookie had great crunch on the edges. The middle could have been cooked a little more for me but it's not as gooey as Crumble. Overall the cookie was a large size with a good taste. I'll say a 3.75/5. I had the chocolate coconut caramel cookie and my friend had the chocolate Chip cookie. She loved the cookie. Cookies cost around 6 bucks each. read more

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This is my must-stop every time I'm in west loop! The peanut butter chocolate cookie is the best dessert I've ever had in my life. The staff is always super nice, good at answering questions, and super quick. Even when there's a crowd! I will say it gets packed in there and it's a small space. Not a lot of places to sit or stand after getting your order so I wouldn't plan to eat there. read more

Levain Bakery - Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookie - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

How is this spot some famous bakery? I thought the chocolate chip cookie wasn't very good at all and I love chocolate chip cookies. I got the $5.75 Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie. It looked fine from the outside, but it didn't taste very good. Super over priced. I don't get it. read more

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MUST stop every time I am in Chicago! Some of the best cookies - almost has a scone like texture. I am a big fan of the two chip chocolate chip and the seasonal lemon and spiced cookies. Don't discount their other items either! We loved the Turkey Cheddar sandwich and baguette with butter and jam. Shop is set up to grab and go with not much space to linger but there is a bench outside of the weather is nice. read more

Levain Bakery - Baguette With Butter and Jam Turkey and Cheddar Sandwich - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great place to stop for a quick cookie! They have ice cream scoops you can add onto your cookies now. Line is out the door during peak hours! Theres a few chairs outside but it's mostly grab and go! read more

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The GF cookie was identical to the NYC location, a little dry and crumbly. Having the caramel ice cream scoop with it definitely helps. The ice cream was creamy and dare I say better than the cookie but the combo was tasty read more

Levain Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Truly obsessed. Every time I'm craving a sweet treat, this is the place. The staff are always friendly and always work hard to make things right if something is off. They're quick and delicious! Definitely try the raspberry pistachio read more

Levain Bakery - Raspberry Pistachio Cookie - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It's a quick service cookie bakery without any place to sit. However, the display is simple, yet beautiful. It's light oak decor with an open kitchen is quite nice to all into. The display cases are simple and clear for providing you with all their options. The staff is friendly and answers all your questions. Cookies are enormous there, so paying about $6 a cookie isn't too off kilter. You get freshly baked, gooey cookies and every bite is satisfying. I ordered the cocoa peanut butter cookie a their original chocolate walnut. I ate my cookies a couple hours later and they were divine. If you eat them a day later, just warm them up on the microwave or oven, and they taste just as fresh as when you bought them. Levain is a wonderful spot to satisfy your sweet tooth. read more

Levain Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Most people who hears chocolate cookies always think of the thin round but here are at Levain, they are like round and packed with chunks of chocolate like a crab cake. They have two locations in Chicago and across the USA. When you are so close to the bakery, I was smelling the aroma of baked cookies outside and I knew I had to come in and buy a box of cookies. Cookies are around $6 each and you can see in the glass box what they have for the day. I went with the signature cookie assortment and there was no way I can finish these cookies in a day. They suggest to put them in a air-tight container and they should last a week. Highly recommend these cookies. read more

Levain Bakery - Assortment of goodies - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We shared the seasonal cookies Dark Chocolate Peppermint & White Chocolate Macademia. Texturally satisfying - crispy and soft. Levain cookies generally are above average sweet. The white chocolate macademia was more balanced and satisfying while dark chocolate peppermint was overly sweet (as someone who has a sweet tooth) that lacked the familiar bitterness of dark chocolate. No issues with service. No tables, order to-go. read more

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The vibe in the bakery feels polished and upscale, and the smell alone pulls you in. They offer a great variety of treats, but I came specifically for the cookies. They did not disappoint. The staff was friendly and worked quickly to keep the line moving. The cookies are thicker than your typical ones and absolutely lived up to the hype. I will definitely be back. read more

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

This is a famous chain hailing from New York! When you walk in, you're greeted by the smell of butter, sugar, and baked goods. There's no seating besides three tiny bar seats, so don't expect to stop and chat for a long time! We got the white chocolate macadamia nut cookie, the caramel coconut chocolate chip cookie, and the classic chocolate chip cookie. This was my order from most to least favorite!! The white chocolate macadamia nut cookie has this nice vanilla flavor with the crunch of the nut, the caramel coconut was a bitttt too sweet for me but very ooey goooey, and the classic chocolate chip is just as it says - classic! These cookies are voluminous, crunchy, chewy, soft, and gooey at the same time, and I don't think I could ever make them myself. I wish they sold ice cream on the side to make the cookies less heavy!! read more

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A lot of Hype. As a NYer by birth, I was not quick to rush here. It's a cookie. Chocochip is good enough. Served warm, which is a plus. Good for people who want a Gluten Free option tho! read more

I love this place. I would go grab myself some cookies everytime im in the area, thiw time i also tried their choco chip banana bread and oh boy theres an additional item to grab now! If you havent tried their cookies its q must try! I usually dont devour them when i get thembut microwave for 15 secs and the oooeyyy gooeeyyy chocolate is back!!!! Parking is a challenge since its the city. Service is great! Will definitely keep coming back! read more

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I hate to say it but for how much people recommend trying these cookies, they just don't live up to the hype. They're smaller than you would think for a $6 cookie and honestly the taste isn't far different that a Costco chocolate chip cookie. Not much to note about the ambiance of the stores and it's kind of an in and out situation since it's a small store downtown. The staff was pretty helpful and of course since the cookies are there everything gets done quickly. Recommend you get these warmed up. read more

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The infamous levain bakery. Dropped it by for one of their limited cookies the coffee toffee. These are big hectic cookies basically two or three cookies in one. Not much coffee flavor more like chocolate and toffee. The cookies came out warm crispy on the outside, soft and warm on the inside. Very pricey however like I said before it is like two or three cookies in one. Not too sweet, quite buttery and luscious. read more

Levain Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Levain Bakery is a MUST stop if you are visiting Chicago! Each cookies is amazing and fresh and worth its price. Super chunky and delicious. Each cookie has a unique flavor of its own. I'm addicted these cookies are just different. The store is super small and there are no spots to sit down at and no restrooms. Be prepared to take the cookies to go or grab a table outside. Expect there to be a long line this place is popular for a reason. However the staff move very quickly and swiftly and super nice. I bought 4 cookies and a slice of bread and it came out to about $45 and was WORTH IT. The quality is everything to be honest! My favorite cookies that I enjoyed every bite are listed below. Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie Two Chip Chocolate Chip Cookie Banana Chocolate Chip Cake Slice read more

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First time I came here my friends were hyping it up. I'm not the biggest sweets person but oh man...it lived up to the hype. This is hands down the best cookie I've ever had. Anytime I'm in the area I always have to stop by and grab their walnut chocolate chip cookie. Absolute perfection. Staff are friendly and professional and keeps lines moving fast. Not a ton of space, but there is a little ledge you can sit on to enjoy your purchases and take in the surroundings of a bakery shop that does it right. read more

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

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I had Levain cookies many years ago when Whole Foods used to carry them. I finally I got to visit Levain's Bakery in Chicago last weekend, and I absolutely wanted to eat everything. The bakery had so many cookies on display, so many different variations of Brioche, Cake Slides, Baguette, Muffins that I didn't know existed. As someone who's a sucker for Chocolate Chip Cookies, I tend to never sway from those. But it was love at first bite when I had Levain's Lemon Cookies, the Zesty Energy was unreal. I regret not buying the entire box and bring them with me back to Houston. This calls for another trip to Chicago next Spring! read more

Levain Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I love levain, its worth the hype to me. Moist and absolutely decadent cookies. Theyre thick and covered in chocolate chips. I love the chocolate chip coconut cookie and double chocolate. Service is always friendly and the space is really meant for walk ins. Some seating but not much. read more

Review by: Avila.Eats on TikTok, insta, and YouTube Service: friendly and talkative staff. Ambiance/Atmosphere: open space bakery with a strong sweet aroma as soon as you walk in. Food: 1. Banana chocolate chip bread had a solid banana flavor. The chocolate chips made it more rich. I'd recommend. 2. Caramel coconut chocolate chip cookie had a nice chocolate chip flavor with a hint of coconut. The caramel was nice and chewy. I'd recommend. 3. Chocolate chip walnut cookie had a good cookie base with an additive of walnut that honestly it didn't really need. It didn't cut the sweetness the way I thought it would. I wouldn't recommend. 4. Double chocolate cookie was very rich and decadent. Tasted like a fudgy brownie with a crispy exterior. Good for chocolate lovers. For me it's to sweet. I wouldn't recommend. 5. Pumpkin bread had a strong spice flavor but was low on the pumpkin. I wouldn't recommend read more

Levain is one of my favorite bakeries. So when I saw this wondering the streets of downtown Chicago, I happily went in for some cookies to take back home with me. Not nearly as busy as the NYC locations, but just as delicious. I love their oatmeal raisin and double chocolate chip cookies. They last for days so a really great dessert you can travel with and take home if you're not local. read more

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I just realized today that I had not written a review and this bakery I swear by. The cookies are amazing simply delicious. They get it right everytime. They have always been so kind and fast moving the lines. Don't let the line intimidate you it truly moves. The cookies are well worth the wait. They are pricey but I love them so much I don't care. Nice vibe and good music always being played. read more

Levain Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Levain Bakery is originally from the Upper West Side in New York City and they're known for their giant, thick chocolate chip cookies. Over the years they've added flavors and they've opened more locations in Downtown Manhattan, Los Angeles, and Chicago. I've been to all of these locations and I have to admit that I like it, but don't love it. It's a good cookie, but I tend to prefer a thin and chewy cookie to their thick boys. While I normally give Levain a four star review due to my personal tastes/preferences, I had a five star experience today and I wanted to give them recognition. Their seasonal "coffee toffee" flavor (ending soon as it's a winter flavor) is an extraordinarily good cookie flavor and I hope to see it come back on the menu. I would order this again if I saw it and I wanted to put it out there. Second, the staff was really nice and helpful. I only bought one cookie (since these cookies are dense/heavy) and they heated it up for me, which made the great cookie taste even better. If you haven't tried Levain, you should definitely try it for yourself if you're in NYC, LA, or Chicago. Definitely snag a coffee toffee if it's in your area before it's too late. read more

Levain Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Amazing cookies. Had the classic chocolate chip and the double chocolate cookies. Not to be missed when visiting the Chicago area. Cut them into quarters to share. read more

Love this place! You don't ever have to worry about waiting a long time because the staff is fast & efficient. It always smells so good walking in. Sometimes you just need a nice chonky cookie to enjoy! I like the lemon cookie in the summer but if I randomly come in, I like to get the two chip chocolate chip cookie. The blueberry muffin is also good. I'm always looking forward for the next seasonal cookie flavors! read more

Levain Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I finally got to try the famous Levain Bakery after visiting NYC/Chicago so many times but always forgetting to stop by! The pastries here definitely live up to the hype, and I still think about the slice of banana bread I had from here two months ago till this day. Honorable mention for the double chocolate chip cookie I had here as well. Their cookies are a bit pricey at about $6 a piece, but they are all very thick and can probably count as two servings so I can justify that. read more

Levain Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I walked in 8pm on Tuesday night and they were not busy at all which was great because then I can get a good look of the treats and the decor. I feel like I have to hurry up if there's a lot of people so they can help serve the next people. so it was nice to breathe taken in the aesthetic of the place and I take a few more seconds to decide on what I ultimately wanted to buy. Their cookies are so big! They do pack a lot of flavor which is really nice because sometimes giant food doesn't taste like much like if you don't end up more flavoring to it than it's just gonna taste like a whole big cookie or nothing but this is the opposite. I absolutely love lemon so I popped in here to get that cookie. I also didn't know that they had rolls which is really nice, but sometimes I like to buy a a few rolls for dinners at home. Now I know a place I can get them. I think the cookie had a good balance of lemon. I'd still come back and visit for more seasonal treats. read more

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

Does this place live up to the hype? Yes. The second I stepped into this place I almost passed out because it smelled SO good and I was so hungry. I ordered the two chip chocolate chip cookie and devoured it immediately. There were some other fun flavors (I think there was a lemon??) that sounded good but I figured I had to go for the classic with it being my first time. The cookie was delicious....crispy on the outside and soft and melty on the inside. My only complaint is that there isn't really a good spot to sit and eat there. There was a bench along the front and a bench outside but not the prime set up for eating the cookie. read more

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

Love the smells of fresh baked goods in the morning. Something about it stimulates my day. Upon entering my nose tingled from the aromas of baked breads and rich chocolate. Warmly greeted but allowed the person behind me to go before me. I am still looking over the menu. I'd love to say, "one of everything please, with some water". I decided to be more specific with my choice and eventually settled on the chocolate chip, banana slice, the coffee toffee cookie with an iced chocolate mocha. Everything is so fresh and tasty. I could only eat half of the banana slice. Pretty thick and chocked full of gooey bittersweet chips and bananas. Haven't tried the cookie as of yet. I will be sharing that with hubby later. Can't wait to warm it in the air-fryer and enjoy it with some iced oat milk. read more

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long story - I've loved these cookies from afar for years and finally was able to make it to the actual bakery on a recent Chicago trip. OK - so Levain used to make frozen Levain cookies and supplied at certain grocers that got me hooked several years ago. They then stopped making them. So on a recent Chicago trip, I knew I had to stop. They were so good - I got the two chip chocolate chip cookie. Warm and gooey, pure deliciousness. They are massive by the way! I only wished we stopped by on our way out of town to grab more to take home! read more