About Levain Bakery
Levain Bakery is the Upper West Side institution behind the six-ounce chocolate chip walnut cookie that launched a thousand imitators. The original flagship sits at 167 West 74th Street, the below-street space where founders Constance McDonald and Pamela Weekes started baking in 1995 while training for an Ironman.
The cookie is the whole point: thick, craggy, and molten in the center, with the dark chocolate chocolate chip a close second. Levain has since grown into a multi-city chain, but this is where it began, and it still draws a steady line. Expect artisan breads and pastries alongside the cookies.
What to Expect
The Room
A tiny, iconic below-street bakery with a warm, cramped counter and almost no seating. It’s a grab-your-cookie-and-go operation, usually with a short line out front.
Who Levain Bakery Is For
| Occasion | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Dessert run | The famous warm chocolate chip walnut cookie is the definitive UWS sweet-tooth stop. |
| Post-park treat | A natural detour after Central Park or the museums a few blocks away. |
| Grab-and-go gift | Boxed cookies travel well as a crowd-pleasing hostess or office gift. |
| Tourist bucket list | As a NYC baking landmark, it’s a must-visit for cookie pilgrims. |
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Levain Bakery FAQ
Does Levain Bakery have a happy hour?
No. Levain Bakery is a daytime cookie and bread bakery and does not offer a happy hour or drink specials.
Where is the original Levain Bakery?
The original flagship is at 167 West 74th Street on the Upper West Side, near the 72 St 1/2/3 station. A second UWS location sits at 351 Amsterdam Avenue.
What is Levain Bakery famous for?
Its six-ounce chocolate chip walnut cookie, a thick, gooey-centered New York icon, along with the dark chocolate chocolate chip cookie, breads, and pastries.
What are the flagship’s hours?
The 167 West 74th Street flagship is generally open daily from 8am to 8pm. The separate Amsterdam Avenue store keeps longer hours.
Happy hour times and deals last verified June 2026. Details can change — confirm with Levain Bakery before visiting for a specific deal.