I have always wanted to try them ever since I saw the hype around them, but at that time they were only in New York and I somehow missed it every time I went to New York. I was so happy when I spotted them in Chicago and I wanted to try them right away. Although they are mainly known for their cookies, they have other baked good as well, like bread. I got the chocolate cookie and the chocolate chip cookie. They are a bit expensive and are about six dollars each. This particular location has a couple of seats outside, which is very helpful because I could not wait to try my cookie. My recommendation would be to actually take it to your home and microwave it for 30 secs before eating because that made a world of a difference. But even without that, this was probably the best cookie. I have ever eaten. I was in cookie heaven. The cookie is enormous and filled with gooey chocolate. The outside is crisp and the inside is soft and mushy. I literally had to stop eating to admire it. I wish I could have it every day, but I am probably not going to have it again in a very long time, just because each of these cookies will set you back by thousand calories!!
Sep 3 · Suman HazraLevain Bakery
408 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA
Directory information can change. Confirm current hours, prices, products, dietary needs, and custom-order requirements directly with the bakery.
Essential details
- Address
- 408 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA
- Phone
- (872) 395-5573
- Website
- Visit official site
- Rating signal
- 4.0 from 318 recorded reviews
Listed operating hours
- Monday7:30 AM – 11:30 PM
- Tuesday7:30 AM – 11:30 PM
- Wednesday7:30 AM – 11:30 PM
- Thursday7:30 AM – 11:30 PM
- Friday7:30 AM – 11:30 PM
- Saturday7:30 AM – 11:30 PM
- Sunday7:30 AM – 11:30 PM
About and visit notes
## Introduction / Overview: Chicago’s Iconic Cookie Destination
For residents of Illinois, the arrival of Levain Bakery in the heart of Chicago has been a monumental moment for anyone who appreciates truly decadent, artisan baking. Levain Bakery is not just any bakery; it is a world-renowned institution that began in New York City and has gained legendary status for one single, spectacular item: its 6-ounce cookies. These monumental cookies are famous for their unique texture—a perfectly crisp exterior that gives way to a thick, unbelievably soft, and gooey center, packed with high-quality ingredients.
Located in the bustling River North neighborhood, this Chicago location offers the full Levain experience. While the cookies are the main event, drawing enthusiastic customers from all over the Midwest, the bakery also maintains a dedication to its roots, offering a wide array of other freshly baked goods. These include savory artisan breads, morning pastries, and premium coffee. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, designed to make every quick visit feel like a special treat. Levain Bakery provides a moment of pure, unapologetic indulgence that is absolutely worth the hype for any dessert lover in the Illinois area.
## Location and Accessibility
The Levain Bakery location is situated at 408 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA. This address places it squarely in the dynamic River North area, making it an incredibly convenient stop for downtown professionals, shoppers, and tourists alike. River North is known for its high foot traffic, and this location capitalizes on accessibility.
For commuters, the bakery is easily reachable via multiple Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) lines, being just a short walk from the Grand Avenue Red Line station and several major bus routes. The convenience is tailored for a quick grab-and-go experience. While on-site seating is minimal (favoring a streamline service), its central location makes it the perfect spot to pick up a cookie or an artisan loaf on your way to work, back home, or to a picnic along the Chicago Riverwalk. Customers should note that parking in this central downtown area is typically limited to paid street parking or nearby parking garages.
## Services Offered
Levain Bakery offers a surprisingly diverse menu beyond their famous cookies, catering to different dining options, primarily breakfast and quick visits. Their primary services and menu categories include:
- Iconic Cookies ($5.75 - $6.00): The star of the show, featuring signature flavors like the Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookie, and the sought-after Two Chip Chocolate Chip Cookie.
- Specialty/Dietary Cookies: Includes the popular Vegan & GF Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie ($6.25), ensuring a decadent option for customers with dietary restrictions.
- Pastries & Morning Goods: A selection of loaves, slices, and muffins, such as the Banana Chocolate Chip Slice ($5.00), Sour Cream Coffee Cake Slice ($5.00), Blueberry Muffin ($4.50), and buttery brioche options.
- Artisan Savory Breads: Levain’s original focus, offering classic loaves and fresh sandwiches like the Tomato, Arugula and Burrata Sandwich ($13.50) and various baguettes (Sesame Seed Baguette, $3.75) and loaves (Whole Wheat Walnut Raisin Loaf, $7.00).
- Coffee and Beverages: A full espresso bar menu is available, including Americano, Cappuccino, Latte, Cold Brew ($5.00), and various tea and milk options.
- Ice Cream Products: Creative dessert options, including Affogato ($5.25) and various cookie-flavored ice creams (such as Ice Cream Chocolate Chip Walnut, $4.75) available with or without a cookie.
- Catering and Gifting: Extensive options for events and corporate gifts, including Signature Cookie Assortment Platters (from $105.00), the Milk for Cookies Package ($70.00), and savory baskets like the Breads And Spreads ($95.00).
## Features / Highlights
For Illinois patrons, Levain Bakery’s appeal lies in its commitment to high-quality ingredients, large portions, and a celebrated reputation. These are the key highlights that make it a standout bakery:
- The 6-Ounce Cookie Phenomenon: Each cookie is famously oversized, baked daily to achieve a distinctively crispy exterior and an intensely gooey, underbaked interior. It is a truly unique, indulgent texture that has garnered national media attention.
- Inclusivity with Quality: The availability of a Vegan & Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie demonstrates a commitment to inclusive baking, ensuring customers with common dietary restrictions can still enjoy a classic Levain-style treat.
- Full-Service Menu: Beyond the cookies, the bakery offers a full range of high-quality baked goods, including authentic, hand-made Savory Breads and breakfast pastries, making it a reliable stop for more than just dessert.
- LGBTQ+ Friendly Space: The bakery actively promotes an inclusive environment, listed as both LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safespace, contributing positively to the local Chicago community.
- Corporate and Event Gifting: The availability of beautifully packaged, shippable Cookie Tin Bundles and comprehensive catering platters makes Levain an excellent choice for corporate gifting and special events throughout the Chicago area.
## Contact Information
For local ordering, inquiries about catering, or general information, customers in Illinois can reach the River North location via the following details:
Address: 408 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA
Phone: (872) 395-5573
## What Is Worth Choosing
For any local in Illinois, Levain Bakery is worth choosing for the singular, unparalleled experience of its signature cookies. It is an investment in a moment of pure, celebrated culinary excellence. The consensus among countless fans and food critics alike is that this is simply one of the best cookies you will ever eat, and experiencing the original is a must-do.
You should choose Levain Bakery for the following compelling reasons:
- The Unforgettable Indulgence: The signature 6-ounce size and gooey texture elevate the cookie from a simple treat to a full, decadent dessert experience. As customers recommend, warming it up slightly at home enhances the molten, chocolatey center.
- Quality Over Quantity (Except in Size): Despite its large size, the quality of the simple, fresh ingredients is evident in every bite, from the rich chocolate to the buttery base, upholding the bakery’s reputation since 1995.
- The Perfect Gift or Group Treat: Whether for a corporate meeting, a party, or a thoughtful gesture for a friend, the beautifully packaged Cookie Assortments and catering options offer a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that carries an air of luxury and acclaim.
Choose Levain for that moment of "cookie heaven," and discover why this bakery became a global icon right here in Chicago.
Services and accessibility
These attributes come from the directory record and should be confirmed when essential.
Service options
- In-store pickup
- Onsite services
Accessibility
Offerings
- Coffee
Dining options
- Breakfast
Amenities
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Quick visit
Payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Paid street parking
See the bakery
Reviews and recurring themes
Read individual comments as personal experiences, not verified guarantees.
The Two Chip Chocolate Chip Cookie at Levain Bakery is unreal — easily one of the best cookies I’ve ever had! It’s huge, crispy on the outside, gooey and rich on the inside, with just the right balance of semi-sweet and dark chocolate. Every bite feels indulgent and perfectly baked. Totally worth the hype and the wait in line — I’d come back just for this cookie!
Sep 3 · Bruna Mormilo BorgesYou HAVE to eat this warm and fresh!! The chocolate peanut butter cookie was amazing, melts in your mouth. Definitely more cakey texture. Also, whoa, these cookies carry some serious weight to them! Enjoyed every bite of this and decided to bring home more.
Sep 8 · Sarah SueWe stopped by Levain Bakery, a 30-year-old institution, and it definitely lives up to the hype. The cookies are perfectly baked—crispy on the outside yet warm and soft on the inside, with an amazing texture that makes each bite memorable. Their coffee is also worth mentioning—smooth, balanced, and pairs perfectly with the baked goods. My wife absolutely loved it as well. A must-visit if you’re in the area!
Sep 27 · Eric LaoCool spot for a luxury treat with a line out the door. I frankly did not like my rocky road cookie, but maybe it was just the wrong choice for me. Our other selections were better. Would try again for a second shot if I was in the area craving a sweet.
Sep 4 · Jeremy YowellCompare another bakery nearby
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