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Levain Bakery - River North
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Levain Bakery - River North
8.3
The River North outpost of New York’s Levain Bakery focuses on its signature six-ounce cookies, supplemented by loaf cakes, brioche, and coffee. The space is compact and functional, with most guests grabbing warm cookies to-go rather than lingering.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookie, Oatmeal Raisin Cookie
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Famous oversized cookies with gooey centers served warm in a fast-moving River North shop.
Who should go: Cookie obsessives and visitors chasing well-known national names.
When to visit: Afternoons for fresh bakes with shorter lines than prime evenings.
What to order: Chocolate Chip Walnut, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip, Oatmeal Raisin cookie trio.
Insider tip: Split one cookie fresh and box extras; they reheat well in a low oven at home.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and metered; most guests use nearby paid garages along W Ontario and N Clark. No valet service.
Dress code: Casual — come as you are; most visits are quick grab-and-go stops.
Noise level: Low to moderate — compact shop with steady foot traffic but easy conversation if you stay briefly.
Weekend wait: Not applicable as a bakery (no dinner service) — busiest on weekend afternoons with ~10–20 minute lines at peak.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, though short queues form around mid-afternoon cookie runs.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — most pastries and cookies are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Very limited — offerings are generally dairy- and egg-based; expect 0–1 rotating vegan options at most, if any.
Gluten-free options: Very limited — most items contain wheat and there is no dedicated gluten-free prep environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better as a casual, low-key stop or walk-and-talk treat rather than a sit-down date — seating is minimal and most orders are to-go.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with no reservations. A few stools and ledges are first-come, first-served and often turn over quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — cookies and pastries are kid-friendly, but the space is small; strollers may be tight during busy periods.
Best For
Better for: Warm, oversized signature cookies to-go, consistent bakes, and a quick stop close to River North hotels and offices.
Skip if: You want a full café with ample seating, savory food, or late-night hours — consider a larger bakery or coffee shop instead.
Levain Bakery - River North
8.5
Levain’s River North outpost brings the brand’s famous half-pound cookies and new Pretty Cool ice cream pairings to a busy corner just off Hubbard. Lines move quickly for warm cookies served à la mode, making it one of the most reliable late-night dessert stops in 60654.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chocolate Chip Walnut cookie with Pretty Cool ice cream, Caramel Coconut Chocolate Chip cookie, Oatmeal Raisin cookie à la mode
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: New York’s cult half-pound cookies now served warm with local Pretty Cool ice cream.
Who should go: Dessert-obsessed locals and visitors craving maximal cookies.
When to visit: Evenings and late night when the cookie case stays full.
What to order: Chocolate Chip Walnut à la mode, Caramel Coconut Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin.
Insider tip: Skip indecision and build a mixed box, then add one cookie à la mode to eat on the spot.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking in the surrounding blocks; garages nearby but can be pricey during peak nightlife hours.
Dress code: Casual — come as you are; most guests stop in after dinner or while walking the neighborhood.
Noise level: Low to moderate — counter-service environment where conversation is easy while you wait.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes in line during peak dessert hours; lines move quickly.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, occasional brief line during mid-afternoon snack rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — most cookies and ice cream pairings are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited — rotating options may appear, but most core cookies contain butter and dairy.
Gluten-free options: Very limited — no dedicated gluten-free cookie program and shared preparation environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it works well as a low-pressure dessert stop or post-dinner walk-up treat, especially if you share a cookie à la mode.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — this is counter-service with a few seats; most guests grab-and-go or eat quickly, so turnover is steady even when it’s busy.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — great for families and school-age kids; portions are large, so sharing a cookie or ice cream is common.
Best For
Better for: Warm, indulgent cookies served à la mode with local ice cream and a quick, reliable late-night dessert stop.
Skip if: You need extensive seating, café-style lingering, or a wide range of gluten-free or vegan dessert options.