Levain Bakery is a bit of a triple threat, it's almost a hidden-gem as it's one of these weird "well-known secrets", it's a well known local spot (but you're not supposed to stick around), and it's hard to argue it's a 100% must-see spot.

However, this empire built on chocolate-chip cookies is missed by many tourists visiting NY, and it's a real shame. Levain literally gives you a taste of why New York City has earned its reputation with a sweet edge to your trip.

So be sure to go get yourself a chocolate-chip cookie, and you can thank us later.

From Levain Bakery's Website:

Nestled in New York City’s Upper West Side, Levain headquarters is a cozy neighborhood bakery where locals are greeted by name. A steady stream of loyal regulars stand side by side with tourists, eager to sample the legendary baked goods.

From an inventive array of rustic breads to the world-famous six-ounce chocolate chip walnut cookie, everything is baked on-site, fresh every day from the finest natural ingredients. What doesn’t sell that day goes to help feed the hungry—a mission that has been solidly in place since the beginning.

The bakery was founded in 1994 by friends Connie McDonald and Pam Weekes. At the time, Connie was in banking and Pam in Fashion. The two, both competitive swimmers, trained together for the Ironman and—not surprisingly, as their tireless workouts left them feeling starved for great food— they began a passionate dialog about creating the world’s greatest chocolate chip cookie.

Within just a few years, Levain Bakery had become a neighborhood institution and a destination for epicurious travelers from around the world. Demand continued to grow. In 2000, to satisfy their regular clientele summering in the Hamptons, the two opened a second bakery in the village of Wainscott on Long Island’s East End. And today, through their website, they now ship their world-famous cookies to happy fans around the globe.