Levain Cookie Masters Unleashed Bigger UWS Bakery This Week

Homegrown giant cookie icon Levain Bakery now has a second Upper West Side location that’s bigger than the one on 74th street — and it’s the fourth shop for founders Connie McDonald and Pam Weekes. After more than 20 years, the bakery’s oversized, melty chocolate chip cookies still draw long lines at the UWS outpost.

The newest bakery at 351 Amsterdam Avenue is far bigger than the 74th Street location, offering more seating and longer hours. People can now nab baked goods from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., over an hour later than other locations to satisfy that cookie fix. The menu will also be slightly bigger, adding burger buns to a menu of breads, brioche, and pizza.

Levain first opened in 1995 after McDonald and Weekes came up with the cookie while training for an Ironman. Since then, their bakery has frequently been declared the one of the best in the city and has been anointed by Oprah.

Unfortunately for people outside upper Manhattan, Levain remains a destination cookie for those who want one hot and fresh. But since the new spot is a few blocks north of the original, it’s possible that now people won’t have to wait in line as long for treats.