Zagat Survey 1999/2000 you’ll discover the “biggest, chewiest” and possibly “best chocolate chip cookie in NYC”

Zagat Survey 1999/2000 New York City Marketplace
27 quality | 19 variety | 25 service | Moderately Priced

“If you can find” this Upper West Side bakery tucked into a basement, you’ll discover the “biggest, chewiest” and possibly “best chocolate chip cookie in NYC” as well as “addictive” sourdough rolls filled with Valrhona chocolate; the “small but inventive” selection also includes a “sinful” drop cookie, short for “drop everything” to try it.”

Time Out New York Annual Guide Eating & Drinking 2000 – Attracting the cookie cognescenti with what some say is the best chocolate chip cookie in the city.

Time Out New York Annual Guide Eating & Drinking 2000
Since 1995, Levain Bakery has been attracting the cookie cognescenti with what some say is the best chocolate chip cookie in the city. Customers hang out to chat with the staff or sit outside on a bench while devouring a dark-chocolate-chocolate-chip, dark-chocolate-peanut-butter chip or oatmeal-raisin-cookie. Now that word is out, Levain ships gift packages all over the country. As good as the desserts are, don’t overlook the sourdough, light semolina and whole-wheat loaves, focaccia or baguettes. Once you’ve been to Levain, you’ll wish there were one in your neighborhood too.

Lucky Magazine – Each one of these fabulous treats can be ordered from a Web site…

Dessertcart: We love the 21st century! Each one of these fabulous treats can be ordered from a Web site or catalog and delivered to you in no time at all. (Spring/Summer 2000)

Shopping & Monster Cookies – New York Magazine July 10, 2000

Shopping, Monster Cookies
Ever since local Southampton hero Kathleen was ousted from Kathleen’s Bake Shop, the East End has been in a sorry state of chocolate-chip-cookie flux. Until now. The owners of the Upper West Side’s petite Levain Bakery have opened a branch in Wainscott, where their dense, oversize cookies may very well sabotage a summer diet regime or two. Those choosing to abstain – for whatever insane reason – might opt instead for wonderful semolina and sourdough loaves, banana bread, cinnamon-buttered brioche, individual artichoke-and Gruyere pizzas, or a sandwich of the day, like prosciutto di Parma with Parmesan on a baguette. And weekends only, the Long Island Levain introduces a new line of seasonal deep-dish pies incorporating locally grown fruit, strawberry first. (July 10, ‘00)