Chicago, of course, has scores of bakeries—but there's certainly room for Levain Bakery (840 W. Randolph St.; https://levainbakery.com), which has a tasty brand-new offering.
Levain also has spots in D.C., Boston, Los Angeles and even Bethesda Row, Maryland—but got its start in New York City, where there are several shops. Chicago's location opened in November 2022.
The offerings here are sizable, delicious and reasonably priced. Cookies include the two-chip chocolate chip (semi-sweet and dark chocolate chips), chocolate chip walnut, dark-chocolate chip, dark-chocolate peanut-butter chip and even vegan, gluten-free chocolate-chip varieties—and, through May 14, there's something new: the caramel coconut chocolate chip cookie. But if you're not in the mood for cookies, there are other choices, including an incredible banana bread with chocolate chips as well as raspberry bamboloncini (Italian doughnut holes), various scones and other items.
BTW, Levain offers delivery and pick-up options—and the online store has everything from the aforementioned cookies to tote bags.
—In June, Chicago will debut the Malibu Barbie Cafe, ahead of the Barbie movie that's being released this summer, Eater Chicago noted.
Bucket Listers, a new company that emerged during the pandemic, organized the pop-up. According to the official website description, "The Malibu Barbie Cafe allows guests to experience the ultimate form of Barbie-inspired dining. The Malibu Barbie Cafe will be a fast-casual restaurant emphasizing a friendly fare, delicious desserts, and a variety of drinks."
Tickets go on sale on Wed., April 19; organizers will then reveal the location.
Visit https://bucketlisters.com/experience/malibu-barbie-cafe-chicago.
—Andrew Davis
