Famous New York bakery coming to Santana Row

Levain Bakery, famous for its oversized “bucket-list” Chocolate Chip Walnut cookie, is bringing its first Northern California location to Santana Row in San Jose. The opening is projected for summer 2027, according to bakery representatives. Founded in 1995 on New York’s Upper West Side by Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald, the bakery’s signature cookie weighs 6 ounces and has become its main draw. Levain operates 20 locations nationwide, including Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Chicago, with shops also in Los Angeles and Orange County. Beyond Chocolate Chip Walnut, it offers multiple cookie flavors and both vegan and gluten-free options. Local pricing is expected to be about $6.30 per cookie, with hours similar to Southern California—daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.