167 W. 74th St., 212-874-6080, levainbakery.com
One of the City's signature bakeries, Levain Bakery famously produces a giant 6-ounce cookie that some visitors can't finish in one sitting. The store's line can seem equally daunting, but don't be dissuaded by appearances. Customers don't like to move down the staircase into the small store (which is located on the garden level), so they make the backup look longer than it actually is. And even when there is a queue, it moves quickly. (To avoid the crowd altogether, try weekday afternoons). Co-owner Pam Weekes suggests pairing her cookies with milk or with selections from Upper West Side neighbor Nancy's Wines—red wine with a "dark chocolate chocolate chip" cookie sounds perfectly delectable. And do your best to make room for other treats, including flatbread pizza, brioche or—especially during the winter—a toasty Valrhona hot chocolate, which Weekes says is like "hot chocolate mousse."

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