Bakeries: Levain Bakery vs. Proof Bakery

Quick Verdict

Levain Bakery is a great choice for cookie lovers seeking a wide variety of flavors in a cozy atmosphere. Proof Bakery is a better option for those looking for a wider variety of baked goods, including artisan breads, pastries, cakes, and sandwiches, along with specialty coffee and more vegan and gluten-free options. Both bakeries have limited seating, so plan accordingly.

Levain Bakery specializes in cookies with a wide variety of flavors, while Proof Bakery offers a broader range of baked goods including artisan breads, pastries, cakes, and sandwiches.
Both bakeries offer vegan and gluten-free options, but Proof Bakery has a wider selection of such items.
Proof Bakery offers custom cake orders, while Levain Bakery's availability is unclear.
Both bakeries serve specialty coffee, with Proof Bakery sourcing from West Coast roasters.
Both bakeries have limited seating and friendly staff.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	Levain Bakery	Proof Bakery
Cookie Variety	Chocolate Chip Walnut, Two Chip Chocolate Chip, Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, Caramel Coconut Chocolate Chip, Rocky Road, Lemon, Vegan & GF Chocolate Chip Walnut	Chocolate chip cookies, Vegan and gluten-free chocolate chip walnut cookie, cornmeal thumbprint cookies, buckwheat chocolate chip cookies
Bread Selection	Fresh-baked breads and rolls at some locations	Italian Focaccia, Stirato, Challah, Babka, Baguette, Brioche, Rye, White, Whole Wheat, Country Sourdough, Multigrain, Green Olive, Cinnamon Raisin Boule
Pastry Options	Muffins, loaf cakes, scones, brioche, bomboloncini	Croissants, Pain au Chocolat, Fruit Danish, Almond Financier, Canel é, Blue Corn Camomile Scone, Cacio e Pepe Biscuit, Apple Danish, Cream Cheese Danish, Honey Bun, Seasonal Danish, Sticky Bun, Donuts, muffins, loaf cakes, scones
Cake Availability	Loaf cakes (Lemon Loaf, Banana Chocolate Chip Loaf, Sour Cream Coffee Cake). Custom cake orders: Not available	Pistachio Raspberry Cake, Chocolate Mousse Cake, Fromage Blanc Cheesecake, Gâteau de Savoie, Strawberry Malt Cake. Custom cake orders: Available
Coffee Quality	Espresso drinks served at some locations via partnership with Canyon Coffee	Specialty coffee from West Coast roasters like Cognoscenti Coffee. Espresso drinks from local roasters like Canyon Coffee, coffee (iced or hot), lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, mochas, cold brew, decaf Americano
Sandwich Offerings	Not available	European-style sandwiches made with signature Stecca bread. Sandwiches change daily and tend to sell out quickly. Vegan sandwiches are available
Gluten-Free Options	Vegan & GF Chocolate Chip Walnut cookie (baked on shared equipment)	Vegan & GF Chocolate Chip Walnut cookie (not certified gluten-free), Buckwheat Chocolate Chip Cookie, Salted Caramel Brownie, Roasted Hazelnut Brownie
Vegan Options	Vegan & GF Chocolate Chip Walnut cookie, savory breads may be vegan-friendly	Vegan & GF Chocolate Chip Walnut cookie, Country Sourdough, Baguette, Multigrain, Green Olive, Cinnamon Raisin Boule, Fruit + Nut. Vegan sandwiches are also available
Price Range	Individual cookies around $4-$6	Cookies: $3.50 , $4-$6 each. Croissants: Around $4.50 - $9.00. Sandwiches: Around $9.50 - $13.00. Coffee: Around $4.50. Whole Cakes: $56.00 - $62.00 (8")
Ambiance and Seating	Welcoming atmosphere, rustic design, limited seating	Cozy and inviting atmosphere with simple and elegant decor, natural wood, and warm lighting. Limited seating is available, with outdoor seating at some locations
Customer Service	Friendly and helpful staff	Generally described as friendly and helpful
Location and Accessibility	Multiple locations across the US, metered street parking, delivery via Postmates/DoorDash/Grubhub, public transportation, some locations wheelchair accessible	Located in the Atwater Village neighborhood of Los Angeles. Some locations have limited parking

Overall Comparison

Levain Bakery: Cookies $4-$6 each, multiple US locations. Proof Bakery: Cookies $3.50-$6, croissants $4.50-$9, sandwiches $9.50-$13, located in Atwater Village, Los Angeles.

Pros and Cons

Levain Bakery

Pros:

Wide variety of cookies including unique flavors and seasonal options
Freshly baked pastries daily
Partnership with Canyon Coffee for espresso drinks
Vegan and gluten-free cookie option available
Welcoming atmosphere
Friendly and helpful staff
Multiple locations with delivery options and public transportation access

Cons:

Limited seating
Cookies are on the pricier side
Gluten-free cookie is baked on shared equipment
Custom cake orders not clearly available
Sandwich offerings information not available

Proof Bakery

Pros:

Inventive pastries
Warm ambiance
Freshly baked goods
Specialty coffee
European-style sandwiches
Vegan and gluten-free options
Friendly and helpful staff

Cons:

Limited seating
Limited parking at some locations
Sandwiches tend to sell out quickly

User Experiences and Feedback

Levain Bakery

What Users Love

The chocolate chip walnut cookie is described as crispy on the outside with a thick, gooey center.
The pastries are freshly baked daily.
Staff members are generally considered friendly and helpful.

Common Complaints

No major complaints reported.

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

User Recommendations

The chocolate chip walnut cookie is described as crispy on the outside with a thick, gooey center. It has a balance of semi-sweet chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts.
Standout pastry options include the Lemon Loaf, Blueberry Muffin, and Oatmeal Raisin Scone.
The bakeries generally have a welcoming atmosphere.
Seating is often limited, so it is best to plan to take your order to go.

Proof Bakery

What Users Love

Offers a variety of artisan sourdough breads.
Pastries are freshly baked.
Offers custom cake orders.
Serves specialty coffee from West Coast roasters.
Offers European-style sandwiches made with the bakery's signature Stecca bread.
Offers a Vegan & GF Chocolate Chip Walnut cookie (not certified gluten-free), Buckwheat Chocolate Chip Cookie, Salted Caramel Brownie, and Roasted Hazelnut Brownie.
The ambiance is cozy and inviting, with a balance between hipster and classy.
The staff is generally described as friendly and helpful.

Common Complaints

Some locations have limited parking.

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

User Recommendations

The chocolate chip cookie has crisp edges and a chewy center. It is not too sweet but sprinkled with sea salt to make it even tastier.
Standout options include the tomato basil croissant, za'atar croissant, ham and cheese croissant, and canelé.