West Homestead's Nancy B's small shop huge in the cookie world

The sign outside Nancy B's Bakery in West Homestead proclaims that some customers have dubbed the bakery's chocolate chip cookies the best in the universe.

All the necessary evidence has not yet been assembled to validate that opinion. But it's possible that, when the reports arrive from the galaxy and beyond, Nancy B's will rank among the top 10.

Located on a back street in West Homestead, it has a well-worn door and glass-block window. Those in search of it can drive right by without noticing the store or its pale-blue sign in the adjacent parking lot. Nevertheless, customers have been patronizing Nancy B's Bakery for 31 years, 27 at the present location.

Once inside the tiny shop, you understand why.

You're greeted first with the aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, then glass-fronted cases filled with a selection of attractive, neatly arranged cookies and a welcome from Mike Runco, who co-owns the shop with his mom, Nancy.

On a typical day, the back-room bakery turns out 160 dozen chocolate chip cookies.

That means you're almost certain to find a warm, fresh-from-the-oven cookie waiting for you when you arrive. It also will be soft, buttery and filled with an abundance of satisfyingly gooey chocolate chips. Give it a chance to cool slightly, and the exterior becomes crispy.

Cost is $1.25 for a single cookie, $7.50 for a half-dozen and $14 for a dozen.

That may sound expensive. But the cookies are huge, measuring 4½ inches in diameter, making them big enough to share, though it's possible you won't, after biting into one.

Mike Runco says the shop attracts a cross-section of people, including bodybuilders, who use the chocolate chip cookies as a post-competition treat; members of the Rooney family, who serve them at parties, and soldiers stationed in Iraq, Kuwait and others spots around the world.

“Pittsburghers end up everywhere,” Runco says. “We just shipped some to Guam and to Indonesia.”

Chocolate chip cookies may be the big draw, but, on any given day, the bakery offers some 15 different kinds of cookies ($9 a dozen or 75 cents each) that range from homey choices such as Snickerdoodles or peanut butter to elegant jam-filled Linzer crescents and Nut Horns. Oatmeal raisin is the second favorite, Runco says.

While some cookies are always available, others come and go with the seasons.

But if you get a yen for, say, pumpkin cookies in July, they are available by special order.

Lunchtime is when the shop is busiest, and those arriving near closing time may find that day's 160 dozen chocolate chip have already left the shop.

To avoid disappointment, Runco offers two pieces of advice: Call ahead to order and bring cash. For those who arrive without cash, the store has an ATM.

Nancy B's Bakery is at 415 West 7th Ave., West Homestead. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Details: 412-462-6222 or www.nancybsbakery.com

Alice T. Carter is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 412-320-7808, acarter@tribweb.com or via Twitter @ATCarter_Trib.