Some restaurants are built for dinner. Others are built for brunch. This one falls firmly in the second camp.
Set in Chicago, IL, Molly’s Cupcakes has carved out a corner of the city's weekend brunch scene with a personality of its own. The room comfortably seats a mix of solo diners working through a coffee and a newspaper, couples splitting a stack of pancakes, and friend groups settling in for a slow, three-hour Saturday.
The eggs Benedict here is a study in restraint: a properly toasted English muffin, paper-thin Canadian bacon, and a hollandaise that's lemony enough to cut through the richness.
Menu highlights
Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at Molly’s Cupcakes. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.
- Acai bowl with granola, banana, coconut, and honey drizzle
- House bloody mary with bacon, olives, and pickled vegetables
- Buttermilk pancakes with whipped butter and warm maple syrup
- Avocado toast on grilled sourdough with chili crisp and a soft egg
- Chicken and waffles with hot honey and pickled jalapeño
- Steel-cut oats with brown sugar, toasted nuts, and stewed fruit
- Huevos rancheros with corn tortillas, refried beans, and salsa verde
- Croque madame with béchamel, gruyère, and a fried egg
There's a small patio out back that fills up the moment the weather turns, and a wait list that moves faster than it looks.
The hash deserves attention: crisp-edged potatoes, caramelized onions, peppers, and a runny egg on top, with hot sauce on every table.
Vegetarians and vegans are well taken care of — at least three plant-forward mains anchor the menu, not just an afterthought side of fruit.
Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Chicago, Molly’s Cupcakes is at its most magical on weekend mornings, when the kitchen is firing on all burners and the room slowly fills with the kind of low, happy hum that only good food and unhurried company can produce. Whether you're a tourist with one weekend in town or a local with a Sunday ritual, this is a place that earns its reputation plate by plate.
Tips from the regulars
- Coffee is taken seriously here. If you only know diner drip, ask the barista for a recommendation.
- If you're walking from public transit, the closest stop is a short stroll away — a small price to pay for the breakfast burrito.
- Vegetarian and gluten-free diners have real options, not just sad fruit cups.
- Tip generously — the brunch shift is the toughest in any restaurant, and the staff here keeps it warm even at peak rush.
- Save room: the pastry case at the front is part of the experience.
Hours
Specific opening hours rotate seasonally — call ahead to confirm, especially around holidays. Most weekend brunch service runs from late morning through early afternoon.
Frequently asked questions
What time does Molly’s Cupcakes open for brunch?
Specific hours rotate seasonally, but Molly’s Cupcakes typically opens for brunch service in the morning and serves through early afternoon. Call ahead on holidays.
Does Molly’s Cupcakes take reservations?
Most brunch spots in Chicago are walk-in friendly, with a wait list during peak hours. Larger parties (5+) should call ahead to ask about a reservation.
Is Molly’s Cupcakes kid-friendly?
Yes — Molly’s Cupcakes welcomes families. Most brunch menus include simple kid-friendly options like pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit. Highchairs are usually available.
What kind of cuisine does Molly’s Cupcakes serve?
It's classified under coffee_shop — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Chicago.
Is there outdoor seating at Molly’s Cupcakes?
Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.
Location
Located at 1150 South Wabash Avenue. Coordinates: 41.8677, -87.6261. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.