April 13th, 2010 
My darlings, it seems that Mother Nature has finally decided to share her warmth with us here in Chicago. Of course, I know that you were just twiddling your thumbs, waiting in idle boredom for me to provide you with a few ideas for spring fun. Wait no longer—it’s time to go on a Cupcake Crawl!
Over the past few years , it has been relatively impossible to ignore The Rise of the Cupcake a.k.a The Cupcake Craze a.k.a. Cupcake Mania. Somehow, these sweets have gained an undeniable stature as a must-have in today’s pop culture. For this reason, it did not surprise me when one of my girlfriends suggested a unique nightlife alternative- The Cupcake Crawl. What was a bit surprising, however, was the number of cupcake crawl attendees that she so effortlessly recruited. Attendance was a given for me: (1) I LOVE TO EAT and (2) I LOVE TO EAT CUPCAKES. Was there really anything else to consider? Perhaps that she planned this activity for a frigid, wintry evening? Perhaps, that on a Saturday night some might prefer a more mainstream outing and not one that involved frolicking around the city (in the cold) sampling cupcakes? Much to my surprise, despite the lure of staying at home, near a warm fireplace, or next to the hearth of radiant heat, the Cupcake Crew came out in masses! Actually, this was one of the most well-attended social events that I’ve ever attended (ok, so I am exaggerating a bit but you get the picture)…
Now that the weather is a bit more appropriate I would highly recommend that you and your friends kick off the weekend with a Cupcake Crawl – an interesting, nightlife alternative. You can even stop at a few bars in between. Here is a Cupcake Crawl itinerary that might tickle your fancy!
Sweet Mandy B's Cupcake Shop
1. Sweet Mandy B’s (1208 W. Webster Ave.): Located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. This cupcake shop is modeled after an old fashioned ice cream shop and open until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Check out their delish Creamsicle Cupcake!
2. Phoebe’s Cupcakes (3327 N. Broadway St.): Phoebe’s offers 200 cupcake flavors that are rotated throughout the week. My friend adores their Peanut Butter Fudgy Brownie cupcake. They also offer a one-of-its-kind Breakfast Cupcake- – a maple soaked buttermilk cake with a maple butter frosting topped with bacon. Hmm…. Phoebe’s is open until 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Cupcakes at Phoebe's
3. Molly’s Cupcakes (2536 N. Clark St.): This cupcake shop is also located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. The eclectic décor boasts “fun times in the city” –swings at the bar, board games at the tables and even “create your own cupcake” menu options. This shoppe is the home to my personal favorite — the Mint Chocolate Chip cupcake, topped with a mini Hershey bar and baked with a mint-chocolate filling. Molly’s is open until midnight on weekends.
Let me know how your crawlin’ goes!
I really love the article. I am such a cupcake lover. I most definitely have to check out one of the spots mentioned!
Patrice, With articles like this one I may just have to make a trip to the Chi. You know I love cupcakes like a fat kid loves cake…:)
The cupcake crawl is a great idea.I will definitely have to try these places. I’m sure I’m in for a pleasant “treat.”
I will have to check these places out!!
I have never even thought of a cupcake crawl. What an original idea. I am sure that sugar rush came in handy for that bar crawl.
Aw, where’s the love for Swirlz? Definitely my fave!
OOOH Yummm this is great I really needed to find a cute places like for some yummy snacks! I am definetly checking out both places! Thanks so much for the tip!