"Molasses is one of those places that makes you feel like you’ve wandered into a neighborhood secret. I stopped in on a Sunday around five (Thanksgiving weekend) and it was buzzing. It’s small enough that ten people make it feel lively but its cozy atmosphere part of what makes it so inviting. There were folks lined up at the bar with their laptops (I think seven-ish seats total), plus a handful of tiny tables tucked in wherever they fit. People were reading/writing. I saw someone working on a screenplay. People settle in for the long haul. I was there over an hr and most of the same faces were still there by the time i left. Molasses has both used and new books. The bar offers wine, beer, coffee, tea, matcha, and pastries. Even with most people working quietly on their own thing, it still felt comfortable to sit and chat for a bit before dinner. I didn’t feel like I was being rude by having a conversation. I hadn’t been to Molasses since my MFA (2018 ish) and had been meaning to come back. I’m currently searching for bookstore/bar spaces for my book tour and discussion group. I saw an event photo on IG and because of the angle couldn’t tell exactly how big the space actually was, so I wanted to check in person. As much as I love it, it’s just too tiny for a group of fifty or more, which is a little sad because the atmosphere is perfect. Even so, I’ll absolutely be back to browse and buy books."

"Peaceful used bookstore cafe with an excellent collection of great titles, especially for a relatively compact space. Selection compares to Unnameable Books in Prospect Heights. Studious crowd of hipster types. Dedicated if somewhat laconic service. Fun, pleasing atmosphere for the book-lover."

"This review is about sustainability! By 2050, there will be more plastic in ocean than fish. Which is why I was thrilled to see this lovely bookshop and café serving beverages in real, reusable mugs. As a customer, it means a lot to me to be able to support businesses that align with my value of caring for my local and global environment. So thank you for giving me the choice to live more sustainability while supporting this awesome shop. Keep up the great work!"

"Stopped in to get a coffee. Watched the guy making the coffee empty the coffee out of the portafilter, and without rinsing the portafilter of the old grounds, simply pour in fresh grounds to make the espresso for my order. Will never return for their coffee. Books were genuinely interesting though, and if you are a performative reader this is definitely the spot for you."

"I had a very uncomfortable experience at Molasses today. I only gave it 2 stars because I went earlier, a few months ago, and bought from a great selection of books. Today, while reading, I witnessed a staff member with curly hair speak rudely to another Black customer in a way that felt dismissive, almost as if he was being pushed to leave. I didn’t fully process it at the time—until the same thing happened to me. Later, that same staff member loudly announced an upcoming reading and looked directly at me (the only other Black person in the space), saying I’d be “kicked out” in 30 minutes. The tone felt unnecessary and targeted. Shortly after, another staff member repeatedly approached me to move, even though the event setup hadn’t actually started. I relocated, and the table sat empty for the next 40 minutes. Only on my walk home did it fully register that the only two people treated this way were the only two Black customers in the room. Coincidence? I’ll let others decide. For context, the Black barista who initially served me was replaced shortly after by the same staff member involved in these interactions. I won’t be returning. Sharing this in case it resonates with others."