Looking for a Midnight Blend? Yemeni-Inspired Ebreeq Coffee House Adds New Flavor to Cleveland Nights
Downtown Cleveland’s Public Square has welcomed a unique addition to its late-night scene with the arrival of Ebreeq Coffee House, a café that brings the rich flavors and traditions of Yemeni coffee culture to the city.
From the first step through its doors, visitors are met with the enticing aroma of cardamom and spices—a sensory invitation into a space that blends heritage, community, and craft. Co-founded by Dia al-Baadani, the coffee house is more than just a place to grab a cup—it’s a cultural experience rooted in centuries-old practices.
Honoring a Coffee Legacy
Ebreeq’s menu features traditional Yemeni beverages like mufawar, a smooth coffee infused with cream and cardamom, and qishr, made from coffee husks brewed with ginger and cinnamon. These specialty drinks are complemented by a curated selection of ornate pastries, offering a taste of Yemen’s rich culinary traditions.
“We wanted to give people a place to enjoy excellent coffee in a setting that reflects Yemeni hospitality—open late, welcoming, and full of character,” said al-Baadani.
The café sources its beans from Yemen’s Haraz region, known for its high-altitude terrain and ideal climate for coffee cultivation. Farmers in this area follow traditional, chemical-free growing practices. Cherries are handpicked only when ripe, sun-dried, and ground using age-old methods that preserve the beans’ distinct flavor.
Navigating Challenges from Afar
Despite Yemen’s ongoing political instability, Ebreeq continues to maintain its supply chain through trusted farming families. With limited access to export routes—primarily through the port of Aden—the business has had to adapt. “What used to take a month now takes three,” noted al-Baadani, referencing delays caused by port closures and trade restrictions.
While the well-known port city of Mokha—the namesake of the global mocha drink—remains in a conflict-prone zone, the Haraz region has so far been able to maintain production with minimal disruption, aside from logistical delays.
Late-Night Coffee Culture
Ebreeq’s extended evening hours have quickly made it a go-to destination for late-night visitors in downtown Cleveland. Currently open until 10 p.m., the café plans to stay open until midnight in the coming weeks.
“This is something we grew up with in the Middle East—gathering late at night over coffee, talking, relaxing. That’s what we’re bringing here,” said al-Baadani.
Weekend nights are especially lively, with increased foot traffic and a growing base of returning customers. “Once people try the coffee and feel the atmosphere, they come back. That’s what we aim for—one visit that turns into many,” he added.
With its deep cultural roots, handcrafted flavors, and commitment to community, Ebreeq Coffee House is quietly transforming Cleveland’s coffee scene—one cup at a time.
