The New York Times published an extensive report written by Luke Fortney on March 10, 2025, in which he reviews the rise of Yemeni coffeehouses across the U.S., particularly their booming appeal during Ramadan as vibrant, alcohol-free spaces for late-night gatherings.
On a bustling Saturday night in Brooklyn, Qahwah House—a Yemeni cafe chain with 26 locations nationwide—was overflowing with customers well past 11 p.m. Students huddled over spiced coffee, friends toasted with tea after dinner, and staff scrambled to manage crowds at its newly opened Bay Ridge branch. During Ramadan, such cafes extend hours until 3 a.m., catering to patrons breaking their fasts and seeking community long after sunset.
“It’s not just coffee—it’s an experience,” said Ibrahim Alhasbani, founder of Qahwah House, whose family has cultivated Yemeni coffee for centuries. His cafes, along with chains like Haraz Coffee House and Delah Coffee, reflect a cultural shift: immigrants are reshaping U.S. cafe culture by prioritizing inclusive, late-night spaces that bypass alcohol.
The trend began in cities like Dearborn, Michigan, home to a large Arab-American population, and has since spread to New York, Texas, and California. Mokhtar Alkhanshali, a coffee historian, likened the movement to Vietnamese nail salons or Cambodian doughnut shops—immigrant-driven niches that evolve into national phenomena.
During Ramadan, the demand peaks. “If we say 3 a.m., that means 4,” Alhasbani joked, noting patrons linger over cardamom-infused brews and honey-drenched pastries. For many Muslims, these cafes fill a void. “Where else could we go?” said Mariam Elhabashy, a Qahwah House regular.
While initially catering to Muslim communities, the cafes now attract diverse crowds. In San Francisco, Delah Coffee’s late hours surprised non-Muslim patrons. “We opened a whole new world,” said co-owner Omar Jahamee. Similarly, Arwa Yemeni Coffee in Texas draws mixed crowds sipping Adeni chai past midnight.
As Yemeni cafes expand, they offer more than caffeine—a testament to tradition, resilience, and the universal need for connection. “This isn’t a moment,” Alkhanshali said. “It’s a movement.”