Yemeni Coffee Shops Bloom in Milwaukee, Offering a New Social Haven
In the heart of Milwaukee, a new trend is emerging that offers a refreshing alternative to traditional social venues. Yemeni coffee shops are gaining popularity, transforming how communities gather, especially among the Muslim population.
For many years, Bushra Zaibak and fellow Muslims in Milwaukee found themselves with limited places to socialize during Ramadan. With alcohol-free preferences and early closing times of typical coffee shops, options were scarce. “Even if it’s an early evening, late afternoon, there really isn’t anywhere to go,” Zaibak remarked.
Recently, the landscape has shifted. A wave of Yemeni coffee shops, known for their vibrant atmosphere and late-night hours, has opened in the area. The first, Qamaria Yemeni Coffee, debuted in Greenfield in early 2024. Since then, five more have joined the scene, with another branch of Qamaria launching in Madison.
These coffee shops, which source beans from Yemen, have become a cultural hub. They are celebrated for their rich brews, unique decor, and a variety of food options. An NPR report noted that the trend of Yemeni coffee shops is sweeping the nation.
Fauzia Qureshi, executive director of the Wisconsin Muslim Civic Alliance, views these establishments as essential for community growth. “There should be spaces where … it’s welcoming and alcohol doesn’t have to be involved,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of places where friends can gather late into the night.
Azal Coffee in Milwaukee’s Harbor District is one such venue, remaining open until midnight daily. Co-owner Mike Kaid explained, “It kind of gives people an opportunity to go somewhere…not have to drink any alcohol, or deal with the wrong crowds of people.”
The menu at Azal Coffee includes innovative drinks like a pistachio latte and alcohol-free mojitos, highlighting a signature coffee blend with exotic spices. “All the new Yemeni coffee shops…bring a fresh kind of twist to just the norm of coffee shops,” Kaid noted.
Haraz Coffee House in Oak Creek, opened by Ali and Sahar Hamed, offers around 50 different drinks and stays open late on weekends. “It’s open for everybody,” Sahar Hamed said, recounting how diverse crowds, including college students, flock to their shop.
Wisconsin’s Muslim community, approximately 70,000 strong, has warmly embraced these coffee shops. Ali Hamed observed, “Our Middle Eastern or Muslim people…come at night because they want a place so they can go and sit with the family.”
These venues have become popular meetup spots, as Qureshi and members of the Wisconsin Muslim Civic Alliance often congregate there. They celebrated Muslim Heritage Month by hosting events at these shops, fostering cultural exchange and understanding.
Zaibak, who frequently visits with her friends, described the atmosphere as consistently inviting. “Because I know they’re open, they’re consistently good, and it’s just a vibe, you know,” she shared.
Kaid emphasized that this phenomenon is more than a fleeting trend. “We just see it as just like a new staple, really, and a new norm hopefully, in the community,” he said.
