A coffee haven has emerged in Bridgeview along Harlem Avenue and 87th Street.
Several coffee shops have opened post-pandemic, forming a corridor that centers Middle Eastern flavors, design and culture. Long lines that move quickly, crowded dining rooms and a lively, alcohol-free environment — where people stay and mingle instead of staring down at their phones — are becoming a defining part of the suburb’s social scene.
And during Ramadan, the energy intensifies. When the sun goes down, the crowds line up at the already-popular coffee shops known for their viral drinks and desserts like for qahwa (Arabic coffee); adeni chai, a velvety black tea made with cardamom, milk and cinnamon; and honeycomb bread.
“Coffee is a big part of our culture,” said Mohammad Abdullah, a real estate agent who was born and raised in Bridgeview. “It doesn’t matter if it’s morning, afternoon or night. It’s never too late or early for coffee. As soon as iftar ends, we’re heading to the coffee shop.”…