New Middle Eastern coffee shop opens next to Bridgeview courthouse

By Nuha Abdessalam

Coffee connoisseurs take heart, Bridgeview Court Plaza’s newest addition, The Qahwa, is now open.

Prepare to be captivated by a truly unique Middle Eastern coffee experience, nestled in the heart of Bridgeview’s “Little Palestine.”

The Qahwa, with its one-of-a-kind Middle Eastern coffee blends and inviting atmosphere, is a haven for coffee enthusiasts and non-coffee drinkers alike.

Wasif Ibrahim, one of the three dedicated owners of The Qahwa, unveiled this coffee paradise on May 22 during a soft launch at Bridgeview Court Plaza, located at 7544 W. 103rd Street in Bridgeview.

Ibrahim and his partners are excited to invite community members to the grand opening and upcoming events. Information can be found on the coffee shop’s website and Instagram.

A long-time coffee lover, Ibrahim has always been interested in coffee, the science, and its key components.

“I have always been fascinated in the process of coffee, learning techniques on wet and dry aromas, and the intricate details,” he said.

The first-time owner went into the coffee industry nearly 10 years ago when visiting Colorado and learning the chemistry and ratios brewed into that perfect cup of coffee. Ibrahim and his partners hope to immerse consumers on a coffee journey, crafting many of their menu-offered drinks for weeks, until perfect.

The Qahwa (which means coffee) also strives to engage consumers with the rich and storied tradition of authentic coffee blends with Middle

Eastern coffee spices such as cardamom, saffron, and cinnamon, and utilizing traditional techniques to create a unique and memorable perfect cup of coffee.

The Qahwa is open from 7 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to midnight Sunday.

The Qahwa is committed to serving adventurous and everyday coffee drinkers. As Ibrahim puts it, “Our coffee shop experience is about delivering quality coffee to our local coffee enthusiasts and extending an invitation to non-coffee drinkers with our non-caffeinated refreshers in our ever-expanding menu options.”

The Qahwa offers many Middle Eastern roasts, unique blends, and curated lattes, such as the Knafeh Latte—inspired by the beloved Arabic dessert. If you are not a coffee drinker, no problem; non-coffee drinkers will also have more than tea to pick from.

Freshly ordered, non-caffeinated refreshers, including fruit juices, and herbal infusions, have also been a hit for families with young kids and those who do not want coffee. There are plenty of desserts to choose from including slices of cheesecake, cupcakes, cannolis, and more.

With its warm and inviting Middle Eastern-inspired decor reminiscent of the region’s rich cultural heritage, the spacious cafe has an extended prayer room for Muslim patrons to facilitate if they need to pray. More than anything, Ibrahim expressed the importance of creating a welcoming spot for customers to relax, work if required, and a space for people to collaborate, catch up, or “just lounge and enjoy their Qahwa.”