Qahwah House Broadway: NYC's Yemeni Coffee Guide

Qahwah House Broadway is the Morningside Heights location of the Yemeni coffee chain Qahwah House, at 2869 Broadway, New York, NY 10025, between 111th and 112th Streets. The shop opened in July 2024 and quickly became one of the most popular study cafés in the Columbia University area, with extended hours (open until 11pm Sunday-Thursday, 1am Friday-Saturday), authentic Yemeni coffee preparations, a 5% Columbia student discount and a two-floor seating layout that fits the kind of long study session most NYC coffee shops cannot accommodate. The chain has grown to over 30 US locations since the original Brooklyn store opened, and the Broadway location is among its most successful for the student-heavy neighbourhood it serves.

This guide covers the menu, hours, real prices, the cultural context of Yemeni coffee, why Columbia students have made it a study cafe staple, and the wider Qahwah House story.

Qahwah House Broadway at a glance

The menu: Yemeni coffee culture in plain English

Yemeni coffee is one of the world's oldest coffee traditions. Coffee cultivation in Yemen dates back to the 15th century, and the country was the original commercial coffee exporter to the world through the port of Mocha (the term "mocha" comes from this Yemeni port). Yemeni coffee preparation differs significantly from the standard espresso-based menu most US cafés offer.

The Qahwah House menu reflects this tradition.

Adeni Chai. Qahwah House's signature drink and the favourite of most regulars. A spiced black tea served in the Adeni (Aden) style, with cardamom, cloves and condensed milk. It is creamier and more aromatic than English-style milk tea.

Yemeni Latte. A latte made with cardamom-infused coffee, often described as the entry-point drink for new visitors. The Adeni Chai is more authentically Yemeni, but the Yemeni Latte bridges the gap for visitors familiar with espresso-based drinks.

Qahwa Adani / Sabaya / Mofawar. Traditional Yemeni coffee preparations. Mofawar is a Yemeni-spiced coffee served in a small pot, with a delicate, almost-tea-like flavour. Sabaya refers to traditional Yemeni layered pastry served alongside.

Honeycomb bread (Khaliat al-Nahl). A sweet Arabian honeycomb-shaped bread, often filled with cream cheese, served warm. A bestseller.

Standard espresso drinks. Lattes, brown sugar lattes, cortados, americanos. The brown sugar latte is repeatedly praised in reviews as a standout.

Pastries and cakes. Apple pie, honey cake, lemon cake, carrot cake, croissants, pistachio lattes, dates and the regional Yemeni pastry selection.

Pricing reflects NYC norms: a large iced americano is approximately $8.71 after tax, a small tea over $5, and the signature Yemeni coffee preparations are in the $6 to $10 range depending on size. The 5% Columbia student discount makes a small daily difference.

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Why Columbia students have made it a study café staple

The Morningside Heights coffee scene is competitive, with Joe Coffee, Hungarian Pastry Shop, Roastery (Ground Central) and several Starbucks within a five-block radius. Qahwah House Broadway has distinguished itself by combining three factors most competitors do not match.

Extended hours. Closing at 11pm on weekdays and 1am on Fridays and Saturdays gives students the ability to write papers late without relocating to a 24-hour study space. Most Morningside Heights cafés close between 7pm and 9pm.

Two-floor space. The second floor is genuinely a working environment. Tables, power outlets, less foot traffic from the front-of-house, and natural light through the upstairs windows. Reviewers consistently note that the second floor "saves you from the cramped café experience" common in NYC coffee shops.

Drink quality at sustained-stay friendliness. Many NYC cafés rotate study customers out after an hour. Qahwah House's longer-form Yemeni preparations (pots, chai sets, tea services) implicitly support sit-and-stay sessions rather than grab-and-go visits.

Authentic non-chain identity. Independent, Yemeni-family-owned, with cultural depth that contrasts with the Starbucks one block south. For students looking for something with character, that matters.

The shop is open until 11pm on a Tuesday in October. Walk in at 9pm: most tables on the second floor are occupied by Columbia and Barnard students with laptops, with quiet conversations and consistent espresso machine activity at the bar.

The wider Qahwah House story

Qahwah House was founded by Ibrahim Alhasbani, a Yemeni-American entrepreneur, with the original location opening in Dearborn, Michigan in 2017. Dearborn has one of the largest Yemeni-American populations in the United States, and the café served as both a cultural hub and a commercial proof-of-concept for the broader expansion.

The brand expanded into NYC with the Bedford Avenue (Williamsburg, Brooklyn) location, which became a viral success on social media for its authentic preparations and aesthetic. By 2024, the chain had grown to over 20 locations; by mid-2026, the count exceeds 30 cafés across the United States, including locations in Michigan, New York, New Jersey, Texas, California, Virginia and other states.

The Broadway store joined the NYC roster in July 2024, becoming the Morningside Heights / Columbia-adjacent flagship. Other NYC locations include the original Williamsburg Brooklyn store (162 Bedford Avenue) and the West Village location.

Practical visiting tips

A short, useful set of practical notes:

• Best times to visit for studying: weekday afternoons (2-5pm) and late evenings (9-11pm), avoiding the lunchtime peak.
• Best times to visit for the menu: mornings (7-10am) when pastries are freshest, particularly the honeycomb bread and croissants.
• Order to try first: Adeni Chai with honey cake or honeycomb bread.
• Bring: laptop charger (outlets are present but limited), headphones, student ID for the 5% discount.
• Avoid: peak Friday and Saturday late nights if you want a quiet study spot. Those hours skew social.

Read Also: West 15th Street NYC Guide

FAQs

Where is Qahwah House Broadway?

At 2869 Broadway, New York, NY 10025, in the Morningside Heights neighbourhood between 111th and 112th Streets. It is a 10-minute walk from Columbia University's main campus.

What time does Qahwah House Broadway close?

Mon-Thu and Sunday: 7am-11pm. Friday and Saturday: 7am-1am. The late hours make it one of the most useful study cafés in Morningside Heights.

Is Qahwah House Broadway a good study spot?

Yes. The two-floor layout, late hours, authentic Yemeni coffee menu and tolerant atmosphere have made it a favourite study spot for Columbia and Barnard students. The second floor is particularly suited to laptop work.

Does Qahwah House Broadway offer a student discount?

Yes. Columbia University students receive a 5% discount with valid student ID.

What is the most popular drink at Qahwah House Broadway?

The Adeni Chai (spiced Yemeni milk tea) and the Yemeni Latte are the two signature drinks. Honeycomb bread is the most-mentioned pastry.

How many Qahwah House locations are there?

Over 30 across the United States as of 2026. The chain originated in Dearborn, Michigan in 2017 and has expanded through New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Texas, California, Virginia and other states.

Is Qahwah House Yemeni-owned?

Yes. Qahwah House was founded by Ibrahim Alhasbani, a Yemeni-American entrepreneur, and the chain emphasises authentic Yemeni coffee culture sourced from Yemeni family farms.

Does Qahwah House Broadway have outlets and Wi-Fi?

Yes, with limited outlet availability. Bring a charger and arrive early during peak periods to secure a power-equipped seat.