Moka & Co. A Taste of Yemen in the Heart of Chicago

F’nAround Reviews: Moka & Co. A Taste of Yemen in the Heart of Chicago

There are coffee shops where you grab a cup and leave.

Then there are coffee shops where you actually want to stay.

Moka & Co. falls firmly into the second category.

Located at 239 S. Halsted Street on the corner of Halsted and Jackson in Chicago’s Greektown neighborhood, Moka & Co. brings traditional Yemeni coffee culture into a clean, modern space that somehow feels both upscale and welcoming at the same time. The Chicago location is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, making it just as good for an early morning caffeine fix as it is for an afternoon work session.

The first thing that caught our attention wasn’t even the coffee.

It was the atmosphere.

Arabic calligraphy stretches across the walls alongside English translations like:

“The best coffee moments are shared with someone you love.”

and

“Where there is Yemeni coffee, there is hospitality.”

That’s more than decoration, it sets the tone for the entire experience. And if the translation is wrong attack Ai not me.

The space is bright with huge windows letting in natural light, plenty of seating, comfortable tables, and free Wi-Fi. The music leans toward traditional Middle Eastern sounds, adding character without becoming distracting. It’s present enough to create an atmosphere, but quiet enough that you can still have a conversation or spend a few hours working on a laptop.

Exactly what a coffee shop should be.

As for the coffee…

I tried the Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso, and it absolutely delivered. Served in a distinctive geometric glass, it looked as good as it tasted. The espresso came through without being bitter, while the brown sugar added just enough sweetness to complement, not overpower, the coffee. It was smooth, refreshing, and something I’d happily order again. If you know by now… I need to taste my coffee.

Beyond espresso drinks, Moka & Co. specializes in organic, ethically sourced Yemeni coffee, traditional coffees and teas, signature lattes, matcha drinks, pastries, croissants, milk cakes, and desserts inspired by Yemeni flavors.

One thing we appreciated was that nothing about the café felt rushed.

People were reading.

Working.

Meeting friends.

Doing exactly what coffee shops are supposed to encourage.

It’s easy to see why Yemeni coffee cafés have been growing across the country. They’re introducing many Americans to one of the world’s oldest coffee traditions while wrapping it in an environment that’s modern, relaxing, and genuinely inviting.

Would We Go Back? Absolutely.

Whether you’re looking for somewhere to work remotely, catch up with friends, or simply try something beyond your standard chain coffee shop, Moka & Co. is well worth the stop.

Location: 239 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60661 (Greektown)

Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM

For more information, visit  Moka & Co.⁠ mokanco.com