New Coffee Shop Opens In Aurora: It's 'A Cultural Experience'

AURORA, IL — Haraz Coffee House is bringing a taste of Yemen to Aurora.

The newest coffee shop in Illinois's second-largest city, Haraz opened its doors Oct. 14 at 1076 Route 59, near Taco Dale and Red Lobster on Aurora's East Side.

"More than a cafe, Haraz Aurora is a cultural experience — where every cup tells the story of Yemen's legendary coffee heritage and every pastry reflects the warmth of family hospitality," the restaurant wrote in a press release.

Haraz is one of the few cafes in the United States serving Harazi beans, grown in Yemen's Haraz Mountains, according to the business. The coffee is known for its deep, chocolate-forward body with hints of fruit and spices.

The cafe operates more than 30 locations across the country — including two others in Illinois, in Orland Park and Niles. Its website touts an additional 185 cafes in development.

"Opening in Aurora was a natural fit for us," Sharjil Iqbal, co-owner of Haraz Coffee House, said in a statement. "This city thrives on diversity and community, and we wanted to build a space that feels welcoming to everyone — where conversations flow as easily as the coffee."

Baseer Jagirdar, Iqbal's business partner, added: "As a family-run cafe, it was important that Haraz Aurora feels like home. We don't just serve drinks — we create an experience that brings people together through culture, flavor, and hospitality.

Haraz's drink menu offers a range of iced coffees and fruit-based drinks, such as the Qishr latte, a blend of ginger and cinnamon inspired by Yemen's original coffee recipe, and the mango matcha, which brings "sweetness for a bright twist on a classic favorite."

"Every drink at Haraz Aurora bridges tradition with modern creativity," the restaurant wrote in the release.

Guests can also indulge in a treat from Haraz's pastry case, featuring desserts such as the syrup-soaked semolina cake, called Basbousa, honeycomb bread and Dubai chocolate cheesecake.