Arwa Yemeni Coffee — Restaurant in Bolingbrook

Never thought I would’ve encountered rac*sm by Linda and another young woman working there (I didn’t get her name from the guy worker because she had left the register) as I’ve been here before but I wasn’t wearing my hijab at the time. I’m an African American Hijabi and this time I walked in wearing my hijab. I’ve been all over the Middle East, have Muslim friends from all around the world and they are all very welcoming of me. Until I came here…..

I came here on a Sunday evening, around 4pm. There was line, but it wasn’t too long. Things were flowing smoothly…. Until it was time for me to order. The woman behind the register quickly stepped away and didn’t acknowledge me and didn’t take my order until another woman with a short cut bob stepped in and started taking my order. Thankful for her.

I then stepped aside to wait for my order. Time passed, and passed, and passed while I heard every number get called out but mine. I decided to say something. The woman Linda had completely ignored making my latte to start on other orders. I waited about 15mins. I asked the guy worker had they started on the Palm Matcha Latte. He looked over and said Wow, no. Let me start that for you. While Linda called out order 41, I realized that the women completely ignored my order. The man worker had to tell her to start on my order. He apologized. It wasn’t his fault.

I’ll be removing my other 5star review, and leaving this one. Definitely won’t be back here again and spreading this information to my 300k...

UPDATE:

I went a second time and excuse me, the Dragon Blood Refresher?!???!

🤤

That is all.

(Ps sold out of banana pudding AGAIN...will have to be back to try that yet again. Them getting sold out of it constantly only tells me I HAVE to try it)

So good!!!

First off, the interior is beautiful- very well designed and decorated. There's a small area built almost like a separate room in case of private parties/gatherings and every element from the wall decor to the furniture was thoughtfully selected.

While much of their desserts were sold out (opening weekend was POPPING-a) I tried the lotus pudding and it was good. My friend ordered the rose cake which she liked as well. I want to go back for the tiramisu and banana pudding next time!

Ok so I tried a basic iced caramel latte which was good. I told them I didn't want my drink too sweet and they knew the assignment. My friends ordered the matcha mango and ginger limeade. I do wish I had tried the Sand Dune Latte since so many people have raved about it but it seemed a bit outside my wheelhouse at the time....but I think I'm ready now lol. I'll def be going back for it!

The service was excellent- we went on their first full day open and the line was LONG. People were standing waiting for seats to open up but orders were served quickly and efficiently. The employees were all nice and helpful, despite how busy they were.

Go for the chai/coffee and stay for literally...

WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE Scenery= the design is nothing short of exquisite. I haven't seen anything quite like it yet. The ceiling reminded me of Cheesecake Factory. The color scheme, music, & lighting made me feel like I was in Aladdin. So beautiful. So clean. So unique. Truly outstanding atmosphere👏🏽 Customer Service= the workers were young but very friendly and professional. They told me what they were out of and answered questions about pastries my husband and I asked about. Did I mention how clean it was? When we went, it wasn't packed but It was busy enough for there to be a few napkins on the ground or for the condiment area to be messy but NOPE. It was clean as a whistle. Well stocked. I was truly impressed. Music 🎶: there was an instrumental rendition of "Don't Stop til You Get Enough" playing in the backround on what I assumed to be an instrument played in Yemen. That was cool 😎 My husband liked the hot chocolate. The pistachio cloud cake was creamy, sweet, and aesthetically appealing. We will be absolutely be back. Laid back atmosphere was on point 👌🏽 Suggestions: unless I missed it, there were photos of the pastries on the website but I didn't see any listing or descriptions of them. It would be a disservice to your establishment not to promote/describe those pastries on the site as well as they are unique and delicious. That's my only tip ! See you guys soon...