Luxor Cafe (Halal) — Restaurant in Cambridge

This place has been through a lot of changes since the beloved Darwin’s left. After Darwin’s, it was vacant for a while before Roust came in, and kept the same menu and did things very similarly to Darwin’s in terms of coffee drinks and food.

Cafe Luxor is a lot more unique with a middle eastern decor and middle eastern inspired menu. It’s nice they still have the same menu of some of the classic Darwin’s sandwiches but also a growing offering of some interesting food items (as well as decor) from the owners country (maybe Egypt?)

I work right down the street so I was excited to try it this AM. The egg sandwich was amazing. I LOVE the chipotle mayo sauce they put on it.

Now, I ordered a Baklava latte (iced) as that sounded unique and I love the dessert and it was good but not great. I liked the flavor for the most part but didn’t like that the homemade baklava syrup they make has chunks of nuts or something in it. Consistency thing for me but I don’t like drinking something with chunky stuff at the bottom. Also over all it was a very weak latte. I know a latte is mostly milk but this was especially weak.

Funny side story: the staff are very nice, but a little all over the place. I think both are new and we’re learning how to hold down the fort alone maybe? Any ways, one was training the other, and I happened to overhear him talking (loudly) about skim milk and the new employee asked what that was and the trainer said it was a dairy free milk. I couldn’t help let them know kindly that it’s just a fat free dairy milk, so they are aware for the future and don’t accidentally serve that to people who want dairy free options for either health or other reasons.

I do think that if you are going to have coffee and barista drinks in a square with a lot of EXCELLENT coffee spots, hiring top notch trained baristas is a must.

Anyways, I will 100% be back and try some yummy middle...

Great place with an amazing vibe. Their decor is fabulous and they have a whole room where you can find beloved SWANA and MENA drinks and treats that can't be found at regular grocery stores. Great place to work to, free wifi, lots of other students working, lots of tables and different seating options (bar, long group tables, two-person high tables, two-person low tables). Definitely looking forward to coming here again despite the commute. To top it off, their amazing food, pastries and coffee. Although, and this is constructive criticism to the owners because of hoelw much i like the place and want to see it thrive: not sure the baklava latte tastes like actual baklava so would recommend the owners rethink the recipe for that or go a different direction. Maybe cardamom, ginger, or pistachio latte would be great on the menu. Or even a rose latte or orange blossom one. But don't think that the baklava latte will actually taste like baklava to those of us who know the taste. Might also recommend changing your espresso wholesaler because my friend did not love it too much and I'm not an expert on espresso (don't like it at all to begin with) to say. So on the whole, amazing place, I highly recommend people support this budding business and I look forward to becoming a...

Best cafe in Harvard for lingering to read or study. If you do however, please be sure to patronize and tip accordingly for their generous accomodations as you use their space. They have a downstairs section that is cozy but still in the works that is great for privacy, and it's wonderful their open late for a chill evening get together when you feel more like tea and less like mixed drinks.

The best meal they have is in the picture, and I think it's called Ciro Hawawshi. It's seasoned beef in fried pita with fresh and pickled vegetables. Healthy and delicious for breakfast or anytime. Although, currently only available as a weekend special.

Their French toasts, coffees, and sweets are phenomenal as well. The one place I think they have for improvement are their sandwiches. They're fine, but I'd recommend getting something more traditionally Egyptian when it comes to their food, as that is where they excel. I'd love to see them offering more authentic or fusion regional dishes as they continue.

All in all, this is my go to cafe due to it's comfy and welcoming atmosphere, great espresso and tea, and interesting, flavorful and healthy...