Cafe 1923 — Restaurant in Hamtramck

Islamaphobic Bullying Hijabis and Racist Coffee Shop in Hamtramck

I’ve frequented this shop for over 8 months now, in my first experience was with my cousin, we shared a heart to heart in that space so the “neighborly” shop became dear to me. The location is very close to home, has free parking, and stays open into the night. Almost everyday I sat there, worked my online job, and bought coffee from Jeff whom is the best baristi. Even suggesting and inviting other friends to visit the location. However it was yesterday I was harassed out the door, like a stranger in my own community. A white male staff member that I’ve never seen before came up to me during their close and sarcastically, asked me if I enjoyed my coffee, I told him I didn’t have coffee today, he asked me what I purchased I told him plainly I didn’t have the money to purchase anything. He said that’s what libraries are for and instead of me explaining to him that libraries require money for parking and close early on Sundays and I don’t have power on at my house so I’m here using the wifi looking for jobs , I asked him if there was a problem trying to bring forth clarity. The tension continues to rise as he pulls me into more passive aggressive interrogation rather then confronting me with grace he made me extremely uncomfortable with his disrespectful attitude towards me. Trying to gain understanding I asked him if/why he was watching me and he said it wasn’t out of the norm to ask customers questions about purchases, however this was the first time I was ever been asked. The only difference was I recently began to wear hijab and I’m afraid that the worker was intimidated by my presence as a black hijabi. I even explained to him his approach was rude and unwarranted and that I would’ve appreciated if he could articulate himself with maturity instead of passive aggression. Still no apology. I understand how to patronize institutions fairly and I understand creating a standard in a space, however I was not prepared to be met with hostility and treated with haste as I’ve invested in the shop over months of stable income. And conveniently, he was compelled to bully me when all other customers were gone. The only other witness was another male white employee I’d purchased from before. Looking for alliance I told the other employee “I’ve bought coffee from you before” he replied “Not today” I said “Did you here the way he talked to me” he said nothing and the other employee continues screaming for me to leave. There is a restaurant just a block away called Sheeba, the day before this incidence I went to spend my last 10 dollars for chicken hadith. When I got up to pay for my meal the cashier wouldn’t accept my money because someone already paid for my meal, AlHamdulilah THAT is the culture of Hamtramck, this coffee shop doesn’t not belong in the Hamtramck neighborhood.

Im deciding to no longer invest in this space. Im wiping my hands of this environment Inshallah, I will have the money to purchase a coffee again but the culture of the...

My friend nor I will be back. I came from far away to visit her, bringing us teas (note: that this store doesn’t sell). Once I arrived, we walked to this cafe to get an handful of items to eat, as she had spoken highly of the baked goods. Since I had driven far, we sat down outside for a moment to greet each other and get settled (note: the cafe and outside were entirely empty). A moment later the white male worker makes a snarky comment about where we got the tea from, and how he’s shocked that the “Arabic cafe” doesn’t have a patio, and continues noticeably speaking to the women near him about us. He then engages with us again, and we assure him that we’re both about to buy something. He completely loses it, going on and on about paying his bills, “etiquette,” how other people will just come use the patio for free. Good thing we just told him we’re going to make a purchase! I would understand if we brought a whole feast from elsewhere to eat at the tables or things that they sell here themselves, but all we had in front of us were cups and a bag I was gifting to my friend. I would even understand more if we were sitting inside of the restaurant. After thinking about this interaction, I can’t get past his poor attitude. We tried to be kind and understanding but he was super unprofessional and said we were making him uncomfortable. No wonder he has to trauma dump to random people about paying his bills when he turns away the only customers present. If you feel so strongly about outside items, put up a sign. I’ve never had another cafe have an issue. Lastly, super unprofessional to have your cigarette smoke wafting into your...

On the recommendation of a friend and plus wanting to visit here eventually made it. Upon walking in, was greeted with amazing interior decor. Just wow, it feels soo comfortable in here. More on all that shortly, onto the goods.

So I ordered a mocha latte w/oat milk and two chocolate chip cookies. Took my first sip and right away tasted quality. Not too heavy nor too light. Just the right amount overall, a smooth taste. The cookies are homemade, soft, chewy..nothing much else just all on point.

Overall a great time here. This shop's unique quality is within the dining experience. It's simply chill vibes. Everything here just revolves around that type of vibe. The books, the layout and different dining rooms for each kinda person. Even if you don't want to be inside, you have a 4th area, an outdoor little patio. What else could you ask for..Great little shop for the masses to enjoy! I'll be back here to try...