Luxor Café: A Taste of Egypt in Harvard Square, Open Late for Ramadan

Luxor Café in Harvard Square will operate until 2 a.m. during Ramadan, embracing a traditional Egyptian coffee shop atmosphere. Owned by Abdelrahman Hassan, the café features halal cuisine, community events, and a prayer space. Offering an inviting environment, Luxor has fostered local connections, prioritizing support for cultural gatherings while experiencing challenges related to its advocacy for Palestinian liberation.

Luxor Café, located in Harvard Square, Cambridge, will operate until 2 a.m. during Ramadan, which commences this Friday and concludes on March 29. The café, reminiscent of traditional Egyptian coffee shops, was established by Abdelrahman Hassan, who finalized the deal during last year’s Ramadan. This location, situated at 148 Mount Auburn Street, previously served as the flagship of Darwin’s Ltd. coffee chain for over three decades.

Renovations transformed the café with a sand-colored palette, brown stained floors, and walls adorned with hieroglyphics and a scarab beetle motif. The downstairs area serves as a prayer space, featuring ornate lanterns and mosaic tables, plus cushions brought back from Cairo by Hassan’s parents. The menu offers halal items blending Darwin’s famous sandwiches with Egyptian specialties such as kibda, a fried liver dish, and hawawshi, a meat-stuffed pita.

The café is committed to fostering community, hosting events like soccer watch parties, poetry slams, and trivia nights. Hassan aims to create a gathering space devoid of alcohol, similar to the vibrant cafes in Egypt, stating, “I wanted something to bring people together.” He encourages patrons to relax, engage in games, or simply socialize.

The late-night hours accommodate guests who break their fast after sunset, with Iftar meals following a recommended prayer. As Muslims often dine out during Ramadan nights, the extended hours aim to reflect that culture. Hassan commented, “If you go to Arab countries or Muslim countries, that’s the time that people go out.”

Originally, Hassan aspired to attend dental school with savings of $80,000 but redirected his focus upon realizing his passion lay in managing a café. Mentored by Ibrahim Ibrahim, he prioritized opening a café over property investment, believing it could provide a sustainable living. After searching many locations, he chose the Mount Auburn site for its adequacy.

Renovation work was arduous; Hassan dedicated late hours to improve the café’s aesthetic, aiming to create an inviting environment rather than a sterile one. Reflecting on this challenging experience, he remarked, “It was tough. When I look back at it, I don’t even know how I was able to do that.” Today, he remains highly involved in daily operations, often spending up to 20 hours a day at the café.

Initially, concerns about noise prompted neighbors to object to late hours, but the License Commission ultimately approved extended closing times. Although Hassan feared repercussions in seeking to extend hours for Ramadan, he found support from the city. “Hamdillah, we’re on really good terms with the city,” he expressed, acknowledging the local community’s inclusivity.

The café has established deep community ties, with Hassan’s family actively involved, contributing ideas and feedback. One of his early baristas emphasized the sense of collaboration within the café, stating, “It’s like contributing to something. And I feel like I have such a say in things.” Student organizations also choose Luxor as a meeting space, demonstrating its role as a community hub.

Despite facing some pushback regarding its support for Palestinian liberation, Hassan remains committed to his mission. He stated that had he focused on the negatives, he might have abandoned his dream. “You know, like, it takes a village to raise a child? It takes a village for a café – more than a village,” he concluded, expressing gratitude for the cafe’s growing community.

In summary, Luxor Café in Harvard Square encapsulates the essence of Egyptian culture and community within its welcoming environment. Open until 2 a.m. throughout Ramadan, it provides a space for gatherings free from alcohol, catering to diverse community needs. Abdelrahman Hassan, through support from his family and local patrons, successfully established a vibrant café that not only serves food but fosters connections among guests. This transformative establishment has not only managed to thrive but also nurtured a sense of belonging within the community, reflecting Hassan’s dedication to building a unique and inclusive gathering space. Hassan’s journey exemplifies the importance of community support and passion in transforming a vision into reality, allowing Luxor Café to flourish amid challenges.

Original Source: www.cambridgeday.com