Middle Eastern cafe opens in Bailey’s Crossroads

Habibi House, a new café in Bailey’s Crossroads, is more than a coffee shop; “It’s a community space where people can come and hang out,” says co-owner Andrew Saleeb.

Located at 3400-B Washington Drive between the Jerusalem Restaurant and the Afandina Hookah Lounge, Habibi House Café specializes in Middle Eastern coffee drinks and pastries. “It’s not super traditional and not super modern,” Saleeb says.

Saleeb and co-owner Naim Kamel pointed out some of the highlights on the menu, including pistachio latte, Biscoff cloud latte, and fig latte.

For dessert, there are lotus cream cups; kunafa cups, consisting of shredded phyllo dough filled with cream and topped with orange blossom syrup; Basque cheesecake; and pistachio mousse with a raspberry center.

There are savory items, too, such as manakeesh, a flatbread with za’atar or cheese, and sfeeha, a flatbread with beef, onions, and spices.

Habibi also offers several coffee varieties (hot, iced, and decaf), tea, chai, matcha, and smoothies.

Unlike the previous tenant in that location, Shaghf Café, Habibi House isn’t a franchise or part of a chain. It’s the first dining venture for Saleeb and Kamel, two friends who became business partners.

Habibi means “my beloved” in Arabic.

The cafe is open 7:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

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