Kitab Cafe and Bookstore is opening its Midtown location this weekend

The community space is opening a second location in the former Avalon Bakery

Feb 15, 2024 at 11:13 am

Kitab Cafe’s new location at 411 W. Canfield St. Steve Neavling

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Earlier this winter, we found out that Hamtramck’s Kitab Cafe would be opening a second location in Detroit’s former Avalon Bakery space. Now, the spot has announced it will hold a soft opening this Friday, Feb. 16.

An Instagram post from Feb. 14 showcasing he inside of the new Midtown location says hours will be 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. Plus, all Hamtramck favorites will be available, including La Colombe Coffee, Zingerman’s pastries, and made-to-order sandwiches.

The original Kitab Cafe was opened in January 2023 by married co-owners Asma Almulaiki and Ahmed Alwhysee with the goal of creating a welcoming and diverse space, great for remote workers or people just taking a drink to-go.

The pair initially thought the cafe would be more of a bookstore, as “kitab” means "book" in Arabic, but its coffee and food have become popular. The spot offers baked goods, baguettes, and soups from Ann Arbor-based Zingerman’s, plus a variety of coffee items, with a few Arabic drinks including Adeni chai and Yemeni coffee.

The cafe’s book collection at its Hamtramck location includes many titles by Arabic authors, with some self-help books, many children’s books, and some other options. We’ll see what the new spot’s literature will contain.

There’s not much information on any new offerings at the new location or a date for a grand opening, so you’ll just have to go in and check it out.

Kitab Cafe’s married co-owners have created a warm and welcoming space in Hamtramck: The coffee shop and bookstore will open a new location in Midtown’s former Avalon Breads

Slideshow

Our favorite metro Detroit coffee shops

Trinosophes is one of our favorite local coffee spots.

Trinosophes1464 Gratiot Ave., Detroit; 313-778-9258; trinosophes.com/cafeThis cafe near Eastern Market is attached to Peoples Records, so you can sip while you shop for new music. If you’re sitting in, the cups used to serve up beverages are handmade and beautiful. Plus, Trinosophes has its own mini library, a publication, and a room to the side for live music and other events, adding to the community feel.

Cafe Sous Terre445 W. Forest Ave., Detroit; 313-228-2880; cafesousterre.comJust opening in July 2023, Cafe Sous Terre is a hidden gem barely seen by cars driving by, located down a stairwell in the basement of a 19th-century mansion in Midtown. The European-style spot operates as a coffee shop during the day, offering espresso, lattes, and tea, with great space for remote workers and students. At night, it shifts into a bar serving French wine, cocktails, and mocktails with housemade syrup. Read more here.

The Commons7900 Mack Ave., Detroit; 313-447-5060; thecommonsdetroit.comWaiting for your laundry at a laundromat is usually boring and unappealing, but The Commons changes the game. The eastside spot is a coffee shop and laundromat, with a big open space upstairs to work and chill. Plus, the drinks and breakfast items are all super affordable.

HarazMultiple locations; harazcoffeehouse.comThis family-owned Yemeni-inspired coffee shop has locations in Detroit, Warren, Louisville, and beyond (with more coming), but it all started in Dearborn. Its beverages are perfectly flavored and the ambiance is equally as enjoyable.

Eastside Roasterz16555 Warren Ave., Detroit; instagram.com/eastside.roasterzCurrently located inside Next Chapter Books in Detroit’s Morningside neighborhood, this Black and queer-owned coffee company plans to open its own brick-and-mortar right next to the bookshop later this year. For now, you can grab a coffee while you peruse for new and used books. The spot offers unique drink options made with housemade syrups, plus bags of beans that you can buy to enjoy at home.

Cairo Coffee2905 Beaufait St., Detroit; instagram.com/cairo_coffeeYou may enjoy Spot Lite for a night out, but during the day, the art gallery-nightclub operates as a record store and coworking space, with beverages served up by Cairo Coffee. The coffee counter used to be located in Savvy Chic boutique in Eastern Market, but relocated in 2021. The owners pride themselves on relationships with community members and grassroots organizations.

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About The Author

Layla McMurtrie

Layla McMurtrie is the digital editor of Detroit Metro Times. She's passionate about food, music, art, and Detroit's culture and community. Her work has been featured in the Detroit Free Press, Between the Lines, Metromode, and other various Michigan publications.