A few blocks from Glenbard East, Muslims of the World Coffee and Pastries is a great hangout spot with a sleek design, cultural art, and delicious food and beverage options.
The coffee shop opened on Saturday, February 3 and was well received within the community. There was a line out the door and a huge buzz on Instagram. Interested in the excitement, I checked MOTW out on opening day. Luckily it’s in downtown Lombard next to the train and a 10-minute walk from my house.
Atmosphere: Upon walking in, customers are greeted by a large mural of Muslims making and enjoying coffee, with a passage from the Quran. Additionally, the bright space has large windows, a wall of blue mirrors, hand-crafted traditional Arabic lamps, and artificial trees. These intentional features add character to the shop. There is also a prayer room open to any faith during store hours. The chairs are somewhat comfortable, but there aren’t other seating options like couches or other types of chairs like Panera or Starbucks.
I think that it’s a nice place to be social with friends or family, but if you’re looking for a study spot, look elsewhere. It’s very loud, and there are only a few outlets to plug in devices.
The store also has late hours: opening at 7 am on weekdays, and 9 am on weekends, and closing at 11 pm. It’s busy even late into the night, allowing anyone to grab a drink after work, school or events.
Background/mission: One of the most interesting aspects of MOTW is its story. According to their website, a few years ago Sajjad Shah started an Instagram page with the handle @muslimsoftheworld, which was a response to islamophobia hate online. His purpose was to showcase Muslims across the world and provide a safe space online for anyone. They then started a coffee shop with the same name in Indiana and have expanded to six franchise locations.
Service: Even on a hectic first day with a line out the door, the service was fantastic. To me, the employees not only seemed excited to be there, but like they really believed in MOTW. The employee at the door was very kind. Even when an impatient customer yelled at her to get in quicker, she patiently spoke to him with a smile. I asked her how the chai was, and she said it was real authentic chai, not just the concentrate at Starbucks.
Once I got to the register, the cashiers were also nice and patient with me while I decided what to order. They even made small talk with me when I asked how their opening day was going, which I didn’t anticipate, considering how busy it was. My order came out only a few minutes later.
Drinks: I tried two different drinks both times I went to MOTW. I first tried their traditional chai. It’s a lot less sweet and much more powerful in its authentic flavor. Just like the employee said, it’s nothing like Starbucks chai.
The second time, I had the iced Biscoff latte, and I was blown away! It really did taste like a Biscoff cookie. I even went back a third time just to order it again. Every time I went, the Biscoff latte was the most popular drink when I waited for my order.
However, I don’t like how even if you stay at the store, your drink is put in a to-go cup. Just like the lack of furniture variety and noise level, this choice fails to create a homey feel.
The prices are expensive, a small latte costs $4.90, and the Biscoff and matcha are $0.50 more. A small chai is $5.50, and an expresso is $3.65. Yet these prices match other Lombard coffee shops like Starbucks and Gnarly Knots, so wherever you get coffee, it will be pricey unless you make it yourself. Unlike Starbucks, Panera, or Dunkin, when you buy coffee from MOTW it supports a local business. Customers also receive a punch card on their first order, and after 10 visits, they get a free drink! I’m already on punch number four.
Anyone at Glenbard East who enjoys social atmospheres, authentic drinks, and friendly service should check out MOTW. Created for everyone in the community to enjoy, the shop is a great addition to Lombard
