Haraz Coffee House brings Yemeni roast worth boasting about

The new Haraz Coffee House on Marshall Street has quickly become a welcoming addition to the Syracuse University scene, bringing authentic Yemeni coffee and an array of delicious pastries to a spot that used to house Shirt World.

Located at 125 Marshall St., the shop opened with a soft launch in December and has already drawn a steady crowd of students and locals seeking something beyond the usual chains. Partner Mohammed Zokari described the drinks as a unique alternative to mainstream options.

“Compared to other known franchises in America, like Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts, this is a traditional Arabic coffee straight from Yemen,” Zokari said. “It’s a much stronger coffee taste.”

He noted that true coffee lovers appreciate the bolder flavor in traditional options like Mufawar, though he suggested milder choices for those who prefer less intensity.

“If you like coffee, you’ll really enjoy it. If you don’t like the coffee taste as much, I’d recommend other drinks that have less coffee in them, like the pistachio latte or a tea,” Zokari said.

Pistachio drinks topped the popularity list, he confirmed, with the pistachio latte as the most commonly ordered iced option.

I visited Haraz and let the barista choose my drink: here’s how it went.

On a recent chilly visit, with temperatures dipping to 16 degrees, the shop delivered cozy comfort. The interior felt upscale yet approachable, with gold accents, marble tables and gold silverware adding a touch of elegance. A massive pastry case near the registers proved impossible to ignore.

Photo by Alexandra Petro

A large case of pastries features a variety of unique options.

The space is spotless — you could probably eat off the floor — and smells of fresh coffee. Tables suited groups of two to four, and plenty of room overall made it inviting. Arabic music played throughout, creating a cultural celebration that felt like the perfect campus escape. During the morning and early afternoon, it served as a study haven; later, the vibe shifted with louder, more party-oriented tunes after 5:30 p.m., Zokari said.

Staff members proved exceptionally friendly and efficient. Drinks arrived at the table, no awkward name-calling or spill risks required, and when things slowed down, employees chatted casually among themselves. Their passion shone through when describing the menu.

Trusting the baristas really paid off. They recommended a hot salted caramel latte with oat milk. It arrived in a bowl mug featuring adorable bear latte art. Despite my general aversion to milky coffees, this one converted the skeptic completely: light, creamy and rich, with balanced sweetness that avoided any syrupy overload. The espresso, caramel and oat milk blended into a velvety treat that warmed both body and soul on that freezing day.

Photo by Alexandra Petro

A velvety salted caramel latte, complete with an intricate design in the foam, sits alongside a strawberry croissant filled with real-fruit cream.

My roommate, who tagged along for the adventure, opted for the Adeni/Karak Chai: a premium black tea with cardamom and cream made with evaporated milk, according to the menu. Described as perfectly spicy, earthy and aromatic, it hit the right cozy note. A touch of added sugar smoothed out any bitterness for an even better sip.

Pastries matched the drinks in quality. My roommate’s chocolate croissant melted in her mouth, flaky outside and soft inside, with sweet but not overpowering chocolate that balanced the buttery layers perfectly. My strawberry croissant impressed with its beauty and generous size; the filling resembled a light strawberry cream, tasting naturally fruity rather than artificial. Super flaky on the exterior, it stayed airy and moist thanks to the filling.

Portions justified the roughly $12-per-person tab before tip. It might not qualify as an everyday spot for budget-conscious students, but the quality made it a worthwhile special indulgence.

First-year SU student Brickston Vinal has already made Haraz part of his routine, visiting almost every day to eat, do work and soak in the study-friendly atmosphere. He praised the environment, noting seats usually stayed available, and highlighted the service.

“The environment is pretty good! There are usually seats open, which is nice,” Vinal said.

Photo by Alexandra Petro

Vinal finishes his lemonade while doing some homework.

He also appreciated the cleanliness.

“I feel like on Marshall Street, that might be a little hard to accomplish sometimes, but here, it’s always clean,” Vinal said.

Among his favorites: a strawberry lemonade paired with pistachio cake and lotus cheesecake.

With unique offerings like hard-to-find croissants and mousse cakes in Syracuse, Haraz stood out by blending tradition with modern appeal. Zokari emphasized the distinction in their stronger brews and exclusive pastries.

The shop invited lingering: one visit stretched to three hours of easy conversation and studying amid the welcoming hum. For me, it earned a five-star review from this visitor, a luxurious yet lived-in escape that proved Marshall Street just got a lot more flavorful.