Tōv Coffee & Tea
HawthorneAn Egyptian and Middle Eastern coffeehouse on Hawthorne where the drinks are elaborate and the room is built for staying. Owner Joseph Nazir moved Tov out of its original red double-decker bus into a former Starbucks space in late 2023, and the new interior keeps the eclectic spirit — couches, embroidered cushions, ornate decor, drinks brought out on gold-plated platters. It's a slow, social cafe with an espresso program alongside cezve-prepared Turkish coffee, Egyptian coffee, and Ottoman drinks you won't find in many other places in town — come to linger, not to grab and go.
The order
The Nectar of the Gods — a caramel latte spiced with cardamom — is the repeatedly named house favorite, and it's the right introduction to how this place builds a drink. If you want the tradition the cafe is actually known for, order the Turkish coffee made in the cezve, or the Egyptian sahlep steamer: chewy, scented with cardamom, topped with pistachio and coconut. Pair either with a piece of knafeh or some Turkish delight.
Know before you go
- Drinks are made to order and intentionally elaborate — expect a wait at peak times. This is not a fast espresso bar.
- Hours are irregular: roughly 9-4:30 most weekdays, but Wednesday opens late at 11, and Saturday runs all the way to 8:30pm. Confirm before a special trip.
- Card is accepted (take-out, delivery, and online ordering all run, the latter through Joe Coffee); inexpensive overall.
- Dog-friendly with outdoor seating, wheelchair accessible, and genuinely good for working or settling in.
- No drive-through.
