ZipPicks Awards
Best Middle Eastern in Portage Park
Master Critic Review
TAJ Coffee House
7.8
A dessert-and-coffee stop that leans Middle Eastern/Turkish in spirit, best approached as a sweets-and-drinks run rather than a full meal. Order one signature drink and one dessert and it lands most consistently for a relaxed, low-stakes hangout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Turkish coffee, Baklava, Turkish ice cream
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: A sweets-and-coffee stop with a strong Turkish dessert lane.
Who should go: Dessert dates, solo coffee runs, and late-afternoon treats
When to visit: Afternoon or early evening for the best vibe
What to order: Turkish coffee, baklava, Turkish ice cream
Insider tip: Do one drink + one dessert first—add extras only if sharing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the surrounding neighborhood; usually manageable but can tighten during peak evening hours.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but many guests lean polished for photos and a relaxed café date vibe.
Noise level: Low to moderate — generally calm enough for conversation, with occasional liveliness during busy dessert hours.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes during peak dessert hours; longer if groups linger.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — most desserts and drinks are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited — some sorbet-style options and select beverages, but not a full vegan dessert lineup.
Gluten-free options: Limited — a few naturally gluten-free sweets, but most signature pastries contain gluten.
Best For
Better for: A relaxed dessert-and-coffee hang with strong presentation and Middle Eastern/Turkish sweets rather than a full-service meal.
Consider Alternatives If: You’re looking for a full dinner menu, fast turnover, or a budget-friendly dessert stop.