Restaurants

Harvard Square’s Algiers Coffee House closes after 45 years

October 24, 2016

1 minute to read

https://www.facebook.com/319090831453204/photos/a.538816366147315.139302.319090831453204/696562167039400/?type=3&theater

You will no longer be able to sip on mint tea at Harvard Square’s Algiers Coffee House.

The two floor cafe, a staple for students and known for its coffee, tea, and Mediterranean food, abruptly announced its closure in a Facebook post Friday.

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1437309956297947&id=319090831453204

The post, shared over 350 times by Monday afternoon, asked customers to “please keep all our cooks, waitresses, and managers in your thoughts—and think of us when you next drink mint tea!”

Longtime owner Emil Durzi has been in ill health for many years, Harvard Square Business Association Executive Director Denise Jillson told Patch.

“He worked very hard to keep Algiers going and we are so sorry that the time has come for it to close,” she said by email. “We wish Emil the very best and thank him for creating a truly unique and long-lasting Harvard Square icon. The Algiers Coffee House will be sorely missed.”