Lexington’s first Yemeni coffee shop Shibam opened this past weekend and it's delicious. Located at 535 South Upper St., its grand opening saw lines stretch outside and up the stairs inside to the second floor lounge and workspace.

The shared project of three siblings and their sister-in-law, the light-filled, thoughtfully designed coffee shop has a full range of coffee and tea drinks that run the spectrum between the usual and special Yemeni varieties. Ditto for the specialty baked goods, which include viral fruit-shaped mousse cakes alongside traditional Yemeni desserts.

The owners are in the medical field, and began dreaming of opening the business 8-10 years ago. "But we had to wait until we got to a place in our training and careers where we had time to do it," said Hera Qureshi.

Parking is available on the street or for free in the back of the garage in the attached CenterCourt complex. The hours through Sunday, June 21, will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Beginning Monday, June 22 permanent hours will take effect of 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Yemeni coffee is known for a rich, layered flavor profile and the shop's specialty coffee drinks can be customized as low or high sugar. Among the recommendations the Qureshi sisters had were a pistachio-infused latte, a milky tea called Adeni, and Yemeni desserts that come topped with honey.

We sampled the Shibam latte — perfectly spiced and delicious even in the low sugar option — and a sabaya — a flaky Yemeni dessert that could be described as a cross between baklava and a croissant — and will be having both again soon. See more photos at our Insta.