Chill out in the warm surroundings in this new local café, Shukr, located at 3334 W Foster Ave. Shukr is a laid back café with comfy two person settees. The cafe is clean and has a chill, quiet atmosphere which is excellent for studying. The counter and food prep are handled by an individual employee, but he is quick and friendly.  

The place is not what I’d call “hoppin’,” but the bubble tea comes with Popping Boba, which is a pleasant surprise. In this area of the city, many other smoothie places only tend to offer tapioca pearls which is so yesterday.

The word “Shukr” comes from the Arabic “shukran,” meaning thankful. Along with their listing of hot and cold drinks, Shukr serves up Samosa, Panini, Meat Puffs and other light bites. I had a chilled chai latte and my companions drank a Taro smoothie with Mango Popping Boba and Honeydew Smoothie with Lychee Popping Boba. They offer a rotating menu of pastry and snacks.  We would have liked to have some dessert or pastry to go along with our drinks.  

They really welcome students; there were several students working on their laptops while I was there. I understand that earlier in the day they also have sweets and other goodies. but they often run out by the afternoon and later evening hours.\

Initially, it was not obvious that there was a food menu until we asked if they serve food. Their display case was clean and shiny, but it had nothing in it at all. The food offering is a short list but they are looking to expand it.\

This café has potential, but they really need to promote their food items by making them visible during all hours of operation.

They offer delivery through Grubhub outlets at every table. The cafe offers Wi-Fi and outlets at every table, perfect for studying, along with a 10% discount for students.  Check them out on Facebook for more information and make sure to mention that you are a NEIU student!