Milyar, Santa Clara

It’s 7:30 on a Sunday night and while other Bay Area coffeehouses are winding down for the day, Milyar is just revving up.

Inside this spacious, white-and-gold cafe with bright lights hanging from a high ceiling, 14 of the 20-plus tables are filled. About half are small groups of friends chatting over Yemeni coffee and pastries, and the other half are students from nearby Santa Clara University studying at their laptops, maybe a latte by their side.

They’re welcome to stay for hours in this “refined golden ambiance,” for Milyar is a rarity in today’s post-pandemic world — a cafe that’s open till 2 a.m. Yes, night owls, every day!

The cup: Milyar specializes in Yemeni coffee, known for its fruity, earthy tones. There’s a Yemeni Latte, with hints of sweetness and spice, and a popular chai. Signature drinks include the Pistachio Latte and the Dubai Latte.

The bite: The pastry case overflows with tempting options including two customer favorites — honeycomb cake and Biscoff milk cake — and new mousse desserts in chocolate, raspberry or mango. Slices of cheesecake come in many flavors, including pistachio. On the savory side are the hand pies called fatayer, with spinach, beef or other fillings.

Details: Open 8 a.m.-2 a.m. daily at 1908 Monroe St., Santa Clara, where there is street parking that becomes easier to find when the nearby restaurants are closed. Also at 3300 Adeline St., Berkeley, but that location offers shorter hours, 8 a.m. to midnight.