In the heart of AlUla – Saudi’s own treasure trove of natural, historical, cultural, and archaeological gems – is a coffee house that promises to take you back in time.
Located in an old mud building, 70s Café not only serves up a menu to satisfy, its setting is a genuine immersion into the authenticity and history of the region – a nostalgic journey back in time, if you will.
The café is housed in a two-story building, with the second floor providing a charming view of the town's alleys. Its outdoor seating offers a surreal atmosphere, while its interior surprises visitors with pieces like a Singer sewing machine, old televisions, radios, soda boxes, tools, a typewriter, and an old Kodak camera—a collection that reflects the memories of Saudi homes from that decade.
The owner, Bandar Al Quraishi, explains that 70s Café is a personal museum of sorts, as many items were originally his, and he feels that displaying them for visitors enriches their sentimental value. He also highlights why AlUla, renowned as the world’s largest living museum, is the perfect location for such a coffee house.
“We established our space in the Old Town of AlUla, in the heart of a great historical city, as we felt it was the ideal environment to emphasise on the authenticity of the Kingdom – in an atmosphere that embraces original café vibes,” he says.
Inviting patrons to a simpler time reminiscent of the pre-Internet era, 70s Café offers a selection of popular games like Umm Tesa’a (Al-Martakh), dominoes, and Keeram, and also houses a library of valuable old books, creating an atmosphere that further evokes nostalgia.
Aside from its aesthetic and architectural charm, 70s Café is ultimately a café, and it doesn’t forget that. It has a true blast-from-the-past breakfast you have to try: nawashef, featuring regional delights like local cheese, jam, honey, and a thyme blend. Don't miss out on the Old Town Cake, a traditional local treat, and there’s also marasi, Saudi-style pancakes made from wheat flour, butter, and honey.
The café also offers various coffee and tea options, with a special recommendation for its version of karak tea—a family legacy according to Al Quraishi. He explains that their unique blend was created through experimenting with different recipes and standards, and is today a popular choice among customers.
Although 70s Café has a wide range of heartwarming brews, he recommends going for its Saudi coffee, a distinctive experience and a simple way to enhance your visit to AlUla.
