Named after the Iraqi poet and philosopher Jamil Sidqi al-Zahawi, the café is one of the more well-known coffeehouses of Baghdad and housed many intellectuals, poets, singers, and journalists over its existence although it has declined in recent years since 2003.

It didn't get its name until Nuri al-Said invited Iraqi poet and philosopher Jamil Sidqi al-Zahawi to the café for a meeting due to the lack of respectable clubs or hotels at the time.

It was also noted that al-Zahawi himself had a rivalry with the Iraqi poet Ma'ruf al-Rusafi who he also had intense discussions with him in the café.

The café was closed until its owner made a legal pledge to not play similar songs in the future.

Many Iraqis took to social media to criticize the mayor, noting the many problems, negativities and difficulties that Baghdad is facing and instead turned to an old heritage café on charges of indecent songs.