50 Best Cafes near Albany

“When searching for a quick, easy, and filling lunch during my break, I ended up here at this cute little Viet Bagel & Banh Mi shop called Tay Tah Cafe!

When you first enter, you’re guided by arrows that lead you to the ordering tablet, or you can order at the main counter. The shop is small, but has plenty of counter seating and some small tables available as well! In between the front door and ordering, there’s a selection of chips and snacks for you to browse as well.

I was initially looking to order Banh Mi but was a bit intimidated by the $17/banh mi price tag. I opted in for an open face Asiago Bagel with Lox for $13 and placed my order. Breakfast orders that are $10+ get a free house coffee as well, so of course I opted in for it!

There’s a bathroom just around the corner from the ordering kiosk, but while I was making my way over there, the kind staff let me know that they are actually sold out of lox. They offered me a refund or to change what I ordered. I decided to switch to the Asiago Bagel with Ham, Bacon, Egg, and Cheese since it was the same price as the Lox!

My coffee came out first, and the person who gave me my coffee also filled up my cup with ice when I asked! The coffee itself had a nice deep & bitter flavor which I look for in a house coffee.

The sandwich was STUFFED full. I’ve never had a bagel breakfast sandwhich where I’ve quite had to unhinge my jaw like this. My photos did not do the sandwich justice, but I promise it’s so much bigger than you’d expect!

The eggs were perfectly fluffy and smothered in cheese. The ham and bacon were cooked to my personal liking. If you like crispy bacon, maybe mention that to them, because it was perfectly chewy for me. The bagel, was soft, fluffy, yet so bouncy, and I LOVE that there are poppy seeds mixed into their Asiago bagel.

The cost to quantity ratio for the breakfast sandwich was 100% worth it. I’ll definitely be back when I need a hearty sandwich.“

“Delicious food and awesome service 😊“

“This place AMAZING. The food is fresh and delicious. It’s a cozy place to get a bite and treats, not to mention the warm owners who are an adorable mother and daughter team! Highly recommend checking this place out — so excited for their new toasts!“

“Eunice Gourmet Café is a hidden gem! The coffee was amazing. I tried The Ash sandwich and was completely blown away fresh ingredients, perfect flavors, and honestly one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had. I’m more than willing to drive the extra distance just to have it again!

The owner was incredibly friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even better. If you’re looking for amazing food and a warm, inviting atmosphere, don’t miss out on Eunice Gourmet Café. Highly recommend!!“

“While we were remodeling our kitchen we went to joes maybe 3-5 days each week! We love this place. Great lattes, my kids love the milkshakes/ice cream and we all really appreciate the fresh Acme bread you can pick up from here! Thanks Joes!“

“This is the only coffee shop in Albany that’s open before 8am. For that reason, I really appreciate them and will come back. Don’t expect a craft latte here , however. The milk is over frothed, temperature brought up too high, and there’s simply too many choices on the menu for anything to be perfected here. However, for a quick coffee before an early morning job this place hits the spot. The service was friendly and they opened right on time. A great little neighborhood coffee spot.“

“Amazing burritos. Bomb.com“

“Mother Tongue Coffee Roasters is one of those rare finds that feels both approachable and extraordinary at the same time. From the moment you step in, the space carries an artistic, community-focused vibe that immediately sets it apart from your typical coffee shop. It’s warm, welcoming, and filled with the comforting aroma of freshly roasted beans.

What truly makes Mother Tongue shine is their dedication to sourcing and roasting coffee with care. Every cup feels intentional. I tried both their pour-over and a flat white on separate visits, and each drink highlighted the unique flavor profiles of their beans—bright, complex, and beautifully balanced. Their single-origin options are especially impressive, showcasing the diversity of regions and farms they partner with. It’s coffee that not only tastes amazing but also tells a story.

The staff is equally memorable. They’re passionate, approachable, and eager to share their knowledge without being pretentious. Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or someone who loves diving into the details of origin and process, they make the experience enjoyable and engaging.

Another thing I love about Mother Tongue is their commitment to inclusivity and community. It’s not just about serving coffee—it’s about creating a space where people feel connected and inspired. Between the exceptional drinks, the thoughtful mission, and the friendly atmosphere, Mother Tongue Coffee Roasters is a place you’ll want to return to again and again.“

“Cafe de Casa offers an exceptional Brazilian culinary experience. It offers countless meal and snack options for people from all over the world to learn more about this delicious culture. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an unforgettable experience.“

“Me and the coworkers come here on our break. This place is so chill with all the plants. Like walking into a secret garden but its not so secret bc its seems everyone loves this place. Drinks and breakfast are great! Avo toast is tasty! Will have to come back for more.“

“One65 was an amazing discovery on our trip to San Francisco. Having spent the first half of our life in Montréal, Québec, Canada where it was hard to find a bad restaurant, we were absolutely amazed by this Bistro which looks more like a high end dining experience. The menu online & the photos attracted us to this location but we were amazed by the well timed service, the crisp white tablecloths, the table setting and the pleasant and calm atmosphere. My choices of charcuterie platter was perfectly sized; the chicken & the pork rillettes where a wonderful surprise. My husband had an onion tart with the crust as perfect as they get & which I envied. He loved his halibut, moist and tender and I raved over my grilled half lobster, so tender that I found myself munching on the shell parts as well. My bread pudding was not of overwhelming size & perfectly flavored. Don chose the Affogato (scoop of vanilla gelato « drowned » with a shot of hot espresso). We wanted to go back today but they are closed on Sundays.?“

“wonderful owners. good concept.“

“Cafe de Olla is an attractive, warm and friendly restaurant. The food and drink are delicious. I love their fermented pineapple juice and Tlayudas. Check it out!“

“Chicken and waffles ? ? on point as always. I think I’ll try dinner next time.“

“Pain au chocolat was phenomenal. Canele was mediocre. I had high expectations for a French bakery. Seasonal croissant seemed to be a berry crumble type double baked croissant. Tasty and fresh! Went on a weekday morning with no plans so the casual atmosphere and no line was nice and relaxing.

Their pate en croute assortment looked like art. Would’ve loved to try but hopefully another time.“

“Stopped by here for a breakfast burrito not expecting much but excited to try the tater tots, I was not disappointed in the slightest, the og burrito is so good, I’ve been thinking about it since I came here! I’ll definitely be back to try some more!“

“I have worked around the corner from Bench for years. I only recently got into coffee and so I've tried pretty much ever coffee shop in the near vicinity and this is by far the best latte in the area. Don't forget there is an upstairs seating area with a table and chairs.

The only thing that I would prefer is to have a couple comfortable chairs upstairs. If I could sit in a cushy chair I'd be so happy! But it's comfortable enough to be my go to spot now!“

“Tomato sandwich goes so hard….incredibly juicy and perfectly seasoned. Hard to eat in the best way, I was deliriously slurping. Seasonal pastry (fig & cream cheese) was delicious too! My iced matcha was perfect.

I believe the owners helped me and they were so incredibly warm and welcoming! Spots like this are so hard to come by. It’s authentically local and so SOMA. If you find yourself walking Folsom, I cannot recommend Nosh Box enough!“

“We used Le Dix-Sept for a catering event for a house warming and the food received raving reviews. Recommend them!“

“Good food and excellent service! I highly recommend their coffee drinks. Also, the fresh squeezed OJ is such a treat. I am sure their non-brunch items are good but I am still obsessed with their breakfast items.“

“Four of us tried out Cairo Station for the first time before the Patti Smith show at the Fox. We all agreed the food tastes great, the portions are big, and the place is very cool with Egyptian jazz setting the vibe. Very friendly, a great find. We will be back!“

“The best place ever. Love them ❤️ 💕“

“Very good cappuccino: not just a small latté. Lox, egg, capers, on gluten-free toast was well done. Lots of Palestinian baked goods.

Nice corner location on Shattuck. Great light and solid wood tables. Outdoor tables too.

Order in-person or by touchscreen.

The EDM playing is on the mellow side.“

“The most welcoming place ever!“

“Five bright stars, Lissa darling!“

“5/5! Would come back again and smile about it :) great atmosphere, friendly staff, plants aplenty, yummy food, and even a little corner with trinkets for purchase. I got the veggie sandwich and would recommend! I tried the yuzu latte as well but don’t think it’s a good choice- if you love yuzu, find a yuzu lemonade or a drink where it’s not mixed with coffee. I was hoping it’d be a light drink to highlight the yuzu but it pretty much just tasted like coffee with a hint of yuzu (you’ll really need to stir up the drink to taste even that hint). I think it was a cool idea to include a trendy flavor in a latte but it doesn’t let the yuzu shine. It wasn’t bad but I just don’t think it was the best use of yuzu. I’d recommend a different drink.

Good work/study place! I’m always on the lookout for growing my list of the best spots in the city to work/study. This place is a medium sized cafe- not too cramped but not large. A fair amount of seating with good lighting, wifi, and outlets. Bathroom open without key needed.“

“Highly recommend Best coffee in San Francisco ☕️“

“Great facility and staff for hands-on culinary skills learning.“

“Terrific little cafe hidden away inside the 450 Sutter Building that has truly friendly service, excellent coffee and perhaps the best sandwiches in SF! The Black Bean Veggie Patti is a taste tour de force (healthy too). Def worth searching out if you’re in the area.“

“اكل حلال اسعار في متناول اليد تعامل قمة في الذوق“

“This small cafe works hard to accommodate the morning rush everyday, and it’s common sense to walk in and order. Amazing price on a LARGE latte $5 The food is classic breakfast fare, I love the ham egg and cheese croissant and the tuna sandwich on sourdough. The people working are not responsible for telling customers that they can order, in case anyone had any complaints. These are lovely people and they deserve respect. They are so kind and reasonable, I recommend this place and it’s so good that mornings get really busy so be prepared to wait if it is, they work as fast as they can. If you see them busy and there were people in front of you, it might take longer than 2 minutes. MOST places in SF do, it’s not New York lol.“

“Small breakfast spot with great food at a really good price and it is open on Sundays. We tried three different breakfast places during our stay but this one was the only open on Sunday. Food was great, price very good, just that there is barely any space to sit. So we had a table outside.“

“Cool, versatile spot — serve wine, tea & coffee so perfect Friday spot ;-) Sometimes get a bit loud if you’re really trying to focus on work.

They even carry Blue Willow tea, a quality, local brand based in Berkeley. Check out their stuff.“

“Friendly Staff! Great food!“

“Petit Cafe is a hidden gem! The warm ambiance, delightful pastries, and rich coffee make it the perfect spot to unwind. The staff are friendly, and every visit feels like a little escape from the hustle and bustle. Highly recommend!“

“I walk by here all the time with my dogs. I was dogfree and got to relax with a finjan qahwa - their house coffee. Was served in a cool cup and the coffee pot used to make the coffee. Baklava was amazing. Definitely a great place to visit, not your typical hipster coffee shot.“

“Sandwiches are fantastic! Generous portions of fresh ingredients made to order. Fully stocked pastry case with classic and specialty treats! Friendly staff, great vibe,, totally affordable menu. LOVE!“

“San Francisco’s most hidden gem“

“Great atmosphere, extremely friendly, and delicious food. Shout out to the strawberry lavender matcha latte, very tasty. Just the right portions, didn’t leave hungry but didn’t over eat. Vegetarian friendly with substitutes. Some of the most refreshing water I’ve had.“

“Love this place. It’s always good and fresh. The Nutella/ strawberry 🥐 croissant is yummm, a must have.“

“This spot is such a great option if ur looking to grab & go for lunch. They serve delicious hearty meals at a great price point.
I found out about the place from too good to go, but will definitely come back to try more of their menu.

I was given a generous portion of rice, beans, vegetable , mac&cheese & salmon.
Everything was seasoned & cooked well, from the salmon that’s so tender & not dry, has great sauce on top. Flavorful yellow rice, the vegetables was crunchy & delicious.
If ur looking for a hearty & quick lunch stop by this place!“

“First time having Ethiopian food, and wow am I dying to try some more. Got the vegetable platter that came with injera (sour fermented flatbread) and it was not only plentiful, but also healthy and full of flavor! If I was from this area I’d come to this place every week. Very nice staff as well.“

“Love this place! Great people, great food, and great coffee. We come here every visit to SF“

“What a great work/study cafe spot! It’s part of the Southeast community center. Lots of space, light, outlets, and free wifi. The staff are always super friendly! I’ve interacted with Ramsy several times and he’s so kind! Not too many food options but what’s there is pretty good (yummy and healthy). Oftentimes I’ve come later in the day and they’ve run out of ingredients in dishes or drinks I’m interested in but the staff are always very accommodating and kind about it so it’s never felt like a problem. Have enjoyed and gone back many times!

Warning: adding smoked salmon to the lentil bowl was $4.50(!) and it was a very small amount, which I don’t think is worth it, so I wouldn’t recommend.“

“This was my first time visiting Sammy’s, and he’s truly someone who makes you start your day with a smile! I asked him to customize my hash brown burrito with avocado, and he actually came outside to show me if the amount was enough or if I wanted more. He even asked me to taste my coffee to see if I’d like an extra shot added. Such thoughtfulness and care are rare these days—shops like this are a real gem!“

“Cafe International is a welcoming cafe in Lower Haight. The delightful owner, Zahra, is inviting and warm. The food is as outstanding as the coffee, making it the perfect spot to checkout. Be sure to stay for the live music.“

“Love the small item food choices and the salads ans sandwichws! The atmosphere is amazing with tall ceilings and great seating. The wall has 'snowfall to outfall SFPUC water system beautifully lit display. (Worth checking out even if you dont order!)
Lattes fantastic, all rhe choices and options.
Super clean, with low level music, good spot for coffee and lunch or snack!!“

“Local, family owned & operated new coffee shop with delicious coffees - alt milk options available (almond, soy, oat) chai & matcha lattes, tea, pastries and more focusing on the individual experience and quality served in a welcoming and friendly environment. Just hop in Varney Alley off of 3rd near the Shell gas; you won’t be disappointed!“

“Incredible sandwiches. Fantastic portions/prices. The nicest people.

I get a make your own turkey sandwich on sourdough and it's probably my favorite sandwich. The sourdough is so good - chewy and flavorful and a great crisp on our outside. Roasted turkey is perfect, not too salty, all fix-ins are fresh. It's everything I want a sandwich to be!

On top of this, the sandwich is huge. I eat a lot so it's great portion for me but if you don't eat as much, you'll get two gourmet sandwiches out of $15 which is pretty amazing.

Lastly, the people are just so nice. They are patient and kind and thoughtful. They make you feel right at home.

If I lived closer this would be a regular weekly if not many times a week spot for me!!“

“🤯 Biscuits are better than Khanfectionary in the Mission. The jalapeño biscuit for the breakfast sandwich was delicious and comes with a nice arugula side salad.

🥚 We also had the huevos on crispy little tortillas. Very good, especially with the chipotle sauce on the side.

☕️ pour over coffe was also lovely

🥰 the owner stopped by our table to check on us and she is a delight. She spent about a decade in Berlin, Germany, and brings some international flair to the café menu, ambience, and playlist.

🤤 the everything biscuit, the apple pie biscuit, and the Matcha strawberry biscuit are also worth trying. I personally like the everything biscuit the best, but if you want something a bit more sweet go for the 🍎apple pie biscuit, and if you want a lot more sweet (think bear claw level sweet) then go for the Matcha strawberry option. You better grab a coffee with that one though ‘cause it is SWEET.

🛋️ the place has eclectic seating, with a couple of couches a few two top tables and a few four top tables. Great to pop in on your own, or with a few friends.“