32 Best Coffee Shops in Albany

“Local and welcoming. What more could we ask for?“

“I went to The Scene this morning with my daughter in law and two granddaughters It’s a very charming place with cute decor. The service was excellent. My DIL and one of my granddaughters ordered from the lunch menu — a delicious panino and a yummy wrap. My other granddaughter ordered the Nutella Waffle. It was amazing. Alas, I ordered the avocado toast and it was very disappointing. It was very skimpy — very little avocado on one slice of bread. No poached eggs or burratta on the side. No fresh fruit. Very boring. Just seemed like an afterthought. I’ll be returning but will never order the avocado toast again.“

“While passing through for a short visit to the UAlbany campus, we researched some healthy and affordable lunch options nearby. We are so glad we found Simone's! This place is so cute on the outside, and fast, affordable, and delicious on the inside! The portions were huge, the food was fresh, and the prices were competitive with chains like Chipotle or Panera. 5/5!“

“The coffee and chocolate cookies were so good we had to run it back twice in the same weekend. The chocolate chip cookies were FANTASTIC, TERRIFIC, SPECTACULAR! The ambience was so beautiful, loved the green and bronze accents. Lots of seating in different areas throughout that gave different vibes, including outdoor seating. & the service was great. Staff were inviting, friendly, and patient. All signs of great customer service!“

“I love love love this place The employees were super nice Donuts are absolutely amazing and delicious I had the cannoli donut and would highly recommend“

“Best hidden treasure in the Captial region. The food was so good. Worth the small time to wait. It's hidden in an office building. It's middle eastern food. I had a beef Ruben and my wife a Gyro. Even the fries were fabulous.“

“Absolutely delicious. I've only had boba once before (at a different location) and it was so...bland? I didn't like it. I tried this place out on a whim with my friends and I was shocked! It knocked it out of the park in regards to taste. I got a milk tea with boba but it was so delicious that I'm still thinking about it! If you want boba go here. If you're nearby, get boba! I cannot hype this place up enough“

“Stacks Espresso Bar is a fantastic coffee spot in downtown Albany. I ordered my usual cortado, and it was excellent — smooth, well-balanced, and flavorful. One standout detail: they serve the cortado with a glass of water, which is a practice I wish more coffee shops would adopt.

The presentation was thoughtful, the service was friendly, and the overall atmosphere was welcoming and relaxed. Plus, the downtown location makes it a great stop whether you’re passing through or exploring the area. Definitely a place I’d be happy to return to!“

“Emily is an amazing breath of fresh air whenever we come in. She handles every customer with a personal and friendly smile. The drinks never let me down, especially the Americano.

It would be great oif they extend thr hours a few days a week beyond 5pm but otherwise A+

Thanks for being in the neighborhood“

“Amazing place - LA coffee at upstate NY prices. Great selection of coffees, perfectly prepared. Loved it!“

“The deli sandwich was good! The price is good, and it came with a small bag of chips. I think I’ll start getting my lunch sandwiches from here over a big chain. My small special request was acknowledged. I ordered through Door Dash, so can’t speak to the location/service itself - but very happy with the food.“

“Delicious, healthy alternative! Salads, (everything, really)are amazing!!“

“miss the coffee club from many years ago. it was amazing and educational at first, then another person within the coffee club got on a "power trip, and ruined the entire thing". when the coffee club first started it was an amazing way to have a bite to eat, gather with friends, learn about different coffee's and roasts... once the other person took over, it was Mandatory to reserve a spot, and then this individual raised the cost to almost double the cost, with a very limited menu, which this individual revamped the menu to suit their needs ... I get it , there are food allergies, and may be vegetarian or gluten free foods.. their was no longer any input from anyone else in the coffee club... and then the portions and coffee and teas were limited.... I was extremely disappointed.... it only one individual to ruin a great night out with friends“

“Hands down the best coffee and breakfast sandwiches I’ve ever had. I’ve been a Starbucks fan for years but once I tried uncommon grounds I couldn’t go back. Slightly cheaper than Starbucks with my fb higher quality and taste. Lines can get pretty crazy sometimes but I now know the best times to go! So happy we have uncommon grounds in many locations!“

“This cafe is a team favorite. Excellent espresso, clean space and always welcoming.“

“I had a nice Hoilday Lattee coffee It was good The service was good“

“Ordered a Venti, less Ice, Non fat, 8 pump, Chai Tea Latte. It was made correctly by the male Barista. It was refreshing and satisfying. Thank you.“

“first time visiting. the food was outstanding. Had the Vermont turkey sandwich and the Rachel. Debby the cashier was great. So helpful and patience with us. she made us feel so welcome. we will be back. Not just because of the great food. But also because of Debby.“

“Had the pleasure of running errands in this area and decided to check out this Stacks location. Their coffee never disappoints and their service is always great. Tried the Espresso Sunrise this morning- I love how creative they are with flavors!“

“Awesome service and awesome coffee. I tried the Cruise Control. Will be stopping again in the near future.“

“Great products, and friendly staff. Awesome place !“

“Caramel Macchiato! ❤️❤️❤️“

“The service is always good at this location. I think the coffee drinks are great, but the teas are even better. America really does run on Dunkin!“

“Parking: VERY SMALL parking lot directly outfront. There are usually a couple of spaces for parking on the one way street next to it. Not easy to get out of parking lot due to the high volume of traffic throughout the entire day/night(this location is directly across from St. Peter's Hospital)“

“Smack freshly cooked great staff shrimp and grits to die for“

“Fast service, best bagels and coffee with affordable prices!“

“Small Cafe for breakfast and lunch with in-house seating.

I’ve had a few different sandwiches here, but their soups and baked goods are my favorites.

Located on Broadway in Menands, small parking lot on the side.“

“The ambiance and food is awesome! I’m visiting from another country, and I came in here with a friend to get a coffee, but we ended up ordering much more than that. Definitely recommend to stop in and give it a try. If I lived here I’d be here everyday to work, or bring people/friends in.“

“The naga chicken sandwich was AMAZING and my partner really enjoyed her crispy chicken sandwich. Love having a halal spot nearby. The prices are super reasonable- think McDonald’s prices for HIGH quality food. Staff is so friendly and quick, and it’s a cute little spot. We live nearby and will be back!

Dietary restrictions: Really great pork-free and vegetarian options!“

“Well, know, it sounds strange, every Starbucks is different. I had been spending my reading time at the one in Guilderland however, they depersonalized it taking away any signs of individuality such as blackboards, the cute name that the previous manager had for the location, and it now is completely homogeneous. Today I came to this location, and although it has some personality with one blackboard things like the trivia question and the rotating joke reasons for the purpose of the tip jar are long gone. This location is also much larger, less cozy, and the furniture is not as comfortable. Wooden chairs with minimal padding. The beverages were good. The next stop will be the one further east on Western Avenue and see if that still retains some individuality in a smaller cozier branch. Thanks to barista Paloma, always friendly and has a great first name!“

“I love their delicious teas and will definitely be back to try one of their shakes“

“I'm a student at UAlbany and needed a dessert/pick-me-up.The espresso machine was down when I went and they only had cold drinks.I'm not a frequent Starbucks customer and I didn't know what sizes you can get for every drink. I was about to get a smaller size and then I was told I could get the BIG one! The employee was patient with my ignorance.I got a Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappe and between the brain freezes it was like heaven. Or whatever equivalent you believe in. Or maybe you don't believe in an afterlife...it just tastes great, alright.GREAT!“