My family stopped for breakfast at Iron Gates Cafe while driving through Albany, NY. This little gem of a restaurant is hidden behind iron gates. Behind the gates is a cherry blossom tree to your left and a patio with outdoor seatings for warmer weather. There is also a back patio that I learned of later as well for additional seating guests who would like to have privacy but still be outdoor. We were immediately seated. Our waiter took our drink order and then came back later for the rest of our breakfast order, she did not rush us. Food came out relatively fast. We got to enjoy the scenery and my kids were given crayons to color. My husband enjoyed his breakfast burger. Who eats burger for breakfast? My daughter had the grilled cheese and French fries. She later admitted she only wanted it for the fries. So between the two of them, they had burger and fries for breakfast. My son ordered the mushroom and spinach omelette while I had the stuffed French toast with ham. We both didn't finish our dish. We ate about half of our meal. Both came with a heaping serving of home fries, while my son dish also came with an additional side of corn bread to top it off. My husband ordered an iced coffee while I had the matcha latte (which my daughter stole and drank all for herself) and a chai latte. The chai latte was better than the matcha latte. The matcha latte was overly sweet, perfect for my daughter. She drank every drop of it. The check came to a little over $100 for meals for four, and three drinks, plus tax and tip. It's definitely four stars for the amazing customer service and for the restaurant interior decor and atmosphere. I noticed that the dirty dishes were being handled within close proximity to the restroom area, literally in front of it. Not only was it very noisy but it also felt a bit unsanitary. I feel mixed about returning. 3.5 stars.
Joan D.
Good vibe, fun atmosphere with Elvis room, really tasty breakfast omelets and pancakes, friendly service. A special place with historic character and charm.
Amanda A.
Wow, this place was simply amazing. I came here back in October 2023 with my son, who lives in the area. I am a breakfast/brunch girl, and this place did not disappoint. I do suggest an rsvp. They seem to stay consistently full. When you walk up, you go through the iron gate to the courtyard, which has seating outside. When you walk inside, it's like taking a step back in the 1800s as this place seemed to have a lot of the original features of this historic home. Me and my son shared in order to try multiple items. The apple cider mimosa was AMAZING and BIG. That was a first for me, and it was delicious. We split the Benedict and the French toast sandwich. Everything was delicious. I'll be coming back soon when I visit again. I've been dreaming about this brunch. The service was friendly and fast.
D Pei W.
Great food great service awesome ambiance. One of my favorite lunch spots since I work downtown.
Samanta M.
Great food, service, and ambience. I've definitely recommended it to my friends and family.
Kelly C.
Best brunch in Albany, hands down. Anytime someone visits, we bring them here. The feeling of eating good food in an old brownstone just hits different. And it's perfect for the couple where one person loves breakfast food and one person loves lunch food because I can never make up mind and always leave happy. Pro tip: it gets busy so use the yelp app to hold your spot in line to limit your wait time. You won't regret it.
Samuel H
Everything was pretty
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Elsie Gilmore
Love the beautiful spaces in this restaurant. It's tucked behind a secret garden. Really enjoyed my two meals there.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lisa Chakalos Maibor
Very creative menu, delicious food set in a historic building. Beautiful rooms, would love to dine on the patio someday. Here from Boston. Kelly our server was friendly and efficient. A must try.
The courtesy of Brian over the phone was incredible, and he took time to answer a lot of questions, The service was excellent and Sam was incredibly attentive to everything. The food was wonderfully piping hot, delicious beyond words, and incredibly beautifully plated. Sam was great with our 8-year-old granddaughter! Everyone was so nice. The ambiance is fascinatingly beautiful and we had the perfect window seat. Thank you to the Iron Gate Café once again for an incredible experience! We will be back! Leah MVegetarian options: Excellent and very accommodating with modifying ordersParking: Despite the ice storm and slushy parking on the street, we were able to navigate it all with ease.Kid-friendliness: Excellent!
Found this very cozy little spot tucked away in downtown and loved that we could join the waitlist and get ready before getting over. Plates were very full but great portions. Heavy pour on the Poinsettia drink which I love. Very fast service, gorgeous atmosphere. Would absolutely recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Eggs Benedict
Rebecca Klanchesser
Super cute place and very friendly staff. Highly
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ashley Montgomery
Lovely experience, as always! Delicious coffee and incredible food.Dietary restrictions: Some very good GF options
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Eggs Benedict
Tracey Evans
Really lovely location. Service was friendly and the menu is extensive with lots of good options! Glad we tried it while visiting ☺️
My family stopped for breakfast at Iron Gates Cafe while driving through Albany, NY. This little gem of a restaurant is hidden behind iron gates. Behind the gates is a cherry blossom tree to your left and a patio with outdoor seatings for warmer weather. There is also a back patio that I learned of later as well for additional seating guests who would like to have privacy but still be outdoor. We were immediately seated. Our waiter took our drink order and then came back later for the rest of our breakfast order, she did not rush us. Food came out relatively fast. We got to enjoy the scenery and my kids were given crayons to color. My husband enjoyed his breakfast burger. Who eats burger for breakfast? My daughter had the grilled cheese and French fries. She later admitted she only wanted it for the fries. So between the two of them, they had burger and fries for breakfast. My son ordered the mushroom and spinach omelette while I had the stuffed French toast with ham. We both didn't finish our dish. We ate about half of our meal. Both came with a heaping serving of home fries, while my son dish also came with an additional side of corn bread to top it off. My husband ordered an iced coffee while I had the matcha latte (which my daughter stole and drank all for herself) and a chai latte. The chai latte was better than the matcha latte. The matcha latte was overly sweet, perfect for my daughter. She drank every drop of it. The check came to a little over $100 for meals for four, and three drinks, plus tax and tip. It's definitely four stars for the amazing customer service and for the restaurant interior decor and atmosphere. I noticed that the dirty dishes were being handled within close proximity to the restroom area, literally in front of it. Not only was it very noisy but it also felt a bit unsanitary. I feel mixed about returning. 3.5 stars.
Good vibe, fun atmosphere with Elvis room, really tasty breakfast omelets and pancakes, friendly service. A special place with historic character and charm.
Wow, this place was simply amazing. I came here back in October 2023 with my son, who lives in the area. I am a breakfast/brunch girl, and this place did not disappoint. I do suggest an rsvp. They seem to stay consistently full. When you walk up, you go through the iron gate to the courtyard, which has seating outside. When you walk inside, it's like taking a step back in the 1800s as this place seemed to have a lot of the original features of this historic home. Me and my son shared in order to try multiple items. The apple cider mimosa was AMAZING and BIG. That was a first for me, and it was delicious. We split the Benedict and the French toast sandwich. Everything was delicious. I'll be coming back soon when I visit again. I've been dreaming about this brunch. The service was friendly and fast.
Great food great service awesome ambiance. One of my favorite lunch spots since I work downtown.
Great food, service, and ambience. I've definitely recommended it to my friends and family.
Best brunch in Albany, hands down. Anytime someone visits, we bring them here. The feeling of eating good food in an old brownstone just hits different. And it's perfect for the couple where one person loves breakfast food and one person loves lunch food because I can never make up mind and always leave happy. Pro tip: it gets busy so use the yelp app to hold your spot in line to limit your wait time. You won't regret it.
Everything was pretty
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Love the beautiful spaces in this restaurant. It's tucked behind a secret garden. Really enjoyed my two meals there.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very creative menu, delicious food set in a historic building. Beautiful rooms, would love to dine on the patio someday. Here from Boston. Kelly our server was friendly and efficient. A must try.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best brunch! Great staff! Beautiful setting!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
The courtesy of Brian over the phone was incredible, and he took time to answer a lot of questions, The service was excellent and Sam was incredibly attentive to everything. The food was wonderfully piping hot, delicious beyond words, and incredibly beautifully plated. Sam was great with our 8-year-old granddaughter! Everyone was so nice. The ambiance is fascinatingly beautiful and we had the perfect window seat. Thank you to the Iron Gate Café once again for an incredible experience! We will be back! Leah MVegetarian options: Excellent and very accommodating with modifying ordersParking: Despite the ice storm and slushy parking on the street, we were able to navigate it all with ease.Kid-friendliness: Excellent!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Avocado, Breakfast blt, Breakfast Burrito, French Toast With, Farmhouse Hash Benedict, Toast
Found this very cozy little spot tucked away in downtown and loved that we could join the waitlist and get ready before getting over. Plates were very full but great portions. Heavy pour on the Poinsettia drink which I love. Very fast service, gorgeous atmosphere. Would absolutely recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Eggs Benedict
Super cute place and very friendly staff. Highly
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lovely experience, as always! Delicious coffee and incredible food.Dietary restrictions: Some very good GF options
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Eggs Benedict
Really lovely location. Service was friendly and the menu is extensive with lots of good options! Glad we tried it while visiting ☺️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5