Professor Java's was one of the first businesses I reviewed on Yelp. But shame on me for not…read morefollowing up when their Wolf Rd. site closed. I didn't realize they had reopened until I saw them next to the relocated Penzey's. Hooray! Two things I miss from the old location are the ability to buy coffee beans, and the more eclectic layout. No worries about the beans these days. Their new site is a much more regular layout, but it's more than adequately compensated by a very relaxed and cozy atmosphere, with more space behind the counter to prepare foods. And that counter holds a lot of other confections as well. Their regular coffee is a bit mild, but there's so many other options if you want to vary your coffee's strength and flavor. I liked the variety of teas available too (mostly hot, but some iced). Service is attentive, and your orders come out quickly. This remains a great alternative to other fast food options along Wolf Rd.

Class is in session!…read more I needed to find my morning Java fix while in Albany and Professor Java's Coffee Sanctuary was just the spot for my coffee education. Walking in, this spot is a mad scientist lab. Large roasters are front and center, this isn't a classroom but a coffee laboratory! Nice folks behind the counter greeted me each morning as I placed my order. The roast on their coffee had me coming back daily. You might say it was my (pinkie to lip) Coffee Sanctuary?? Professor Java? You earned that title, I enjoyed my daily visits.

Amazing coffee and bagels. Employees were super sweet and helpful! The inside is very unique and…read moreeclectic. Very fun to look around. Hope to make it back someday!

Graham's is such a gem and it's probably good I don't live closer! The environment is so fun and…read morestaff has consistently been very friendly and helpful each time I've been here. The homemade coffee syrups are really good and I also love that they have some on site to purchase to use in your coffee at home! They also always have really unique latte specials that are unlike anywhere else. They have excellent baked goods and I can't help getting one every time! It is small inside and can get busy but it is a very special place and it's easy to see why it is so loved.

Best espresso I've had in Albany, and if you order for here, they'll plate it with sparkling water…read more Sweet! There's a big ordering and waiting area, so even when it's busy there's plenty of space. Local art on the walls, a variety of seating options downstairs, and one relatively clean restroom. Upstairs is the computer lounge, theoretically, except that the advertised WiFi doesn't work. There is no network with that name. Friendly baristas, some food options, although not a lot for vegetarians. Great location close to the park.

New location. Bigger location just across from where it was originally. Huge upstairs to do…read morecomputer work. Seasonal coffees available. There's a large seating area downstairs. I had a Seasonal latte and bagel and egg. Fair prices. They have a rewards system now so be sure to sign up. Employees were nice and explained the different Seasonal drinks. The new location is nice but I feel it might be to big and actually prefer the smaller orginal location.

I was only recently introduced to Uncommon Grounds so I was excited to try another location. The…read moreline was so long but it moved pretty quickly. Friendly service. Seating was a bit of a wait. It seems like people like to hang out there. We did get a seat. We both got the Mediterranean sandwich. I got mine on an everyday bagel and my friend got it on a rosemary bagel. My friend was very disappointed in her bagel. She said it was very "bready" and lacked flavor. Mine was just OK too. It didn't taste the same as what I usually get at the other location in Delmar. It was just as big and had the same ingredients but it just didn't taste the same for some reason. It actually had an overwhelming amount of avocado on it and it kept falling out. The vanilla chai latte was delicious!

Cheddar Parm Bagel toasted with Salmon Cream Cheese is outstanding! Good combo…read more Glad I did not order my usual Everything Bagel because Cheddar Parm was perfect. Crust is crispy with natural cheddar flavor and hint of parm. Plenty of places to sit on a Tuesday at 10:30. Sipped my Columbia Decaf coffee and people watched. Service as usual was efficient and fast.

A bunch of 7 Brew branches have been cropping up in the Capital Region recently. According to…read morestaff, this location in Colonie was the region's first. It opened a couple of years ago. I was interested in trying out this chain but the newest locations seem to be crazy busy. So I went to the Colonie location because it seemed just slightly calmer. I realize one of the key features to this business model is its drive through service. However, since I did not understand the menu I got out of my car and walked up to the door where I was greeted by staff. I found them incredibly attentive. Everything in the menu-- whether coffees or fruity drinks-- seemed very sweet and syrupy. The staff assured me that they were. So what could a diabetic like me possibly order? We arrived at a Frozen Coffee Chiller. It was plain. No sugar. Just coffee slush with half-and-half. It was great. The staff was wonderful. They even stepped out a few times to check on me. Did I have any allergies? Any special needs? It was funny to think that I wanted the plainest frozen coffee drink but my order took a bit more to process since 7 Brew specializes in naughty beverages that taste more like desserts. The young staff was very dedicated to getting my order right and that says a lot. I think some other Yelpers offered great advice to new customers planning on using the drive through. Consider acquainting yourself with the menu ahead of time. It's really a crazy large beverage menu. In my case, it worked to walk up and ask for help. Considering how busy the staff is, it's not the most efficient way to place an order. I appreciate the kindness that I was shown and now I know how to place an order there that will meet my dietary needs. Thanks, 7 Brew.

If you're not wanting to get out of the car, then a drive thru drink is what you need. On this…read morevisit, I got a large iced chai with a shot of vanilla and oat milk. As usual, they delivered. It was quite refreshing, as well as thirst quenching. They are not fancy but they are efficient and clean. They are quick to take your drink order and the large is quite sizable. The flavor and drink combinations are plentiful so be sure to scan the QR code or peruse the menu ahead. You will be pleasantly surprised by the quality as well as quantity. Be sure to join their rewards program because it certainly adds up quickly. 7 Brew hits the spot!

Clean location and good service! The inside wasn't busy but there was quite a line in the drivethru…read morewhich made the wait longer than it should have been with only a few people working.

Friendly staff. Good place to telework from. Consistent background noise at a fairly muted level.read more

Nice spot for a coffee near Washington Park! I stopped in…read moreon a weeknight as I'm one of the few people who drink caffeine in the evening and was looking for a coffee shop that was open later. They close at 7pm on weeknights, which is great. I love how beautiful the cafe is. There are tons of tables and good wifi too. I ordered an iced mocha, which was great, and the barista was helpful and friendly. I do wish they had a specialty coffee latte and some more dessert options. There were several savory pastries available when I went and I was having a major sweet tooth moment but thankfully the iced mocha hit the spot!

Albany's Washington Park is a gem in itself but it's also fortunate to have a number of great cafes…read moreand restaurants nearby. Among the more recent arrivals is Java Cafe on Madison Ave. It offers a nice variety of coffees, teas, other beverages and baked goods, all in a relaxing setting. What's more, they tell me that small dogs are welcome. I stopped in recently after taking a stroll in the park with my West Highland Terrier. I was surprised when they told me that my little dog could come in, too. I ordered the most wonderful hot chai latte with coconut milk and a dash of cinnamon. Since I was staying, it was served up in a stoneware cup with saucer. I also ordered a potato borek, which they explained was a small Turkish-style mashed potato pie. It was good. My friend ordered a delicious large house coffee with cream. The cafe is small but inviting with exposed brick walls. There's nice furniture and interesting wall art, including a banjo hung from one wall. But my favorite is the amoeba-shaped full length mirror with the words,"You look amazing," painted above it. How's that for giving customers encouragement? My little dog stood under our table and smiled. She was well behaved. There were several other customers but most of them looked lost- in -concentration over their laptops. It was a delicious and very calming experience for us after a nice walk in the park. Thanks, Java Cafe.

Albany is the 338th largest city in the US. Jacob Alejandro would be right at home in some of the…read morelargest cities! The vibe is impeccable, truly comfortable and well designed! The staff were professional, pleasant, and coffee/tea focused! My wife enjoyed a black tea chai latte and I loved the reserve pour over coffee experience! I order pour over pretty much every time it's available at a coffee shop. Jacob Alejandro's pour over service is pretty much ceremonial! They serve it on a tray. The tray has the "pitcher", a glass for service, and a glass of palate cleansing jade tea in the middle. (I did have to ask what the jade tea was) The palate cleanse was the perfect start. The Costa Rican coffee was heavenly, one of those drinking experiences where even my amateur palate was engaged. It was truly nice to sit for a while and enjoy a great cup of coffee at Jacob Alejandro! Yes, they would fit in a larger city but smaller cities deserve great coffee also!

After going on a lovely walk through Albany's Washington Park on Easter Sunday, I noticed some…read moreactivity across the street at Jacob Alejandro. I was so surprised. Could they really be open on Easter Sunday? It seemed too good to be true. A great cup of caffeine was just what I needed at that very moment. So my friend and I crossed Madison Avenue and peeked into the tinted windows. Not only were they open, but the place was bustling. The inside of Jacob Alejandro is elegant and beautifully decorated. Furniture, plants, music and wall art are arranged to set moods. It feels more like a club than a coffee house. The baristas are super friendly, helpful and patient. As I tried to make up my mind on what to order, they offered suggestions. I wound up with matcha. I think my friend had some kind of latte. I remember both beverages were delicious. They were made to be savored slowly. We took in our surroundings and it was very relaxing. We'll visit again. Thanks Jacob Alejandro for a nice experience.

We were helping our daughter move into off campus housing in the neighborhood. So lucky to have…read moreIron Coffee within easy walking distance! The woman working there is friendly and professional! Ethiopian Yirgacheffe pour over made building furniture tolerable, cold brew a few hours later kept us going!

Iron Coffee is a small coffee shop about a block from the pond at Washington Park. When I say…read moresmall, I mean small. When I arrived today, there were two other customers in the shop and it was cramped. There is no indoor seating, but in the warmer months there are a few tables set up on the sidewalk outside the shop. Service is quick and the baristas are friendly. Their menu isn't huge, but they have all the classics and every drink I've tried has been delicious. I am a sucker for an iced drink on a warm day, but I will have to get back here for one of their hot drinks at some point. Very happy to have this coffee shop in the neighborhood.

A charming mom and pop owned spot serving up the most delectable omelette for under $5. What more…read morecan you ask for? Very kind and quick service, fresh and delicious food, and an unbeatable value.

Perfect location for a wonderful breakfast, brunch or lunch. Terrific Greek Benedict with luscious…read moreHollandaise sauce, poached eggs and lamb - home fries are clearly handmade and lovely! Sausage links actually snap when you cut them. Rye toast perfectly buttered. Exactly what you would expect from diner coffee that Starbucks or Dunkin's or Tim Horton's would die for. Can't miss. The service is wonderful and relaxed.