Great food and very exceptional service. Love eating here for brunch at the raspberry Brie French toast and orange juice. Both were delicious. Beautiful ambiance and decor read more

Great brunch spot in downtown albany. Cute interior and efficient service even on busy days. We once had a large group of about 16 or so and were able to reserve a whole room. The food has always hit the spot, they have a good variety, fun specials, and a good deal of vegetarian options. read more

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They don't accept reservation unless 5 people or more, we were visiting, called to make reservation, and we couldn't, but the costumer service was so nice and helpful and gave us a chance to come in without having to wait so long. The food and service was great!! read more

Delicious food, friendly servers, nice atmosphere. Definitely recommend and would go back. Large portions nice for sharing or leftovers

Outstanding! The entrance was what originally caught my eye but the food and service is the real magic in this place. Walking through the gorgeous gate entry you see why the name is so appropriate. Entering the building you're covered by trees with small berries and the sunshine breaking through the leaves. It's beautiful. Walking in we were greeted by an employee who gave us a kind and warm welcome and asked us what our preference for seating was. We sat outside and we're thrilled to enjoy the ambiance that we witnessed when entering the courtyard. Your waitress was sweet and perfectly attentive. The food was spectacular and for our second visit to this restaurant, I am 100% backing the raspberry and Brie French toast. It has the perfect balance of cheese and sweet fruit. The syrup that comes with it isn't completely necessary but is a delicious addition. I also ordered home fries to avoid commuting theft from the plates of others this time and washed everything down with a mimosa. Beautiful is the only word to describe this experience and I look forward to the next time I visit Albany. read more

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All of the items were amazing!! They were really flavor and filling, this is my second time going and I always have to pack to-go plates. My favorite item is the raspberry Brie French Toast, the flavors really compliment each other. The drinks are also filling and very good. The service was excellent. Very polite, and you will get your food on time. The atmosphere is also pretty cool. It makes you feel welcomed and comfortable. Every time I go to Albany, I have to eat there at least once!! 10/10 read more

I forgot to take pictures but this was a cute place. Very deceiving from the outside because you think you're walking into a small cafe. But then you get seated and the place is a lot bigger. Old house made into a cafe. Very cozy and comfy. Staff was very welcoming. I had latte and the French toast with bacon. Both delicious. I was in the area for business and if I lived closer It would be a definite regular spot I would go to. They have a nice patio outdoor seating, but today was way too cold for it. read more

Never disappoints!! The food is consistently delicious. The ambience is amazing and the service is excellent. We have enjoyed eating at the restaurant for many years and now my grandkids are at the age where they enjoy it regularly and take their friends! Love the Iron Gate Cafe! read more

Great setting in old mansion nice lunch and breakfast fare. Street parking can be tough to find but it's worth it.

Service, kind n attentive, food, delicious n well-received by omni n vegan folk, and the place is a stellar spot in Albany that reveals the creativity and dreamy ambience that a great menu, and love for food n folk/culture, deserves. If you need healthy food for friends that are on another planet of food choice-this is both a creative and practical choice for breakfast, brunch, n lunch in a town that has forgotten its healthy, food-optioned self. Best spot I ate at w/friends over the two weeks frustratingly searching. Where'd all the real menus of food diversity, vegan n gluten free food, and omnivore-friendly food sharing spots in the Capital Region go? Go here! read more

Looking for a restaurant for Sunday brunch n as always found iron gate cafe on Yelp with great reviews n thought we'd try it. I'll warn we had a long wait almost 90 mins. But the good thing was we put our name on the long wait list. Was 46 th () on the wait list. Checked in n we still had a long wait. So we drove around downtown Albany Capitol district n to RPI n got back to cafe n dropped to 12 th on the wait list n then it was just a few mins wait. Must be a good cafe for this long wait. Nice cafe w indoor n outdoor seating. Victorian house that's converted into cafe. Friendly welcome staff n clean restaurant n restrooms. We ordered the blue sky salad, Elvis Memphis scramble, Phoenix rising Benedict n farms house hash Benedict n cornbread. Blue sky salad had lots of greens, walnuts, blueberries, goat cheese w apple cider Vinaigrette. Was v fresh y n crunch. The Elvis Memphis scramble had bacon, sausage, onions, peppers w a pepper jack hollandaise sauce n grilled cornbread . Yummy n the corn bread was a generous piece. so good. The farmhouse scramble Benedict cane w crumbled sausage, roasted sweet potatoes n side of home fries. Was very good. And finally the Phoenix rising Benedict was w Ho muse made black bean sliders, sliced avocado n pepperjack hollandaise sauce. All the food was so delicious. All plates cleaned. Not a morsel left. Thank you for a great brunch. Worth the long wait. Will be back again if n when we are in the area. read more

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A wonderful brunch spot! The Iron Gate Cafe is located within a beautiful old building. When you walk in, there is a small bar, with several larger dining areas, set up in a way that I felt like I was eating in someone's fancy dining room. Very cool. There is lots of outdoor seating as well. The decor, music, and overall vibe was very pleasant. I had a peach Bellini and a grilled cheese with soup. The food was good, but I wish they had tomato soup available to complete the meal (chicken soup was delicious, just didn't go with the sandwich). My friend got the breakfast burrito and it looked and tasted great! We also had an infant with us and they were very accommodating and gave us a table in the corner where it was easy to navigate a high chair. Overall I was pleasantly pleased with this restaurant, and think it's a cute brunch spot to take your friends, significant others, family, or even for a solo dining trip. Other things to note: -Street parking only, but it was very easy to find on the weekend -Make sure to get on the waiting list through yelp! This place is quite busy, and getting on the waitlist allows you to see when you will be able to get a table and save time waiting -There is a (small) surcharge for bills paying with credit cards read more

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Love it food was soooo good! Nick was a great server ! The place looked nice and very cozy!

Went today with a large party of 20. They hosted all of us in their front room. The service was amazing and the staff was very friendly. Everyone loved the food and the atmosphere. The latte was delicious!! read more

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Cool but weird Elvis-style atmosphere. Very busy, recommend calling ahead to get on the waitlist. Menu is all day breakfast/lunch. Food was fair for the price. Good menu of coffees available. Was given 4 stars instead of 5 because the condiments at our seating were empty. #attentiontodetail read more

Iron Gate Cafe - Buttermilk Pancakes - Cafes Near Me - Albany, New York

This has been a fun spot for brunch with friends. We always try the mimosas and have yet to be disappointed. I've had a variety of their dishes and have enjoyed them, even when I've been skeptical - from me, that's a big compliment. I love sitting outside when the weather is right, but any of the rooms inside are a treat. The building is so old and so many of the original details are still there. read more

This place is off the chain! The atmosphere is so eclectic and cool feeling. The mother clucker (so fun to say haha) was delicious. Fries were perfectly cooked. The chicken wasnt dry. Wifey had the french toast and it was delicious. Definitely a must go to in downtown Albany. Our waitress was very pleasant and attentive. read more

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The place is amazing, losts of old wood decor. Great friendly service. And the food is amazing!

Totally satisfying between breakfast and lunch options it's a win win. We had the tofu scramble, chicken sandwich and French toast. Everything was delicious. I loved the outdoors seating. Only down side is the wait time. Is it worth the wait - yes. They said it was a 20min wait and we got in under 15. Staff was friendly, bathrooms are clean and ambiance was a chill outdoor courtyard vibe. Overall great experience and we'll be back to try other options on the menu. read more

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Service 10/5 stars, our waitress was amazing. The tucked back dining and spot as a whole was great. We each got an entree and drinks, dirty chai with oat milk and an iced coffee mocha. Food was delicious and quick to come out. Would come back here in a heartbeat. read more

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5 for all the hype. 4 for the wait, but decent food 3 for not so great corn bread Average... 4 As much as I'd like to believe all the 5 star hype, I'm glad to say I am in good company with other Yelp Elites. I've heard about this place for a while. Shamed to admit it is my first time eating here, since I moved to Albany, especially when it is just a few minutes walk from my home. Well, after being away from Albany for almost two months indulging in all the great grub in Austin, TX, I had a hankering for some decent breakfast on a Sunday morning coming down. Now, in my defense, I've driven by many mornings and saw the line out the door. That always deters me, since I have no patience for waiting, at least for breakfast. Today, though, I figured why not, especially since it was 8:40am and the place doesn't open until 9am. Got there around 8:50am, gate was closed, and the lady getting ready for the Sunday morning breakfast stampede was nice enough to yell, "We open in 10 minutes!" "Cool," I thought as I just stood there wondering what to do for 10 minutes, without taking my phone out and sending useless texts to others, just because. Well, I did anyways. "Guess where I am going?" I said to one friend. "Where?" my friend promptly replied on Sunday morning. That seemed odd. "I'm getting ready to have some breakfast at Iron Gate," I replied. Silence for a little bit, and then I was immediately un-friended, to only be re-friended minutes later just so he could complain about not being invited and then rant and rave about how it is the most awesome breakfast place in the world. "We shall see," I thought. Well, I have to admit the hash-browns and my eggs were great. I got the Elvis special only because I remember reading about it on guess where? -- YELP! It was all that it was cracked up to be and I got a side of their famous Hollandaise sauce, which I recommend doing, if it doesn't come with your order. It is that good. On to the disappointment, the corn bread. What can I say other than dry, tasteless and not corny at all. Tasted almost like something you make from instant corn bread mix you buy at the grocery store, but I could be wrong. To be fair, I did just come from months in the south, where corn bread is king, and tastes oh so good. Soft, moist, buttery, with a nice crust, and sometimes jalapenos to boot. So, this stuff just didn't cut it for me. Same goes with the pancake side that I ordered. I mean it was tasty and good, but not five star good. You want to know what 5 star pancake good is? Look up Kirby Lane Austin, TX. I have to agree with one other Yelper elite. Maybe I just ordered wrong. I will go back and try some other dishes. Some of the dishes looked much yummier than mine, especially the toast. Either way, it was still enjoyable and I look forward to trying it again, maybe without my Austin TX, food vibe goggles on. read more

Iron Gate Cafe - Elvis Special - Cafes Near Me - Albany, New York

The chicken was dry. It felt like a factory unit!! Indoor seating had 1.5 hour wait but outdoor seating was immediately available did not make sense. I enjoyed the salad however!! read more

I had the Iron Gate eggs Benedict which was not tasty.. unlike any Eggs Benedict I have previously had. We also had a prosecco and orange juice drink which was not good. People were friendly and it was a lovely day it definitely is not a restaurant we are apt to frequent again very soon. Disappointed. read more

My husband and I were in Albany for the day and looking for somewhere to get lunch. We searched "best brunch," and Irongate Café was the first hit. The restaurant is located in a historic house centered around an adorable courtyard with many plants and trees. We chose to sit in the courtyard. we did have about a 45 minute wait, even on a weekday, but there are lots of little shops to see in the area, as well as the monuments, plaza, and "the egg." We both got sandwiches for lunch and they were delicious. We also enjoyed the local beer selection. The service was very friendly and all-around great vibe. We are glad we chose Irongate café for our one meal in Albany. read more

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Easily made reservations online. We were seated within 10-15 minutes of arriving. Our server was phenomenal and memorized our orders. I never got her name, but she was the blonde, tall one! I love how there are veg options!! And the drink menu is amazing. Of course, I had to order two things off the seasonal menu: eggnog French toast and peppermint latte. Both were delicious! Not too overpowering. The entire table ordered an assortment of food and we were all very pleased with what we got. read more

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The food and service was amazing with beautiful scenery. Our server was amazing although I did not catch their name as well as the hostess. read more

Iron Gate Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Albany, New York

Stopped in for brunch on a Friday. Food and coffee are delicious! Highly recommend the caprese omelette and the raspberry brie french toast. The architecture and ambiance is exciting, definitely worth checking out - especially when it's warm enough to eat in the garden. Service was fast and friendly, Gabriela was an amazing server. Definitely worth the visit! read more

Iron Gate Cafe - Caprese omelet and raspberry brie french toast - Cafes Near Me - Albany, New York

Best breakfast ever! Run and do not walk to this place. The portions are just right. The ambiance is somewhat quaint like an upstate TGIFs but more cozy. And I really liked the personable nature of the waitstaff. We left with extras. Come hungry but come prepared to leave here with something. Highly recommended! read more

Wait is always long on the weekends so make sure you get on the wait list early! We love the brie stuffed french toast, breakfast burrito, and sweet potato benedict. read more

The food here is phenomenal! Everyone was pleased with the breakfast and lunch. Service was attentive and helpful. Wish we were local! Would love to come back. Love the atmosphere. read more

Iron Gate Cafe - We sat inside and had a great view of the awesome patio - Cafes Near Me - Albany, New York

very enjoyable! had breakfast with my husband and 2 pups in their stroller on the back patio! My French toast was very good and my husband enjoyed his omelette! We hope to come back again soon as our waitress was so nice and made us feel so welcome read more

Iron Gate Cafe - Back patio - Cafes Near Me - Albany, New York

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This is my favorite brunch spot in Albany! I went to college there, and whenever I go back to visit friends I always make sure to hit up Iron Gate. In the summer, I love sitting outside and enjoying the fresh air and the cute gated dining area. Inside there is a lot of eclectic memorabilia. The food is amazing every time, and the people who work there seem cool, although the place is always slammed so I never have time to chat much with them. read more

11/10, 11/10, 11/10 - this was our first time visiting , but my fiancé and I had been eyeing it for years! With a dedicated line that long outside, you knowwww it's worth it (pro tip: we actually joined the waitlist using the Yelp app & timed our arrival just right so we didn't wait outside at all). We sat inside - it's beautiful, historic and very charming. Inside or outside, you can't go wrong. Service was fantastic, our drinks were fresh && the food was perfect, it was soooo flavorful. Portions were just right too. Can't wait to come back & visit again!! read more

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Friendly staff and too many excellent choices on the menu! The dining experience was comfortable and the building is super cool. Lunch was delicious! Not a single complaint. Will be sure to go back next time I'm in Albany! read more

The place was truly historic but hidden. If you're not local, look carefully for the place! I loved my cappuccino, cranberry juice and raspberry jam French toast. My husband got their pancakes.. definitely need to add a fruit bowl to blend in the flavor. I was on the prowl for delicious French toast! Our waitress was very attentive and thoughtful too! read more

Great food. Wonderful wait staff. All the food looks so good! In addition, they have great Vegan options. A must-go when in town!

All the reviews say it all!!! Just go and enjoy a fantastic meal, great service and wonderful environment. Either inside or out, we believe you will not be disappointed! Bathroom: 4 star. There are two unisex washrooms. The one I used was bigger than the other. Clean: 5 star Hot water: 5 star, almost immediately! (Hot water is my biggest concern, know why? Cause they are the bathrooms the staff use) Decor: 4 star had all the essentials Hands free: soap, towel dispenser and trash can...but not door. UPDATE: We had to go back the next day for two reasons... 1) To get one more great breakfast before leaving town. 2) To get our servers name so we can give a big shout out! Thanks Sam!! read more

Iron Gate Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Albany, New York

The building is absolutely beautiful! We were looking for a great breakfast and Bloody Mary's and weren't disappointed. I had the sweet hash and my husband had the Ragin' Cajun breakfast, both really delicious and large portions. The waitress suggested the sourdough toast, and it was amazing! Great ambiance, great food and great service...highly recommended! read more

This is hands down the best brunch in Albany! Everything myself and my friends have tried here has been absolutely amazing and we have yet to find a menu item that isn't delicious. They have an ever-changing variety of specials depending on the day so you can never get bored and can always try something new and seasonal. The restaurant is located in an old schoolhouse and each room is unique. The outdoor seating is quaint courtyards located in the rear and front of the restaurant. Staff are very attentive and knowledgeable regarding menu items. Make sure you join their online waitlist before going, the wait can be long on weekends! read more

Iron Gate Cafe - Ham and Brie melt - Cafes Near Me - Albany, New York

Service, food, coffee and mimosa were all excellent! Joined the waitlist on Yelp prior to arriving for Sunday brunch. read more

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