WiFi consistently does not work. Each time I've come into do work within the past 6 months, I have been unable to connect to the WiFi. I would expect a coffee shop to prioritize this exact type of problem and find the perceived indifference quite surprising. I would happily change my review if they just fixed the WiFi situation, but I guess they don't care that much ‍. read more

Far and away the best coffee in center square. A cortado and a croissant from Stacks will do your day a favor for sure.

This is the location of the former Caffe Vero. This is no Caffe Vero, but still a decent coffee shop. It may have just been rebranded and some details changed? The space has been stylized, and is in a great location on Lark. If you have to drive, park across the street at the Trinity church lot (lock your damn car), and drop a few dollars in their drop box at the fence. The positives would have to be that I've never been there with a line, and relatively speaking it has great espresso compared to other shops in the area. You can also get an affordable drink with multiple shots in it - a quad won't cost you $7. - While they now have a nice computer screen menu, and some really cool art - it's still an awkward set up. Small tables, usually completely taken up by people on computers. - I've never been able to find the bathroom? Just me? - How shall I pour milk into my coffee when you've provided no surface for doing so? All condiments and such are on a small shelf, with no lip space. - The employees aren't the most friendly in the world, but they aren't rude either. - WHAT is the deal with the large size for iced drinks? It is legitimately a Chinese soup to-go container. My friends and I were laughing about it the entire drive home - how can someone fit that in a cup holder? You'll want to come here solely for coffee, as they definitely specialize in drinks. There is a tiny pastry selection, and no sandwiches. I haven't had the chance to try what they offer, so I will give that a chance next time I'm in ALB. My frustrations stem from knowing what the other business had that this one is lacking, and the potential of what it could be if a few areas were tightened up. read more

I don't know if what's been going on with the coffee shops in the capital district lately, but it's like everyone has forgotten how to make a good cappuccino... That is until I decided to pay Stacks a visit... 8 oz of pure perfection. read more

Wasn't blown away by our beverages but we were also in a rush with a crabby baby. Will have to return to give em a second chance. Both folks working were super friendly and polite even though it was like 4 minutes before closing time. read more

Such good coffee!!! It was the best espresso I've ever had, and very tasty almond milk, as well. It's a very small cafe, and there is no air conditioning which was a little difficult to work in. The space available is quite cute and on a nice part of Lark Street. The atmosphere and flavors are great! Just wish it was air conditioned and a little bigger. read more

Stumbled across this shop after dinner. Quality coffee and great friendly service. A nice alternative to the big chains for a good coffee!

This is my favorite coffee/espresso spot in Albany (and the greater capital area). Their cold brew is delicious and refreshing, perfect for summer. Their latte is one of the absolute best I've ever had, I usually get mine with soy milk - which leads to another point - they have vegan options for all your coffee/espresso needs! The staff is fantastic, always with friendly yet real conversation. The pastries are on point, my favorite is the chocolate croissant! The location couldn't be better, a huge part of Lark streets vibrancy. read more

love this place! workers are always very friendly and eager to help, the first time I walked in I asked for a recommendation and the drink I got was amazing. very cute atmosphere to sit in and study or just hang out. not too expensive either, it's a great coffee place with a lot of non dairy options. read more

Delicious coffee. Friendly staff. Great atmosphere. Love going here ! One of our favorite coffee shops in Albany!

Cute place, nice staff, good coffee. Not a local but would be a regular if I lived in neighborhood

Was not impressed. Came in this morning (7:30) on a. Saturday and it was okay coffee. I asked for 12oz coffee and room for cream. Barista was less than enthused. I ordered a warmed scone and croissant. Scone was drier and tasted a day old, croissant was large, flakey and Devine!!! All which was $9. Cheaper than Starbucks! read more

Ok....I chose to go to the local espresso bar instead of Starbucks (as I would always prefer to do) when visiting downtown Albany. I ordered a dark roast, and despite it not being very busy, there was no conversation or added info, just the delivery in a cup.....I paid, sat down and had my first sip of the day. Hmmmmm. I asked the same person "What do you use for dark roast beans"......"It's actually a medium roast, the darkest we have......followed by the "ethiopian". My thought was, why didn't tell me that when I ordered? I would have gotten a latte instead. My point is, while I would ALWAYS prefer to support local business, they are rarely on top of their game. read more

Reviews for Stacks Espresso usually have some mention of Cafe Vero, the previously lived in cafe in this tiny space that Stacks now occupies. The interior of 260 Lark hasn't changed all that much except for the addition of 2 large wooden tables and built in wooden seats in the corners. If you're new here, it's a cozy, small cafe - rectangular shaped with the baristas, espresso machines, and register at the very back of the space. The espresso is brilliant. I've had the cappuccino and the cortado, both beautifully crafted and of excellent quality. Both were aromatic, dense in flavor, thick and creamy in consistency, and smooth and clean in finish. The pour over was wonderful as well for those who enjoy their coffee black. Coffee beans are ground just prior to filtering to create a low-acidity, smooth, and crisp finish. If you appreciate good quality coffee then I highly recommend the pour over. Seating is limited, so unfortunately for those who like to perch on benches or lounge at tables, Stacks may not always have a seat for you. But it doesn't hurt to try. There is free internet that's fine for browsing most sites but not fast/strong enough to stream. Finally! Delicious espresso and coffee! read more

Der Kaffe war sehr gut, er hat gut geschmeckt und der Milchschaum wurde mit viel Mühe in eine nette Form gebracht, sodass er wie die Struktur einens Blattes aussah. read more

Best espresso in town. Synesso machine and great beans make this so. Pour overs, Aeropress, cold brew, nitro... they're keeping up with the joneses! Friendly folks and clean and comfortable space seal the deal. If I lived in Center Square, I'd go nowhere else. read more

Good coffee and nice selection of teas, and also baked goods... great atmosphere, wish they played some unique music but I guess everyone else there is reading or on their laptops so maybe not the best suggestion. Overall, love this place! read more

Stopped by Stacks after dinner a few weeks ago. The first thing that caught my eye was the beautiful espresso machine. Just like in Europe. Luckily, the owner was more than happy to tell us all about this cool machine. I ordered a cappuccino, and I'm not sure what kind of coffee this guy uses, but it's FANTASTIC. Thank you very much, and I will definitely be coming back. read more

The brewed coffee is very good, as is the espresso. Better than any other place in Albany I've tried. Right beans, right tools, right process. Surprisingly, the tea is also very good. They've found a high quality source of loose leaf. Food is hit or miss, so subtract one star. This place is a welcome respite from the usual Capital Region mediocrity and worse when it comes to coffee. Flavored coffee? C'mon, people! read more

Hey, this was a pleasant surprise. Excellent coffee in a cool and restrained setting.

Excellent latte, pour-overs, and the go-to cup of coffee. Bonus feature is that you can get Crissan's amazing croissants--the chocolate and the regular, when fresh, are transcendent. read more

Outstanding coffee shop, excellent espresso, one of the best chai lattes I've ever had!

Yes! It's as simple as that! Honest lattes and cappuccinos, freshly baked goodies and a great atmosphere. I hear they might be opening a second location which would be more than awesome as their Lark Street location fills up quickly. read more

Man oh man is this the best coffee in town. Want espresso with luscious crema? You got it. If you're a coffee nerd this is the place. Vast improvement over Vero, the previous proprietors. read more

One of my two favorite coffee shops in the Albany county. Amazing atmosphere, great taste, friendly service and good prices! Definitely recommend it! read more

Stacks Espresso Bar - Nutella banana cappucinos... - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Albany, New York

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STACKS IS MY SH*T !!!!! just found it recently, was a HCORE dailygrind patron .. but made the switch cuz the espresso @stacks is bomb ;D i do have to say ;( last 2X i went my iced latte was not the 5star fav its been!!!! love you guys , jus sayin read more

Great tasting coffee. Slim selection for eats if you are looking to grab a bite. But even just the drip coffee is good. Bold unique flavor

Stacks is always a pleasure. Great staff, clean and classy space. The coffee is so delicious.... I love that they feature different roasters from across the area. It keeps things interesting and allows us Albanites (?) to try something we may not have had the chance to try otherwise! I buy ground coffee for my French press at home, and I get red eyes and magical maple lattes for the mornings when I can't handle watching it brew at home. Check Stacks out if you haven't already! read more

Tasty cappuccino and Crisan-like croissants, add atmosphere and music and you get Stacks Espresso Bar. Place itself is tiny so you might not find a place for studying. I wish more places like this in Albany area and specifically at UAlbany campus. read more

I went in here with a friend for tea. She got the peppermint, I the chamomile. The service was good, the atmosphere chill and casual. It was a nice place to hang out to enjoy good conversation with friends or to sit alone to read a book. If I lived around here it would be a place I'd enjoy doing work or hanging out. read more

Best coffee shop in Albany. Everyone that works there is very friendly and the coffee is always great. Their pastries and bagels are top notch. read more

They really know their stuff here. I ask what a cold brew is and I get a full explanation sans condescension. Great atmosphere. Random mix of people makes it welcoming. I like their house blend and the featured blends. Good place to hide /people watch. read more

I love the staff! And the coffee is the best in the capital region. I wish the setting were better... it kinda feels like walking into a strip mall or something. Not very cozy. Would be good if they had couches and comfy furniture. The food menu is Spartan, but if you just want coffee and maybe a pastry it's all right. Again, tho, if it's just the coffee you're going for, go here. read more

My absolute favorite coffee in Albany. It's never overbrewed, burnt or bitter. Good selection of cappuccinos, lattes, pour overs, and various non dairy milks for all preferences. Nice baked goods display in cooperation with local vendors. Also, great variety of local artwork for sale always on the walls. read more

This place was amazing! We had three hours to kill before catching a bus out of Albany, so we stopped off here and got the "Bucket of Cold Brew," which was 32oz of cold brew for $5. Not only is that cheap for cold brew, it was actually really good cold brew - and I am a coffee snob. Also, the barista didn't overfill the cup with ice, which I really appreciated, and he was just very nice in general even though he was there by himself and probably could have used help. In addition, the wifi was free and worked well, and the cafe itself was sunny and welcoming with a nice, clean yet sort of rustic feel. I would definitely go back if I end up in the area again. read more

Stacks Espresso Bar - The "Bucket of Cold Brew" (32oz) we ordered and enjoyed. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Albany, New York

The iced coffee is cold brewed and amazing! I generally add cream and sugar, but the taste of this is amazing black! The first time in I tried the cappuccino, and that was enough to get me back again and again! They also sell dog treats, and my pup loves them!!!!! read more

I thought the coffee was great. Knowledgeable staff. My new coffee spot for sure. I can't wait to try the pour over. Although I did sit outside but the chair was a little flimsy for my big bonedness. Lol. They had almond my also a huge plus for me. read more

Great vibes here. It has such a good atmosphere. I come for a espresso shot. Is the coffee mixed with the people which motivates me and gets my day going! read more

Cute, hidden little coffee shop you'll miss if your not looking for it on Lark street. Looks small from the outside but is in fact nice sized once you enter. Seating for a dozen or so. Expert, super friendly barista helped me and the wife out. Mocha latte was made with craftsman like precision and I enjoyed, a stout and rich cup of dark drip. The almond biscotti chocolate chip scone was both crunchy and chewy and chock full of almonds and chips. Enjoyed sitting in the window perch, sipping some coffee, watching the world go by. read more

Homemade bagels and pastries, but not to into the smoothies, a friend said the expresso was quite strong tasting.