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    The Gateway Diner

    2.8 (207 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Order The Gateway Diner Takeout or Delivery

    The Gateway Diner Photos

    THE GATEWAY DINER ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - The Gateway Diner

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    Breakfast is served
    Kylie M.

    Staff is nice and the menu is large, but food is nothing to write home about. I had a decent breakfast here once but was disappointed by a recent dinner. The breaded chicken in my Panini was tough and very overdone. My husband had a Caesar chicken salad and said the chicken was hard and lettuce wilted. The prices are reasonable, but I guess you get what you pay for! Don't think I'll be coming here again. There are much better diner options in the area.

    Athenian Wrap, Summer wrap
    Sovy M.

    My plate was bit empty, I guess these prices really affected them. There was nobody in the diner at that time, it was a Friday afternoon. Service was okay, the wraps we had were Yumm.", really fresh stuff was used. Crunchy cold lettuce. Great Ambiance.

    Recreation of my experience not an actual photo from my visit

    I went to the Gateway this morning for a simple breakfast. Waitress was nice and professional. I sat at the counter. The food was good. As I finished my meal, an off-duty staff member came into the diner with her Shih Tzu puppy. She sat 2 chairs from me at the counter and actually put the dog right onto the same counter I was eating at. The other waitresses all came up to hold and pet the dog, taking selfie's etc. And, I directly witnessed them returning to the floor to touch peoples plates, glasses and silverwear after touching the dog without washing their hands. One waitress used hand sanitizer after I said something but most certainly would not have if I had remained silent. They saw I was upset and started calling it a 'service dog'. The staff said they were not allowed to ask for paperwork to prove it. Service dog my ass. It was a puppy, too young to have been trained as a service dog of any kind. It was not wearing the identifying harness that service dogs wear. Service dogs are not supposed to be approached by strangers because they are working dogs. AND service dogs certainly belong on the floor in a restaurant and not ON THE SAME COUNTER CUSTOMERS EAT THEIR FOOD AT. I left a $5 tip for an $8 meal because my waitress did not participate with the puppy. I won't EVER be back. They'll be lucky if I don't report this to the health department.

    Chicken and Noodle soup @ Gateway Diner
    Christian L.

    Gateway is one of those diners I do not frequent often. I just told my waitress Felicity, that I recall coming here 8 years ago. The menu is gigantic. The food is decent, but not 'hand made'. This is a typical Greek diner fix. Hostess, as has been said, is hanging back-counter, laughing excessively and waved diners off with her hand. The service from my view is always great, just cleared the table! Particularly the wraps, Chicken Parm, BLTs and desserts are excellent here. Sides more or less suck and are not worth much. Nice inside: sit at comfy and very spacious booths. Kitchen is slow. Waitress polite. Rebel review: 4

    The Gateway Special was amazing the white stuff is butter
    Ana S.

    The gateway special was amazing the waitress was so nice and the vibe was amazing they came super quickly with the food

    Chef Salad
    Raeesa W.

    There is something special about an old school diner that makes me feel all warm and happy. Today was our first time at Gateway and I definitely got that feeling. As soon as we entered we were greeted by a lovely hostess and were seated promptly. The place is massive with probably one of the biggest parking lots I've seen for a diner. Our waitress was very attentive and friendly and made sure we were satisfied with our meals. We got there late morning so I still opted for breakfast and my husband got a salad. Both of us were happy with our choices and there is no way anyone would complain about the portion sizes. The prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is lively. Definitely a good option if you happen to be driving down Central Avenue and need to nosh.

    Greek spanakopeta with side salad
    Loretta H.

    Friend and I visited the diner for a quick lunch after doing some shopping. Friends burger (she said) was delicious. My wrap on the other hand was just ok. She had fries which she said were great. I did not opt for them. No pickles accompanied either dish. Bummer. Wrap just did not feature the buffalo sauce or blue cheese dressing on fried chicken. Chicken did appear to have some savory flavor, but buffalo was not apparent. Blue cheese was spotty. Have had better at other places. May be the chef was having an off day.

    the entrance to the restaurant
    Rich B.

    After a long day of ice fishing on Lake George, Lucy and I were in need of comfort food. What better place than the Gateway Diner. Although we got "skunked" on the ice, that was not on the menu (good thing or she might have forced me to eat some). Anyway, we both opted for turkey dinners, w soup, drink, and dessert. Comes with stuffing, cranberry sauce and choice of potato or daily vegetable. The turkey and fries were both smothered in delicious gravy, the soup (lentil for Lucy, chicken pastene for me) were both excellent, and the rice pudding was delicious. I've been to many diners in the tri-city area and, IMHO, the Gateway Diner's turkey dinner is the best of the best. Generous portions, good quality, and reasonable. About the only thing missing was a cherry on top of the whipped cream on top of the rice pudding (and I'm sure that I could've gotten one if I asked). Lucy and I both agreed 5 star.

    Salad

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    12 days ago

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    15 days ago

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    6 days ago

    One of the best breakfasts I've had and the service was excellent! Very clean. A well run operation. Definitely worth a try.

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    3 months ago

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    11 months ago

    The server Denise was the highlight of our experience!! such a kind woman and very helpful.

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    1 year ago

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    They don't stay open as long as they used to but it's our "go to" place when we crave old fashioned comfort food.

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    4 years ago

    Went there in 2007/2008. Ordered burgers. The bread was stale and nasty. The waitress was an older woman with an attitude. Will never return

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    The Scene - Pesto Chicken Panini

    The Scene

    3.8(126 reviews)
    3.3 mi
    $$

    New favorite place!! **** Please note that the hours are different than what's in Yelp. They have…read morenew extended hours that go into the evening on weekends so we went for dinner on a Friday night and they closed at 9 PM on Friday. They close for half an hour between four and 430 just to switch into the evening . Check their website for accurate hours. ***** We did not need to make a reservation. We just walked in. Husband and I came for date night and we LOVED everything we had! The drinks the food the atmosphere, everything was perfect! The service was quick friendly and fun! I had the lavender mocktail which came with actual pieces of lavender in it and my husband had the other mocktail offered. Both had beautiful presentation that was so enticing! For food I had the chicken skewers which for hot honey was NOT spicy in the least so don't let that scare you away if you're sensitive to spice it's incredibly mild. I wish a small bit of rice/zucchini or something was served with the chicken to fill out the meal but the chicken itself was SO yummy!! we also ordered the shoestring truffle french fries and we were a little nervous cause shoestring could be really thin, but these were the perfect size. They weren't too thin and they were so yummy. My husband ordered the salmon and that equally was perfect, served with quinoa. After we both had the raspberry cake for dessert! I found the dessert to be larger than the dinner for myself and I had a hard time finishing it so my husband finished his and mine lol it was so so good!! it's a beautiful dining room with the screened in porch. There is a champagne vending machine for mimosas. If you come for brunch, they also offer catering. We had such a good time and we absolutely cannot wait to get back there to try their brunch menu!!!

    Its a very high-toned place. The whole interior and exterior is extravagant looking and cozy. The…read moremain issue I had was that the tables were sticky and not clean. When we received out food the syrup was spilt by the server but they never refilled it for us. We also were given silverware and not napkins which to me feels a little odd. Our drinks arrival time was Staggered as well so we were not able to enjoy our drinks at the same time lest they become cold or no longer desirable. Despite all this both the food and drink were very good.

    Photos
    The Scene - Inside The Scene

    Inside The Scene

    The Scene - Watermelon Feta Salad

    Watermelon Feta Salad

    The Scene - Spring Brunch Special - The Garden Party cocktail

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    Spring Brunch Special - The Garden Party cocktail

    The Skinny Pancake Albany

    The Skinny Pancake Albany

    3.9(157 reviews)
    2.8 mi
    $$

    When a friend and I were going to have breakfast in Albany, she told me that I had to try the…read moreSkinny Pancake. Didn't need to convince me! Admittedly I'm a bit delayed in writing this review so some of what I tried was seasonal dependent as I got a hot apple cider for a drink. To eat, I got a crepe and side of sausage! Just a few short minutes later, the food was ready to go. Everything was really delicious. The sausage provided a perfect savory balance for the sweet crepe that I got. The restaurant was really spacious and had lots of natural light which provided a lovely ambiance. Despite growing up in upstate NY, getting to sit at Skinny Pancake felt like a nice, peaceful perspective I hadn't received before. The food being delicious was the cherry on top. I highly recommend!

    First time, got a savory crepe the cheesy chicken pesto. Was pretty good! Crepe had a great…read moretexture. Probably a 8/10. The Johnny crepe was also very good, would want to get that again next time. Service was quick and friendly. You order your meal and there is self service coffee and water which is great. Second visit, came with a group of 7. And one party of 3 before us. We all were standing around for 5-10minutes before anyone greeted us. Unfortunately they were short staffed, and many people were sat at tables and still waiting for food. We were told it was going to be a 10-15minute wait and that we cannot be seated (although it is a self order type of thing?) We were not allowed to sit at the table just to sit. We were offered the couch until they were ready. However as we were waiting, other parties came in and directly walked up to the register? And so we were kind of turned off by that...There has to be a better system :/. Was super excited to eat here again. Hopefully they will improve

    Photos
    The Skinny Pancake Albany - Dining area

    Dining area

    The Skinny Pancake Albany
    The Skinny Pancake Albany - Wrap

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    Wrap

    Umana Yana - Jollof Rice Jerk Lamb Lollipops  Slaw

    Umana Yana

    4.6(365 reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $$

    Umana Yana - Washington Ave, Albany, NY If you're looking to…read morestep outside of the ordinary and experience bold flavors in a welcoming atmosphere, Umana Yana is a must-visit. This was my second time here--my first visit was dining in with friends, and this time I ordered takeout. Both experiences were consistently impressive. Known for its Ethiopian dishes and outstanding vegan cuisine, Umana Yana brings African culture to life through its vibrant décor, flavorful food, and thoughtfully crafted drinks. Every detail reflects passion and authenticity. It's no surprise that actress Tabitha Brown made a stop in Albany to experience the restaurant's highly praised vegan offerings. That's a testament to the reputation they've built. For my meal, I ordered the jerk lamb lollipops, jollof rice, and slaw. The lamb was tender, juicy, and packed with just the right amount of jerk seasoning. The jollof rice was rich, well-seasoned, and full of flavor, while the slaw added a fresh, crisp balance to the meal. On my previous visit, I tried the wings and waffles, and they were equally delicious. Two visits, two different meals, and not a single disappointment. Whether you're a longtime fan of African cuisine or looking to try something new, Umana Yana offers an experience that's just as memorable as the food itself. If you don't know, now you know. Add Umana Yana to your list--you won't regret it!

    Service: 1 Just…read morebought some property in Albany, NY with my man, all the way from Los Angeles, CA!! It was a cloudy day, we wanted some decent Caribbean food & found Umana. Black businesses in LA respect their people and take their businesses very seriously, so I assumed this place would do the same. Unfortunately, we were treated like pests over a small misunderstanding. The waitress-Mercy, misheard me on our drink preferences & began giving us the good ol " Caribbean" cold shoulder . Why so sensitive? The sorrel sangria had way too much cinnamon. Also, I wanted pikliz with my meal, but she did not return after the drink mishap. We quickly learned, this is not a BLACK BUSINESS, this is an AFRICAN BUSINESS & they will quickly show you the difference. Food & Drink: 3 Goat roti gave a a little stomach ache, but it was decent. Oxtain was not tender, not good. The plate was mostly bones & gravy & rice. Plantains & jollof were good. The drinks were delicious though, but they were not strong at all. Price: 2 Spent 100$ so basically 25$ for each item, including the drinks. Overpriced and very small portions. The sides are literal pints, like the babyfood jar size. I was like ??? We usually pay this much at high scale Haitian restaurants in Manhattan, and completely understand the price because we are experiencing amazing customer service, food, ambience &scenery. Better to order takeout, but i heard it very difficult to do that here. Idk lol weird. Black/Indigenous Americans, do not bring your money here. You are not completely welcome here.

    Photos
    Umana Yana
    Umana Yana - Beans and chorizo omlette.

    Beans and chorizo omlette.

    Umana Yana - SORREL Sangria!

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    SORREL Sangria!

    The Gateway Diner - diners - Updated September 2026

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