The 6 Best Coffee Shops in Albany, Ranked
Barista pouring coffee at an Albany cafe
Six independent Albany coffee shops, ranked on coffee quality, seating and how long you can reasonably work there.
The top three
1. Stacks Espresso Bar, downtown on Broadway. Best espresso in the city, staff who actually know their beans, and a small food menu. Loses a point for limited seating. 2. Superior Merchandise Company in Troy (15 min across the river) if you’re willing to cross the river — arguably the best coffee in the Capital Region, period. 3. The Daily Grind on Lark Street. Old-school Center Square spot, roasts its own beans since the '80s, comfortable enough to work in for hours. Free wifi that actually works.
Four through six
4. Uncommon Grounds on Lark Street. Bagels are the draw more than the coffee, but the coffee is fine and the seating is generous. 5. Kru Coffee on Delaware Avenue, Pine Hills-adjacent, favored by grad students for a reason. 6. Death Wish Coffee has a taproom in Round Lake (30 min north) that's a novelty stop for their famously strong roast. Skipped: chain locations, and any drive-thru. The Albany independent scene is small but real — support it while it exists.
Before you book
The questions people ask about Center Square, answered with this month’s numbers.
The Daily Grind on Lark Street. Solid wifi, comfortable seating, no one will rush you, and the neighborhood is walkable when you need a break.
Stacks on Broadway is the closest genuinely good option, about a five-minute walk. Otherwise you’re stuck with hotel lobby coffee or the chain outlets in the Empire State Plaza concourse.
