Iron Gate is the perfect Albany brunch spot. The food is consistently excellent, and today was no exception. My son had a grilled cheese on sourdough with an ideal cheese pull, along with a terrific Tuscan chicken soup. I kept it simple and tried the the blueberry and peach sangria, which was refreshing and well balanced. The charm of the old home setting sets this place apart and makes the experience stand apart from other Albany restaurants. We love coming here and will definitely be back. read more

OMG! Such a great time! We went on Saturday in early January. I had always heard great things about their Sunday brunches. I had tried to go previously on a sunday in the line was almost to the curb. It was dead of winter , so I decided to go someplace else. I'm so happy that I decided to go on a Saturday. They do call ahead reservations , which is great. We had a table of three, and we were seated with a minute of our time. The staff was very friendly, and the food was amazing. I was very pleased that this wasn't an affordable outing with the rising costs of everything. The three of us made a pack to return again and i'm looking forward to it soon. read more

The Iron Gate Cafe is terrible. Awful service. Overpriced food. Unattainable reservations for anything less than 5 people. And today, on mother's day, when they instructed me a week ago to use their "get in line" feature through Yelp Albany service, they turn off the service! I'm literally waiting to get in line, told my son who is driving 4 hours to meet us there, and they turn off the get in line service! I tried calling, and it went straight to voicemail with a "this mailbox is full" message. Now we are stuck on mother's day without a place to go for mother's day, our schedule has to change. I understand this is a special place for some, but based on my experience last year (when we did have a larger party), it's overcrowded, understaffed, overpriced and poorly managed with basic food offerings that can be found elsewhere at other establishments that actually care about the service they provide. This review originally had a higher rating, and I'm lowering it to a single star. Yes, I'm angry and disappointed. More accurately, I'm shocked how bad one place can get so much wrong. I will not return. read more

Iron Gate Cafe - Waitlist update screenshot - Cafes Near Me - Albany, New York

Outstanding food great service reasonable price. The waiting system works well. Nice atmosphere

My cousin and I came here for brunch. What a wonderful experience! The Iron Gate Cafe had so much charm to it the minute you walked through the gate. It was snowing out giving the outside that wonderful snow globe effect. The inside was charming and honestly kind of reminded me being in a palace. Our server was wonderful. My cousin and I hadn't seen each other in 5 years and stayed a while just talking. We never once felt like we had to rush out. I have some unique food allergies. They were able to accommodate my dietary needs. I had a mushroom, spinach, and cheese omelet with sourdough toast. It was delicious! I highly recommend you check them out when you are in the area! read more

Iron Gate Cafe - Mushroom, spinach, and cheese omelet - Cafes Near Me - Albany, New York

Located in a historical building not too far from the Capitol building, it's about 7-10 minutes walk. It's in between buildings, so make sure to look out for the iron gate as you're walking by. Staff is attentive and welcoming. They have an online waitlist that you can join remotely for busy days. Interior is well maintained so you still see the old wooden floor, staircase, and fireplace. The portions are generous and you can choose salad / potatoes as side. The big iron breakfast sandwich has pepper inside if you like the heat read more

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A historic building that is preserved and serving up some great breakfast! Very interesting to look at the architecture and see how it really does look like it used to be a house. You feel that you're eating in a dining room or a living room (because at one point, it was). Food is great (not amazing), but really great! I'm not a huge eggs benedict person (I don't like mushy food), but I can tell this was good quality eggs benedict. Home fries are excellent - soft and slightly crunchy in some areas with lots of flavor. Got some kombucha to go just because. read more

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Consistently amazing! Hard to beat sitting in their patio area on a 75 degree day. Perfectly shaded area. Staff is friendly and professional, our waitress was great. Ordered a lunch special called Southern Ember. Corn cake with a fried chicken cutlet and fried egg stacked on top. Everything cooked perfectly. Side of awesome home fries, sour cream, and a flavorful drizzle. Can't beat the originality and flavors. My wife enjoyed the Harvest Bowl, daughter enjoyed the quesadilla and her friend enjoyed a ham and cheese melt. Chugged some delicious coffee from Chris' Coffee, a local roaster from Latham. Great way to celebrate the start to my daughter's college year! read more

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We went for lunch with another couple to the Iron Gate Cafe. Street parking was a bit of a nightmare, but the restaurant itself was lovely, with dark wood paneling and stained glass windows. In better weather, there is a front and a back patio. The menu had breakfast and standard lunch fare like sandwiches, salads, soup, flatbreads etc. The food was good and arrived with chips and a pickle. The establishment offers a military discount, but be sure to ask for it up front because our waitress would not revise our check. Apparently this is a common policy now, that you cannot leave a tip with a gift card, so we had to gin up some cash for our server. Other than that little hitch, we had a pleasant experience. read more

Sam was an awesome server, food was so much better than it needed to be, tons of vegetarian and gf options if you want them, and a generally great vibe. read more

Iron Gate Cafe - Tofu Scramble Beef burger - Cafes Near Me - Albany, New York

Service is spectacular food is great and the place is gorgeous we are always pleased. Good cappuccinos. read more

Best brunch spot in Albany. Incredible staff and the food is delicious. We always get an order of pancakes or French toast for the table so we can also try the savory specials. read more

Visiting my friends in New York and we decided to go to Saratoga. On the way we hit up IronGate cafe because one of my friends had visited this place before. No wait on July 4th holiday. We were sat in the courtyard the weather was nice and only slightly windy. Everyone got different things. I got the Cajun scramble and my friend got the burrito. We didn't know the burrito would come armed with a toasted cheese crisp shield. It was rich and decadent and so delicious, the sauce it came with isn't a hot sauce but more of a tomato soup. We also ordered the brie and jam French toast which was adorned with strawberries and blueberries. It was simple but delicious because the salty Brie complements the sweet Jam incredibly well. Highly recommend coming on a sunny day it's so fun eating outside in a garden. If you want an absolute gut bomb get the burrito and the French toast. read more

Stumbling upon this cafe was a delight! It was a drizzly awful day so the gates looked foreboding and it was tucked back--but once inside the crazy bright local art and the cheerful staff an buzzing clattering energy of a restaurant packed to the gills made me smile. There was a rather long wait (we ended up going out for a walk around the block!) but the wait was worthwhile. Astonishing, excellent traditions brunch food - there is a very good reason for wanting to wait!! The place is a warren of parlors because the space seems to have been an 1800s hotel or apartment home. So lusciously high-ceilinged and crammed with cool things to see. Yes okay it was loud and crowded but it was terrrific. read more

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Our first try turned out to be a learning lesson when Iron Gate in Albany, NY said our wait was an hour and a half- but, for future reference, we can put our name down online in their waitlist. That "next time" came, and we made it a point to return. The decorative iron gate greets you as you walk in, setting the tone for what's to come. The cozy courtyard leads you through an inviting path that gives a real sense of Iron Gate's charm, blending history with warm, welcoming vibes. With our names already on the list and a quick alert that our table was ready, we were able to finish up our errands nearby and get seated within minutes. Iron Gate's inside has rich colors, carved wood details, and chandeliers that give off the softest elegant glow. The menu offers breakfast basics and a good selection of beverages. I had the spinach+ mushroom omelette- plentiful and hearty with buttery, toasted sourdough and salad. My husband went with the namesake "Iron Gate" Benedict: smoked ham and pepper jack hollandaise over an English muffin. He added a side of fries, which were just simple. The Bellini I ordered? Perfect bubbly and peach combo. That said, the menu itself felt a little out of sync with the space. The ambiance is more elevated, but the food sticks close to simple territory. Not necessarily bad- just a bit mismatched with the style and experience. Still, the service more than made up for any of that. Trish, our server, was freaking amazing. So was the host. read more

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Some friends and I went to Iron Gate to catch up on St. Patrick's day weekend. We fortunately didn't get stuck in parade crowds. We used Yelp's "join the line" feature to secure a designated brunch time and only had a minimal wait once we got there. Iron Gate was very much still in the St. Patrick's day spirit so were lucky enough to be able to order off of their regular menu as well as their St. Patrick's day menu. I ordered a mimosa off of the regular menu while my brunch buddies all tried specialty beverages. I enjoyed my mimosa and got to sample two boozy iced coffees and a green lemonade. I wasn't a fan of the lemonade but then again lemonade isn't my thing unless it's 85 and sunny out. On to entrees. If breakfast is an option on a menu, I'm getting breakfast. I got the "lucky pancakes" which were pancakes with green food dye with crumbled up thin mints mixed in. I asked if they could make them gluten free but they said no, so I opted to ignore my gluten sensitivity and have them as they came. They were admittedly delicious - three fluffy pancakes of minty magic - but my stomach regretted them later. (Not Iron Gate's fault that I made poor life choices) My brunch buddies also had breakfast, but they opted to go the savory route. I forget what they ordered but I did remember to take pictures of their meals and can recall that everyone was happy with their meals. I got to sample their meals (and they got to sample mine). The omelet and home fries was a solid choice. All in all, Iron Gate was a fun experience. We didn't feel rushed by our waitress at all so it gave us the chance to catch up and chat. read more

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Classic coffee was so good, whatever roast they are using hot the spot for the morning. I also loved my eggs Benedict, their pepperjack hollandaise was killer. If you go on the weekend you can queue yourself online to get a table easier. If you have a large party you can reserve. Great spot for our girls brunch! Can only imagine how nice it is to sit outside in the warm weather read more

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

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everything is fabulous! location, food, service, vibe. A treasure hidden in the city. I always bring my out of towners here. :-D

The food at the Iron Gate was fabulous! I ordered the orange pancakes and tried some of my colleague's potatoes. Although I didn't have the eggs Benedict, my other colleague raved about the taste of the biscuit and how that was a perfect pairing. Service was pretty good and fast. On my next visit to Albany, I intend to return. read more

As we sat at this restaurant waiting a short time for our food, we enjoyed the fact that the internet exists... Without the internet, we never would have found this wonderful breakfast/brunch/lunch spot. Honestly, with the eclectic look from the sidewalk, and the fact that the front courtyard is squeezed between two apartment buildings, this would be an easy place to miss if you weren't specifically looking for it. We visited Iron Gate on a Saturday morning, to enjoy a late breakfast while traveling through Albany. We were quickly approached by our server, Casey who remained efficient and friendly throughout the dining experience. I had the Iron Gate Benedict with fruit which was good... Probably a four out of five, my wife had the Elvis Memphis scramble which looked even better. Our breakfast including drinks, tip and tax averaged just under $30 per person which is a little higher end, but well worth it for this cute setting. They have a lot of seating, and many different experiences - an outdoor patio, indoor tables, and a bar area. Since it was the weekend, there was plenty of free parking available on the street right outside. read more

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The food is excellent, the staff is friendly and helpful, the atmosphere elegant but makes you feel at home at the same time. read more

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We stopped in Albany on our way to Saratoga Springs and my husband was nice enough to make a reservation at this hidden gem. They have plenty of indoor and outdoor seating both in front and in the back. We were quickly seated at one of their indoor tables. The menu offers both lunch and breakfast items. They have plenty of omelette choices, as well as your other typical breakfast dishes. They also have a few sandwiches for lunch. I went with the Elvis' Memphis Scramble. In addition to scrambled eggs it had bacon, sausage, grilled onions and green peppers. The sides were home fries and cornbread. It was a very generous portion and tasted delicious. My husband went with the Iron Gate Benedict. It had poached eggs and Virginia Ham. He also loved his meal. Service was quick and friendly. read more

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Good service. Had breakfast plates, eggs Benedict and over medium eggs with ham. Both were cooked just perfectly. Ambiance is nice, relaxed and comfortable. read more

The breakfast they serve here is a real find for me; everything is excellent. I ordered scrambled eggs with tofu, a chicken sandwich, and French toast. Everything was delicious. The staff was friendly, and the atmosphere was relaxed. read more

Whether you're a local or just passing through, Iron Gate Cafe delivers a delightful brunch experience. I had the BLAST sandwich--packed with bacon, turkey, lettuce, tomato, and pesto mayo - it was absolutely delicious. My boyfriend ordered the Breakfast Burrito, which was hearty and flavorful. The cozy, welcoming atmosphere adds to the charm, making it a spot we'd gladly return to. Service was efficient and friendly as well. Highly recommended for a satisfying brunch! read more

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

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My favorite spot in the AM to go and reset and eat some great breakfast. Service is very calm and friendly. I always love seeing the outside of Iron Gate very much fall vibes ! read more

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

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Been going here since undergrad (2018) to get some yummy brunch. Brought my family here after my little cousins graduation and it did not disappoint. I will forever tell people to come. The stuffed French toast and the raspberry French toast are to die for. Additionally I had this health friendly meal, eggs Benedict with bean patty and salad. read more

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

This is probably my favorite brunch spot in Albany! It is in such a beautiful building, the food never disappoints, and the service is excellent. They always have really good brunch specials that I love to try. Definitely can get really busy on weekends, I am happy they have added the online waitlist as a way to limit some of the waiting. This is a go to spot for my family! read more

Great spot for breakfast in the area. We were in town for a wedding and wanted a good breakfast/brunch spot. Reading online that it gets busy quickly and parking can be challenging, we got there shortly after they opened on a Saturday morning and had no wait and no issue with parking. Both my wife and I got the breakfast burrito. It was a large portion and was delicious. No complaints on the food. I also had a coffee and a Bloody Mary. I would have preferred a bit more spice and flavor in the Bloody Mary as the mix was a little bland. There is a nice cozy atmosphere inside. Overall, our experience was great and would come back again if we are in the area. read more

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

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Look for the iron gates along Washington Ave. it's discreetly nestled in-between the historic buildings of Albany. You'll be greeted by a fairytale-like aesthetic and charm in their courtyard. Inside contains a homely interior with energetic staff and music. I visited during the fall season, with many great-sounding options to choose from. I ordered the Eddie Munster, which was an amazing blend of ham, hash browns, and egg all within a croissant sandwich. Actually amazing option! It embodies breakfast to its core, and the sweet chili sauce is an added bonus that gives it character. I accompanied my dish with a maple snickerdoodle latte. Get it hot! The temperature is perfect for drinking (not too scalding), and its flavor is perfectly sweet and deep. It's not overbearing, and it's perfect for the season. Amazing restaurant. read more

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Love Irongate! See previous reviews for more details, just adding more pictures from more recent visits :)) read more

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Wonderful vegan options, service was10/10!! Loved the outdoor seating just beware of bees! We visited the end of August, we will be back! read more

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Friendly service, good food and beautiful architectural designs - in the heart of Albany

Food was delicious and the waitress was very attentive for how busy it was. The vibes and decoration was pretty nice. It was small and a little cramped but they have the option to sit outside which felt less cramped. read more

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

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We stopped for breakfast and we all were pleasantly surprised and pleased with our choices. Fresh ingredients. Delicious pepper jack hollandaise sauce. Great well kept mansion with interesting decor. Great attentive service! Will be back! read more

Wow, this place was simply amazing. I came here back in October 2023 with my son, who lives in the area. I am a breakfast/brunch girl, and this place did not disappoint. I do suggest an rsvp. They seem to stay consistently full. When you walk up, you go through the iron gate to the courtyard, which has seating outside. When you walk inside, it's like taking a step back in the 1800s as this place seemed to have a lot of the original features of this historic home. Me and my son shared in order to try multiple items. The apple cider mimosa was AMAZING and BIG. That was a first for me, and it was delicious. We split the Benedict and the French toast sandwich. Everything was delicious. I'll be coming back soon when I visit again. I've been dreaming about this brunch. The service was friendly and fast. read more

My family stopped for breakfast at Iron Gates Cafe while driving through Albany, NY. This little gem of a restaurant is hidden behind iron gates. Behind the gates is a cherry blossom tree to your left and a patio with outdoor seatings for warmer weather. There is also a back patio that I learned of later as well for additional seating guests who would like to have privacy but still be outdoor. We were immediately seated. Our waiter took our drink order and then came back later for the rest of our breakfast order, she did not rush us. Food came out relatively fast. We got to enjoy the scenery and my kids were given crayons to color. My husband enjoyed his breakfast burger. Who eats burger for breakfast? My daughter had the grilled cheese and French fries. She later admitted she only wanted it for the fries. So between the two of them, they had burger and fries for breakfast. My son ordered the mushroom and spinach omelette while I had the stuffed French toast with ham. We both didn't finish our dish. We ate about half of our meal. Both came with a heaping serving of home fries, while my son dish also came with an additional side of corn bread to top it off. My husband ordered an iced coffee while I had the matcha latte (which my daughter stole and drank all for herself) and a chai latte. The chai latte was better than the matcha latte. The matcha latte was overly sweet, perfect for my daughter. She drank every drop of it. The check came to a little over $100 for meals for four, and three drinks, plus tax and tip. It's definitely four stars for the amazing customer service and for the restaurant interior decor and atmosphere. I noticed that the dirty dishes were being handled within close proximity to the restroom area, literally in front of it. Not only was it very noisy but it also felt a bit unsanitary. I feel mixed about returning. 3.5 stars. read more

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HANDS DOWN BEST BRUNCH!!!!! The grilled cornbread was so heavenly, I still think about it every day! The hot chocolate was amazing! read more

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

We LOVE this place. We found it last year on a tour of Albany and went back for both breakfasts. Convenient public transportation stop in Capitol area. Excellent food, perfectly comfy and tasty. There were plenty of plant-based food options. The tofu scramble was the best we have ever had. The decor is a wonderful combination of Elvis memorabilia and 19th century Victorian. The staff is great and the people that go there live in the neighborhood. read more

A true Gem.... Located in an old Victorian home complete with an iron gate which beckons you into a secret garden/outdoor seating. Wish the weather had been nicer when we went but gives me an excuse to come back and enjoy out door dining. Almost missed the restaurant as from the outside it looks nothing like a restaurant. Such a cute and quaint place with an interesting menu. Restaurant is only opened for breakfast and lunch. We got there just before the lunch rush and would recommend reservations. Wait staff were friendly and came back by often. Food was excellent and special order did not upset them. We got a BLT and shrimp wrap for lunch would highly recommend if you are in the Albany area. Parking can be a challenge as they offer street parking only. read more

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