Charging excessive amount for a cup of coffee! Food and coffee NOT worth the price. Staff are generally friendly and food is OK. Nothing spectacular for sure. Ambience is OK, however, a little loud due to little upholstered furniture. read more

Love this little breakfast spot. They always have new and interesting specials, like lobster Benedict. The service is great and we love stopping by for brunch! Would recommend the pancakes, French toast, or trying a special. read more

My husband and I stopped in here on a whim. We'd passed by numerous times and blew it off as just a small, limited, cafe. This could not have been farther from the truth. Their menu is extensive and everything is prepared fresh. I ordered the Crab Benedict. I was concerned that it was going to be a nasty crab cake on an English muffin. It was beautifully flaked crab meat with a Hollandaise Sauce that tasted homemade. The egg was poached perfectly without being slimy. The staff was wonderful and answered any questions I had! When I told them it was my first time there, they gave me a to-go menu and encouraged me to check out the rest of their offerings! We will definitely return! read more

Small place. Great food and service. A little slow but we went at peak. Recommend for a lowkey breakfast or brunch. No mimosas.

Always exceptional food, service and atmosphere! I can always count on the Union Cafe to make my weekend brunches feel complete and relaxed.

Greek Salad... Where else can you get fresh salad with TWO huge blocks of feta cheese in the area? Seriously, I love this salad so much. I also love the breakfast options at Union Cafe. Servers are always friendly and food is always delicious and fresh! This is one of my favorite Upper Union local spots. But really... get the greek salad! Ps. If you get the greek omelette they will add gyro meat and a side of tzatziki if you ask nicely! Second favorite thing on the menu. read more

Great hearty breakfast! Had 2 sunny side up eggs, toast, two large link sausages, toast, great homemade home fried potatoes and coffee. It was all cooked to perfection with extra large eggs and generous portions. You certainly won't leave hungry. The breakfast was $8.99 and was delicious. read more

Solid restaurant for breakfast and lunch. I've only been here twice so far (Once for lunch & once for breakfast), but I was not disappointed with either visit. The food is really good, the portions are plentiful, the prices are reasonable and the service is friendly. All in all this is a YELP bookmark place and a "Family & Friend recommendation" establishment!! Nothing fancy or pretentious about this place. Everything was good!!!! read more

Delicious and good service but please don't spray cleaner on tables when they are so close together near peoples food. It was really bothersome. read more

Union Cafe - Diners Near Me - Schenectady, New York

Union Cafe is located on a one of the busiest street in Schenectady. There is both street parking and off street parking behind the cafe. But the off street parking lot located in the back of the cafe has only a one way in and out. Union cafe has a maximum occupancy of only around 40+, it might be busy during the weekend. However, they have a nice outdoor dinning section if you wish to seat outside when the weather is nice and warm. Their receptionist and staffs are very friendly and welcoming. Two dishes I tried, the Strawberry French Toast and the Irish Benedict. The strawberries and cheese were stuffed in between two French toasts, topped with whipped cream. I was glad that they put the syrup on the side because the sweetness of the French toasts were just right, making each bite very delicious and enjoyable. The Irish Benedict was good, above average comparing to other cafes that I have gone to. The eggs were poached right topped with creamy holiday sauce, and the English muffins were toasted just at the right crispness, but the corn beef hash was on the salty side. The serving size for the home fries thought was on the small end. read more

Union Cafe - Strawberry french toast topped with whipped cream - Diners Near Me - Schenectady, New York

See all

Very nice diner kinda place. Smallish and cozy like a lot of such places in New York City or Philadelphia, located in the Ole Bernies Buster Brown Shoe store of the 1960-1980s. Partner had Greek Svocki, I had the Giro, and Salad. All were very good. Place was quite busy for a rainy raw day, lunch on Election Day. They take all credit cards, and offer outside dining during the nicer weather. I'll be back,another eating option in the home town. read more

Union Cafe - Diners Near Me - Schenectady, New York

See all

Review time kids. Where do I start here? Hmmmm..... I'll start by saying we used to be semi regulars here. Now that formality is out of the way,let's get down to brass tacks. I'll start with atmosphere clean and up to date with a touch of rustic charm is probably the best way to describe it! They also have a fairly large patio out front(perfect for people watching while you sip coffee) On to the service. It's always been very good! Ever been in restaurant Siberia? Never here! On to the food.... I hate to say it.... nothing special. Please understand that this is not a bad thing,it's honest food. Here's where I'll drop the reason for a 3 star review. Prices. In my opinion are a little steep for the quality/quantity of the food received. On more than one occasion I left hungry. That just doesn't work for me. read more

This cafe is never a disappointment. We live near by so we go here often for breakfast. On the weekends is quite busy but the wait is worth it. The staff is always friendly and attentive . Anything off the menu is going to be delicious. You will enjoy every bite. There are always breakfast specials as well. My favorite is the Irish Benedict. You must come here and try it! read more

This is a really popular spot with limited seating. Once you're able to sit down at a table, the service and food is good.

Always amazing! Their pizza is the best in the area that we've found, this far. Their antipasto salad is amazing! They even toss some Italian Gardenare in there! Bueno! And the leftover pizza is absolutely fantastic if you warm it up on a Grill! The crust gets crunchy and never tough. They are closed Mondays, and have shorter hours during c19 but we'll worth planning for. Delivery drivers are all friendly (but some don't wear masks). The woman who takes the orders is kind, friendly and accurate. Be sure to tell them if you're paying by card because they don't ask. Making myself hungry for pizza... where's my phone. Oh, that too, their website is phone and menu only, you must call to order. read more

A great place to eat in the summer! They have outside tables! Great customer service!

Awesome breakfast. Great place to go for a nice Sunday breakfast out. Everything homemade. Super friendly staff. Fantastic service and food. Definite to go spot. read more

First visit to the Union Cafe as I just moved to this town. I was so pleasantly surprised at the quality of their food and the flavor and taste in my dish. I got the Irish Eggs Benedict with adds hash. Absolutely tasty with an awesome hollandaise sauce. I gave a good look around the everything was very clean and tidy. Place was absolutely packed which is always a good sign for a local place. For the quality of food, quick and attentive service the price can't be beat. Definitely my goto place for Sunday breakfast. read more

First time here and it was AOK, nothing special but your basic diner fare. I wanted the coffee to be better. Maybe I got a bad batch. My eggs were fine and everyone thought their meals were fine. Basically, it was a "fine" experience, not Wow, not horrible. I would still recommend because you won't likely be disappointed with the food itself, which was nicely seasoned. I guess if I could give it 3 1/2 stars instead of 4. There was a wait to get in. So clearly, a neighborhood favorite. Service was fine. Again, nothing to call out but also nothing to criticize or complain. It was a slightly above average dining experience. Nothing special. I've had better. I've had a lot worse. read more

Very Cool Place. Excellent Ambiance. Great Food, read more

Union Cafe - Diners Near Me - Schenectady, New York

DO NOT EAT HERE IF GLUTEN-FREE!!! They claim to be gluten free and are not gluten-free. They offer two designated gluten-free items. Both items are fried in the fryer. They do not have a designated fryer for gluten-free. I was told that they can not guarantee anything is gluten-free because of cross-contamination. I ended up ordering a salad, which I was leary about because of the cross-contamination possibility. The salad was a huge portion. I ate in a group of people and they enjoyed their food. I was the only gf person. I gave three stars because if you are non-Gluten-Free person it would be a good spot. Management-please consider changing your menu and not claiming to be gluten-free. read more

We went here for brunch and there were many empty tables. We had 4 adults and 1 toddler and only 2 of our party hadnt arrived yet. They sat smaller parties before us and made us wait by the road because "they can't seat you until you're entire party is here". They continued to seat others before us, while we waited with a toddler by the road. DO NOT RECOMMEND. read more

Best breakfast around & lunch is Luke none other , especially the Greek options ! Then there's the owner, sweetest young woman in the area s& her staff is as friendly as she is! It's a must try!! You won't be disappointed!!!! Oh and did I mention that Jessica does so much to give back to her community on a regular basis, she truly cares about community & supporting her fellow small businesses read more

Great neighborhood spot. Owner is very charitable with the community as well. Great Sunday breakfast

Service was great! From the moment we walked through the door, the waitstaff was attentive and accommodating. It's a small place, but we did not have to wait for a table, which is always a plus! We ordered a breakfast sandwich, an omelette, and two coffees. Everything was pretty good, but nothing to write home about. There are other breakfast places we'd rather go. read more

My coworker actually "Yelp'ed" this place so here we are! There's no parking lot for the place so you'll have to risk it on the street or be sly and park across the street in the pizza place's lot then ninja your way on over. Lol. The diner is small, but has outdoor seating which is always a plus! They have rotating specials everyday that appear on a big LED screen right at the back of the restaurant. It was busy inside so it was a little loud, but it was totally cool. I had the waitress actually choose between their "World Famous Rueben" and their Roast Beef Triple Decker. She brought out the Rueben and I was happy. It was SO good, so juicy, cooked well, hot, seasoned and just GOOD. It (squinting my eyes while I say this) may have been THE best Rueben I've ever had. Don't quote me, but yeah. That good. Like, I'd go there just for that sandwich. Period. Ain't much else to say. The prices are extremely reasonable, the place is clean, the staff is friendly, come eat here! 5 stars. read more

Union Cafe - Rueben with seasoned fries. Delicious. - Diners Near Me - Schenectady, New York

I must have bad luck when it comes to non-breakfast food at diners. I got lunch recently at Union Cafe, and was pretty disappointed. First, they were out of spanikopita. Come on guys, you're a Greek diner. Keep the Greek food coming! Second, I don't even remember what I got instead, so it must not have been very good. Third, I got a chicken souvlaki platter to take home. It had one tiny skewer of chicken, a few pita triangles, a handful of fries and a tiny salad with a huge slab of feta. It was almost comical until I realized I paid more than $10 for it. Sit outside if you can -- inside is very loud when crowded! No parking lot, so brush up on your parallel parking skills. I find Palmer St. is quieter and less stressful than holding up traffic on Union. Just a short walk away. read more

Been back a few times and it's always good food and great service! Seating inside or out, guaranteed a good meal.

I literally just walked away from my table and my 1/2 cup of coffee. Waitresses told everyone around us that they had a bee problem before they sat them outside, but didn't mention it to us. The place wasn't that busy, Waitress sat and took order of a couple next to us first even though they came after us, and when I asked to place our order a waitress said from the door "Don't take there's yet, go to the other table and take theirs, they have a flight to catch." Referring to another couple that came even later. So to summarize, they sat us in a wasp nest and ignored us to take peoples orders that came after us. Coffee wasn't bad, waitresses were awful. read more

We really enjoy the Greek food at Union Cafe. One of my favorites is the Gyro platter. Everything is delicious and piled high - the meat is what I affectionately consider Greek bacon; the salad always tastes very fresh; the big portion of feta is phenomenal; and putting it all together on pita with tzatziki and onions is a true winner. My companions also enjoy the Greek salad, and the turkey Reuben has become a go-to with just the right amount of coleslaw and sauce to make it tasty while keeping the bread perfectly firm. My pet peeve on the recent visit is that they did away with the canopy/enclosure that kept that place warm in winter. It was really chilly at times, but that won't stop me from going back for the really good meals. read more

Union Cafe - Diners Near Me - Schenectady, New York

Good solid breakfast. Server was very nice and attentive! (They have gluten free bread if needed). Corned beef has was good too. read more

Very overrated. I ordered a feta cheese omelette and it came without any cheese. The waitress implied it was my fault. When the cook fixed it the wiseass dumped a pound of cheese on it. Menu is not extensive. I asked what specialty coffees they had and they said none. I saw someone with a latte and asked the waitress why she didn't say they had that. She said I didn't ask for a latte. They put me by the service station. A second waitress kept bumping into me as she walked by and said nothing. Very crowded location bc it is so small inside. There is always a wait. Very loud inside. read more

Horrible service ever, I walk in to place an order, restaurant is busy, not one employee came to me and asked me if I like to place my order, seems like they just cater to dine in only, Spanish man that works there gave me a attitude and walked past me at least ten times before another employee came to me and asked if I was ready to place my order, entire process tooked over 30 minutes before I was able to place my order, I got home and burger was so dry I couldn't even finish it. read more

We just had a totally on point lunch! Got off the highway to seek this out and so glad we did. Food is clearly scratch made. We had gyros and souvlaki pitas and they were wonderful. There was baklava coming fresh out of the oven that our (friendly, efficient) waitress told us about. We got some to go... so glad we did! Thanks Union Cafe we will be back! read more

Love the fresh quality ingredients! One of Schenectady's hidden little gems. Friendly staff .... Great breakfast & lunch. Blueberry French Toast Lump Crab BenedictSanta Fe Salad And Greek Specialties to die for. Love this little place! read more

The lamb gyro is my absolute favorite. So delicious. The service is great and the people are very friendly.

We first tried this place upon moving to the neighborhood several months ago. Since then, it has become our go-to breakfast spot. Although it is small, they always manage to keep things moving and they have a nice coffee station set up for people waiting for tables. The food is consistently good and reasonably priced. I tend to go for savory breakfasts. I'm especially partial to their home fries made with red potatoes and my eggs are always cooked perfectly to order. Of course, they also have wonderful sweet breakfast items - delicious pancakes and French toast with fruit toppings. I tried the blueberry pancakes and was not disappointed. They were studded with big, juicy blueberries. Yum! The staff are all friendly, welcoming and efficient. read more

Excellent breakfast great service. Saturday mornings it's a little difficult to find parking. Meals are reasonably priced. I recommend if you're staying in the area and love good quality breakfast. read more

Great spot for breakfast. Good service, good food, wanted to try the waffle but we were after 11. Good omelette and good coffee.

The Union Café just opened in April after a long teaser period when the storefront was being renovated for a restaurant, and is now serving breakfast and lunch (only). It's basically a diner, but just one with limited hours. The breakfasts and lunches are well-prepared but not particularly original or memorable. The lunch menu features a more limited number of selections than the usual overwhelming cascade of diner options (a plus, in our books) and features traditional greek specialties (gyros, souvlaki, dolmas, et alia) as well as your basic diner options. The reuben's pretty good and we like the gyros very much, the greek stuff is not badly done but has the usual Americanized blandness typical of diner fare in the area. Burgers have been surprisingly tasty and evenly prepared. There are some more "modern" menu selections, such as wraps, and a few vegetarian options. The inside is brand new, but it fairly mundane standard lunch place. There's a handful of booths and the rest is two-seater tables; you have to know to pull tables together to get seated in a larger party if the place is full. There's a large flatscreen TV in the back that's visible from only part of the restaurant. A sore point on our multiple visits has been service. The staff are very friendly and solicitous, but the time to come and take orders and then bring extra requests (napkins, refills on beverages, etc.) has been uniformly slow. This does not appear to be a kitchen-bound problem so much as a front-of-the-house issue. The family that runs this place was in the diner business and I expect better responsiveness and cut a bit less slack for "burn in" periods in getting a place up and running. Since our visits have been evenly spaced since it first opened, and have come at both peak and off-peak times (and in no case was the restaurant full) it's hard to attribute to being there at busy times of day. Since the hours are, pretty much by definition, limited to meals around workdays, we feel they have to do better. It's also a problem in details: forgetting parts of orders, and worse, forgetting to bring things after we've asked for them more than once. We do want to like the place, given its convenience and the lowkey atmosphere, a place like this is really needed in the Upper Union Business Improvement District strip. It's going to have to try a little harder, though, to get repeat business. read more