Iron Gate Cafe

Iron Gate Cafe is hands down the most mouth-watering brunch spot in downtown Albany. The interior is gorgeous and welcoming, the service is lovely, and the food is expectional. The pancakes and elvis memphis entree is outstanding. Always order a side of cornbread; it is decadent. They have a large variety of food to select from including lunch options like burgers and chicken sandwiches. The drinks are delicious. I highly recommend the ice Chai, hot chai, and if you are feeling spicy the mimosas. The food and drink specials rotate. They are family friendly establishment as well. The staff is incredibly friendly and this truly makes a difference when dining out. The noise level can be moderate but it is fairly easy to still chat. This cafe is definitely worth checking out.

Visiting friends in Albany we went to Iron Gate Cafe to have lunch on a cold December day after taking a walk in Washington Park. We checked out the menu online so we already knew what we wanted to order for lunch. When we walked in we told the host that our two friends were about fifteen minutes away and she told us our table would be ready in about 15 minutes. We were seated before our friends showed up. We ordered an Ice Tea and a Chai Latte while waiting. Once our friends showed up we all ordered our meals. I ordered the Bean Berger (Homemade black bean burger, smashed avocado, lettuce, tomato, pickled red onion, and vegan ranch on a toasted hard roll, served with French fries $17.00 Add: Cheese +$1.00). My wife ordered the Thai Shrimp Bowl (Sweet Thai chili shrimp, cabbage, spinach, carrots, cucumbers, avocado, quinoa, and a lime $17.00). They both had Mimosas ($11.00). Our two friends shared the Gluten Free Pancakes (Triple stack with maple syrup and your choice of protein $16.00) and the breakfast burrito (Three scrambled eggs, sausage, crushed cherry peppers, potatoes, smashed avocado, and cheddar in a flour tortilla, served with a side of ranchero $17.00). My wife and I shared our meal and I got a taste of the pancakes. All of the food was delicious. It’s a cool place with lots of small and medium sized rooms with a rock and roll style and serves a variety of vegan and non-vegan options. Before going I read reviews of Iron Gate Cafe and a few low ratings were because of rude staff. I can say that everyone we dealt with was outstanding. Our server was friendly and came over to check on us a few times. I look forward to going back and trying the breakfast burrito.

🏰 Historic Gem in Albany! 🏰 I visited Iron Gate Cafe in Albany with my parents and was immediately charmed by this unique spot! 🍳 Incredible Food 🍳 The breakfast burrito I ordered was absolutely incredible!! Every bite was packed with flavor and perfectly prepared. It completely exceeded my expectations and left me completely satisfied. 🏛️ Beautiful Historic Setting 🏛️ Walking through the cafe was a delightful experience. They've done an amazing job preserving the historic feeling of the buildings while converting the space into a beautiful dining area. The character and charm of the original architecture shines through in every corner. 👩‍🍳 Knowledgeable Staff 👩‍🍳 Our waitress was so friendly and went above and beyond with her service. What made the experience even more special was her extensive knowledge about the history of the buildings. She shared fascinating details that enhanced our appreciation of this historic gem. ❤️ Perfect Family Outing ❤️ This was such a wonderful place to bring my parents! The combination of delicious food, fascinating history, and welcoming atmosphere made for a perfect family outing. We'll definitely be returning to Iron Gate Cafe whenever we're in Albany again!

We really enjoy visiting new cities and a big part of that is finding great dining experiences. The Iron Gate Cafe fit that requirement. As representative of the city and community, Albany should be proud of what The Iron Gate is providing. We stopped in for a late lunch after a short tour of the city. The staff were very welcoming and Sam was a great server, offering suggestions with a smile and very friendly personality. We chose a variety of menu items, to all share. From local brews and craft beverages to very unique twists on classic favorites. The Iron Gate Breakfast sandwich was on of those. The basic sausage-egg-cheese classic but kicked up with a perfectly toasted(not too toasted) bagel and a roasted pepper relish that was an incredible accompaniment. With a dish called The Southern Smother, how could you pass up homemade waffles, fried chicken and sausage gravy. A definite hit although I was a bit put off by the pepper sauce served for dipping. If it were a sweet based pepper sauce, it would have paired better with the waffles, but still a dish worth recommending. But the big standout was the Brie stuffed French toast! Perfectly cooked through to offer a nice crust with a wonderful custardy inside. Put that together with the Brie & berries and you have a really great balance. So GOOD!! Original we were only planning on one afternoon visit to see Albany, but the Iron Gate Cafe is reason enough to make a 2nd visit.

Loved everything about it. My family ordered salads with all kinds of veggies, quinoa and chicken. Hearty, fresh, yum… menu is diverse with tons of great sounding options. Sammies, Benedict’s, bloodies, Prosecco…Lovely garden setting outside. Historical architecture and warm, ornate woodwork inside with chandeliers and stained glass inside. Nice staff.

Irongate Cafe in Albany is a solid breakfast and brunch spot. Started with a hot cider that was really good. The jerk chicken bean soup was delicious with great flavor, though the chicken didn’t really taste jerked. I also had the Raging Cajun scramble which was a big portion, very hearty, and seriously filling. Overall, a good stop for a satisfying meal.

Delicious food, I got Cajun scramble and asked for mushrooms and it was amazing. We also got raspberry Brie French toast which was melt in your mouth good! Very cute from the inside, good find for us!

I had the pleasure of visiting Iron Gate Cafe during my Albany visit to University at Albany and it was an excellent experience from start to finish. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and has just the right balance of cozy and lively—perfect for sitting down with friends or enjoying a meal on your own. The service was attentive without being overbearing, which made the whole visit feel relaxed and enjoyable. But the highlight for me was definitely the food. I ordered the Cajun omelette, and I can honestly say it’s one of the best omelettes I’ve ever had. Perfectly seasoned, cooked just right, and full of flavor—it exceeded my expectations in every way. On top of that, I’m very particular about my coffee, but their latte was spot-on, smooth, rich, and expertly crafted. Definitely coming back here next time I come to Albany. Iron Cafe has definitely earned a spot on my list of favorites. Highly recommended!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

Visited today for the first time, decided to go for a late brunch on a bustling Saturday. The atmosphere was lively and had a charming historic vibe with an edgy twist complete with The Ramones and The Misfits decor! The drinks were enjoyable, and the food tasted fresh. I had the French toast complete with brie and berries which was delightful. I'm definitely looking forward to coming back to explore more dishes on the menu.

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.

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.

Service is slipping and in need of pest control. The last few times we've been to Iron Gate the orders didn't come out correct or complete. The waitstaff will fix it, but it takes so long a person is half-way through their meal without their full order or everyone else in the party feels they have to wait and everything gets cold. Watch your quality control from order to kitchen to customer and the speed in responding to order issues. Also, there are a lot of mice on the patios and crawling up the ivy on the building. That's gross at a restaurant and the mice are too bold and run under outdoor tables. Serious pest control is needed for both mice and for a lot of bees in the early fall.

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.

Definitely worth the wait ! Great service and. The food was divine . I had the sundown Benedict . Roasted sweet potatoes really make this dish sing

I absolutely of the ambiance of this restaurant! It's such a lovely place and the building is also so unique! I've come here a couple of times and have always enjoyed my meals, the breakfast burrito is amazing and the big iron breakfast sandwich is also super good. The side of greens was a little heavy on the dressing but refreshing. I loved there seasonal drinks as well, the latte was delightful and my friends enjoyed their mimosas too! We were a relatively large group and the waitresses were super accommodating and everything came out really timely. I definitely recommend trying iron gate for a great brunch!

Great food and service! Join the wait on Google no need to call! Line is always big but goes pretty fast

This place is popular. Even on a weekday, there was a wait. Luckily, my dining companion got there earlier than I did and put our name down, so I didn't have to wait long. This cafe is huggggeee. Seriously, we kept turning the corner into another room with more tables. I don't think I've ever seen a restaurant laid out like this, in a big old house with tables nestled in every hallway and corner. Super charming. I went for the Buddha Bowl, which had roasted sweet potato, broccoli, sliced avocado, spinach quinoa, & fried tofu tossed in sweet Thai chili sauce. Generous helping of perfectly crispy tofu. Everything was fresh, well-balanced, and well-portioned. Their menu had lots of sweet brunchy things that would totally be my vibe on another day. Well worth the visit!

If it's quaint ambiance you enjoy with your breakfast/brunch, then you've found the right place. Nestled behind an adorable brick courtyard, this restaurant is housed in a made over historical mansion. The food was tasty and well seasoned. Our waitress had an upbeat sunny disposition and was very attentive to our needs. We ate in the main dining area with early century decor and charm. Also available was an eclectic bar area for quick on the go yummy treats. A beautiful back patio, not in use during the cold season, offered a nice view thru the windows just the same. It looked as though locals and visitors alike were happy to enjoy a relaxing start to their day here at Irongate Cafe. Definitely will return for another visit.

Met a group of friends here for Saturday brunch. Service was friendly and efficient. They sat us in the back courtyard - an absolutely lovely setting with greenery and a working fountain in the middle of the courtyard. The variations on French toast and the breakfast sandwiches were all delicious as were the lattes (hot, cold and Chai!) I hadn't eaten here in a while and was glad to have been seated outside on a beautiful summer day.

When it comes to a weekend brunch, my three top choices in the Albany area are cafe Madison, umana and iron gate. They're my splurge brunches (three steps up from a typical diner, and boozy drinks!) but man, oh man the waits are rough. Luckily, Iron gate allows you to join a wait-list so you can wait at the comfort of your own home.The inside is also quite quaint - it's a converted mansion with a lot of the old charm still there. The servers are great too - they've always been super friendly, helpful and accommodating. Iron gate has specials and those are my usual go to as I love trying something new. Last time, we tried a beet with a poached egg and hollandaise sauce and oh it was delicious and 'healthy'. On the flip side, we had an apple cider sandwich that might have spiked my cholesterol and diabetes through the roof - it was good but I needed to share the second sandwich. My friend tried the Cajun scramble (normal menu) and I'd 100% get that next time - well seasoned and cornbread was 10/10!

Stopped in for brunch on a Friday. Food and coffee are delicious! Highly recommend the caprese omelette and the raspberry brie french toast. The architecture and ambiance is exciting, definitely worth checking out - especially when it's warm enough to eat in the garden. Service was fast and friendly, Gabriela was an amazing server. Definitely worth the visit!

I had the Iron Gate eggs Benedict which was not tasty.. unlike any Eggs Benedict I have previously had. We also had a prosecco and orange juice drink which was not good. People were friendly and it was a lovely day it definitely is not a restaurant we are apt to frequent again very soon. Disappointed.

The food and service was amazing with beautiful scenery. Our server was amazing although I did not catch their name as well as the hostess.

A wonderful brunch spot! The Iron Gate Cafe is located within a beautiful old building. When you walk in, there is a small bar, with several larger dining areas, set up in a way that I felt like I was eating in someone's fancy dining room. Very cool. There is lots of outdoor seating as well. The decor, music, and overall vibe was very pleasant. I had a peach Bellini and a grilled cheese with soup. The food was good, but I wish they had tomato soup available to complete the meal (chicken soup was delicious, just didn't go with the sandwich). My friend got the breakfast burrito and it looked and tasted great! We also had an infant with us and they were very accommodating and gave us a table in the corner where it was easy to navigate a high chair. Overall I was pleasantly pleased with this restaurant, and think it's a cute brunch spot to take your friends, significant others, family, or even for a solo dining trip. Other things to note: -Street parking only, but it was very easy to find on the weekend -Make sure to get on the waiting list through yelp! This place is quite busy, and getting on the waitlist allows you to see when you will be able to get a table and save time waiting -There is a (small) surcharge for bills paying with credit cards

Iron Gate Cafe is located in downtown Albany and it is very charming. There is an outside patio and multiple indoor dining rooms. On a Friday afternoon, I joined the Yelp waitlist and the wait was less than 5 minutes. When we arrived, the hostess informed us that there were bees outside so we opted for indoor seating. Inside it is very cozy and there was a lot of Elvis decor inside. The menu offers a variety of soups, salads, wraps and sandwiches. I had a hard time choosing exactly what I wanted, there were so many great choices. There are also daily specials. We had a small pineapple juice and matcha latte to start. They use sweet matcha instead of traditional matcha. For our meals, we had the vermonster and elvis memphis scramble. The vermonster sandwich has roasted turkey, sliced apple, maple-walnut spread, cheddar and lettuce on multigrain bread. It comes with chips and a pickle. The elvis memphis scramble has three eggs scrambled with bacon, maple sausage, green peppers, and onions toppled with pepper jack hollandaise with grilled cornbread. Both meals were a very good portion and very filling. I liked how the vermonster sandwich was a sweet and savory option. I think I might of liked it on different bread instead of the multigrain bread, but all the components were very flavorful. The ingredients were fresh. Service was wonderful. There is a 4% credit card processing fee. After lunch, we walked around Empire State Plaza. There is metered street parking and I used the ParkAlbany App to pay.

I forgot to take pictures but this was a cute place. Very deceiving from the outside because you think you're walking into a small cafe. But then you get seated and the place is a lot bigger. Old house made into a cafe. Very cozy and comfy. Staff was very welcoming. I had latte and the French toast with bacon. Both delicious. I was in the area for business and if I lived closer It would be a definite regular spot I would go to. They have a nice patio outdoor seating, but today was way too cold for it.

We had such a wonderful brunch here so even though the wait can be very long, it was worth it. Tons of gluten free items on the menu. GF pancakes were so tasty, as was the maple syrup they came with. They reminded me of mochi in terms of consistency, which was great. I added chocolate chips to them, a side of fruit, and whipped cream and everything turned out absolutely delicious!!

The service excellent. The staff was very friendly and courteous even when all the tables were occupied. The food was familiar and also had an appealing mix of perspective.

Found this place on Yelp - and later saw recommendations on Reddit. Back outdoor seating is perfect. Food was great. Benedicts were group favorite.

Service, kind n attentive, food, delicious n well-received by omni n vegan folk, and the place is a stellar spot in Albany that reveals the creativity and dreamy ambience that a great menu, and love for food n folk/culture, deserves. If you need healthy food for friends that are on another planet of food choice-this is both a creative and practical choice for breakfast, brunch, n lunch in a town that has forgotten its healthy, food-optioned self. Best spot I ate at w/friends over the two weeks frustratingly searching. Where'd all the real menus of food diversity, vegan n gluten free food, and omnivore-friendly food sharing spots in the Capital Region go? Go here!

Friendly staff and too many excellent choices on the menu! The dining experience was comfortable and the building is super cool. Lunch was delicious! Not a single complaint. Will be sure to go back next time I'm in Albany!

Cool but weird Elvis-style atmosphere. Very busy, recommend calling ahead to get on the waitlist. Menu is all day breakfast/lunch. Food was fair for the price. Good menu of coffees available. Was given 4 stars instead of 5 because the condiments at our seating were empty. #attentiontodetail

Went today with a large party of 20. They hosted all of us in their front room. The service was amazing and the staff was very friendly. Everyone loved the food and the atmosphere. The latte was delicious!!

This has been a fun spot for brunch with friends. We always try the mimosas and have yet to be disappointed. I've had a variety of their dishes and have enjoyed them, even when I've been skeptical - from me, that's a big compliment. I love sitting outside when the weather is right, but any of the rooms inside are a treat. The building is so old and so many of the original details are still there.

Quick and hyperbolic version, I haven't had a better breakfast! Now for the meandering recap of what we ate for breakfast while visiting our daughter for a local college family weekend. First I'll note that the restaurant has a great vibe, set back from the main street it has cute outdoor seating available and nice tables inside the older and well decorated building. Our waitress was super friendly and professional. My wife enjoyed her coffee and my daughter enjoyed a pumpkin chai latte. I loved the Earl Grey tea, they get their tea from The Whistling Kettle, a nearby tea purveyor. They serve it in its own kettle and I had enough tea for the whole meal. My wife had a fantastic spinach, mushroom, and onion omelette. Nothing frozen in that omelette. My daughter enjoyed her pancakes. I went with the Peach Pancakes topped with blueberries and graham cracker crumbs and bacon. I added home fries, sourdough bread toast, and two sunny side up eggs. The eggs were perfectly cooked. The bread was outstanding. The bacon is legit. The pancakes were divine! The home fries were seasoned perfectly. Really can't say anymore. The Iron Gate Cafe is an excellent place to enjoy a meal with loved ones! (I assume they also serve solo diners)

We found this on yelp looking for a breakfast spot near our hotel. There is an option to check in online in yelp and it said about a 40min wait and to check in with the host upon arrival. There is street parking and we didn't see signs for parking garages. We circled the block and got a place right out front. There is outside seating in a front and backyard courtyard as well as inside. Both were immediately available upon our check in which was maybe 10 min from getting on the waitlist. Thankfully there was no one waiting when we got there but there are benches inside to wait. When we left at 11 there looked like a line wait. We chose to sit out back and there was a water feature and greenery surrounding the patio. The tables and chairs are iron but had cushions and umbrellas for shade. There was light music playing, bird feeders in the trees and even a few yellow jacket prevention measures tucked away in the trees. I gotta appreciate the effort to make a nice outdoor dining experience. We were promptly given water and menus and then she came back to take our drink and food order. My husband had the loaded ham, 2 fried egg, cheese loaded rosemary Parmesan bagel special that had a hash brown on it with a maple Dijon. It was a large sandwich with a side of fresh fruit which included a slice of watermelon, pineapple, strawberries, blueberries, grapes. I had the raspberry Brie French toast that had a few strawberry slices and blueberries. 2 triangle slices had the Brie spread and 2 had raspberry preserves. It came with a small side of syrup. I also had a side of hash browns that were nicely browned, with onions and flavor. Nice soft potatoes not crispy fried like a fryer. It was all very good. If I was in the area, I'd put this in the top of my breakfast go to places. Many breakfast eateries you end up with greasy sloppy food and this place takes care in their products. The menu boasts local products and names where they come from so I always appreciate that extra touch. Our server was smiley, attentive and efficient.

This is my favorite brunch spot in Albany! I went to college there, and whenever I go back to visit friends I always make sure to hit up Iron Gate. In the summer, I love sitting outside and enjoying the fresh air and the cute gated dining area. Inside there is a lot of eclectic memorabilia. The food is amazing every time, and the people who work there seem cool, although the place is always slammed so I never have time to chat much with them.

Wait is always long on the weekends so make sure you get on the wait list early! We love the brie stuffed french toast, breakfast burrito, and sweet potato benedict.

Their waitlist is a joke! We've tried numerous times to check this place out without success. I give up. We had been placed on a waitlist for 11:05 am on Mother's Day. We arrived a few minutes early then proceeded to wait another hour+ until we gave up when told there were still people ahead of us. It made for a bummer of a Mother's Day morning since we had other plans at 2 we had to leave. Very disappointing, I won't waste my turn again.

The chicken was dry. It felt like a factory unit!! Indoor seating had 1.5 hour wait but outdoor seating was immediately available did not make sense. I enjoyed the salad however!!

Waited for 10 minutes for the host to stop talking to his friend while he ignored me. Tables are very crowded together which makes the atmosphere unpleasant. Food was just ok. Not worth the $$.

Service was great. Breakfast was delicious. I had a variation of an eggs benny. Went with my 2 kids. Reasonably priced. Pretty nice building with an interesting history. Easy parking right out front.

Food, atmosphere, service all delightful. Enjoyed the amazing breakfest. You'll remember them....

1199 SEIU thanks you for all the years of serving us. We have no moved to east greenbush and we miss your food.

Excellent restaurant! The ambiance in a house setting is electric! The food is served fast, fresh and from very friendly staff. A must when you're hungry for good food!

The place was truly historic but hidden. If you're not local, look carefully for the place! I loved my cappuccino, cranberry juice and raspberry jam French toast. My husband got their pancakes.. definitely need to add a fruit bowl to blend in the flavor. I was on the prowl for delicious French toast! Our waitress was very attentive and thoughtful too!

Breakfast is always great! It gets pretty busy yet their crew stays on top of it. Live the layout and the old building.