Uncommon Grounds Coffee & Bagels

Nestled within the vibrant Stuyvesant Plaza in Albany, Uncommon Grounds Coffee & Bagels is more than just a café—it's a beloved neighborhood haven where top-quality coffee meets irresistibly fresh bagels and thoughtfully crafted breakfast creations. This spot has earned a loyal following for its commitment to roasting their own coffee, generous portions, and wallet-friendly prices, making it a go-to destination for both locals and visitors looking to start their day off right or catch up over a warm drink.

The café’s menu shines with a well-curated selection that covers all bases. Whether you're craving a hearty breakfast or a light midday bite, options like the Mediterranean and Western breakfast creations, priced at just $6.35, promise satisfying flavor combinations. For those with bigger appetites, the robust Lumberjack ($7.60) offers a fulfilling start, while the comforting Hot Oatmeal ($4.75) is perfect for a cozy, wholesome treat. Freshly made salads such as the Garden and Greek options add a refreshing balance to the menu, ideal for a lunch break or light dinner.

But what truly sets Uncommon Grounds apart is their bagels—praised repeatedly for being oversized, fluffy, and available in a myriad of flavors. Customer favorites like the classic bacon, egg, and cheese on a bagel have become a staple, often hailed as the best in town. Complement your bagel with a schmear of cream cheese, peanut butter, or even a simple pat of butter, and you’re in for a delightful culinary moment. Coffee lovers rave about the rich Americano, smooth cold brew, and specialties like the pumpkin dirty chai that arrives swiftly and bursting with flavor.

The atmosphere emanates a friendly, welcoming vibe with attentive and cheerful staff who clearly enjoy making each visit special. Ample seating invites lingering over morning conversations or a casual date, as one happy guest put it, "BEST bagels and most delicious drinks ever... super friendly staff and nice for a date." Whether you're there to work, relax, or socialize, you'll appreciate the energetic yet cozy environment.

While nearly every experience is glowing, the team’s focus on consistency is evident, and most visitors appreciate the great value—combining quality and budget-friendly pricing that’s increasingly rare. The quick service, easy parking, and an overall spot that feels authentically local only enhance the charm of this café.

If you’re searching for a café experience in Albany that balances outstanding coffee, fresh and fluffy bagels, and a laid-back, friendly atmosphere, Uncommon Grounds Coffee & Bagels at Stuyvesant Plaza should be at the top of your list. It’s more than just a pit stop—it’s a heartfelt experience where every visit feels uncommonly good.

Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet

Has outdoor seating
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery

Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Good for working on laptop

Accepts credit cards

Fae Baguyo

14/12/2025

BEST bagels and most delicious drinks ever. i love their locs of love and healthy harvest! super friendly staff and nice for a date.

Miranda Van Ness

11/12/2025

This is the best coffee/brunch spot around!! I usually get a bacon egg and cheese on a bagel. Uncommon has by far the best bagels in town, they’re so big and fluffy, and they have so many flavors to choose from. Everything is priced pretty cheap too. A BEC is about $6 which is unheard of in 2025. Workers are nice and there’s plenty of seating inside to dine in. If you have never been here, you have to give them a try. I come here all the time! 11/10.

Erman KARLI

27/10/2025

The staff is friendly, the vibe is nice, I go for an Americano or cold brew. They’ve got a good variety of bagels, and the portions are decent for the price. It’s a spot that young people and locals love. Their other locations are great too, and they roast their own coffee.

Gwen Smyrski

26/09/2025

I go to uncommon grounds (specifically at Stuyvesant plaza) usually once a week. The bagels are consistent. It’s usually too much cream cheese that I have to ask for a schmear, (which is cheaper). And I love their iced coffee. I love their soups that are available after 11pm. And the prices are some of the best in the area. You can get a coffee and bagel for about $8.00. They also have coffee grounds you can purchase (you can ask them to grind the beans for you). If you want something like a salad, or their avocado toast (LOVEEE their avocado toast when I’m trying to eat less bagel) it is a little more $$. But overall I’m very satisfied for the service, the line moves fast even when there is a ridiculous line. I will say I wish they had a better system for if you want to call in an order. I’ve called ahead, but you still need to wait in line to pay once you get there which defeats the purpose. But I love uncommon grounds!!

Madison Murray

19/09/2025

The combination of good food and a friendly staff can significantly enhance any dining experience. It is a pleasure to find a place where both the quality of the meal and the service are commendable. When the prices are also moderate, it creates a sense of value for the customers. This balance often leads to a positive and memorable visit.

Ashlee Duclos

01/09/2025

I’ve been to one of their other locations before so I knew what to expect. Parking was easy and the wait at the counter was short as they are super efficient. I ordered a pumpkin dirty chai and it came out within 2 minutes and was super tasty. Definitely recommend!

Vishwa Bhatt

30/08/2025

Went there for some coffee and work. Perfect place to work and the mango smoothie was good. The chai felt like I was having a warm milk. It could have more tea in it.

Bolis75

23/08/2025

I do love uncommon grounds. I just didn't like my frappe this time around. Yesterday I got a frappe from the one in Clifton Park and it was just perfectly blended and delicious. But today I was in Albany and was near the Uncommon Grounds at stuyvesant plaza and wanted that same deliciousness so I went and ordered the same frappe. But instead of a well blended frappe, what I got was more like a slushie with larger chunks of ice. Not smooth. It still tasted good and I drank the whole thing because I paid for it but it just wasn't enjoyable the same way that yesterdays frappe was. If I had the time I would've went back and asked for them to blend it better and I'm sure they would have, they're always friendly and helpful. Just be mindful if you order a frappe here make sure to ask them to make sure it's blended well. Also. I asked for my sandwich to be toasted and it was not