Good brunch spots in/near Schenectady?
Lindsay emails:
I just moved to Schenectady, and I'm wondering if anyone has good recommendations for brunch spots (especially those with bars) for Saturday/Sunday mornings.
I've tried Union Cafe, which has fantastic service, darn good pancakes, and tasty Greek eats. Eating on the patio in the sun is nice (although the view leaves something to be desired), and there is no alcohol served (i.e., cravings for a bloody mary or mimosa go un-quenched).
Any tips from the AOA community would be greatly appreciated.
Lindsay mentions that she's been following Lauren's brunch mini-tour. But that hasn't made it to Schenectady, yet. So if you have suggestions for Lindsay, they can also double has possible spots for Lauren to check out.
So, got a good place in mind? Please share. And, as always, a sentence or two about why you're suggesting that place is like an extra kick of horseradish in the Bloody Mary.
Hi there. Comments have been closed for this item. Still have something to say? Contact us.
Comments
I'm a big fan of Ambition on Jay Street. Great brunch menu (I recommend the gringo omelet made with salsa and chorizo) and they have fantastic bloody marys. They also serve mimosas although I have not tried one, but like everything else at Ambition I assume they're pretty awesome.
... said Frank on Jul 30, 2015 at 12:46 PM | link
If you like a hearty, home-made breakfast go to Oliver's in Glenville or Scotia Diner. There is Ambition Café on Jay Street which is decent and has alcohol service. There is also Café Tesoros which is on Union Street and is Spanish. Both have great coffee and food.
There is Stockade Inn and Glen Sanders Mansion. Pricey but good alcohol.
... said Amelia on Jul 30, 2015 at 12:51 PM | link
Perreca's in Little Italy is fantastic, and Tesoro's Cafe on Union St is nice - not sure if either serve alcohol though.
... said V. on Jul 30, 2015 at 12:52 PM | link
The Stockade Inn used to serve a great brunch. Glen Sanders Mansion, although just over the bridge to Scotia, also has brunch every Sunday. If you're looking for something more casual, Tops in Rotterdam has more of an upscale diner theme but also has a bar. Hope this was helpful. Great to read you recently moved to Schenectady. I hope you love my City as much as I do!
... said Leesa Perazzo on Jul 30, 2015 at 12:55 PM | link
Oddly, getting brunch and alcohol in the schenectady area is difficult.
One place is Ambition on Jay St. but the view isn't really spectacular and from my last memory of being there, it felt really tiny & dark inside but i've never had a bad experience there.
Schenectady has great diners. So brunch without booze is doable. The Point is small and verges into the Rotterdam side of Schenectady but the food is great. Oliver's Cafe which verges towards the Scotia side of Schenectady is also super also Mike's Diner near Guilderland.
... said Hollie on Jul 30, 2015 at 12:55 PM | link
Perreca's is awesome the eggs in purgatory is in my humble option one of the best if not the best in the capital district. And the do serve beer and wine.
... said Jon on Jul 30, 2015 at 1:22 PM | link
Welcome to Schenectady!
Hope you enjoy this lovely, historic town. Make sure to check in to see what the Community Land Trust of Schenectady is up to.
Because good community means good brunch restaurants!
http://www.cltofschdy.org/
... said It came from... on Jul 30, 2015 at 1:28 PM | link
Without a doubt, get the "Eggs in Purgatory" at Perecca's. It's the only answer.
... said Laura on Jul 30, 2015 at 1:33 PM | link
The first person to open up a Cafe Madison, or City Beer Hall type brunch place in Schenectady is going to make a fortune. It's only a matter of time.
Conversely, if Wolff's Schenectady ever expands it's kitchen, they can do the type of brunch they serve in Albany.
... said Nick on Jul 30, 2015 at 2:42 PM | link
Tesoro's is amazing!! I happened by there randomly one morning and was totally blown away. Mmmmmm. Lots of brunch options- frittatas, omelets and crepes, and menu items with a Spanish flare.
... said Sarah on Jul 30, 2015 at 8:12 PM | link
We've lived in Schenectady for the past year and are happily moving to Columbia County soon. When we want to go out for a good breakfast, we drive to Albany and go to Madison Cafe. We tried breakfast the Stockade Inn and more Perreca's and were displeased with the food and prices at both (although the Stockade Inn is really nice otherwise).
I will recommend the Van Dyke, Tara's Kitchen and Johnny's for meals other than breakfast.
... said Danielle on Jul 31, 2015 at 9:31 AM | link
We are diner people and breakfast/brunch experts. Tops Diner, by far is the best in Schenectady area. Giant menu, always fast seating, bar if needed, and the rye toast....
... said Nora on Jul 31, 2015 at 12:08 PM | link
If you are looking for a trendy brunch place downtown with a good bloody mary that is always packed on the weekend like in Brooklyn or like Iron Gate in Albany, i'd say good luck. Ambition is probably the closest we get. I have lived in Schenectady for 6 years and this has always bummed me out, we are seriously missing a great brunch spot. Diners are fine and we have tons of them but not what I think you are looking for. We usually hit Ambition, Union Cafe, Olivers, the only one downtown is Ambition.
... said Stephen on Jul 31, 2015 at 3:32 PM | link
i had a really good brunch at Mexican Radio a few months ago. I haven't really loved them for dinner but the brunch was excellent. There is definitely alcohol.
... said Colleen Guy on Aug 1, 2015 at 8:32 AM | link