Favorite coffee shops for working?
G emails:
I've got my favorites, but I'm wondering if you could poll the readers as to where is their favorite spot for coffee and reading, drawing, daydreaming and/or relaxing. Always nice to find new spots to sip and sketch. It's even nicer when the spots are locally owned, although I do find myself at various Starbucks quite a bit (they're consistent, lots of big tables for workspace and I have a ton of gift cards after the holidays.)
As you've probably seen us mention before, we don't have an office for AOA, so we end up working in these sorts of places a lot. And it's kind of funny how particular you can become about what's the "good" place -- is it quiet, are the tables big enough, how's the music, are the drinks and food any good.
So, got a favorite spot to suggest to G? Please share! And a sentence or two about why you're recommending that place is always appreciated.
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Comments
Uncommon Grounds on Western Ave. in Albany - not a place to sink into a big dirty comfy chair, but it has great coffee, food and free wifi and a constant buzz to draw from.
... said ace on Jan 26, 2016 at 11:49 AM | link
Albany:
* Stacks Espresso, 260 Lark St, Albany, NY (many tables, great coffee, can be a bit packed on the weekend)
* The Brakes Coffeehouse & Provisions, 227 Lark St, Albany, NY (has good couch, a few tables, and good organic food too; gets warm in summer)
* The Daily Grind, 204 Lark St #1, Albany, NY (check *the second floor*, a lot spacious and quieter)
* Delaware Trolley House and Cafe, 292 Delaware Ave, Albany, NY (next to Spectrum8 where Tierra used to be, relatively new; a little light on electrical outlets if you need a laptop)
* Professor Java's, 217 Wolf Rd, Albany, NY (a classic, lots of tables, good coffee, can be a bit loud when packed or hosting groups)
* Cider Belly, 25 N Pearl St, Albany, NY (they have big wood tables in the back, city wifi, *and donuts*, need I say more?)
* Tierra Coffee Roasters, 1038 Madison Ave, Albany, NY (not my jam, gets too loud, especially when bands are playing, and drafty in winter)
* Uncommon Grounds, 1235 Western Ave, Albany, NY (not my jam either, gets too loud when packed, am I an old man?)
Troy:
* The Daily Grind, 46 3rd St, Troy, NY 12180 (has couch, tables, good pecan pie and coffee)
* Superior Merchandise Co, 147 4th St, Troy, NY (great coffee, decor, but no wifi and poor cell reception can be an issue if you need your laptop)
* Lucas Confectionery, 12 2nd St, Troy, NY (not quite a coffee place per se, but they do have coffee, and I'm partial to working there by the window on quiet days)
* Spill’n the Beans Coffeehouse & Bistro, 13 3rd St, Troy, NY 12180 (has comfy chairs by the window, but can get packed/loud)
... said -S on Jan 26, 2016 at 11:52 AM | link
You certainly won't find big tables here, but Stacks Espresso Bar has long been my favorite spot, back to its Caffe Vero days. It's comfortable, has decent wifi, the best coffee in the city and is in the perfect spot for people-watching, with big windows opening onto Lark.
... said JayK on Jan 26, 2016 at 11:58 AM | link
Emack & Bolio's serves espresso, ice cream, pastries & smoothies.
Cafe Mochas & Hot Chocolate are made with Our Homemade Hot Fudge. Often quiet space to study or work weekdays. Open 11am-10pm/11pm Fri/Sat & all summer. Free wifi inside and in our outdoor garden. Live Music Fri/Sat 7-10pm, Sunday's in the Summer & Open Mic Tues.
... said Amy Riddell on Jan 26, 2016 at 1:58 PM | link
Hudson River Coffee House on Quail.
Big tables. Lots of room. Big enough space so it never gets too loud. Darn good coffee, too!
... said Tess on Jan 26, 2016 at 2:22 PM | link
the Happy Cappuccino on Jay St. in Schenectady
... said LS on Jan 26, 2016 at 2:24 PM | link
Hudson River Coffee House in Albany and Professor's Java are two of my favorites!
... said Addy on Jan 26, 2016 at 2:27 PM | link
Perfect Blend in Delmar is locally owned, has great coffee, and is very quiet in the back. People are always studying there and the quesadillas are great.
... said AJ on Jan 27, 2016 at 8:45 AM | link
Stacks Espresso. Great lattes and lovely staff. I always feel like I'm part of the neighborhood when I go in there.
... said Lisa on Jan 27, 2016 at 9:13 AM | link
Our Daily Bread in Chatham. It's a hike but for me it's worth it to get away and clear my head to get some real writing done. I sit in the front window of the counter service area and while there's a welcome distraction of customers going in and out there aren't many tables for it to be bustling like a more traditional jam packed coffee shop.
I can get there in the AM, grab some of the best hash and eggs in the region and a decent cup of joe. If I'm still around in the afternoon, their house cured and smoked meats and bread make some pretty tasty sandwiches that go along well with their sides, baked treats and a small selection of saison and IPAs.
https://www.facebook.com/OurDailyBreadChatham
... said the fuj. on Jan 27, 2016 at 9:32 AM | link
I wish I could take the owners of the Capital region's coffee shops on a national tour of coffee shops I've known and loved. A coffee shop that's good for working needs three things: good drinks, good food, and comfortable seating. Drinks need to include coffee, espresso-based drinks, black tea, and caffeine-free options. Food should include sandwiches as well as sweets. Comfortable seating requires many factors: there should be enough seating that you can find a table and not feel bad sitting for several hours. Tables should be large enough for your plate, your drink, your note pad, and your laptop. If there are couches or armchairs, they need side tables to put your mug on. Ample outlets are desirable. The place should not become uncomfortably cold every time someone goes through the door in winter (hear that, Uncommon Grounds?). And there is no need for table service, especially when the table service is poorly executed (I'm looking at you, Professor Java's). Many of the Capital region's coffee shops achieve one or even two of these elements. But none of them achieve all three. Which mystifies me.
... said S on Jan 27, 2016 at 7:54 PM | link
Ladies and Gentlemen, the coffee shop fake office has been over ever since Portlandia put it in their sites. And this - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-peak/the-end-of-the-coffee-sho_b_6067710.html
... said Andy G on Jan 28, 2016 at 11:38 AM | link
I don't think a coffee shop needs to have sandwiches. Pastries, sweets, bagels, biscotti, yes. Sandwiches? Go to a deli.
... said JayK on Jan 28, 2016 at 12:22 PM | link
@S said it best. No local coffee shop around here gets it all right. I love professor javas but the service just kills me every single time, and I've given them a ton of tries.
Semi-unrelated, I would be elated if a local coffee shop opened on the New Scotland strip (by the fountain, beer belly, etc.)
... said Jolene on Feb 2, 2016 at 12:36 AM | link