"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."

"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."

"🏰 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!"

"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."

"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!"