The Daily Grind

The daily grind is my go to when I’m wide awake and don’t want to be. I normally go for the chorizo egg n cheese on a bagel w/ a hash brown. Especially when paired with a caramel iced coffee. Something to look forward to when I’m on Lark street.

Super busy (Saturday brunch time) but the awesome baristas still made it a point to interact personally with everyone! I work in food service and that’s so hard to do when you’re in over your head - these guys are pros. Such a wonderful experience & great omelettes. Try their specialty lavender vanilla latte!

Daily Grind is a Lark Street staple. They've been serving gourmet coffee and specialty sandwiches in their basement Cafe for a couple decades. The variety of coffee is great, and flavors plentiful. The staff is colorful and friendly and happy to help new customers and old friends find just the right combination. Most weekend mornings it's crowded, with regulars and newbies waiting for just the right start to their daily grind.

They take their mask policy and their breakfast sandwiches seriously! I love to see it. I also love the grilled muffins. Would be great to see some vegan comfort food options. Corned beef hash but with Beyond Sausage? Pancakes? I can't wait until they open seating back up as the upstairs space is phenomenal.

They say their "Rubens (sic) are the best in town". While I can't yet attest to that since this was my first in town, I can say it's a darn good sandwich! There were three folks ahead of me ordering food and coffees but the line and the kitchen moved swiftly. Menus are listed on blackboards in various areas and offer a good selection of breakfasts, sandwiches, wraps, soups, and salads. I ordered a decaf, sugar-free latte and the Reuben. Of course, I had to try the town's best! The coffee is great so, yes, friends don't let friends drink Starbucks ;) I took my sandwich home which is less than a five-minute walk. It was still steaming hot! Piled high with corned beef, sweet sauerkraut, a spicy Russian dressing, and stringy Swiss cheese, I can see why they tout themselves as the best. The sandwich came with a bag of chips. Since they didn't ask, I figured it would be a bag of plain chips but instead. it was Sour Cream & Onion. I happen to really like that flavor so I was happy to see them in my bag. I look forward to many coffees from the Daily Grind as well as trying other items on their menu...next up: The Corned Beef Hash breakfast! I'm coming for ya!

The deli sandwich was good! The price is good, and it came with a small bag of chips. I think I’ll start getting my lunch sandwiches from here over a big chain. My small special request was acknowledged. I ordered through Door Dash, so can’t speak to the location/service itself - but very happy with the food.

nice atmosphere, kind staff, good prices, very cozy place to eat and drink something warm + on lark street so surrounded by many other cute businesses

I ordered an Americano so that I could get a good taste of the coffee without cream. Very nice, now they are my bean supplier for the drinks I make at home. Super nice people in the cafe and roastery.

First time eating /ordering here was a little bit nervous ordering through ubereats because my food is usually never fresh or made correct from other places , But Food was amazing , Tasted fresh , the lady I spoke with on the phone was very friendly . Will be ordering again !!☺️

I ordered delivery a few weeks ago and I was disappointed with the lack of flavor but we went today and ordered/sat at the restaurant and the food was tasty as ever. We loved the sidewalk seating and my little one thoroughly enjoyed and demolished her lemon muffin. The coffee was hot and the girls behind the counter were sweet as could be.

i get the breakfast sandwich and coffee every day! daily grind is a great little cafe.

Best damn mango smoothie in the 518. Period. Service was awesome. Will definitely be back.

My new favorite local hideout with expertly crafted lattes and a vibe that's always on point.

This place is pleasant and friendly. They have this Blueberry Pancake Latte that is not on the menu and it's fire. My special request sandwich was outstanding. The homie that put it together is a master at their craft. That latte, tho...🤌🤌🤌

This cute little place is perfect for a quick, delicious and quality breakfast! It’s fresh made with REAL ingredients. The bagels are delish and the French toast was awesome. The breakfast plates are filling. Been here a few times and everything always comes out to order. Staff is great too, definitely chipper for a morning grind. Highly recommend if you’re in the area!

Whether your day is just beginning or, like me, your night is winding down as the morning comes to a close—there’s no better time to treat yourself to a solid breakfast or a good cup of coffee. And let me tell you, The Daily Grind in Albany, NY is the spot. Open since 1976—that’s 48 years of serving the community—this place is nothing short of legendary. From the moment I stepped into this cozy little café, I was met with a warm, inviting vibe that instantly made me feel at home. The atmosphere? Charming. The service? Phenomenal. I didn’t catch her name, but the woman who helped me was absolutely delightful. Bright personality, striking tattoos, and a super cool hair design—she radiated individuality and kindness. A true hidden gem working in one of Albany’s best-kept secrets. Let’s talk prices—because this place is beyond reasonable. I grabbed a large coffee for just $3. But this wasn’t just any coffee. I asked for a recommendation and was blessed with the suggestion of a Lavender Vanilla Latte. It may sound simple, but trust me—it was otherworldly. I’ve never had anything like it, and now I don’t think I’ll ever want anything else. Smooth, fragrant, flavorful—and again, just three bucks. As if that wasn’t enough, I also ordered the Berry Blast muffin (another steal at $3). Here’s the kicker—the barista asked if I wanted it toasted. Toasted. Muffin. Never in my life has a café offered that, and let me just say—it took that muffin from good to extraordinary. The Daily Grind doesn’t just serve coffee and pastries—they serve experience, comfort, and character, all without breaking your wallet. I’ve officially found my new go-to spot. Highly, highly recommend.

This place was great! Busy and small but that's a good thing. Kip and Morgan rocked and set the chill, friendly, and humorous mood of this coffee shop. The oldest coffee shop in Albany (to the best of knowledge) and you can tell in a good throwback sort of way. Not only was this place sweet, the food and drinks were too! Hot cocoa was a great temperature and a helpful amount of chocolate taste too! "Friends don't let friends drink Starbucks" 👍

Been coming here for years and it is definitely my favorite breakfast sandwich spot in Albany. Great food and great coffee. The Eggs Diamond sandwich (egg, Capicola, Egg plant, Garlic Mayo, Provolone) is my go to and it tastes the same every time I order it. Flavors are always consistent. Highly recommend for a quick breakfast sandwich and a coffee or lunch. Edit: Their smoothies are top tier!

Small hole in the wall, felt like you just found a secret basement cafe. We ordered the Becky breakfast sandwich, grilled blueberry muffin and 2 lattes (coffee cake and lavender vanilla flavour). Everything was delicious and affordable! The staff were very friendly as well, highly recommend.

Came to Albany from Chicago, both my wife and I are huge coffee nerds. Tried a few coffee places in the Wash Park area. This was by far the best coffee, selection and staff we had in our 5 days. Huge breakfast and sandwich menu. Muffins can be grilled (toasted with butter) and all at a very reasonable price. Management was great as well. They accommodated us with a free coffee mug we wanted to buy but didn’t have in stock anymore. I wouldn’t ask if they have more because they don’t have anymore. Will come again if in Albany again! Thanks to the Daily Grind!

Good place for early morning coffee and it gives vintage vibes

The breakfast sandwiches were delicious, everything tasted very fresh. And the staff was very nice. Order downstairs, and there is more seating available upstairs.

A busy neighborhood coffee shop that actually cares about its community. Had a great veggie omlette this morning. Staff were friendly and service prompt. If you find yourself in the area highly recommended.

Bestar Mujaj

This place is pleasant and friendly. They have this Blueberry Pancake Latte that is not on the menu and it's fire. My special request sandwich was outstanding. The homie that put it together is a master at their craft. That latte, tho...🤌🤌🤌

Mallory W.B.

This cute little place is perfect for a quick, delicious and quality breakfast! It’s fresh made with REAL ingredients. The bagels are delish and the French toast was awesome. The breakfast plates are filling. Been here a few times and everything always comes out to order. Staff is great too, definitely chipper for a morning grind. Highly recommend if you’re in the area!

Simply Zakkai

Whether your day is just beginning or, like me, your night is winding down as the morning comes to a close—there’s no better time to treat yourself to a solid breakfast or a good cup of coffee. And let me tell you, The Daily Grind in Albany, NY is the spot. Open since 1976—that’s 48 years of serving the community—this place is nothing short of legendary. From the moment I stepped into this cozy little café, I was met with a warm, inviting vibe that instantly made me feel at home. The atmosphere? Charming. The service? Phenomenal. I didn’t catch her name, but the woman who helped me was absolutely delightful. Bright personality, striking tattoos, and a super cool hair design—she radiated individuality and kindness. A true hidden gem working in one of Albany’s best-kept secrets. Let’s talk prices—because this place is beyond reasonable. I grabbed a large coffee for just $3. But this wasn’t just any coffee. I asked for a recommendation and was blessed with the suggestion of a Lavender Vanilla Latte. It may sound simple, but trust me—it was otherworldly. I’ve never had anything like it, and now I don’t think I’ll ever want anything else. Smooth, fragrant, flavorful—and again, just three bucks. As if that wasn’t enough, I also ordered the Berry Blast muffin (another steal at $3). Here’s the kicker—the barista asked if I wanted it toasted. Toasted. Muffin. Never in my life has a café offered that, and let me just say—it took that muffin from good to extraordinary. The Daily Grind doesn’t just serve coffee and pastries—they serve experience, comfort, and character, all without breaking your wallet. I’ve officially found my new go-to spot. Highly, highly recommend.

Vinnie V.

This place was great! Busy and small but that's a good thing. Kip and Morgan rocked and set the chill, friendly, and humorous mood of this coffee shop. The oldest coffee shop in Albany (to the best of knowledge) and you can tell in a good throwback sort of way. Not only was this place sweet, the food and drinks were too! Hot cocoa was a great temperature and a helpful amount of chocolate taste too! "Friends don't let friends drink Starbucks" 👍

Ed

Been coming here for years and it is definitely my favorite breakfast sandwich spot in Albany. Great food and great coffee. The Eggs Diamond sandwich (egg, Capicola, Egg plant, Garlic Mayo, Provolone) is my go to and it tastes the same every time I order it. Flavors are always consistent. Highly recommend for a quick breakfast sandwich and a coffee or lunch. Edit: Their smoothies are top tier!

Kelsey Pabin

The breakfast sandwiches were delicious, everything tasted very fresh. And the staff was very nice. Order downstairs, and there is more seating available upstairs.

J

Small hole in the wall, felt like you just found a secret basement cafe. We ordered the Becky breakfast sandwich, grilled blueberry muffin and 2 lattes (coffee cake and lavender vanilla flavour). Everything was delicious and affordable! The staff were very friendly as well, highly recommend.

William “Bill” Hamel

Came to Albany from Chicago, both my wife and I are huge coffee nerds. Tried a few coffee places in the Wash Park area. This was by far the best coffee, selection and staff we had in our 5 days. Huge breakfast and sandwich menu. Muffins can be grilled (toasted with butter) and all at a very reasonable price. Management was great as well. They accommodated us with a free coffee mug we wanted to buy but didn’t have in stock anymore. I wouldn’t ask if they have more because they don’t have anymore. Will come again if in Albany again! Thanks to the Daily Grind!

Jenne Holmes

A busy neighborhood coffee shop that actually cares about its community. Had a great veggie omlette this morning. Staff were friendly and service prompt. If you find yourself in the area highly recommended.

Ordered the steak bomb in a wrap. Was delicious, comes with habanero mayo, steak, fried egg, caramelized onions. Coffee was included, was a little less than $13. Would definitely recommend to others.

Just had a delicious cup of coffee and a French toast muffin! Just as delicious as it was when I went in college 30 years ago. Met the owner-- couldn't be a nicer man- loved that he is the owner since they opened. Thank you for the bumper sticker, Friends don't let friends drink (from that coffee chain store) Can't wait to come back!

Everything was great! Great thin mint coffee with a Thats a Wrap breakfast sandwich. Girl at the counter was lovely! Small space to eat downstairs.

It gets a bit busy downstairs, so I usually head to the second floor for more room. Great prices too!

Newt

nice atmosphere, kind staff, good prices, very cozy place to eat and drink something warm + on lark street so surrounded by many other cute businesses

Rob Moats

Ordered the steak bomb in a wrap. Was delicious, comes with habanero mayo, steak, fried egg, caramelized onions. Coffee was included, was a little less than $13. Would definitely recommend to others.

Nicole Marschilok

Everything was great! Great thin mint coffee with a Thats a Wrap breakfast sandwich. Girl at the counter was lovely! Small space to eat downstairs.

Kathleen O'Neill

Just had a delicious cup of coffee and a French toast muffin! Just as delicious as it was when I went in college 30 years ago. Met the owner-- couldn't be a nicer man- loved that he is the owner since they opened. Thank you for the bumper sticker, Friends don't let friends drink (from that coffee chain store) Can't wait to come back!

Sabrina Cameron

The deli sandwich was good! The price is good, and it came with a small bag of chips. I think I’ll start getting my lunch sandwiches from here over a big chain. My small special request was acknowledged. I ordered through Door Dash, so can’t speak to the location/service itself - but very happy with the food.

This is my second time visiting Daily Grind. This time because I got the Groupon for 5 drinks for $10. Got an iced latte and even though they advertise this as a Starbucks alternative, the coffee isn't as smooth and tastes burnt like Starbucks'. Will be visiting 4 more times so maybe Daily Grind will be able to redeem itself in my eyes. Too embarrassed to take a photo of the dirty dishes which has bugs flying on top of them but I guess it's too much work for the employees to check up on the top floor so I'll let it pass. Update: I revisited my review only in a matter of few hours because after finishing work, I still had some leftover coffee so I went downstairs and asked them to put some fresh ice in my coffee. The guy told me that as long as I stay in the coffee shop, they do free refills!! So he refilled my iced coffee all the way up! Woohoo! ☺️4 stars!

Great breakfast sandwich, decent coffee, relaxed atmosphere.

We enjoyed breakfast here, so nice that they are dog-friendly! Was busy when we went but super friendly service and a more quiet starting with table upstairs. Loved our coffee drinks, "the wrap" (with beyond sausage meet for veggie meat option), and California crossaint sandwich. The Reuben my husband got wasn't toasted enough, making the bread too soggy but otherwise 5 star experience!

Yummy breakfast sandwich! The habanero mayo is pretty spicy!

Busy spot on Lark St with friendly staff, average coffee and great egg sandwiches. No frills, small, crowded but good in a pinch. Upstairs seating area is quieter and calmer.

Nice location and comfy atmosphere. The set up is basic. You place and pick up your order in the bottom floor and can eat there as well. Additional seating in the top floor. The coffee is solid. We ordered the steak bomb and the Texas french toast. Both done fast and very tasty. I would definitely go back. Street parking available but somewhat limited.

Tiffany Sen

Busy spot on Lark St with friendly staff, average coffee and great egg sandwiches. No frills, small, crowded but good in a pinch. Upstairs seating area is quieter and calmer.

K H

Nice location and comfy atmosphere. The set up is basic. You place and pick up your order in the bottom floor and can eat there as well. Additional seating in the top floor. The coffee is solid. We ordered the steak bomb and the Texas french toast. Both done fast and very tasty. I would definitely go back. Street parking available but somewhat limited.

I love this place's atmosphere and I enjoy their coffee. I would like to spend more money here but sadly I think the only vegan option is a side of avocado. I don't really expect them to cater to vegans so I do understand. Just the addition of a non-eggwashed bagel would be enough (bagel plus avocado is fine for me). I just sometimes leave the house without eating and usually end up stopping somewhere else before coming here. Let me give you my money!!! I think it is a necessity to support real local businesses and people in my community and this place deserves it. Thank you to the person working behind the counter for verifying the ingredients of the bagel. I really do appreciate that.

Stevie

I love this place's atmosphere and I enjoy their coffee. I would like to spend more money here but sadly I think the only vegan option is a side of avocado. I don't really expect them to cater to vegans so I do understand. Just the addition of a non-eggwashed bagel would be enough (bagel plus avocado is fine for me). I just sometimes leave the house without eating and usually end up stopping somewhere else before coming here. Let me give you my money!!! I think it is a necessity to support real local businesses and people in my community and this place deserves it. Thank you to the person working behind the counter for verifying the ingredients of the bagel. I really do appreciate that.

Ordered the chorizo egg specialty sandwich, regular latte and pistachio latte. The sandwich was pretty good but the lattes are really not good. The regular latte was milk with barely a hint of coffee so not sure it was made with espresso. The pistachio latte had a very strong flavored syrup flavor. Inside was very tight after ordering to get your drinks and food. There were some homeless people outside lurking around if you sat outside. Staff was nice. We came here because of all the good reviews but I think you can skip it if you have other options or coming from out of town.

Nice place to grab a bite to eat with lots of varieties such as a biscotti, coffee, lattes, breakfast and smoothies. The cafe is located downstairs in the building, it is a small cafe that is not wheelchair accessible friendly and their bathroom is extremely narrow and tight and also smelled like someone was smoking inside. 🙅🏽‍♂️ They make amazing smoothie and the people behind the counters were very nice and friendly. It is definitely a place to visit and a great experience.

N S

Ordered the chorizo egg specialty sandwich, regular latte and pistachio latte. The sandwich was pretty good but the lattes are really not good. The regular latte was milk with barely a hint of coffee so not sure it was made with espresso. The pistachio latte had a very strong flavored syrup flavor. Inside was very tight after ordering to get your drinks and food. There were some homeless people outside lurking around if you sat outside. Staff was nice. We came here because of all the good reviews but I think you can skip it if you have other options or coming from out of town.

cali tomms

Nice place to grab a bite to eat with lots of varieties such as a biscotti, coffee, lattes, breakfast and smoothies. The cafe is located downstairs in the building, it is a small cafe that is not wheelchair accessible friendly and their bathroom is extremely narrow and tight and also smelled like someone was smoking inside. 🙅🏽‍♂️ They make amazing smoothie and the people behind the counters were very nice and friendly. It is definitely a place to visit and a great experience.

A relatively expensive deli/cafe in a bad part of town. I only go here because I live up the block. They have become too poor of quality for me to spend over 10$ on a bacon egg and cheese, for them to have bagels only half of the time. Why even have it as an option when I order it? There sandwich is legit comparable to 212 marketplace, which is a bodega that’s open until 3AM. The shop itself has a nice vibe and the people are nice so that gets a few stars, but you have become way too comfortable with serving mid tier food for an expensive price point in a shitty neighborhood.

Simon Moskowitz

A relatively expensive deli/cafe in a bad part of town. I only go here because I live up the block. They have become too poor of quality for me to spend over 10$ on a bacon egg and cheese, for them to have bagels only half of the time. Why even have it as an option when I order it? There sandwich is legit comparable to 212 marketplace, which is a bodega that’s open until 3AM. The shop itself has a nice vibe and the people are nice so that gets a few stars, but you have become way too comfortable with serving mid tier food for an expensive price point in a shitty neighborhood.

Ordered breakfast for me and my friends from the daily grind. We usually go to Troy but for some reason they were closed. They actually had croissants for once which made me happy but burned my French toast and there was a hair at the bottom of my fruits. Ontop of that they put full strips of half cooked bacon in my omelet,while I’m drinking my watered down smoothie. Go to Troy

Stopped at Daily Grind before a long drive, expecting a good coffee and a fresh muffin. Alas, everything was way below standard. Instead of a latte we got cups of hot milk that remotely tasted of coffee. Both raspberry and choc chip muffins were stale. Personnel were friendly but obviously not trained baristas. If you know what a good coffee tastes like better avoid this place

The food and service is usually good but whoever trained the counter girl with glasses and curly hair needs to start over. She is purposely screwing with tipping customers making them wait longer than they need too. Food's ready but we gotta wait 5 mins for her to bag it up and staple the receipt to it. I won't be back soon.