Skip to main content

8 Must-Try Restaurants for the Best Brunch in Albany, NY

Whether you're a fan of classic scrambled eggs and hash browns or love to sip a Bloody Mary or mimosa with your meal, you should check out these eight great places for brunch in Albany, NY. This city is a haven for brunch fans, making it easy to satisfy your cravings.

Please Note: Hours and menus are subject to change. It's always safe to contact the restaurant ahead of time for details.

Fuel Up for the Weekend at The City Beer Hall

This popular spot is ideal for a weekend brunch with friends and family. The City Beer Hall in Albany offers an extensive brunch menu with various choices, including beloved classics such as French toast, eggs Benedict, and chicken and waffles.

One of the best things about their brunch is that all main dishes, sweets, and salads come with your choice of Bloody Mary, mimosa, screwdriver, or lager. Cheers to the best meal of the day!

Savor the Flavors of Brunch at Josie’s Table in Stuyvesant Plaza

side by side of outside of josie's table and array of food dishes

Chef Peter Darves-Bornoz presents a delightful brunch menu for a weekend treat at Josie's Table in Stuyvesant Plaza.

A standout dish is the Filet Eggs Bennie, featuring tender filet medallions with red wine onions, arugula, and bearnaise sauce, served on an English muffin with crispy smashed potatoes.

Try the Stuffed Brioche French Toast with honey ricotta and blueberry lemon compote for something sweeter. Don't forget to pair your meal with Josie’s signature mimosa or a bold Josie’s Bloody Mary for an immaculate brunch experience.

Enjoy a Two-Course Weekend Brunch at Mr. D’s Restaurant & Lounge

two mimosas and two plates of breakfast food

Weekend brunch is a real treat at Mr. D’s Restaurant & Lounge at Crowne Plaza Albany - the Desmond Hotel, an IHG Hotel.

For a savory option, try the Portuguese-style skillet breakfast. This flavorful mix of scrambled eggs, chorizo, diced potatoes, and manchego cheese is served in a cast iron skillet with your choice of English muffin or toast.

Or, satisfy your sweet tooth with an order of the Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes with sweet cream cheese icing and a seasonal fruit kabob.

We also suggest pairing your meal with a Raspberry Sunrise Mimosa for a refreshing twist on the classic brunch cocktail!

Raise a Glass to Weekend Brunch at Risotto

tables and bar in a restaurant

Risotto in Albany is famous for its Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. However, it also hosts a weekly Saturday and Sunday brunch from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and a new midweek brunch from Wednesday - Friday, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Check out the brunch specials, such as the blueberries and honey French toast, caprese avocado toast, and a spicy chicken sandwich. If you're in the mood, indulge in mimosas or a Bloody Mary made with Risotto's secret house-made mix.

Try Creative & Delicious Options at the Iron Gate Cafe

several plates on a table with various brunch items
Photo provided

Vegetarians and veggie enthusiasts can enjoy a flavorful brunch at the Iron Gate Cafe. One must-try option is the Phoenix Rising, featuring black bean sliders topped with poached eggs, avocado, and pepper jack hollandaise sauce.

If that doesn't tempt you, there's also the irresistible stuffed French toast, a variety of omelets, and an array of tasty salads and bowls.

Opt for a Sweet or Savory Brunch at Cafe Madison

a burger with bacon and breakfast potatoes on the side
Photo provided

Cafe Madison, nestled on Madison Avenue in Albany, is a brunch hotspot with a diverse menu that caters to every craving. Think hearty omelets, classic “eggs and stuff,” indulgent sweet treats, and more.

The menu also boasts an array of juicy burgers and flavorful sandwiches, perfect for a more substantial menu. Complement your meal with one of their specialty mimosas, a perfectly crafted Bloody Mary, or a seasonal cocktail for a truly delightful time.

Bite Into Something Scrumptious at The Olde English Pub

plate of eggs, toast, and breakfast meats
Photo provided

Start your Sunday with a delicious brunch at The Olde English Pub in Albany. This charming pub offers a diverse menu to satisfy any craving. You can warm up with their Classic French Onion Soup or enjoy a refreshing Caesar Salad.

For a heartier meal, try the Full English Breakfast, featuring eggs, sausage, bacon, black pudding, and baked beans, or the Eggs Benedict with perfectly poached eggs, Canadian bacon, and hollandaise sauce.

For the ideal brunch experience, pair your meal with a classic Bloody Mary or a refreshing mimosa from their drink menu!

Experience Afro & Asian Inspired Favorites at Umana Yana

delicious afro/asian-inspired brunch on a white plate
Photo provided

Umana Yana, situated on Washington Avenue in downtown Albany, is a top brunch destination offering Afro- and Asian-inspired dishes with a creative twist.

Dive into their Umana Chicken & Waffles, where crispy fried chicken meets fluffy waffles, or savor the Mishkaki, East African-style skewers served with chapati and chutney.

The restaurant caters to various dietary needs, with most dishes being gluten-free, like the flavorful Jollof Rice or the vegetarian Coconut Lentil Stew. Their drink selection is equally impressive; enjoy the Baobab Juice or a refreshing Ginger Beer.

« Back to the Albany Restaurant Guide

woman smiling with flowers in background
Anna Gates Anna is a content marketing intern from Northville, NY, who is passionate about writing and storytelling. She loves spending time with her dogs, exploring local businesses, and enjoying outdoor activities like downhill skiing and running in the North Country!