View photos

Menu Snapshot

Overview & Highlights

Uncommon Grounds Coffee & Bagels is a vibrant café nestled within the bustling Empire State Plaza at Albany’s Center Concourse, offering a refreshing haven for coffee lovers and bagel enthusiasts alike. This local gem stands out with its expertly crafted coffee selections paired perfectly with an array of freshly baked bagels and satisfying breakfast options, making it an essential stop for anyone seeking a quality start to their day or a midday pick-me-up.

Step inside, and you’re greeted by an inviting atmosphere where the rich aroma of freshly ground coffee beans mingles with the tantalizing scent of warm, toasted bagels. Whether you’re on a tight schedule or looking for a moment to savor your morning ritual, the efficient service and cozy setting make every visit feel both energizing and comforting.

While the menu offers a well-curated variety, it’s the simplicity and freshness that truly shine. Imagine biting into a perfectly toasted bagel, its golden crust giving way to a soft, chewy center, layered with smooth cream cheese or a savory smoked salmon spread. Complementing this is a cup of bold, meticulously brewed coffee—each sip delivering deep, smoky notes and a velvety finish that awakens the senses.

Located conveniently at 100 S Mall Arterial within the iconic Empire State Plaza, Uncommon Grounds Coffee & Bagels provides not just great food and drink but a moment of respite in a high-traffic area. Its blend of quality ingredients, welcoming vibe, and prime location make it a standout destination for locals and visitors navigating Albany’s civic heart.

If you find yourself craving a genuine coffee experience coupled with classic New York-style bagels, Uncommon Grounds offers an artisanal touch that elevates everyday café fare into something memorable and deeply satisfying.

For inquiries or to place an order, feel free to contact them at +1 518-472-0118.

Comforts & Conveniences

Service options
  • Takeaway
  • Dine-in
  • Delivery
Popular for
  • Solo dining
Payments
  • Credit cards

Where to Visit

Visitor Testimonials (222)

The best thing that just happened to the Albany Airport. Friendly staff, fresh yummy NY bagels. You have made my heart smile as I visit you weekly!

Best cafe downtown imo, great coffee & lattes and the bagels are great to! On top of flavor and quality I feel like this place is best bang for your buck among coffee shops in Albany. Service is always good and fast even during the rushes. I just wish this place was open on the weekends(i know the uptown one is im js)

Great spot! Used to work in the Saratoga location. This spot is even better!

Food is great the bagels taste like bagels and not oily bread. The coffee is amazing and fair trade which is nice. The service was okay - the floor was messy and tables were sticky. The food and coffee to go is perfect.

Bagels are very good & fairly priced but the line is often far too long in the mornings to even consider shopping here.

Bagels done right (¹), coffee done right (²), vibe done right (³), all affordable, from friendly detail-oriented servers and staff. (¹) bagels: fresh, large, satisfying; (²) coffee: they roast themselves in small batches; (³) rotating local-artist art installations, ample seating, coffee house jazz + rock backgrounds. A welcome state-plaza outpost edition of the University Plaza location.

Tell Us About Your Visit

Your insights help other diners decide. We’ll keep your email private. Required fields are marked *

Service & Hospitality
Value for Money
Food & Drink Quality
Ambience & Comfort

Explore Similar Places Nearby

Three Plenties Palace

148 York St, Albany WA 6330, Australia

  • 3.8 608 Ratings

Collins Dairy Treat

109 Burkesville Rd, Albany, KY 42602, United States

  • 4.4 248 Ratings

Big A Bistro

1305 US Hwy 136, Albany, MO 64402, United States

  • 4.3 227 Ratings

Cajun Cafe

1 Crossgates Mall Rd B222, Albany, NY 12203, United States

  • 2.9 268 Ratings

Discover More Places

Icecycle Creamery & Pedalers Deli

6147 Lakeside Dr, Reno, NV 89511, United States

  • 4.5 505 Ratings

Tuskers Tuckerbox @ The Beach

124 Kennedy Esplanade, South Mission Beach QLD 4852, Australia

  • 4.8 668 Ratings

Prime Nutrition

1405 S Salisbury Blvd Unit D, Salisbury, MD 21801, United States

  • 4.8 282 Ratings

Vicky's bubbly cafe

6732 S Crenshaw Blvd #12, Los Angeles, CA 90043, United States

  • 4.9 249 Ratings

The Village Grocer Carcoar

7 Belubula St, Carcoar NSW 2791, Australia

  • 4.4 237 Ratings