Hamilton Street Cafe

317 Hamilton St, Albany, NY 12210, United States
+1 518-463-2233
$$$ Cafe
(46 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to Hamilton Street Cafe, a charming little oasis nestled in the heart of Albany, New York. Located at 317 Hamilton St, this cozy cafe has become a beloved lunch spot for locals seeking high-quality, homemade fare in a welcoming atmosphere.

From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by the delightful aroma of freshly prepared food, a testament to the care and passion that the dedicated staff pour into each dish. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a more leisurely meal, Hamilton Street Cafe provides the perfect backdrop for both solo diners and groups alike. The environment is warm and inviting, featuring friendly staff who are eager to make your experience memorable.

Hamilton Street Cafe prides itself on a menu that combines classic cafe staples with distinctive touches that keep patrons coming back for more. Start your visit off right with one of their daily rotating homemade soups—always made fresh, featuring one vegetarian option each day alongside flavors like the hearty, spicy chili that’s packed with fresh vegetables, ground beef, and a special blend of 73 spices. Each bowl comes accompanied by crunchy crackers, a perfect complement to the warm, savory goodness.

For those looking to customize their meal, the Create Your Own Sandwich section is a must-try. With options like slow-roasted beef and turkey, along with delicious spreads such as hummus and chicken salad, you can craft a sandwich that suits your taste perfectly. Pair your selection with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, and sprouts, all served on your choice of artisanal bread—which could be white, whole wheat, rye, or even a warm hard roll.

If you're in the mood for something with a bit more flair, the cafe’s specialty sandwiches are sure to impress. Take, for example, the Michaelangelo, a delightful medley of baked ham, salami, and roasted red peppers, or the dreamy Tiny Avenger, featuring creamy chicken salad mixed with avocado and smoked gouda. These combinations not only make your mouth water but also create a satisfying and inventive meal.

Those who have visited Hamilton Street Cafe rave about the experience. Summer Wilber shares, "It's one of my favorite lunch spots, and I love hearing what their daily specials are." This sentiment is echoed by Brett Murphy, who highlights the "great food" and "delightful" staff, making it evident that this cafe is not just about the food, but also about the connection with the community.

Even amidst their bustling lunch crowd, guests appreciate the seamless service, as noted by Jeff Amos, who praised the quick delivery time and the freshness of the salads. "The salads were enormous, fresh, and delicious," he recalls, showcasing just how carefully crafted each meal is.

If you are in search of a hidden gem that combines excellent food with a personal touch, look no further than Hamilton Street Cafe. You can easily see why it’s loved by so many; the fusion of quality ingredients, inviting ambiance, and genuine care from the staff makes every visit feel special.

Next time you're in Albany, treat yourself to a delightful lunch at Hamilton Street Cafe. Your taste buds—and your heart—will thank you!

Service options
Takeaway
Offerings
Coffee
Dining options
Breakfast
Lunch
Payments
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
46 Reviews
Summer Wilber

18 Sep 2025

I love Hamilton Street cafe. It's one of my favorite lunch spots, and I love hearing what their daily specials are. I'm also a sucker for good soup, and I can always count on their soup being amazing.

Brett Murphy

15 Sep 2025

Absolutely lovely spot for lunch. We stopped in just looking for a bite after shopping in a nearby bookstore. The food was great and the staff were delightful to talk to for a few minutes. Highly recommended, we'll be going back when in the area.

Allyson Faroni

07 Aug 2025

So glad to have the Hamilton right by my work. Everyone who works there is so personable and extremely kind! Not only is the food amazing, but the owner and staff always ask you how you liked something and will always listen to your suggestions (if you can even come up with any) even though they are clearly experts.

Jeff Amos

14 Jul 2025

Called over and they faxed the menu very quickly. The lady on the phone was polite and quick, The menu is your usual cafe fair, though the specials definitely showed off more flair. From order to delivery it took 20 minutes right at the peak of lunch, so that was excellent. The salads were enormous, fresh, and delicious. The sandwich special was also excellent on a great ciabatta roll. I'll definitely be ordering here again. I didn't go to the restaurant, so the decor score is just a guess!

Tara (Tara)

05 Jul 2025

The food is delicious, the staff are so friendly and accommodating. The prices are reasonable and it's easy to get to. The parking could be difficult times but they make the best breakfast sandwiches. I definitely recommend!

Colleen Maney

01 Jun 2025

Great little neighborhood cafe, such a hidden gem. I’m usually there for the fresh baked scones on Fridays (so delicious), but their sandwiches and lunch specials are fabulous too. Friendly staff, quality food and super reasonable prices.

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