The wait is over, Albany! Java Cafe is officially open! ☕️ While running some daily errands, I stumbled upon this gem and I am so glad I did. The grand opening was a beautiful sight, and the offerings were even better. I started with the chocolate baklava and the pistachio baklava, and the flavors were absolutely heavenly. The pastry had an out-of-this-world crunch that perfectly complemented the soft, decadent layers. It was sweet, but not overwhelmingly so—just right. I also grabbed a latte for only $4, which is an unbeatable price for a decent-sized, in-house brew. The coffee was creamy, rich, and strong without being overpowering—exactly what any coffee lover wants in their cup. The atmosphere was just as impressive. The cafe's friendly, appealing vibe and modern, contemporary decor were so inviting that I couldn't resist sitting down, even though I was pressed for time. The ambiance made my morning. But the real showstopper was the customer service. The owner greeted everyone with a warm welcome, and the staff worked flawlessly to make sure every customer was happy. The people here are truly lovely, and I hope everyone stops by to wish them luck because Java Cafe deserves it. Don't forget to try a free sample of the baklava today! You can find them at 460 Madison Ave, Albany, NY. Be sure to tell them SimplyZakkai sent you! Food: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Atmosphere: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Service: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Overall rating: 5 🌟’s Thank you for tuning in, where every bite...
Read moreThis new coffee shop caught my eye because it’s located right next door to another well-established one — and honestly, it holds its own. The vibe is lighter and brighter, offering a fresh, airy ambiance that feels intentional and welcoming.
I ordered a coffee and was initially concerned it might be too strong based on the color, but with a little cream and sugar, it turned out to be pretty good. Not the most amazing cup I’ve ever had, but solid — definitely enjoyable.
I also tried one of their desserts just to support the spot and give them a chance. It was a pastry with a bread-like exterior (a bit tougher than puff pastry) and a chocolate cake-like filling inside. No icing, so not overly sweet, but it was flavorful and satisfying. There were almonds on the outside and possibly another nut inside — I wasn’t sure — but overall, it was light and delightful.
The staff were kind and warm, and one spoke English fluently, which made things easy and pleasant. I also loved the little motivational mirror moment — a sweet touch reminding customers that “you are amazing.” Small details like that go a long way.
I look forward to visiting again and hope they find success in what’s clearly a thoughtful, good-energy kind of space. It’s always nice to see a new business putting care into both their product and their...
Read moreComing from Seattle, we were hoping for flavorful coffee and were not disappointed. My husband’s oatmilk latte was creamy and tasty. My oatmilk matcha latte was also very nice, smooth and not sweet (the way I like it). We paid about $5 per drink. Unfortunately they didn’t have vegan pastries, but the regular ones on display looked appealing and they don’t serve any meat. Friendly, kind service. Inviting table and easy chair seating, with a small sofa and near the front door. Cheerful but mellow music, just loud enough to mask conversation. Directly across from Ben & Jerry’s...
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