Coffee Beanery - City of Rensselaer

Oh, we could and have done far, far worse as far as transportation hub amenities. Yes, you need to check on the freshness of individual items here. No, you will not get world-class Chemex drips of fair-trade hand-tended coffee beans. Perhaps it is possible to do better. But you get coffee, sandwiches, baked goods, various snacks, hot options, quick to go salads (including seaweed! And not bad! at the TRAIN STATION! , mostly perky employees, moderately fast service, a few cafe tables to sit down at or the option of slouching off to one of the Amtrak vinyl waiting seats, and relatively decent hours of operation. If you want to see one-star operations, take a hike over to the Albany bus station. Or force yourself to eat something from the Amtrak cafe car, if you dare. Then perhaps you will appreciate the Coffee Beanery at the old Amtrak as much as I do.

With thirty minutes before my train left, I was looking for something quick to drink. The Coffee Beanery fit the bill. I ordered a large chai latte with almond milk. There was no up charge for the almond milk. For the chai, Coffee Beanery uses the Tazo chai concentrate which is what Starbucks uses. I was satisfied with my Coffee Beanery experience. My drink was good, the staff was friendly, and the store was well laid out. Next time I am at this store, I will try the pumpkin muffin which looked very tasty.

Oh god....no. Tired of Cafe Car soy sandwiches. Wanted something grilled so ordered a burger. Thought they couldn't screw that up... Yeah, I was wrong. Was super small. Looked like the burger had been a victim of overcooking and a bit of frostbite. Think it just got stuck onto the grill and dried up. Wunderbar. Came with some the nastiest looking potato salad I've ever seen. Lots of Mayo and dried up tomatoes... All for $8. Don't be like me. Get the cafe car food. The sandwiches are sadly better...(may be done to hell with preservatives but it's at least edible) One note: Unlike others, coffee wasn't bad for me, though they had a special brew that was pretty good. My train got to Albany close to lunch so they probably bother with the coffee so locals order. I've had their regular coffee before coming from Buffalo and is watery like Niagara Falls.

Meh coffee, gross tea selections and they hire Rensselaer 's finest employees who look like they came into work as community service after a heroin bender. If you can, hit Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts. You can at least pick up small items (snacks, pastries). It 's not my first choice but will work in a pinch.

Stopped on to grab some snacks and food when a train stopped for a 15 minute break. I mean, c'mon guys... Just because you likely won't ever see me again, there is no reason to make horrible food. I grabbed a chicken wrap... It was just lettuce. A small amount of chicken inside but really that was it. A TON of lettuce, a wrap, and little smear of chicken. Have some pride. Make the food decent.