PRIME at the Plaza

Empire State Plaza, 1, Albany, NY 12210, United States
+1 518-375-2318
$$$ cafe
(66 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to PRIME at the Plaza, a hidden gem nestled in the vibrant Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY. This charming café offers a delightful respite for both locals and travelers alike, boasting an inviting atmosphere where you can savor tasty fare amidst an artful backdrop of architecture.

As you step into PRIME, you'll be greeted by a welcoming environment, perfect for a leisurely lunch or a quick coffee break. Although the space may feel a touch sparse—likely a remnant of the COVID-19 pandemic—its minimalistic charm is counterbalanced by the warm, friendly service that makes every visit feel personal and special. Take a seat and choose from a menu that emphasizes quality and flavor rather than overwhelming variety.

The cuisine here caters to a diverse palette, shining especially bright with their famed Grilled Cheese. This isn’t just any grilled cheese; it’s perfectly toasted, with oozy, melty cheese that sings in harmony with golden, crispy bread. Pair it with their French Fries or Onion Rings for a satisfying meal that feels like a comforting hug. If you’re looking to add a touch of freshness, dive into their Smokehouse Spinach Salad—a flavorful fusion of textures and tastes that will invigorate your senses.

Customer experiences at PRIME speak volumes. Eldridge Lipschitz appreciates the delicious lunch salads available, and although he noted the café occasionally runs low on certain items like decaf coffee, his overall takeaway is one of satisfaction. "Great choices," he says, echoing what many feel about this spot. Meanwhile, John Purcell raves about the daily chef's specials, designed not only to be affordable but also generous in portion and flavor—often revealing culinary surprises worth the visit. "Tasty and fairly priced," he notes, highlighting the thoughtful curation of each dish.

Whether you're a regular or a first-timer, PRIME at the Plaza offers more than just food; it provides a comforting experience that nourishes both body and spirit. Next time you find yourself in Albany, don’t miss your chance to indulge in their flavorful offerings!

For inquiries or to learn more about the menu, feel free to call them at +1 518-375-2318. PRIME at the Plaza is waiting to welcome you!

Service options
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Lunch
Catering
Dessert
Table service
Amenities
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

08:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Tuesday

08:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Wednesday

08:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Thursday

08:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Friday

08:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

66 Reviews
Eldridge Lipschitz

29 Jun 2025

I get their lunch salads which are great. There's a certain sparsity to the place, probably due to the COVID, but they still have some good choices. Last time I was there they were out of decaf .

John Purcell

26 May 2025

I typically get the chef's special for the day, which you can view online before heading over to it. The daily chef's special is usually fairly priced, tasty and includes a good portion size. There is a decent amount of seating inside, too.

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