Spring is in the air and summer is right around the corner! This means that soon Washington Park will bloom with events like the annual Albany Tulip Festival, the Capital Pride Parade and Festival, summer performances at Park Playhouse, the Washington Park Farmers Market and more. Whether you’re visiting for a festival, event, or just enjoying a day in the park, check out some places to grab a bite within walking distance to Washington Park.
Daily Grind
First opened in 1976, this coffee shop on Lark Street has been roasting their own coffee beans on site for decades. After spending the day in Washington Park, sip on a pick-me-up from the expert coffee makers at the Daily Grind and enjoy a full meal or pastry in their cozy seating area.
Iron Gate Cafe
Open for breakfast, brunch and lunch, start your day at Iron Gate Cafe! Take in a beautiful spring or summer day and eat at their outdoor patio. Or head inside to enjoy the cafe's charming dining rooms situated in a historic home.
Herbie's Burgers
This burger joint's first brick-and-mortar location is just a short walk away from Washington Park. Located on Lark Street, enjoy smash burgers, shakes and more in this retro-style eatery.
Bitchin' Donuts
For something sweet to close out your day in the park, stop by Bitchin' Donuts, a vegan bakery on Lark Street. Each visit to this donut shop offers something new. The business creates a special donut menu each week around different themes. Out of the box flavors have ranged from lavender lemonade to cosmic cotton candy to espresso pop.
Subculture
Grab a quick lunch or dinner at this vegan deli just a short walk away from Washington Park! The all-vegan menu offers all the classics like an Italian Mix, Philly Cheesesteak and Reuben. Plus, snack on some small bites and sides like southern fried mushrooms, mac and cheese and vegan wings.
Bar Vegan
After your day in the park, take a walk over to Bar Vegan on Lark Street for dinner and drinks! Bar Vegan offers a wide variety of plant-based foods and tasty cocktails all made in house. Enjoy everything from sushi and edamame potstickers to vegan wings and zucchini fries. Sit back and enjoy live music every weekend under the twinkling lights of this Lark Street favorite.
Umana Yana
Take a trip over to Umana Yana on Washington Ave, serving up a menu of delicious Afro Caribbean and Asian Caribbean menus. "Umana Yana," coined by the Wai Wai Indigenous Amerindians of Guyana means "meeting place for the people." The vision for this eatery is a place for people to come together and share culture, cuisine and craft.
Dove + Deer
For lunch or dinner, take a walk over to Dove + Deer. This favorite bar and kitchen in Albany's Center Square neighborhood offers delicious pub fare in a cozy historic building. Pair your meal with a glass of wine, beer, or a tasty cocktail.
Rosanna's
Settle in for a dinner of homemade pasta, pizza, or small plates at Rosanna's. This charming Italian restaurant in Center Square lives in a historic home that once operated as a restaurant under Italian immigrants Felix and Rosanna Bongiorno. The new restaurant pays homage to the original owners and offers classic Italian fare with a fresh new twist.
