Takeaway
Yes
Ambition Coffee & Eatery, Inc in Schenectady
Categories
Location on the map
Schenectady, Schenectady County, New York, US
Service options
Dine-in
Yes
Delivery
No
Health and safety
Staff required to disinfect surfaces between visits
Yes
Highlights
Great coffee
Yes
Great dessert
Yes
Great tea selection
Yes
Popular for
Breakfast
Yes
Lunch
Yes
Dinner
Yes
Solo dining
Yes
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Yes
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Yes
Offerings
Coffee
Yes
Comfort food
Yes
Healthy options
Yes
Quick bite
Yes
Small plates
Yes
Vegetarian options
Yes
Dining options
Breakfast
Yes
Lunch
Yes
Dinner
Yes
Dessert
Yes
Amenities
Good for kids
Yes
High chairs
Yes
Toilets
Yes
Atmosphere
Casual
Yes
Cosy
Yes
Crowd
Groups
Yes
Tourists
Yes
University students
Yes
Planning
Accepts reservations
Yes
Phone: +1 518-382-9277
Site: https://ambitionbistro.com/
Site: https://ambitionbistro.com/
Opening hours
- Monday:8AM–3PM
- Tuesday:8AM–3PM
- Wednesday:8AM–3PM
- Thursday:8AM–3PM
- Friday:8AM–3PM
- Saturday:9AM–3PM
- Sunday:9AM–2PM
Comments (199)
Great place for a date or catching up with a friend- cozy, casual, friendly feel. I had the Cranberry club sandwitch and it was delicous. Service is very friendly and top notch! Highly recommend!
This is seriously a hidden gem. The atmosphere is trendy but laid back. Staff were amazing and the food was delightful! If youre ever in town you have to check it out.
Greeted by a sign that said Happy Not Monday I felt immediately welcomed by Ambition Coffee & Eatery. The smell of grease and sugar promised a satisfying breakfast for my empty belly. Overall it was a worthwhile breakfast stop.The vibe was eclectic, with all the interesting images across the space. Enjoyed all the silly sayings, (e.g. Danger: Men Cooking, and Beware pickpockets and loose women.) posted everywhere. It felt, at least in part, like a small corner of Mardi Gras had found its way up to Schenectady.My meal; a meaty omelette was fine. I wouldnt say the best Ive ever had, but very, very far from the worst. My daughters pancakes were entirely uninspired; the white flour was evident in the rubbery nature of the meal. In all, I was disappointed by the menu. After such a high bar had been set by the decor, the menu was rather pedestrian. Had this been more of a local mom & pop diner, I would have been much less disappointed.The service was pleasant, and with car trouble, our server stood out by asking around for a garage recommendation from the locals. Totally above and beyond expectations.Overall, Id recommend Ambition if youre looking for a salt-of-the-earth breakfast with a funky environment. I would definitely go back after exploring other restaurants in the area.
Great staff welcomed us, and they took time offering samples of different brews. When finding out we were just stopping in they offered recommendations, and helpful tips. The coffee was delicious as were the pastries they offer! Make sure to get a Baileys chocolate chip muffin for the road! They even suggested warming it up to make sure we enjoyed it as much as possible. Really great local place, and one I will visit again anytime in the area
Went for brunch. Crowded, fun atmosphere. We were sat quickly, and had drinks in hand within minutes. Ordered and sat back to sip and chat. Server came by a few times to check in.Our food arrived after about 45 minutes, so we were very ready to dig in. He had an omelet and home fries - both fine. Not great, but fine. I had a chicken salad wrap and some tortilla chips that it apparently comes with. Again, fine. Mostly bland. But neither were bad.Mimosas were good, iced coffee I would generously say was OK.Bill with a 20% tip came to $80.Will try again in a few months, but not sprinting back anytime soon.
Staying in downtown Schenectady for the wedding of our dear friends. Stopped at Ambition for breakfast. Interesting old building with lots of atmosphere located on historic Jay Street. Had an excellent omelet, my wife had a generous portion of French Toast with fresh Strawberries. Friendly attentive service. Alcoholic beverages available as well.
What a cute place... food was delicious!!! Breakfast potatoes with peppers and onions are amazing!
Food is only okay. So dark in here that it always looks kind of dirty even if it is not. No one is moving all that stuff on the walls to clean regularly so I choose not to eat here anymore. I dont know why everyone raves about this place. Plus all of the good staff recently left.
Great breakfast and a cute little Cafe! Good meal choices and the prices are reasonable. There is a bar, in case you want a mimosa or bloody with your breakfast! Its also situated on a cute little closed off block where you can Browse the shops without worrying about traffic. Loved it... I will definitely visit again!
Ambition has been part of the heart of Schenectady since before the citys turnaround. A unique gay cafe that looks like a hole in the wall from a big city. The staff has always been relaxed and friendly. Its remarkable how they manage it year after year. The food is great too. Soups, salads, and sandwiches that have always been my go to for lunch. Several parking lots within a block or two. If you dont need fancy but still want good, I cant think of a better recommendation. Even the whistling kettle a couple of doors down isnt as good.
Great coffee, delicious and interesting food - the omelette and sandwich we had was incredibly tasty- and a great atmosphere. Highly recommend.
Great little shop. Im gluten free and vegan so theres nothing for me but my friend really enjoys the soups, sandwiches and salads.
Went to Ambition to get a to-go order for the first time today with a colleague, the staff was extremely friendly and the entire vibe of the restaurant is wonderful. So casual and relaxed yet eclectic. The menu has something for everyone and the food is phenomenal. I tried the Cranberry Club and it was absolutely delicious. Service was quick which was great for my half hour lunch break. Ill be making this my new lunch spot for when Im at the office. Do yourself a favor and try Ambition!
Great food: chicken curry soup, big fat Greek wrap with chicken, yum! Vegetarian foods also and great service, thanks Darius. What a great place to discover. Will definitely be back!
I love this place. Definitely had a unique atmosphere, with classic pop culture decor. Its humorous and laid back. You can get breakfast or lunch - their sandwiches are their specialty (try the Stacys Mom!). Also, gourmet coffee, chai and latte. One of the best hidden secrets in Schenectady. They have a full bar too!
I have been going here a good amount of times for breakfast and its overall very good. They are always consistent in delivering good food. The customer service is a good but the last time I went I was lacking a bit. The bathroom are very small and dirty, but the food and environment overall is pretty good.
Ambition for me is a comfortable #5star awesome! Great place to bring your heart right next to you, Here in my pictures,I was waiting to meet my true love for the 1st time, each second felt like an eternity,in anticipation of meeting the love I have now
Young, ambitious crew but quite intelligent. Thanks for the chocolate bar.
It had been a while since I swung by ambition cafe, but I wanted to show my friend this cute Schenectady staple. They do pandemic seating, but we found a spot near the back of the cafe. The staff was incredibly friendly, and very accommodating. The restaurant designed is very old school, with fun celebrity murals, photos and news articles about the cafe, bottle cap poles, and a fun mishmash of everything the owner collects.As I remember from the last time I was there, the menu is eclectic and has some nice vegan options. Most orders come with a bag of chips or a side salad, which was a pretty decent size. We were also thrilled to see that they had fountain sodas, so we could order our Diet Cokes.We both ordered Jeremys Package, which is made with grilled turkey, apples, bacon, tomato, cheddar, cranberry pesto, and balsamic reduction on pretzel bread. Boy did this sandwich live up to the hype. It was scrumptious, with a sweet little edge, and the acid of the crisp apple tartness balanced out the fattiness of the bacon and turkey. The pretzel bun tasted just like a pretzel, and it was warm and soft inside. Very happy!The salad is also very good. It was mixed greens, and I got the honey mustard vinaigrette. He worked really well, and was a perfect compliment to the dish.Im so glad we hit this place up for lunch. I forgot how great Ambition Cafe has always been, and Im really glad to see theyre keeping it up.
Nice place and friendly service. My only complaint food was not hot, and the bacon was not cooked crispy as requested. But will definitely give it another try.
Clientele and staff have been favorably impacted by the legalization. Expect mind-bending consciousness raising events. But remember the cute girl in the back isnt really looking at you. Thats just wishful thinking.
Ambition is steeped in local flavor. I went there for the first time when I was in high school for an Open Mic. Later, I went to SCCC for college, and I often went to Ambition to just soak up the feeling of the place. The art on the walls, the relaxed atmosphere, the idea that I was in a place that had been around to feed performers before they went on stage later felt so cool.I headed back yesterday because I was in the area, and it hit me with so much nostalgia. Plus, the food was just as delicious as ever. The bread pudding muffins are out of this world good. Well worth a stop in for coffee and maybe a little something sweet.
Great place to get a bit to eat. Food is delicious and quickly prepared.
Do not eat here. Today I watched a new employee (first day) do a stellar and absolutely amazing job only to be verbally degraded and berated for a mistake that the owner and only cook, Mark messed up on. I watched this happen with my own two eyes. Even after she apologized profusely for HIS mistake he told her to leave. He physically pulled out trash to make the server feel bad mind you for his mistake. I wouldn’t let my dog eat here under his management. He’s a pathetic small man for doing what he did to this absolutely stellar server! Even his own staff were perplexed at his lack of decency and attitude. NO WONDER HES ALWAYS LOOKING FOR WORKERS. I wouldn’t be caught dead working for this feeble minded pathetic excuse of a man.
Restaurant only had one waiter for all 20 tables. The waiter could not remember anything we ordered even after telling him repeatedly. The coffee was brown water. Coffee took 20 minutes to arrive and waiter forgot to bring creamer or almond milk. After 45 minutes with no food and or coffee creamer we decided to leave. Worst restaurant experience in my life. How is this place open?
Stopped for a late breakfast around 11:30 the other day. The server let me know that they stopped serving breakfast at 11:00 but he made several excellent suggestions off of the lunch menu. I ended up going with the lox 8 sandwich. It was delicious! Always great food, excellent service and very careful about complying to COVID-19 protocols.
I used to love this place. It has become one of the top worst places ive been to. The bagel and cream cheese with lox made me violently ill, and the waiter was inattentive to the point where after asking for silverware and waiting 15 minutes for it, i had to go back up to the counter to ask for it again, and thereupon had to wait several more minutes. No silverware, no straws, inattentive waiter and the food made me sick. Sad to say i will NOT be returning after this.
Went here for brunch and ate outside, the staff warned us bees were a bit intrusive, they were right! As for the food and service, absolutely great! We had a Kahlua boozy Muffin, Barry Manilow pancakes, a meat lovers omelette (special of the day) and my husband ordered the Mimosa. Nothing to complain about, food was served fresh and quick, service was attentive and pleasant. We are very happy we tried Ambition! I highly recommend! Cant wait to try lunch there!
The bread pudding is delicious. I would highly recommend it for dessert
Very slow service, bacon came out raw, sent it back... Returned burnt. Asked for over easy eggs, got scrambled. Hot boozy coffee came in a mason jar with no handle.
Ive been coming here on and off for years, only because I moved out of the area....now Im back, so Ill be back more often. Great breakfast, great lunch, amazing brunch and generous cocktails. 5 stars for ambiance as well.
So yummy and delish!! I just wish they would update the atmosphere. It is extremely dated and needs a serious makeover. It’s quite dark and dingy inside, like a bar. But the food more than makes up for it.
We stumbled upon this fabulous luncheon place. My mixed greens salad with chicken, feta, grapes and house made dressing was plentiful and very flavorable. The others had delicious sandwiches on pretzel bread and other salads. We had a very attentive pleasant waitress. A definite return if in Schenectady.
Great atmosphere and the food was amazing!!! The coffee was good as well, but it didnt have a wow factor to it. You could spend half the day looking at all the things they crammed into that small establishment. The staff was great as well, nothing bad to say about this place at all. Even the bathrooms have cute little posters in them.
Funky little sandwich joint with fantastic names for their menu items. Always friendly service and amazing lattes (which is basically like the icing on the cake for me... or maybe the mayo on the sandwich? Lol I digress). I have yet to be disappointed. Keep up the good work!
Such a unique experience with the vintage, music inspired decor and the friendly staff! The food is amazing, with its great breakfast and brunch choices, along with yummy salads and sandwiches for lunch. Theres something here for everyone! Jay Street is also a good place for shopping and visiting local bakeries and theater. Ambition is a place you will want to go again and again!
Wasnt that great . Service was just OK.. food was very bland .
My fiance and I went in to have breakfast around 1030am on a Saturday and found Ambition to be not very busy. We sat in the room to left as you walk in and was immediately delighted by the decor. All sorts of various 1970 disco era album covers made you smile while waiting a very short time before having our server come to greet us and take our order. The food was delicious and very well priced. Staff is friendly and would definately go back.
Our go-to place for great, casual breakfast.
The dilemma with rating 5*s a small place like this is,... Its so perfect for you you may not want to draw in a bigger crowd but you want it to not struggle with keeping the doors open.I believe this place has a great formula for success. They take a great location with easy access and tons of locate draws near by, add in some greasy spoon vibes and eccentric decorations, then (most importantly) add a perfect amount of portion sizes of food and plate spacing equal the place I wish I could have my wedding reception in.Please get here and enjoy before they either appear in diners drive-in and dives or grow beyond this quaint local hot spot.
Looking to have a great-tasting cup of joe ☕ in a shoppe that looks and feels like an adult version of an I-Spy Book?THIS eatery offers great food, friendly staff, and a fun atmosphere where you can bring friends for conversation 👫. However, you can tuck away into the back pockets of the dining room for caffeine and isolation should you not desire to people watch on Jay St.Their food is fresh, healthy, and tasty. Prices and portions are amazing! Consistently delicious soups and sandwiches. 🥪🥣Its a must if you are looking for a fun nook, lunch spot, or hang when new to Schenectady.
Good. And only place open for the public during the breakfast hours in heart of Schenectady, NY - downtown.Mr. with Martin@Co. guitar :-) , instead pizza slice for the breakfast have bagel with cream cheese or hot oatmeal with the tea.Have a good week all!!!
Quaint and nostalgic. Menu - unique, trendy and healthy. On this day, with a party of 6, well received and somewhat timely. Most were not impressed with the food. One commented that the food was not as good as expected. Another said it was not up to its usual quality. May have been a tough day. Will try again.
Best coffee in Schenectady!Decent food at a reasonable price point. However, sometimes the food can be inconsistent. Mark the owner is great and almost always there. The staff is funky & fun, and maybe at times a bit silly ;-) But thats a part of the atmosphere.Enjoy! #schenectadydoesntsuck
Me and my Im only getting water daughter stopped in, I had a French omelette (brie, apples and bacon) with rye and home fries (on her suggestion) and the waiter got my daughter a lovely plate of fruit. We devoured it together and really enjoyed the flavor of everything... service was phenomenal. I got a bit of hot water to thin out the great coffee.They just need an airlock door (see my photo) the first three booths are a tad chilly.
First time eating here and I would definitely go back. Delicious home fries, eggs and pancakes. The service was excellent.
This is my favorite place on Jay St. The atmosphere cant be beat, it is cozy, quirky, and quintessentially Jay St. They have the best coffee and lattés, delicious tea from Divinitea, and a delicious menu with great names. Today we had a Hot Cop, and a Black bean burger. Ive been coming here for years and Ive never had anything that was sub par. The staff are extremely friendly and knowledgeable. You should definitely check them out.
Ambition is s quaint restaurant in downtown Schenectady, NY. It is decorated with album covers from past decades, reminding us of our youthful listening pleasures. The menu had a fabulous assortment of sandwiches from chicken to tofu along with salads and soups. The sandwiches are named after local interests, and are quite unique. The servers are friendly and attentive, and you should get there early if you want a table as it fills up quickly at lunch. Enjoy the delicious food and the nostalgia. It is good and fun!
Very surprised with all the people who gave this place 5 stars?! We went on a Sunday late morning and sat ourselves. The food selection for the price was poor, typical breakfast nothing interesting for a brunch selection, at $10 a piece. We both got Bloody Marys $8 each, nothing as described and not worth the price. Would have paid $10 for a great one. Would have complained but the waitress was all over the place and we barely could catch her attention to say anything about it or anything else for that matter. The food was ok to good but for sure nothing amazing as the reviews described.. will not return here and will continue to go to Albany for a great brunch.
I loved the vintage artwork on the walls and the bottle caps that adorned the ceiling, it was so cheeky, and lovely! This place has a charm to it which I find cozy. It brought me back to my youth, when your friends bedroom was like an art gallery, a destination of peace. Also great food, my Lox sandwich was better than I imagined, so yummy! I had a chai latte that was absolutely scrumptious! Thanks for existing!
Quirky and relaxed environment. Every time I eat here I find something new and fun on the walls I may have missed last time. Great place for brunch, lunch or dinner. Plenty of options to choose from, and haven’t been disappointed yet! Staff is always friendly and upbeat.
Absolutely fantastic! Had a blast, coffee was hot and the boozy muffins were on point!
Awesome ! Best waffles in town 🤗 love this restaurant had a delicious breakfast my favorite meal of the day !! They made my day! 😋🥰
Ive only ever had great experiences at Ambition. The staff are friendly, and the food is delicious. Theres a great atmosphere between the catchy music thats always playing, and the colorful decorations adorning every inch of the walls and ceiling. Dont let Crabby Marc scare you - hes the best!
Super low-key and chill
You had us at “real maple syrup.” To pour it over your excellent blueberry pancakes and strawberry French toast was icing on the cake! And the coffee is fresh! And so welcome. Looking forward to visiting again when we next travel through Schenectady. Thank you!
Stopped here while waiting on a layover for Amtrak, great decision! I was able to get a nice mimosa, and the bacon and home fries are some of the best I ever had. The home fries are great, nice seasoning on them, I didnt need the extra salt I put on by habit. Prices are very reasonable, I would recommend this place to anyone. Only a few minutes walk from train station.
Been here a bunch of times. They have delicious sandwiches with quirky names. The staff has always been friendly and the restaurant clean.
Very funky. Good food.
Great place for lunch. More vegan options during the week not as many on the brunch menu. Amazing bloody marys.
Great, fast service. The decor is really interesting. Their hot chocolate is very good and not too sweet. The brunches are classic diner food done properly.
Pleasant festive environment w terrific coffee fabulous waitstaff !
Casual dining and friendly service. Great menu for Sunday brunch.
Can I give this 4.5 stars? Please? Make an exception?Ambition is, among all others, reliable. You know youll be well-cared for by the friendly staff, and that there will barely be a wait for your meal even during busy times. The missing 0.5 star is in the lack of selection for the diner of particular diet. Their non-meat options are very classic vegetarian or near-vegan choices. Like I always say, grilled vegetables is not a creative vegetarian dish. None the less, Ambition offers good dishes, great tea or coffee [at least by diner standards], and a superb atmosphere. Tuck yourself into a comfy booth and hope your crush walks in the door within 10 minutes.
Delicious, intimate eatery... Eclectic, vegetarian selections, home brews great combinations and fast service.Open breakfast and lunch only,. Only open for dinner on evenings where there is a show at proctors...Been here twice in the last week... Had the seafood chowder which was creamy and delicious.
Fantastic atmosphere, good food. What more can you say.
This place is excellent for breakfast, new menu. Brilliant Mimosas & Irish Coffee.Its the spot to go.
Delicious, good drinks, service was very good. There was an issue with my dish, but they dealt with it right away. Well be back 😊
Always a pleasure to eat here. The food is quick, delicious, and well priced. Im always able to get to my show on time, even if I left late.
This place can be hit or miss. Visited this Sunday and it was a miss. Ran out of bagels, wife did not get what she ordered (missing bacon from her sandwich) and the service was slow. However in the past I has had some good experiences. But as I mentioned, it can be hit or miss.
Eclectic eatery with a unique atmosphere. Been here multiple times over the years but looking a bit run down recently. Good is typically good, coffee and cappuccino cappuccino cappuccino excellent. Parking can be a bit tough but service was very quick.
Love the decor. The wait staff is amazing. The boozy bread pudding muffins are absolutely to die for.
I keep wanting to like this place, and it keeps coming up short. The menu is unusual, sandwiches and some basic breakfast items. The lattes are basically coffee with warm milk - Im not even convinced there is expresso involved. Like most capital area coffee shops, this one insists on table service but doesnt do it especially well.
Great vibes, friendly staff, good food.
Comfy little cafe with eggs, pancakes and waffles for breakfast. Also, boozy and nonalcoholic breakfast drinks. We were there for a breakfast and had great experience
If you are in Schenectady for any length of time you must try Ambition!!
The blueberry pancakes with real Maple syrup were great! The coffee is very good, too. Wait service was very good and write friendly. Well be back again!
Great atmosphere, attentive staff, good food. I wish there had been a few more brunch choices, but if you want a cool place to sit, have some coffee, and eat a casual breakfast, come here.
I love this place! Three of us went on Cinco De Mayo and everyone was happy. I had the Verklempt and I never had it constructed as a sandwich. Service was friendly and the prices are very reasonable. Cant wait to come back.
We had a delicious brunch bloody Mary and all . Thanks Ronnie for such great service.
Amazing coffee and amazing service. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a funky hole-in-the-wall coffee shop.
Cool atmosphere, perfect place for a light/tasty breakfast and a good coffee👌Portions are perfect size; not too small - not too large. Surpassed my expectations!
Always a pleasure, staff is very happy.
Amazing place ! So glad we found the hidden gem !!! Totally my new Sunday breakfast spot! The owner is an amazing guy gave up his table for us and our waiter Adam was incredible!
Cozy, cute, and colorful coffeeshop in downtown Schenectady. The gallery in the far back of the place was very interesting. The food is good and the staff are very friendly.
Some of the finest food around and Chef Guru Mark and the staff make the place very welcoming - great atmosphere.
I love this place, but my wife did not care for it. Ambition has awesome coffee, breakfast and small sandwiches. When I was still single, I would stop by for an afternoon coffee and brunch.
First time at this place. Just had a fantastic dinner there tonight. Food was absolutely great. Theyre not typically open for dinner. I guess I have to try the place during the daytime too.
Love Ambition! Everyone is nice and the food is ALWAYS fresh and exactly the way I ordered it. Veggies are crisp and bread/rolls are always nice and soft.
I love this bistro. The food is good. I absolutely love the crab cakes. I also love the variety of mimosas. Strawberry is my favorite
Cute, 60s memorabilia cafe on J street near Proctors. Great coffee, good vegetarian options. Our go-to lunch/brunch place when we are in Schenectady.
The morning adult beverages are a must! Friendly service, fresh ingredients and quaint little dining experience is why I would go back again and again.
Great friendly service in an eclectic atmosphere! Breakfast was great! Nice background music... Quaint enjoyable spot. Delicious coffee!
Always quirky with delicious food. Not your typical sandwiches and wraps in the best way possible. By far my favorite lunch spot near State Street.
Good food, decently priced, and a very eclectic atmosphere. Breakfast and light brunch options are featured. I would highly recommend the brunch sandwiches.
Low key friendly and tasty food. I always enjoy visiting when Im in town and would always recommend people stopping by. Im not a coffee guy but Im sure its good!
Great restaurant in the center of Schenectady on a pedestrian street. It has a liquor license and is a very short walk from ProctorsMarc, the owner is an author as well as a restaurateur and entrepreneur. His book is on sale here. Ask your server.
Place isnt that big and was crowded but we managed to find a seat at the bar. Coffee was excellent, food was great and wait staff were very attentive!
Trendy atmosphere with great healthy food. It has become a the go to lunch spot for me. Note there always seems to be plenty of street parkg and a public parking opt just around e corner.
Wonderful brunch and very friendly even though it was quite busy 🙂
Had a very nice, simple breakfast. We were well attended to and the food was very good.
Really nice breakfast find on our way to Montreal- good breakfast- coffee was not necessarily delicious.... the spot is very artsy almost like a place u would find in vegas or LA
Cute, funky bistro with great food and decent prices. The brunch menu had a ton of interesting dishes and the ones we tried were all delicious.
This place is a must go to place. There is charm, fun and amazing food. You can be anyone and absolutely love it here. The decor and story is amazing!!!
Food is delicious, the wait staff is friendly and prices are great. Cozy fun little spot for breakfast, lunch or a few drinks.
Website says they are open.. I went up to the door tried to open it but it was locked.. there was a family sitting down eating and a working just staring at me from the back of the store.. I mouthed “ are you closed” and she just stared at me. I read good reviews and wanted to try them out but after this experience I will never go there 🤷🏽♀️
Great place. Good food and coffee. Gluten free options. Highly recommended.
This is my girlfriends and my go to spot for Sunday brunch. Staff is awesome, food comes out super quickly and tastes delicious, and their coffee/lattes/mochas/espresso is to die for.
Fun, eclectic spot with a yummy menu. Vegan and gluten free options available. The staff are always happy and service is excellent.
Hello, Neighbor! Wonderful food and everyone is great to chat with that works here!
Quite enjoyable and relaxing. I was able to work on my cartoons and eat in peace. Really liked my food and their coffee. Will be returning in the future.
Probably one of the best breakfast places Ive been to. Food and even the ambiance was great!
Boozy muffins are the best!
Great food and so many interesting choices which all are wonderful. Great coffee and lattes! Wonderful staff.
Awesome I had a mushroom, black olive and pepper jack omelet and their coffee is outstanding
I loved the menu, everything sounds unique and tasty. Also have an Irish coffee or the godiva hot chocolate, its rich a delisious!
Just discovered this great local spot. Awesome breakfast sandwich for a great price!
Great coffee spot! Has games and also couches in the side. I loved their coffee. Thanks for being hospitable.
S nice surprise! Food was great and presentation was appealing. Im definitely going back when Im close by again.
Extremely unique little eatery, generous portions, fun and friendly staff.
Ambition is as quirky and unique as its menu. Our favorite piece of big city kitsch on Schenectadys Jay Street. We love it.
Food, atmosphere, service was all great. Nice place to stop for a quick lunch, and coffee.
These guys know how to make a great tasting Sammy. The service is curious, and you got to check out the cool decor.
Loved the aesthetic and staff but food was sub par. Great coffee to go!
Food was good,husband said kitchen was dirty, also coffee tasted like dish soap, food was cold, wait staff was great
Met a colleague here for coffee last week. Very nice retro / alternative / folk / rock ambiance. Friendly, attentive staff. Serious coffee. Great!
Love this place for the food and atmosphere. Casual comfort and friendly service. Chef Marc is the best!
It was busy on a Sunday morning so make a reservation. Food is good, atmosphere is fun, staff are nice.
Excellent food. Fast, friendly service. Reasonable prices. A great brunch spot.
Super cute decor! Food is tasty, especially breakfast, but lunch too. Will be back again.
Create service and create food in any classic atmosphere on a pedestrian only street near downtown. Everything about this place is good
Thank you Marc and staff for a wonderful Lunch. Also Thank you Andrew for the Delivery. Thank you for supporting Dining Out for Life Also.
My favorite lunch place. Excellent sandwiches! I recommend the Jeremy Package sandwich. Breakfast selection is good but limited.
Adam is awesome, and the food is amazing I recommend the gluten free bacon and egg sandwich it’s amazing
I love the scenery. Its very old fashioned looking. Great menu and very welcoming.
Very nice staff, nice atmosphere and fair prices for good food. Coffee was very good as well! Recommended.
Fast friendly service. Food was excellent.
Very good breakfast
The best of not-a-chain dining. Wonderful decor and fine sandwiches and salads. Veg friendly.
Excellent brunch food... excellent wait staff... one of our “go to” restaurants
Love eat there food and service are great, building pieces of history as well posters on wall !
We love Ambition Coffee & Eatery! Love every single breakfast, lunch and latte we have ordered!
Such a fun place to grab a coffee and a treat! The breakfasts and lunches are awesome and the mimosas are to die for!
Tasty and fresh food, friendly service, a little pricey but you’ll get that for the quality.
Nice little place - breakfast food was good and the coffee may be one of the best around
Delicious food, great atmosphere, and friendly staff
Very accommodating staff, decent menu and showbiz/theatre atmosphere. Always satisfied.
Very charming lil shop. Felt like I was in Austin ❤️. Lovely server as well!
Amazing and fun staff!! Love the coffee and always has great soup options
Casual and upbeat cafe on Jay street. The Crabby Marc crabcake and curry lentil soup were fantastic!
I love this place! The atmosphere is awesome. The food and service is great!
Amazing strawberry mimosas!!! Also love their crab cakes.
Love going here for breakfast and a bloody Mary. Great food, fast and friendly service.
Excellent Coffee and Breakfast! Hands down the best in Schenectady!
Great food, good prices, great service, and a funky atmosphere- in a good way.
Came here for the first time. Loved it the omelette was amazing 😋😋. Definitely coming back.
Excellent food, excellent service. Fun, funky, bistro.
Good food, fun decor, fast service and located on the iconic pedestrian only street of Jay. Right across from Proctors, too.
My daughter loves this little hidden spot. The decor is as amazing as the food.
Awesome spot for breakfast and coffee. The muffins are fantastic!
Food was great! We sat by the door it was cold! Other than that great!
If you want a unique cafe with great food, this is your place
Wonderful Food & Service!
Amazing food and service, so nice to eat outside on Sunday mornings :)
Just saw article in 12/09/19 Gazette. Please get yourself in order. Schenectady LOVES and NEEDS you Marc!
Favorite place on Jay Street! Great food, atmosphere and wait staff.
Food was unique and delicious and the atmosphere was charming and welcoming
Great brunch spot with good drinks.
I never have a bad experience at Ambitions. Staff is wonderful and food is perfect!
Food was very tasty, prices where fair and service was solid.
Great crew great food great location best electrician ever
Such a great place! Great food and drink!
Good staff good food however found a fruit fly in my drink before
Great spot, wonderful attentive staff, unique atmosphere and fabulous food.
Great food, good service, and adorable atmosphere!!
Adorable waitress. amazing food. great mimosas!
Delicious food and great service in this very I interesting cafe !!
One of my favorite places downtown to have breakfast or lunch.
...briefly, Id say this place is a nice combination of home-style and hip!
The food was extremely fresh and tasty.
Cool place to get good food.
Funky little place. Food delish,staff friendly
I looooove this place..great atmosphere.awesome sandwiches n soups.
A great little place its perfect for your seeing a show at proctors
Great quick food. Ive been there for breakfast and lunch
Quirky and yummy!!! Great place breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner.
I like its atmosphere because of the music and the food and coffee here
Good food. Unique dishes.
Funky, cool place. Great breakfast and friendly service.
Total reviews rating 4.6
199 Reviews for Ambition Coffee & Eatery, Inc 2023:
Review №1
2021-08-13There is a good reason why Ambition has such a strong following and is the go-to spot for so many people living, working and visiting in Schenectady. Their home fries are 5 stars and they have a large breakfast menu that is great. But their dinner options are NEXT LEVEL! The fact that their tiny kitchen can consistently put out such incredible food is amazing. Now, the only sad part is they dont always offer dinner, its usually just for Proctors shows. But wow, if you get a chance to come for dinner, cancel all your other plans and come here. Fresh, delicious food from appetizers, through their huge main course portions and great deserts. Try something new and you wont be disappointed.
Review №2
2022-02-20Wanted brunch and didnt feel like going too far so figured I would go here since I had been before. I was tossing up two different places and this one was open earlier than the other.Waitress was pleasant. Ordered a Bloody Mary and got spicy tomato juice. Had a bacon, ham and cheese omelet with rye toast and home fries. Food was cooked well and tasted good. Decided to order another Bloody Mary thinking maybe my tastes were off but nope got another spicy tomato juice.Thinking I should have went with my second choice but the food made it ok.
Review №3
2021-10-09Its a funky little restaurant near a lot of little boutiques. The men were beyond friendly, we felt like home, being away from home. The bagel sandwich was Amazing and the muffins were moist and not too sweet. We loved it, even if you just go for a drink its a fun atmosphere.
Review №4
2022-01-30Ambition has delicious food, amazing quirky decor, and the best servers. (we love Morgan!-give her a raise) I always recommend bringing out of towners here for an amazing Schenectady experience 💗
Review №5
2022-06-30I couldnt wait to write a review for this restaurant. We were in town for a softball tournament and went here based on reviews. All the reviews were spot on. Our server was really awesome and made us feel right at home. Food was absolutely delicious and was served pretty quickly. This is a highly recommend for me. I would go back here in a heartbeat.
Review №6
2022-07-03I eat at Ambition at least once a week. Its a staple of my diet. Ive not once had a sandwich I didnt love. The funky vibe and awesome folks who work here make this a Schenectady staple for brunch and lunch. Love this place
Review №7
2022-02-15The service was excellent. The coffee was good - fresh, hot and flavorful. The Moroccan soup was perfectly flavored and filling, really good. The special wrap (chicken, artichokes, bacon and dressing) was ok. It was fresh but I couldnt taste the artichokes or the bacon, only the chicken and dressing.
Review №8
2022-04-13The Service Of Jermaine B. Was very poor, 3 of us ordered $42.66 in food and when we asked for ICED Tea he served it warm we asked for ice he brought us a cup of ice then asked for lemon and he brought 1 slice of lemon for 3 of us to share then we still needed more Ice and he brought another cup of ice and slammed it on the table he was very snappy towards us very poor customer service especially when the service should be outstanding and exceptional but he was poorly trained apparently because we are not satisfied with the service here, foremost we are business owners here in Schenectady and we were coming to Ambition since 2012 and the business has became very decayed and unkept anyways to make a long story short it used to be more welcoming and LGBTQA Friendly but we felt strongly un welcomed by the poor service!Update: Marc thanks for reaching out to us we are happy to hear your employee validated what we stated however the food was fairly good just wish their were better options for choices of sides not everyone loves chips, and the sandwich special the spiciness of the sandwich overpowered the whole taste of the sandwich.
Review №9
2021-03-08Excellent staff and affordable breakfast and lunch bistro style sandwiches and salads. GF Toast and sandwiches too!LGBT and everyone else friendly and safe. Clean as a whistle!
Review №10
2022-07-05One of my fave brunch spots. Awesome food, service and staff. Well priced. Highly recommend.