Takeaway
Yes
Moon and River Cafe in Schenectady
Categories
Location on the map
Schenectady, Schenectady County, New York, US
Service options
Dine-in
Yes
Delivery
No
Highlights
Great coffee
Yes
Great tea selection
Yes
Live music
Yes
Popular for
Breakfast
Yes
Lunch
Yes
Solo dining
Yes
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
No
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
Toilets
Yes
Atmosphere
Casual
Yes
Cosy
Yes
Crowd
Tourists
Yes
University students
Yes
Payments
Cash only
Yes
Cheques
Yes
Phone: +1 518-382-1938
Site: https://moonandriver.com/
Site: https://moonandriver.com/
Opening hours
- Monday:9AM–9PM
- Tuesday:9AM–9PM
- Wednesday:9AM–9PM
- Thursday:9AM–9PM
- Friday:9AM–9PM
- Saturday:9AM–9PM
- Sunday:9AM–9PM
Comments (110)
My meal was basically inedible. I also ordered real chicken and was given vegan chicken. The place was dirty and we ate next to a table piled with random clutter.
Absolutely loved this place! Today was my first time going to Moon and River Cafe and I was so impressed. The atmosphere was so homey and inviting and the food was delicious. I got the vegan spare ribs (as the manager recommended) and it was phenomenal. The menu is HUGE which is so exciting to see as a vegan who usually has to choose between the two to three vegan options on any menu. I can’t wait to go back to try more things! Highly recommend this place to anyone who wants amazing vegan food, a comfy atmosphere, and extremely reasonable prices.
Awkward as heck!!! We are local and we were really hoping to love this place! Food was ok but basic as heck. Gordon Ramsey would have a field day. Proprietor told us to try the vegan spare ribs for breakfast at 9 in the morning. The proprietor was the only server and chef, and he made copious use of Chef Mic(rowave). The portions were minuscule, and food wasn’t restaurant quality.The place feels like your grandparents’ living room. The dust in the joint was excessive. It really felt like I was visiting someone’s awkward bachelor uncle who didn’t know how to clean anything.It might have been vegan but we were grossed out. So sad - we were hoping this could be our cool new spot! :(
Excellent food. Funky atmosphere. Great service. Extensive menu both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Thank you. If we were locals we would be back repeatedly.
This place is really unassuming - kinda looks like you just walked into your grandmas kitchen. But dont underestimate this place. The food is excellent. Ive had quite a few of the vegan dishes and its always been absolutely delicious. It is cash only, so keep that in mind, but well worth a stop at an ATM.
Very good food, even better atmosphere. The only reason its 4 stars and not 5 is because its cash only, but the people are friendly, the live music is so fun, and my highest compliments to the chef!
If there was a 0 star option I would use it. Used to work here when I was 12 for tips thats literally all i made though I had no sort of wage on the side I had to split it was one of the diritiest places ive ever been never mopped dusted or swept, everything is microwaved pretty much the sponges had to be at least 5 6 months old at a shot. The owner would yell at employees (which usually never stayed long) for trying to clean and he even went to go as far as to tell my cousin not to bring his autisitic brother in public hes also been acused of touching children. He used to also own Arthurs Market down the street from the moon and river. Arthurs has now been bought by someone else. Long story short dont come here theres better places not too far.
Stopped in today to get a bite and I am more than satisfied. Great owner with great food. I had the apple sage veggie sausage sandwich and it was amazing. Played jazz while I ate and I’m sure I was in a dream :) Will definitely be back for his jazz nights.
My wife and I visited yesterday and I was blown away. After living in Brooklyn this place felt right a home, but without the pretentious and cold bartenders and waiters. The owner asked us right away if we were vegetarian or vegan, saving us the trouble of having to narrow down our choices - this is the largest vegan/vegetarian menu I have EVER seen, let alone in the capital region. I wanted to try everything, but settled on the recommendation of the vegetarian Italian Sausage sandwich (with fresh asparagus and home fries).Let me start by saying that the asparagus was fresh, grilled perfectly. The sandwich was excellent. It was on a warm ciabatta roll, was a perfect portion size, and the home fries had a little kick but werent too oily. This isnt a chain restaurant where you get some salt-laden mass - the portion sizes where just fine, and left room for the delicious desert (I cant recommend enough the berry pie).There are lots of great options for food in Schenectady that I am just discovering, but for a vegetarian this place is a gem. I cant recommend it enough.
$16 NOT well spent!!! This was by far the absolute worst restaurant-foodwise. I do like that they have live music every night and the feel of the place was good. The 4 page menu is very misleading. We ordered Vegan split pea soup and it was Nile Spice Cup-of-soup. The Vegan garlic bread was sliced whole wheat toast from Price Rite orAldi with garlic powder and margarine. We also ordered a hummus and veggies which was ok, but the veggies were not fresh and the hummus was NOT homemade! I came here because the place received such great reviews and thought it would be a hidden gem in Schenectady! I was sadly mistaken and greatly disappointed. I will never eat here again and I certainly will never recommend ths place to any one.
This is probably the most unusual dining experience you can have in the Capital District (though I dont get around that much), so if youre looking for someplace intimate and quirky that seems deeply connected to the neighborhood, that features daily entertainment of some sort or another, with intriguing artwork smothering the walls, with games like Parcheesi and Sorry to while away an hour, wow this is the place for you --- but not for any of these reasons: go for the food! The food and the service. The vegetarian and vegan menu goes on for ever -- so many choices -- I can only avow that the chicken curry on rice was scrumptious, and its available as vegetarian chicken too! The service: the proprietor is your waiter, which took me back in my imagination to a time when all restaurants were actually someones home (this place has that feel) and were called taverns, or inns, mainly for travelers. The innkeeper was cordial, engaging and welcoming, and did all the cooking himself! There were only a handful of diners so for us there was only a short wait, but if it was crowded I dont know... We had open mike to entertain us, which included a story teller, and it was pajama night, and we chose a board game and never noticed any wait. You should see the cooler case of desserts! I need to go back to try them
Always a blast at the moon and River. Had a great time, wonderful chamomile tea with fantastic honey, and a lot of interesting little snacks to choose from. Im not a big snack guy, but whenever I go to the moon and River I always pick up some of the wonderful handmade local organic goodies. The show was great, I always love seeing John and Amy sing John Denver and every other wonderful artist I could think of. Cant wait till this Wednesday, when Ill be back again to enjoy good drink and snacks, wonderful music, and great community.
I loved this tiny restaurant!!! Great atmosphere with games and nice people. Played Bananagrams and talked to the kind owner/chef while he cooked.So many vegan options !!! Almost all the menu is vegan and he has options off the menu too!I got the African peanut dish it was FANTASTIC! My bf got pierogis and “ribs” with horseradish also fantastic.Really happy to have visited this unique cafe !! Hoping to go back
Fresh, tasty, friendly...amazing place for dinner! Cant wait to go back! The chef is amazing!
Richard was such a great host. This place is an awesome café environment, with such an amazing assortment of vegan food made individually with love!
When you walk into the Moon and River Cafe, the first thing youll notice is that the seating is mismatched and displaced; and what seating there is, is crowded in this tiny restaurant. This particular night, a band known as the Jazz Men were playing. The music was good, but the band was way too loud and I could hardly hear what the people across the table from me were saying. The service was pretty bad, the cook/ waitress only showed up once to take our orders, once to drop off the food. My father ended up returning the dishes, and my uncle had to get up to pay the bill. The food selection is only vegetarian, vegan, and meatless dishes; only offering real chicken as the meat of choice. So dont go expecting beef or pork, you wont find it. My meal had to be changed once due to them being out of tomato sauce, and the cook/ waitress asked me to pick another chicken item since she had already prepared the chicken. So I was forced to pick, however the chicken sandwich which I went with was rather good; if on the small side. No drinks on tap, only bottled drinks; so dont expect any refills even if you get water. This location in schenectady offers 100 other restaurants to pick from, my suggestion is to do just that.
I found the place on google and the food was delicious! I recommend the vegan spare ribs. The coffee is high quality, they had live music playing and the staff are friendly.
Coming here is like going to your grandparents house for a visit--there is mismatched furniture, lovingly used board/card/tile games, and a nice old man asking if youd like a slice of chocolate cake. If thats what youre looking for, then perfect. But its not for everybody, as its not your typical cafe.I found the environment and service to be relaxing and welcoming, but then again my friend and I were the only people in the space. The menu is extensive with so many options, especially for those with a plant-based diet. We ordered ourselves lunch and also dinner to-go. Again--back to visiting grandpa style--our to-go meals were packaged in the type of container pie comes in from the grocery store. We personally didnt mind this, and actually celebrate it, but again not everybody would be pleased with repurposed/reused containers like that.The food was very home-style. Richard, the owner, makes it in a space the size of a small apartments kitchen. The drink options and the food were all delicious and we thought it was fairly priced for a home-cooked meal.If you can get past the messy newspaper pile on the floor and the feel of being in someones home, its worth a visit.
I took my vegetarian son & daughter-in-law there for lunch. Even though there was no one else there (it was late for lunch), Richard welcomed us warmly and gave us the 4-page menu to look over. So many choices! We tried 3 different vegetarian dishes and enjoyed them all. Sat at a table near the kitchen and chatted with Richard as he cooked each dish to order. The food was pretty much like youd make at home - nothing fancy but enjoyable. One of the better vegetarian options in the Capital District. Very homey, too!
I have raved about this place all over the world. Its the one day I have in Schenectady in two years and theyre not even open! The sign on the door says theyre open 9-11, but thats not true.Maybe its not fair I rate them so low. The decor is weird and like a living room, the owner is a grumpy ass some days, but the food is really excellent if hes there. The people he employs arent very good cooks, though.You should call before trekking all the way out to this hole in the wall.
If you are a germaphobe, dont even attempt to come here. I stuck it out for my gf which was extremely hard for me. Its not really a restaurant but more so either a rented space or an enlarged room turned into an eating area. Its definitely not clean but its not a section 8 protect lobby either. Everything in there is just old and worn. I was going to go wash my hands and my gf said to not even go in the bathroom. Thankfully we came right from her friends house and I washed my hands before leaving there. This place only takes cash and of course right after handling money, the owner dived right into making our food. He was probably one of the nicest people I have ever come in contact with which made it difficult to up and leave. He was super passionate about what he was making us and kept engaging us in convo which made it even harder to go. Everything we ate needed to be cooked which helped my sanity just enough to stay. I kept thinking that the heat will kill any germs that were present. The food was by far the best vegan meal I had in the public. He used chick pea flour and water to make eggs which was cool since it was my first time having an egg alternative since being vegan. The tempeh bacon, home fries and french toast were out if this world. Please Please Please clean up a bit and wear some gloves and I will return.
Delicious food, welcoming to our two small children and super comfy. A total gem. So glad to have found this spot! Will definitely come back next time we’re on our way through.
Amazing hole in the wall cafe with more than a few oddities about it. So quirky, it’s a joy!Great selection of tea. Delicious desserts. And plenty of vegan options.
I have been here a few times. The music is always good and food tasty. Lots of choices for vegans and vegetarians. 1970s coffee house atmosphere.
It looks like someones living room, but if you can get past that, its pretty cool. The food takes a little bit longer to cook than expected, but there was only one employee there and it isnt fast food. I ordered the hummus with pita, the African peanut stew (vegan), and the Mexican hot chocolate. The hummus was pre-spread on the warm pita. I thought this was extremely odd, but it was tasty. You only get one pita, though. The hot chocolate was good, but needed a touch more spice. The peanut stew was delicious. It was small-looking, but it was hearty and I felt full after i finished it. It also came with a warm pita (which I can never have too much of). The waitress was friendly.
I been here only a few time when I had friend painting there. Im not vegaterian so I havent ate any of their food. They want cash I dont carry cash on me all the time. Someone on here mentioned food was rotten. If so then if food critic comes .they could have health department shut it down. Who want to eat rotten food and get food poison. If u dont like what I wrote to bad. Freedom of speech.
One of the cutest places, and the guy who runs it is so sweet. The food he makes is amazing. Going here to eat always puts me in a better mood.
I am a strict vegan. I absolutely HATE things that have animal products in the ingredients list. It is to the point where I cannot even keep a duck feather I pick up off of the ground without feeling like a monster. Every place I went to and asked if there were vegan options handed me a salad and said Enjoy sarcastically. Ever since I became vegan, I never felt at home in restaurants OR cafes, and sometimes, I actually felt threatened. I felt like everybody there wanted me out of the place and to die with all my friends in PETA.Whats the first thing I hear when I walk inside of Moon and River Cafe from the guy running the place? Thats right, Are you vegetarian? At that moment I felt at home. I knew that this was the best restaurant I will ever see in my entire lifetime. I told the guy that I was, but infact the more extreme and philosophical form which is, and we ALL know is Veganism and he gave me a list of his menu and IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY gave me a verbal list of recommendations based on my DIET and what was popular. I chose the Mediterranean Vegan Pizza (My mother had it too). I saw it and it looked extremely greasy, but then when I tried it, I realized that all it was was a mixture of oil (not much though, probably less than a tbs) and mainly the juice of the vegetables that were on the bread.IF that were all grease, Id feel like I drank it straight from the bottle, but I didnt. It was very delicious, and I actually wasnt satisfied, I WANTED MORE!!! It was really that good. If I had more money, I would eat like five more helpings.Also, there arent many people that go there at once. It may appear deserted, but I like it that way. Its not too loud... not loud at all, and everybody gets along fine.I feel like the food possessed me though. All I can say is that to me, this is Moes Tavern, and I am Homer Simpson... if you forgive the simpsons reference... I just REALLY love this place. He will make a whole crapload of money from me over the coming years if I ever get a job.Please, whether you live in Schenectady or youre just stopping in for a special occasion, come visit this place. ESPECIALLY IF YOURE VEGETARIAN. You wont be disappointed... SERIOUSLY!!!
I decided to check this place out after reading the positive reviews on this site, and being close proximity to my relatives house in the Stockade. I was aghast at how misled I was. The decor is a little odd; it looks like a hippies basement. On a scale of 0 to Vermont on the granola meter, this place is radio-active. The ambiance of a restaurant is not much of an issue provided that the food is good. To put it kindly the food SUCKED. My aunt and I were the only ones in the restaurant. The waitress awkwardly took our orders, after she was done kibitzing with some random guitarist dude, who wasnt playing any music. Then 10 minutes after the food was ordered, a guy showed up at the door, who I later figured out was the owner/chef. A little while later, we got our food. I ordered the tostada, which at most restaurants is more or less a taco salad. Ive been to many Mexican restaurants, including many on the west coast, and I am well aware of what constitutes a tostada. The dish I received: two little tortilla shells with a little bit of refried beans, sour cream, jalapeños served on a 6 diameter plate, which is wicked small I might add. The tostada looked like it was lightly-cooked in a toaster oven or more likely an easy-bake oven. Being the somewhat-demure person I am, I ate what I ordered. Afterwards, I respectfully told the waitress that I was very disappointed with the food. She then proceeded to tell the boss, somewhat in my face. The boss rolled is eyes (he was probably high) and said: Dont worry about it. Needless to say I will NEVER return to the Moonbat Café.
I love each vegan meal Ive had in the almost two years I have been coming to Moon.and River Cafe. The perforners are very good and I love singing along with some of them Hootenanny evening is always a great time.
Delicious unique food, vegan options that are out of this world and kind good people. Supports talented musicians. Outstanding cafe! Thank you for the experience.
Owner is very quirky, decent fellow but odd. Venue is quaint and often has interesting performers. Dont go for the food. Somehow he thinks tweaking dollar store food is worth real restaurant prices. Sells jello pudding snacks for a dollar each cup - and its the no name brand, not even brand name. One flour tortilla spread with 1/4 cup canned refried beans, extra charge for 4 thin slices of avocado, folded in thirds and then a splash of V8 juice poured on it and microwaved was his $8 idea of a vegan enchilada. Coffee was good and the band. If I do go back, just coffee and to see an interesting show.
Great Environment makes it feel like home. Food is pretty cheap and delicious. Key lime pie is amazing. Also has an open mic event from time to time
Lets just say that we spent $28 on dinner (drinking water) and both my husband and I were still hungry when we left. The portions were extremely small and the food was exactly what I would make if I were at home and had no time to make dinner--a spoonful of canned beans on a tortilla with a bit of cheese and salsa. Except at home I would make it big enough to constitute a meal and the whole thing wouldnt cost more than $2 to make. My daughter got a smoothie and the banana that they used was so over ripe that I couldnt drink it after she managed to get through the first half. The cooler was full of fruit and veggies that ought to have been headed for the compost heap. If I had seen the produce in the cooler before we had ordered, we would have left. I can only assume that they were planning on using those visibly rotting items in someones dinner. Yuck. I think this would be a fine place to hang out and listen to live music while...drinking coffee, maybe???
I recommend the vegetable stir fry.
Richard is a wonderful man and cook. My breakfast was surprisingly yummy! It’s got a small town vibe with a big heart. Enjoy 😊
They do not accept cards for payment.This was something we didnt find ANYWHERE before going. Hence the one less star. Other than that the food was good with a wide variety of vegetarian options. However, it is not completely vegetarian. Fun place overall.
It was Sunday, nearly lunch time, a few musicians were setting up to play an acoustic session....got a couple of very tasty sandwiches on the way to the train station. By Jingos...we just made it to the train.
Everything is made to order so relax and enjoy the homey atmosphere. The food is worth the wait. Everything was so fresh and delicious. What a find!
1 St time , expected more than microwave meal , small , overpriced , owner tried to have a niche business for vegans and vegetarians. I give a E for effort.
Cozy little place to hear live music.
Richards Butternut Squash soup with lemon is a bright and delightful dish. Had a bowl last Thurs (4/9). Would certainly do it again!
Richard is awesome and makes some of the best vegan food around! Especially the vegan French toast, home fries, and smoothies!
Incredibly friendly and homey atmosphere
As it was the monthly meeting of the CGSUNY, it was great fun to reconnect with all those friends. Richard was charming as always. We hope to meet there each month.
A million veggie options, and for meat eaters too . But nice guy is all alone so food takes a while. Home cooked good!
Great people... great atmoshere... wonderful music and stories A place that shouldnt be missed. Delicious food and treats...great coffee and service
Such a cute little, out of the way spot. Nice place for a cup of tea on a cold night. Looking forward to eating there. ...
Great coffee! except for the hummus, the food was disappointing.. the host was a nice man though..
Great customer service and super cozy environment. Good prices for food.
Charming and excellent food with lots of vegetarian options.
Delightful adventure. A story to tell. Impressive for a great me man operation. Belly dancing was a bonus.
Cute little restaurant with great vegan options, perogies with vegan spare ribs were excellent
Love this little place. Ive been going since it first opened. Great open-mic every Sunday.
The vibe in here is unmatched 💜💜
Local music nightly, every night! Casual hang-out. Extensive vegetarian menu.
Great food. Friendly guests.
Favorite place in Schenectady, been there countless times. Everything Ive had there is delicious.
Such a great place to be great people to be around in an open environment where you can really be yourself
Incredible vegetarian selections. High quality, delicious food.
Excellent quiet place for brunch with many Vegan and Vegetarian options
Just not my type of place. Richard seemed like a nice guy though.
Fantastic place. Very charming. Delicious food.
You have to experience it for yourself.....either you will love it or say where the hell Im I .
Came to listen to an excellent classical guitarist, Harry Pellegrino
It was meh!!! Not sure would go back. Nice workers though
Creative and quaint...gorgeous cozy lil spot in schenectady
The owner is incredibly nice, such a quaint, cool spot
Great place for live music and food!!
Natural, Authentic, Great Prices.
This is a quaint coffee shop in the Historic section of Schenectady.
Small place. Not sure what to call it. I just go there to jam.
Very cozy with a warm inviting atmosphere.
Nice atmosphere, yummy cooking
Would be good if they were open
Our own little Greenwich Village
Its different but very friendly
The owner is a great guy.
Richard Genest is the best 😎
Nice place to get a cup of joe
Very interesting atmosphere!
Friendly chef. Good food.
Nice menu
Its a awesome place
I had a great time here
Excellent environment
Excellent service and friendly.
The best place to eat
Great open mic
Very nice little place.
This is the best place period.
Try the french toast!
Sooooooo good!
Nice cozy place
Great atmosphere
Terrible ..just terrible
Great atmosphere
The grate place to be
Best establishment in the entire universe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cozy cafe, good quality food and reasonable prices. Music events occasionally. Friendly proprietor.
Total reviews rating 4.2
110 Reviews for Moon and River Cafe 2023:
Review №1
2022-03-16My husband and I came to this place to grab breakfast the morning after a wedding so we could drive home right after. The food was delicious, the portions were great and the feel of the place was as if I was in someone’s kitchen in the 60s. I loved it, but it’s definitely not a typical dining experience.I highly recommend this place for people who love vegetarian food and a different experience. So many places commit themselves to the same pattern but Moon and River was so original and homey.We plan on coming again if we ever visit the city in the future.
Review №2
2022-05-23This place was fantastic. It was like stopping by a family members home for a meal. It is decorated with tons of interesting clippings and posters and has such a comforting vibe but also an activist/organizing vibe. Very friendly and we had some delicious sandwiches.
Review №3
2021-04-09The Moon & River Cafe has a very throwback in time vibe. Lots of vegan and vegetarian dishes to choose from. It was cash only when I was there. Homey feel is probably the best way to describe the overall feeling. Then there was the live music. Wow! Jenna & Jessy were amazing. Gifted musicians who seemed to be undeterred by the small size of the venue.
Review №4
2022-03-16Wonderful place to eat and enjoy the atmosphere, felt like being at home. Food was fantastic, plenty of vegan / veggie options. Look forward to coming back
Review №5
2021-11-10An interesting little space for those looking to try something different. I liked the mish mosh of art work, furniture, and cozy vibe. The owner is pleasant. I had the vegan Italian sausage with rice and enjoyed it. Im interested in going back to try breakfast there. The only downside with this place is that its cash only....they have an ATM but theres a $3 charge when you withdraw.
Review №6
2022-06-14I love their gyros 🥙! If youre looking for something healthy they have Alot of healthy options. I highly recommend the lavender drink its exotic and very yummy! They have Italian sodas like rose to and many more. Theres alot of Art here its very pretty like eating in a art gallery. The Owner Richard and other patrons are very kind. Take a Iook at the calendar of the month which includes live Music, Karaoke, Open Mic, Poetry and more.
Review №7
2022-04-16Moon and River has a welcoming relaxed atmosphere with various types of seating, food, deserts and beverages and live entertainment.
Review №8
2021-12-30There was one night I was very alone and working through some sharp grief. It was pouring rain. I didn’t have a car at the time and I was hungry, so I left my apartment on foot, in search for food. I figured I’d end up at the KFC. I was at a low point and nearly overcome with grief. I called a few people but they were busy.As I was walking, hungry, wet, and hurting, I stumbled upon the Moon and River Cafe. There I was welcomed by the chef/barista, a kind fellow named Lando. The only other two there was an elderly man and woman who were playing guitar and singing. Lando made me a bowl of oatmeal with apples. It warmed me from the inside out.When the music was done, I think the four of us talked about birds. The singers packed up and left. I asked if I could play the piano. Lando said of course. I’m not much of pianist. I can get by if you don’t make me use any sharp or flat keys. It was so nice to just play for a few minutes. It did something good for my heart. Lando insisted that it sounded great, which was very kind.It was still raining when I left, but walking home, I felt a little less alone in the world. Moon and River Cafe was like a warm gesture of God’s love and Im so thankful for this memory.
Review №9
2021-08-01I wasnt going into Moon and River to check out the food. I needed something in my stomach and more honey for my tea. The atmosphere and owner are worth the 5 stars. It was just a weird, historic, and friendly hole in the wall. The falafel was REALLY good, but this isnt your place if youre looking for mind-blowing vegetarian food.
Review №10
2021-08-21The ambiance is amazing. The owner is delightful. The food was delicious. I highly recommend.