Stacks Espresso Bar – Albany’s Beloved Coffee & Community Hub

Stacks Espresso Bar has intentionally carved out its place as a cornerstone of Albany’s coffee culture. Founded in 2014 on Lark Street, it has grown into a multi‑location favorite with a reputation for third‑wave coffee, approachable hospitality, and welcoming atmosphere. With locations across Albany and Troy, Stacks offers a thoughtful coffee experience that appeals to both casual drinkers and devoted connoisseurs.

Expert Roasting & a Rotating Coffee Lineup

Stacks partners with local and national roasters to curate a diverse menu of fresh beans. Their café features rotating guest roasts alongside their signature blends, ensuring dynamic flavor discovery. Whether you’re in the mood for a bright, floral single-origin pour-over or a velvety signature espresso, Stacks delivers quality and consistency—amped by knowledgeable baristas, precise extraction, and a brew system optimized for taste.

Welcoming Spaces Designed for Everyone

Stacks’ cafés are designed to feel like a relaxed home away from home. With clean, modern décor, plenty of natural light, and cozy seating—indoor and outdoor—the spaces invite both quick drop-ins and extended stays. Free wi-fi, accessible outlets, and baristas who know your name add to the welcoming environment. Each location reflects its neighborhood, offering locally sourced pastries, breakfast options, and artisan goods alongside expertly brewed beverages.

Community-Forward Events & Local Partnerships

Stacks’ commitment to Albany extends beyond coffee. The brand champions community by hosting workshops, comedy nights, live music, book clubs, and even open mic nights. Partnerships with local artists and vendors are common, bringing art and culture into their cafés. Their expansion into more neighborhood spaces—including a new location with a kitchen, patio, roasting capacity, and evening cocktails—reflects a dedication to becoming genuine community centers.

Navigating Challenges with Transparency

In early June 2025, Stacks faced a high-profile tip‑pooling lawsuit filed by a former barista alleging non-compliant tip-sharing practices with non‑tipped staff. The collective FLSA suit highlights the importance of fair labor policies in café environments. While Stacks has not yet issued a public response, the case underscores the complexities of growth, hospitality, and employee relations in community‑focused coffee businesses.

Why Locals Keep Returning

What keeps Stacks at the top of Albany’s coffee mind? It’s the synergy of high‑quality brewed coffee, rotating roasts, caring baristas, and thoughtfully designed spaces. Their blend of café, gathering space, and cultural venue ensures every visit offers comfort, connection, and community. Whether you’re seeking an ode to craft or a casual coffee-by-the-window, Stacks delivers with warmth, clarity, and purpose.