Uncommon Grounds

It's taken me many years to get here even though I'm in the neighborhood several days a week. It took a craving by my wife for a bagel with cream cheese after our walking exercise at Clifton Park Center. I'll admit up front that I have a favorite bagel source, and it's located in NYC. But I'm willing to try other local bakers' efforts with the hope of finding a second choice. I can't recall if I'd ever had a bagel from Uncommon Grounds when I visited them in Saratoga more than twenty five years ago, so this was like virgin territory. Service was quick and friendly around 2:30 in the afternoon and most of the tables were filled with customers. We ordered a toasted Everything Bagel ($1.30) with Light Plain Cream Cheese ($1.80), a toasted Jalapeño Cheddar Bagel ($1.30) with Light Veggie Cream Cheese ($1.80), a medium Cinnamon Coffee & a medium French Roast Coffee ($2.55 each). Our order was ready for pick up as quickly as we were able to find a table. Our order number was not announced but my wife found it ready for pickup as she inquired about the location of the restrooms. We were not questioned whether our order was for dine-in or take out, but our receipt said, "Take Out" and the bagels were bagged even though we planned on dining in. Since we shared half of our bagels I got a good representative taste of each. The Jalapeño Cheddar bagel had nice flavor and a decent chewiness, but it still lacked a texture quality that I look for in a bagel. I think some of the texture issue was the result of the cheddar in the dough, but it was a fair tradeoff for the ensuing added flavor experience. There was a little jalapeño flavor whenever you found a bite with a small piece of the pepper. It was not spicy. The light cream cheese with veggies was plentiful enough that its lightness did not disappoint in the anticipated bagel with cream cheese experience. The Everything bagel was closer in texture to what I experience when eating my favorite NYC bagels. The good chew was there, and the overall texture was decent. It still seemed to be missing something, however. I joked that it must be the NYC water. My wife enjoyed her cinnamon coffee, commenting that it did not leave an artificial taste on her tongue. My French roast was decent but lacking a boldness and richness that I prefer in a dark roasted coffee. Note: I did notice bags of day-old-bagels for sale, by the front door, at a reduced price.

Wow, the bagels here are incredible. I wish I could go back in time and eat one right now. One of my college best friends grew up in Cohoes. When I knew I was gonna be in the area, I asked him for his favorite coffee shops. He told me he always came back here for a bagel when he was in town. I'm so grateful I visited. First of all, this space has great natural lighting and plenty of seating options. It's super cozy and has a local feel for being a chain. There were people around us with laptops so it seems like a good place to work. There were also lots of people meeting up too and some just reading. It's a versatile spot. I loved our barista. Not only was he charming and easy to talk to, but there was a moment where he thought I grabbed the wrong drink and he chased me to warm me (I can't have milk so this meant a lot). We resolved the drink thing quickly and I was grateful for his help. I hate to admit that I did not like the drink. It was some pumpkin snickerdoodle special drink and it was a really confusing flavor for me. I did however adore the bagels. My fiance and I decided to go halfsies on a sausage egg cheese on cheddar parm bagel and the flying pig on an everything bagel. They were divine. My favorite was the cheddar parm bagel, it was just so delicious. I highly recommend stopping here for a delicious breakfast or lunch bagel.

My friend and I are from out of town but fell in love with their lox bagels. Super generous portions and it was so delicious. The vanilla latte was also heavenly, as was the brownie (which was huge!) Love this place so much.

It was very busy on an August Friday morning but it ran like a well oiled machine. Employees all quick, efficient and friendly enough. I got a large pistachio latte and jalapeño cheddar bagel with lite veggie cream cheese. Both delicious! I luckily got one of the few comfy cheers in the joint and took my time reading and sipping my latte for an hour or so. No one made me feel rushed despite how busy it was. Will definitely return!

Mad props to the kids that work here. There were about 10 people in front of me and by the time I ordered and ate my winner winner on an olive-rosemary bagel they had served another 42 people!!! The sandwich was delicious but there was an olive pit that very nearly broke my tooth! Great quick service, that didn't suffer for the hustle!