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518-382-1938
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115 S Ferry St (at Stockade District), Schenectady, New York, USA, 12305
Serves meat, vegan options available. Coffeehouse with a menu that's vegetarian friendly. Has tempeh and tofu dishes, sandwiches, and salads. Vegans to specify. Events on many nights. Open Mon-Sun 9:00am-9:00pm.
Categories: Vegan-friendly, Lacto, American, Fast food, Non-veg
11 Reviews
First Review by luv2fly5em
Contributions +443
A VERY unique dining experience, so be prepared! - Edit
Extremely thrilled with my experience at Moon and River Cafe.
This isn't your traditional restaurant, so please don't come in with that expectation. Food is made from scratch, very slowly, and they only accept cash. It's a step back in time in many ways, but especially in the lack of pressure to eat quick, pay, and get out. You can spend hours in here if you wanted to. I certainly would, but I know that's not everyone's cup of tea.
The decor is a little (read: a LOT) unique. It feels like a living room, looks like a living room, and probably was an actual living room at one point in time. That's because the owner can do whatever he wants with the place, and if he was books lining the walls, and pictures and signs from years ago on the wall, he can do that!
The owner, whose name i sadly have forgotten, introduced himself at the end of the meal. I just so happen to stumble in on an evening with live music so i enjoyed sing along 80's hits, alongside my vegan enchilada (with a wonderful salsa verde), serves with a slice of melon, and a cranberry orange bread for dessert. Was very pleased with the food and with the music, though I knew one song only.
Overall, I have nothing to complain about. I see many other reviews picking apart Moon and River for bad service, decor, food, whatever. This is a unique restaurant where you are guaranteed to walk away with a unique experience every single time. Take that for what you will.
Best to the owner on continuing to expand the community surrounding this place!
Pros: Quaint and Unique, Great Menu, Live Music (sometimes)
Cons: Not your normal restaurant, so don't expect that
Contributions +16
Great Place To Eat - Edit
Amazing selection of Vegan and vegetarian food. The man who owns the café was incredibly nice and before I even sat down, asked if I was vegan or vegetarian. He gave me a lot of great recommendations and was very accommodating.
Very friendly environment, great food, and must hit spot for any vegan/vegetarian living in or visiting the capital region.
Also be sure to check out their new place, Arthur's Market.
Pros: Friendly Environment, Accommodating Staff , Great Food
Cons: None
Contributions +42
Quiet Vegan Joint - Edit
This was a gift from the lack of Albany options. Moon and River is located in the historic district of Schenectady. We were lucky to spend relaxing time with Arthur, the owner of twelve years. He prepared a delicious vegan chicken pomodoro and vegan gyro. WHATEVER YOU DO, GET THE CAKE!!! It was a great find and highly recommended. We're even considering going back for breakfast even though it's out of the way.
Pros: many plate options, comfortable and quiet environment, Arthur
Cons: no wifi
Contributions +148
Not Like a Conventional Cafe - Edit
The set up is a bit on the homey side, which I am not against, but I am sure some would find it awkward as it is like you are sitting in a strangers dining room. Once you get past that, you will find that the menu has lots of vegetarian and vegan options. There is usually only one person doing all the work, so don't be in a hurry when sitting down to eat. While I have never personally found the slow timing bothersome, I could see it being a deal breaker for some.
Once you finally decide what you want from the extensive menu, you will find your meal fairly delicious. Last time I went, there were vegan desserts to choose from as well. This is a fantastic place for a quiet, relaxing meal.
Pros: Delicious Food, Plentiful Vegan Options
Cons: Small Portions/Pricey
Contributions +20
Thanks Richie - Edit
What a great breakfast! We found this place during our 3000 mile road trip, with the help of HC. We were the only ones in the place and Richie was so friendly and helpful. We had a tofu scramble and french toast. We have only been vegan for 5 weeks and we loved the treats we found here...vegan cookies and brownies. We asked Richie if he could fix us "Chicken salad" for us to go. It wasn't on the menu but he fixed us an absolutely amazing lunch. When I got home I even called him for the recepie! We had 2 breakfasts, coffee, smoothie, cookies, brownies, chicken salad all for only $35.00!!! Thanks Richie
Pros: Creative owner, art and books abound
Contributions +39
great little cafe - Edit
My husband and I enjoy eating at the Moon and River, we ate here when we both still ate cheese/eggs, and we still enjoy it now that we are fully vegan. We only go here if we are ready for a slow-paced leisurely meal, as like other reviewers have mentioned, it can take a little while to get your food. Lots of yummy sandwich options (I love the tofu, vegenaise, avocado sandwich) and good breakfast options too, try the "vegan breakfast."
Richard is very friendly, and the atmosphere is cool. We enjoy the nightly music and the neighbor-feel of the place.
The portion are reasonable, some people might say "small" but in reality they are the right amount of food you should eat at a meal, not like the mountain of food most restaurants serve these days.
Pros: huge variety on menu, tasty food, cool music
Cons: no credit cards, not "fast service"
Contributions +28
disappointing - Edit
Their menu is overwhelmingly filled with delicious vegan meals but unfortunately despite my numerous options I found the experience very disappointing. The atmosphere while cool and funky , it is also extremely awkward when you are the only customer there. It literally is like being in a stranger's kitchen which is nice for someone who enjoys that but very uncomfortable and awkward for someone who doesn't. The food was indeed delicious but portions are small and prices are steep. Since food is made to order by only one person the wait can be awhile. And by awhile I mean it can take almost an hour. The owner is nice and friendly and the food is good but unfortunately that wasn't enough to keep me going back.
Pros: good food , nice staff
Cons: long wait, expensive , small portions
Contributions +16
So Delicious! - Edit
Went with my mom and boyfriend (who are both not vegan or vegetarian) on a Sunday afternoon. I ordered the Vegan Reuben (since going vegan the one thing I have not managed to stave off cravings for is a good Reuben) and it was fantastic! Small portions, and a little pricey, but worth it since the vegan options in this area are almost nothing. Atmosphere is hippy/artsy but really cozy, fun, and quiet (when there isn't a band playing). Owner is soft spoken but really nice. They also have lots of vegan and gluten-free desserts and treats!
Pros: quiet, food, menu options
Cons: prices
Contributions +15
Great - Edit
Cool cafe in Schenectady's nicest neighborhood. Most amount of vegan options in the capital district. Food is good, but portions small. The owner always seems to be there and is great for conversation. byob. Free entertainment every night. Good vibe.
Pros: Many vegan options, Good people, Free shows at 8
Cons: Small poritons
Contributions +25
Neat little place - Edit
I love this cafe. The food is excellent, and reasonably priced. Very friendly, artsy atmosphere. I love that there is live music every night, and such a full calender. I was just passing through town, so I unfortunately did not get to stay for anything...but had a great meal. Try the Moroccan eggs, they are awesome! I would give these guys a 5star, if happy cow would let me!
Pros: the food, friendly staff, live music
Contributions +19
Yummy! - Edit
Ordered the tofu/avocado sandwich with veganaise. It was very good. We went at dinner and they had several locals that were standing up to sing and play guitar, which was enjoyable to watch. Music was not too loud.
Pros: Food, Selection, Atmosphere
Cons: Some very strange characters inside.
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