Grind and Brew
525 East St, Rensselaer, NY
Crema's Take
“Grind and Brew is a family-run spot where the personal touch from multiple generations really shines through, especially in their house-made soups like the standout basil tomato bisque that reviewers rave about. The big windows offer a nostalgic Rensselaer charm perfect for lingering over coffee and watching trains pass by, though their food execution can be inconsistent—so stick with their soups and fresh salads rather than the sandwiches. It's the kind of place where you'll find genuine warmth behind the counter and a real community vibe, even if the kitchen doesn't always deliver.”
What to expect
Google Reviews
Sandwich was gross. They said they have rolls and bagels so I asked for a sausage egg and cheese roll. They gave me an old hard hamburger bun, uncooked cheese and an overcooked egg. They also over charged me on the large ice tea. Don't waste ur money
I was just served the most delicious basil tomato bisque by at least two smiling generations behind the counter. It is rich, creamy and has small soft chunks of tomato for texture. A+ rating. Looking forward to the turkey wrap later!
Chili was great! Charge you 5 cents for an extra tab of salad dressing. Kinda a bargain these days. Very fresh vegetables in the chef salad. It even had a few slivers of yellow bell pepper. Very friendly staff. They handle the rush of customers very well. Nice place to chill while Amtrak shuffles their train cars to prepare for the next leg.
Don’t waste your time or money. My blt was the only thing made fresh and it was burnt to a crisp and no mayo. Yogurt is Aldi brand. Mac n Cheese is nothing special and watery. Ham n cheese sandwich came premade. I asked to put turkey on my blt and they said they would put bacon on their premade turkey sandwich. Grind and Brew has you cornered thinking their food is a better option. It is NOT. Amtrak has way better food at their cafe and cost the same if not less. Not to mention not a single person working at Grind and Brew is welcoming or smiles.
So, I was on an Amtrak trip and had a layover, so I stopped by this spot. Honestly, it was a great find! The big windows were perfect for soaking in the atmosphere and watching the trains go by while I ate. I grabbed a cafe latte, chicken burgers with cheese, and a beef noodle cup everything was tasty. Definitely a solid place to grab a bite if you're ever in the area!