Moon and River Cafe, Schenectady NY

Oh, we so wanted to love this place! The extensive vegan menu was enticing, but as soon as we set foot in the door we should have turned around and left. We read great reviews so we thought the food must be amazing. Positives: the owner/cook was very nice. Negatives: the cafe was cluttered, in a dirty, hoarder way. The food we had was not fresh or homemade- microwaved or reheated. My vegan fish was two pieces, silver dollar size or smaller, and seven soggy waffle fries. My husbands four crab cakes were the size of quarters or smaller. We don't need a lot of food, but the portions were ridiculously small. We were too stunned to even say anything and paid in cash and left. I'm sure the music is good, but unfortunately the food isn't.

Stopped by for a late lunch and had the tempeh reuben. It was excellent. There are loads of vegan and vegetarian options on the menu and the service was as friendly as it gets. Atmosphere has a charm that reminds me of visiting a friends apartment and there was great art by local artist on the walls. I really enjoyed my lunch and will be back

Cool little spot for live music and cool hippie coffee house vibe. I had an orange ice-cream shake which was quite good. Prices are very reasonable but set expectations accordingly.

What a gem! I am in Schenectady for a few days for work, and I dropped by for lunch. The atmosphere is both homey and quirky at the same time. I ordered a beet and orange juice drink with ginger. Richard, the owner, told me he had artichoke dip with homemade bread and salmon salad specials. Everything was inspired, fresh, and delicious, several cuts above your boring chain versions of the food dishes.

Pleasantly surprised by this little hole-in-the-wall! Lots of vegan options here and live music to boot! Felt like an old-school hippie spot and we loved it.

Affordable food. A lot of plant based options. Quirky place with a warm welcome. I will definitely go again.

I had a great meal and a great time at this atmospheric cafe in downtown Schenectady. The owner was a delight and fellow diners were friendly. I felt right at home and will definitely return.

Interesting is the best word I can come up with for this place. If you're looking for some Vegan options here in Schenectady you should definitely check this place out. They offer both vegan and non vegan options. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Food is cooked to order, was fresh and not over cooked in the least, I like when my veggies still have crunch to them. Super laid back atmosphere, they seem to get a steady stream of customers and many they know by name.

Food is fabulous and unique as well as very reasonably priced. Super cozy atmosphere with great vibes.

Homely vibe and amazing food, Richard the owner is great at cooking. Try the vegan omelet! It was so good

Delicious food, eclectic vibe, kind and very relaxed owner. Highly recommend for a tea and a slice of pie while wandering downtown Schenectady.:)

A big plethora of non- veg and vegan food! Fantastic prices!
Good food and good vibes! Definitely coming back to try all the vegan options

What a special hidden Gem in Schenectady. Popped in for dinner and an open mike. The place had a homey feeling and the owner was such a delight. Delicious sustainable home cooked style food. Will absolutely be back and If your passing through definitely stop in

What a lovely little place. I went on a rainy Saturday morning and we were the only ones there. The owner greeted us with a warm welcome and made us feel at home. I got the cafe caribe and my bf got the iced coffee. Very great coffee, has a really nice flavor. I got the Mexican eggs with avocado and he got the pesto frittata. Both were solidly good, best breakfast I’ve had in a while. The owner cooks all the food himself and you can tell he cares about this place.

I definitely want to come back here to try the lunch and dinner foods, as well as see the live music. Cash only, and prices are great, especially in a time of inflation. Highly recommend if you want sit down and feel like you’re being cooked a meal by family.

19 years, that's how long the Moon and River Cafe has been gracing Schenectady and I never knew it.
With the most affordable food in the capital district, one of the most personable and unique owners, an array of live music and a wonderful local clientele I'm almost scared to let others know about this diamond in the rough out of fear it becomes overcrowded.
But alas, everyone deserves to eat off the largest vegetarian and vegan menu in the capital district.
Good home cooked food. Good home cooked atmosphere.

Edit, I went the day following my initial review, so yesterday.and plan to go again today.
I look forward to exploring the menu and trying all the enchanting dishes they have.

This is such a cute place! Food was amazing, and the owner was super nice! Definitely will go back