Meet the Neighbors: Monday Dining Picks

Meet the Neighbors: Monday Dining Picks
July 23, 2025 Christina Soot

Downtown Albany has lots to offer every day of the week. Want to visit on a Monday? Here are 18 restaurants and cafes ready to serve you!

Brick & Mortar Café 222 1st Ave. W

Modern comfort food and a cozy diner vibe make Brick & Mortar a beloved spot for breakfast and lunch in the heart of downtown. From fluffy omelets and crepes to hearty burgers and the must-try Biscuit Sandwich, every bite feels like home.

Calapooia Brewing/Vivacity Spirits 210 Hill St. NE

This lively brewpub and distillery offers craft beer, cocktails and casual bites in a relaxed setting with atrium dining, darts and live music. Burgers, sandwiches and the Calapooia Chili Beer are go-to favorites for a laid-back meal with friends.

Carousel Cafe 503 1st Ave. W

Take in the view of Albany’s beloved carousel while sampling kid-friendly bites and nostalgic snacks. Grab a corn dog or mac and cheese, then top it off with a slushie, shake or oldfashioned ice cream float.

Deluxe Brewing/Sinister 635 Water Ave. NE

Spacious and welcoming, Deluxe Brewing is a top spot to enjoy locally brewed lagers and small-batch spirits. Their tasting room features food truck fare and guest favorites like Wild Beaver Amber Lager and the awardwinning New Albany Gin.

The Depot 822 Lyon St. S

A longtime Albany staple, The Depot serves fish ’n chips, chowder and fried seafood in generous portions with a nofrills, all-flavor approach. Regulars rave about the Bonnie Shrimp Crunch Salad, fish tacos and Northwest oysters.

The Garage 229 3rd Ave. SW

With 46 taps and plenty of events, The Garage is a go-to for pub fare, craft beverages and entertainment. Enjoy burgers, beer flights and rotating specials in a space that features trivia, sports and community hangouts.

Grazing Oregon Charcuteries 115 Ellsworth SW

A forest-themed interior and locally foraged ingredients set this charcuterie spot apart. Dishes like their signature Seared Salmon or tasty Wild Boar Ragu pair perfectly with their elevated wines and creative cocktails like the Ghost of the Forest Old Fashioned.

Hasty Freez 655 Lyon St

A beloved drive-thru with retro charm, Hasty Freez offers old-school burgers, corn dogs, shakes and soft-serve ice cream. Standouts include the Burger Box, blackberry sundae and colorful slushy floats that keep locals and visitors coming back time after time.

Jo Jo Mac’s 300 2nd Ave. SW

Southern comfort shines at Jo Jo Mac’s, where the menu is full of flavor and hospitality. From beignets and benedicts to gumbo and shrimp & grits, it’s a crowd-pleasing spot for hearty breakfasts and bold bites.

K Teriyaki 300 2nd Ave. SW

Serving bold Asian flavors in a casual setting, K Teriyaki is known for grilled meats, flavorful sauces, and generous portions. Customer favorites include bento boxes, combo platters, and savory seaweed salad with crisp tempura sides.

The Mad Platter Café 300 4th Ave. SW (basement)

This courthouse café is a hidden gem offering East Coast–style comfort food with big flavor. Subs, melts and wraps are menu staples, but locals especially love the hearty breakfast bagels with hot coffee and the Steak Bomb.

Margin Coffee Roasters 206 2nd Ave. SW

A bright and friendly spot for coffee lovers, Margin Coffee serves houseroasted beans using third-wave methods. Enjoy espresso drinks, matcha lattes and cold brew alongside muffins, bagels, and sandwiches in a place we like to call “Albany’s living room.”

The Pix Theatre Café 321 2nd Ave. SW

You don’t need a movie ticket to enjoy the Pix Café’s fun and affordable menu of sweet and savory treats. From popcorn and house made pie-in-a-mug to burgers, quesadillas and espresso drinks, it’s a downtown snack stop with something for everyone. Serving beer and wine too!

Pono Bowl Co. 237 2nd Ave. SE, #102

Bright, breezy, and full of flavor, Pono Bowl is your downtown stop for wholesome eats and superfood fuel. Treat yourself to an açaí bowl, a loaded toast or a smoothie packed with islandinspired goodness.

Sidekicks Gourmet Desserts & Espresso 832 Lyon St. S.

This cheerful corner café is a local goto for espresso drinks, sweet treats, and satisfying lunches. Whether you’re craving gourmet cake or Bonnie’s famous Shrimp Crunch Salad, Sidekicks has something to brighten your day.

Taqueria Alonzo 250 Broadalbin St. SW

Welcoming and casual, Taqueria Alonzo serves up authentic Mexican dishes bursting with flavor. Grab a Super Burrito, sip a horchata and enjoy generous portions that make this spot a downtown staple.

Vault 244 Bistro & Lounge 244 1st Ave. W

Warm lighting, upscale ambiance and a menu full of local flavor make Vault 244 ideal for dinner with friends or a cozy night out. Creative plates and expertly crafted cocktails are what keep guests coming back.

Vito’s Trattoria 211 1st Ave. W

Classic Italian comfort meets Northwest freshness at Vito’s, where every dish is made with care and quality ingredients. Favorites like the Chicken Picatta, Misto Mare Alfredo and a house-made Limoncello Drop never disappoint.

If you’d like to do some shopping before you dine, or walk off your meal, there are dozens of businesses open on Mondays ready to invite you in to check out their unique items and chat with their friendly owners and staff.