Professor Java's Coffee Company in Colonie.

Let’s be honest, there is no shortage of places to get coffee in the Capital Region. It’s pretty hard to drive for more than a few minutes without passing one … or six. The chains are always around, sure, but the Best of the Capital Region reader contest winner in this category for decades has overwhelmingly been the local folks. And we like that a lot. We like that a latte.

The always popular Professor Java’s has retained the title for another year — edging out Perfect Blend in Bethlehem.

But this is a hotly contested category, and we’re eager to see how things shake out in the next vote.

Here’s a rundown of the best coffee winners, starting with the 2022 finalists.

More: See all of the 2022 Best of the Capital Region winners. | Sign up for the Best of the Capital Region newsletter. 

Customers order food from the counter at Professor Java's Coffee Sanctuary at Wolf Road Shoppers Park in Colonie.

Best coffee shop: First place in 2022, 2021, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 and 1997; second place in 2018, 2014 and 2012; runner-up in 2020

Best tea shop: Runner-up in 2022 and 2021

Perfect Blend Cafe and Bakery at the Four Corners in Delmar.

Best coffee shop: Second place in 2022 and 2008; third place in 2016, 2011, 2010 and 2009; runner-up in 2021, 2018, 2017 and 2015

Interior of Spill’n the Beans Coffeehouse & Bistro in Troy.

Best coffee shop: Second place in 2021 and 2015; third place in 2022 and 2008; runner-up in 2017 and 2016

Graham’s Coffee Parlor in Schenectady.

Best coffee shop: Runner-up in 2022 and 2021

Jacob Alejandro and Jake Griffin-Diaz outside their Troy cafe, Jacob Alejandro.

Best coffee shop: Runner-up in 2022

Best coffee shop: Second place in 2016, 2011 (Clifton Park location), 2010 (Clifton Park) and 2009 (Clifton Park); third place in 2015 (Clifton Park); runner-up in 2021 (Clifton Park)

Address: 22 Clifton Country Road, Clifton Park | 711 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham | 400 Patroon Creek Blvd., Albany

Phone: 518-383-5373, Clifton Park | 518-783-3000, Latham | 518-512-4005, Albany

Uncommon Grounds in Saratoga Springs.

Best coffee shop: First place in 2020, 2019 and 2018; third place in 2007, 2006 and 2005

Best coffee chain: Third place in 2009

Best cup of coffee: Second place in 2000, 2001 and 1998

Best bagel: Second place in 2003 and 2001

Best latte: Second place in 2002

Address: 402 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 1235 Western Ave., Albany | 9 Clifton Country Road, Clifton Park

Phone: 518-581-0656, Saratoga | 518-453-5649, Albany | 518-280-2404, Clifton Park

Dunkin’ Donuts employee Darlene Scott makes a white chocolate latte in Colonie.

Best coffee chain: First place in 2010, 2009, 2008

Best coffee shop: First place in 2005; second place in 2020, 2007 and 2006; third place in 2019

Best doughnuts: Second place in 2004

Best cup of coffee: First place in 2001, 2000, 1999 and 1998

Best coffee shop: First place in 2007 and 2006; second place in 2005; third place in 2020

Best coffee chain: Second place in 2010, 2009, 2008

Best latte: First place in 2002

Best cup of coffee: Second place in 2001, 2000, 1999 and 1998

Best nightspot for a quiet conversation: First place in 2007

Stacks Espresso Bar in Albany.

Best coffee shop: Second place in 2017; runner-up in 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2016

Best place for a frozen treat: First place in 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019; third place in 2018

Best place for ice cream: First place in 2016, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2007; third place in 2020 and 2017

Best milkshake: First place in 2004

Best coffee shop: Second place in 2019; third place in 2018

Best coffee chain: Third place in 2010 and 2008

Best coffee shop: Runner-up in 2019

Address: 652 Albany Shaker Road, Albany

The Daily Grind in Albany.

Best coffee shop: Third place 2017, 1999 and 1997

Best latte: Third place in 2002

Address: 204 Lark St., Albany | 46 Third St., Troy

Best of the Capital Region 2022

Winners: See who won in each category of the Best of the Capital Region 2022 contest. Prefer something for your coffee table or to stash in your car for quick reference? Order our 68-page magazine, and we’ll ship it to you free.

100 categories: There were 14 new categories in 2022. 

See how far Best of the Capital Region has come in 25 years: These are the first winners from 1997. 

Hudson Valley’s Best: See who won

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Daniel Roberts is the executive news editor for digital and has been with the Times Union for more than a decade. He previously was an editor at The Fresno (Calif.) Bee, The Daily Interlake (Mont.) and The Whitefish (Mont.) Pilot. He grew up in the Capital Region and was formerly a session musician and has a music performance degree from The University at Albany. He studied writing and journalism at the University of Montana graduate journalism program. He can be reached at droberts@timesunion.com.