Olive Tree Cafe Reviews

We visited here for an early dinner while walking around the Greenwich Village area. Wasn't crowded at 4:00 pm and were seated immediately. The atmosphere was peaceful and dimly lit. Nice break in our day. Our waiter was Marup and was very friendly and efficient. We ordered two hamburgers, a veggie burger, Fiesta salad, waters and two beers. Our tab before gratuity was right at $50. All of the food was good. We really enjoyed our time here. Quiet, relaxing and didn't feel rushed out. Would definitely visit again.

Whenever I'm in New York there are always two stops that I make (and luckily they are in the same building!) - the Olive Tree Cafe and the Comedy Cellar. The Olive Tree Cafe has fantastic Middle Eastern food, but I love their Beef Borscht soup and order it every time I'm there. Delicious! And the comedy at the Comedy Cellar is top notch ... got to see Ray Romano there twice. Once just before he began "Everybody Loves Raymond" and once as he was in NY doing the promotion for the last show of the last season. He was a surprise guest ... that's the other fun part of eating at the Olive Tree Cafe is that lots of the comics (both well known and not-yet-well-known) eat there before or after their shows, so you can play "Spot the Comic" during dinner.

Atmosphere: fun. I like to take friends there when they get here from abroad. Falafel sandwich: they put too little falafel.

This place is in the village and has been there for years. Lovely service and great food. It is great for a night out on the town. Also good for dates.

Although the Olive Tree Cafe isn't your traditional family restaurant we felt right at home. With it's great atmosphere, tasty food and warm hospitality we found this restaurant to be a great option during our trip to NYC.

This a the perfect place to grab a drink before a show at the Cellar. The drinks are reasonable, the wait staff are very helpful and friendly, and they let you bring drinks down to the show when it's starting. They tell you when the show is beginning and are very helpful.

Really great ambiance. Small tables and romantic lighting. If you need to make a memory that will last a life time, go there! Even the neighborhood is romantic.

I got a recommendation from my friend about this place. He visited it during his first visit to New York in early 90s. An average place. We waited for waitress for a second round for 10 minutes. Maybe 20+ years ago it was different.

This place has been in the Village forever and it's obvious why- it's just so darned delicious!!!!! Everything here is great although I'm very partial to the falafel and Israeli salad. The meat is always cooked to perfection and the vegetables are always fresh. The chalk-board tables are a nice touch so you can get in touch with your inner artist while you wait for your food.

A great place to eat - especially before going to the Comedy Cellar.

Delicious Greek food affordably priced. Historic building. Dark and comfortable inside with accomodating staff. We had a group of seven people and they moved the tables around for us to be comfortable. There is a comedy club downstairs.

This place was recommended to me by a friend. Went in, sat for 15 minutes with no one paying any attention to us. Once we got the waitresses attention and got the menus it took another 10 minutes with the staff basically turning their backs on us. They were not busy. Just not that interested in doing their job. We left and went to another place close by.

The Mediterranean platter was spot on. The salads fresh and perfectly done. The chicken skewer was cooked and seasoned perfectly. My date had the roasted chicken platter and was very happy. The waitress was perfect and did a wonderful job of making sure we were seated for the show and that our food came out on time. Awesome experience from food to the show at the Comedy Cellar below!

Lovely staff, lovely bar..... and then the disappointment....Three drink rule, ok, get it, we don’t want to get drunk and heckle the comedians, we won’t and we don’t..... Just want to wind down after work. Please don’t assume that you know me, or my alcohol capacity. We didn’t come for the comedy, we are entertaining ourselves, but due to the toilet facilities, we have to cross the comedy floor path....to get to the toilet. Not our problem. It’s a shame and the first time ever that I have experienced this.

The Olive Tree Cafe is good Mediterranean food, but definitely not great. There are plenty of Mediterranean restaurants in my hometown of Columbia, SC that are far superior to the quality of the Olive Tree. The best thing that they have going for them is that they are connected to the Comedy Cellar, and it is very convenient to eat there before a show. It was good food, but definitely not a place that is superior to any other Mediterranean restaurant.

If you get a chance to eat here... DO! I had the middle east combo... very filling... and a pitcher of sangria... let me tell you, I don't like Sangria.... but I am craving theirs... can I get the recipe please? Staff was wonderful, and got in and out without issues. Only funny thing is the restuarants rest rooms are downstairs in the comedy club, and I felt awkward walking across the front of the stage to get to the bathroom..... .other than that, great place to eat, and not expensive!

We are here, now! this is our favourite place to eat & chill in Nyc. The food is fantastic as is the atmosphere whether going to the comedy downstairs or not. Excellent value too and all right in the heart of the village!

Great food, great music, great celebrities!

I've been going to the Olive Tree for about 30 years! Although it's changed a little over the years, the food is always good and the servers are friendly. They have a great variety of menu items to suit almost anyone. You can order appetizers, sandwiches, soup, an entire meal or any combination of those. It's great for both carnivores and vegetarians. They also have a great selection of drinks. The prices are reasonable, considering it's a popular place in Greenwich Village. The atmosphere is loud, but not too loud to have a conversation. They show silent movies that are amusing to watch and the tables are fun - you can write on them with chalk which they provide. All in all, The Olive Tree is a great way to spend some time in the Village. Although it's usually busy - especially on weekends. I never feel rushed. All in all it's definitely worth a visit!

The food is really good. Beer too :-) Good location also. Service is fine too. Highly recommended for any time of the day

We loved this little place, it was just around the corner from our hotel and so we ate there twice in a week. It was great quality food and an excellent price.

We stumbled upon this place one night after a few drinks and completely fell in love with it! It's very warm and cosy and the live music band that were playing were just amazing! (Colin Smith I believe the main vocalist is called) Absolutely loved the whole atmosphere of the place. Cocktails were reasonably priced for NYC at around $12-$14 (and very strong)

The restaurant sits upstairs/ a few steps above street level while the comedy club is downstairs. The comedienne was hilarious for the moments I heard (walking through to the only restroom downstairs). The food was good however served by a very uninterested server; personality aside she did her job and was pleasant just to the point of minimal. Large portion sizes and borscht that was excellent. A great little find in the Village for late night

Stopped in for a couple of drinks. Our waiter Andy ensured we had a great night out. He even fixed us up with a great kick starter his own cocktail "Espresso Martini". Thanks Andy for making our last night in New York a great one.

We went to dinner here before a comedy show on a Saturday night. It was very slow getting a table but service picked up once we sat down. Very friendly staff, stiff cocktails. Food was good. It was nice because you can hang out until the show. The comedians in the lineup hang out upstairs. Loved that!!

This place has always been a favorite of ours - the falafel, schwarma, stuffed grape leaves - love it! But after not visiting in quite some time we were so disappointed to find a new menu with some of the old faves (hummus, chicken kebabs) but no falafel and other standards. The food was good but it's no longer the Olive Tree we loved - sad.

Manny is gone but this place lives on with not too much change. Food is good for the price and service depends on who is there watching but it is a staple of the area. Good for family's in the day time. Good for most everything. Go draw, eat, watch an old movie and enjoy the history of the place.

I have been coming here on and off over the past 35 years and while the place hasn't changed, it is still awesome! The Mediteranean Platter is delicious, the drink menu is fantastic, the atmosphere is fun and causual, and the staff are delightful. So glad it is still the same place I remembered as a teenager.

Great menu, especially for a bar connected to the Comedy Cellar. Our group had the Borsch, great salads, kabobs, really large menu of tasty items. Variety of drink combinations and service was fantastic. Will be a repeat on our next trip!

A very original place! Popped in for dinner before our comedy started downstairs at the comedy cellar. Both had mixed shish kebabs with rice, pitta, houmous & babaganoush! Yummy! And great service from our waiter who popped outside in the rain to claim our seats for the show to save us rushing our food! Nice.

Our food was delicious - we came for brunch. Our service was a little slow, but we enjoyed playing games with the chalkboard tables and enjoying a less hectic, NY restaurant. I recommend heading to the basement just to take a view of the comedy club if you get a chance.

spot where my guys play politics to rule the city.

Delicious food at a great price point (for NYC). Plus you may spot some famous comedians having drinks while they wait to perform at the comedy cellar below (we sure did)! Very casual and chill vibe.

We arrived with no booking after a show and were accommodated straight away. But if an issue with my main course but it was resolved instantly. Replaced and deducted from the bill. Very generous sized portions and delicious. Do visit you won't be disappointed.

I randomly ended up in this nice cozy cafe with amazing live music. Very friendly atmosphere, good service, reasonable priced offer, great selection of coffee and cocktails, free access wi-Fi, and downstairs there's the mythical Comedy Cellar stand up club. You can't go wrong with this place.

This is one of our favorite places to go when we visit the village. The food is excellent and extremely reasonable. The Israeli salad and k-bobs are just amazing and seasoned perfectly. The Mediterranean Grill is just DELISH! Its fun to see what people draw on the tables, the other day an artist left an incredible portrait on the table. You won't be disappointed.

Relaxed atmosphere, tasty food and reasonable prices. Dress casual! There's a comedy club in the basement which you have to go through in order to get to the toilets. If you're lucky you may be treated to the unusual experience of seeing aspiring comedians hone their craft with the help of their peers :)

Much to our surprise, right in the heart of tourist land, we came upon the Olive Tree--8 of us. Quickly accommodated, all our needs were met. We enjoyed the Middle Eastern plate (only $14) lamb chops and mashed potatoes (which were a rave) a large green salad with beets and walnuts, chicken wings, chicken shish kabobs, a big burger and yummy fries. Best potato chips ever. Despite the noise in the crowded room, we could all hear each other. Service was prompt and cordial. The only quirky thing about this place is that the bathroom is located in the comedy club downstairs. We had to walk through a crowded audience and were heckled by the comedian.

My friend and I came here based on a recommendation while we were attending a class in the nearby meat packing district as a good option for Mediterranean food in the city, so off we went. You'll likely recognize the Comedy Cellar beneath the restaurant and can probably expect to see a comedian (or if you're lucky, 5) if you need to use the restroom as it's located down the stairs where performers wait to go on- a fun and accidental fact that we happened into due to a few beers and a lot of walking. It was a fun and decently priced experience for Manhattan and if you don't want any hummus don't panic, like I said- the menu is more diner like, with a lot of options. See you next time I'm in town.

We stopped to eat here when we were walking by simply because we had our dogs with us, and there was an outside table we could take. We had two platters and both were around $13-14 with two skewers of meat, and my wife's had some small falafels too. I am not a huge falafel fan because often they are too dry, or one spice overpowers the others, but here the taste of the falafels was far beyond any I have had in the past. The skewered meat was cooked well, although it could have used a little more seasoning. Overall, we would return if in the neighborhood, and it was a nice table to sit and people watch everything happening on the street. If you do sit outside, be sure to let the staff know, the outdoor table is a little hard to see from indoors.

The food was good. Nothing to rave about but good food, great portion. The service was slow the night we visited but maybe we were hungry and wanted our food instantly. Service was slow and seemed a little haphazard and to get to the bathroom you have to walk through the comedy show downstairs.

Such a disappointment and our worst experience in NYC. It was only about 20% full for dinner so no excuses. * Table - a bit grotty. The oil-filled candle thingy wasn't lit and had leaked leaving grime on table. * Ambience - Rock music playing whist silent Chaplin film projected on wall which is OK. But then staff also turned on the TV to watch the Oscar ceremony at full blast (which we could hear but not see) so we had all 3 going at the same time. Did my brain in and made conversation impossible. * Food - we both had the New York Strip with cheesy truffle fries. The meat was cooked perfectly medium rare but it was tough and gristly. The truffle oil was overpowering. * Service - was OK. No engagement, no banter, nothing more than the minimum, i.e. take your order and serve it, so not worthy of a tip. On the plus side, the restaurant is in an excellent location.

We used to eat at this place at least twice a month and always recommended to out-of-towners as a unique NYC dining experience. But almost a year ago, they renovated the kitchen and scaled down the menu to a handful of overpriced items that you can find anywhere else. Unless you have a big desire to watch a Charlie Chaplin film or write on a blackboard and don't mind paying more for average food, you would have a happier dining experience elsewhere.

Olive Tree is a great place to eat, relax, watch Charlie Chaplin movies and make sure that you will have GERALD as your waiter, he is the best I promise, we do go out a lot and I could tell you that his service, sense of humor, courtesy, respect, promptness, and a little extra attention is wonderful. We always ask to sit at the tables that he serves and every time we are extremely happy not only because we love the food there but because of his superb service. I do recommend this place to all my friends, relatives, etc. and I always tell them to ask for GERALD. We usually go on the weekends on SATURDAYS and he is there around 7 or 8 PM. So try the food and try to have GERALD as your waiter and I guarantee you that you will leave a happy person.

best cheeseburgers i ever tasted!!! fells great to write on the tables, hehe

I moved from NY to MD 25 years ago and brought my teen children back for a visit. I took them to the Olive Tree for lunch. The restaurant is still dark, and crowded, but OHHHH, what character! In addition to the ambiance, the food was plentiful, fresh, delicious and in my opinion, fairly priced. I"ll come back again and again and eventually take them to the comedy cellar right underneath the restaurant where it's darker and even more crowded, but OHH SO WORTH IT!!! This is a must for first time and return visitors.

Great Middle Eastern food!!!...Absolutely love the mixed appetizer plate and the shawarma. It's perfect before hitting the comedy cellar downstairs!!!

Olive Tree Café has become a staple for our family. The ambience is casual and the food is absolutely delicious.

Are you looking for a great lunch @ good value while exploring NYU area then don't miss the olive tree. I have been going there for the last 20 years and the atmosphere and quality / value for money has not changed a bid. There are some slight changes in the menus but if you like middle eastern or more Israeli food - dong miss this little restaurant - you won't regret it

The best turkey-burger I've had in a long time! The place also has a nice vibe and is great for a casual lunch with friends.

Great place to stop in before a show at the Comedy Cellar, service was fast and the staff was friendly.

My family was in Greenwich Village to see a play and as luck would have it found this restaurant immediately adjacent to the theater. We were warmly greeted and found the dining room warm and inviting - even providing chalk to write on the slate dining tables. The menu provided enough selection for each of us to find something to order. We began with chummus and were not disappointed. Our waitress was attentive, but let us enjoy our meal. The food arrived quickly and was delicious. Portions were more than adequate and prices were very reasonable.

Spacious place. Cozy, atmospheric, brownish interior. We only went here for a drink - didn't eart. Good specialty beers from tap, friendly staff. Good place to for few drinks and/or a pub style bite. Recommended.

The atmosphere is so inviting here. Order a burger or Falafel. Get your creative juices flowing by scribbling on the slate table with chalk or just watch one of the silent Chaplin movies they have running on the screen. Great if your solo or with friends.

good falafel. i love that you can draw on the tables. too bad it's in the middle of the village...

First time in Greenwich village, grabbed a pre-comedy show meal and couldnt fault this cosy, charismatic spot. The food was excellent, I ordered the chicken kebab which was full of flavour and my partner had the cheese burger which was far better than one I had in midtown earlier in the week. Service was great, as was the atmosohere and the price v reasonable. Would highly recommend.

We always visit the Comedy Cellar in the basement underneath the Olive Tree every time we visit NYC, and thus the Olive Tree is perfect for a pre-show bite. A menu to please most, from burgers to salads, the home made borsch is always a winner. The food isn't pre-packaged or microwaved, just honest good grub. And the chalkboard tables keep everyone amused. Service is efficient and quick, if not a little rushed but that is typical for NYC. The bill on the other hand is on the cheaper side for NY, always a pleasant feature. Recommended if visiting for comedy or otherwise need a quick and pleasant place to eat.

Came upon this place by accident but looking for a good place for a burger. Very good burger and sandwich. Helpful service and a nice quirky place. We likely to be back!

Delicious food at a cheap price! Nice atmosphere, though you have to walk through the comedy club downstairs if you need the restroom. I felt like I was interrupting the guy's routine but I guess he was used to it.

Great falafel plates and other middle-easter / mediterranean choices

After having a walk round Greenwich Village we stopped here for lunch. The food was really nice and the portion sizes were actually one that you might be able to finish which as someone from the UK was great! Yummy food and yummy desserts, definitely worth a visit.

Great for a quick bite in the NYU area.

We’ve eaten here for years. Before we had kids we used to stop in and we loved the food and the fact that all the comedians sit at the Back and you can enjoy seeing them just hanging. Then “Crashing” on HBO came out and this place is front and center on the show . Love that!! So then we figured it was not nearly as good. After all the show probably ruined the place. Nope! Last night we stopped in with our kids after a warming day of touring and had the best time. Mediterranean plate with a kebab, bowl of borscht, kebab plate and very kind, sweet service all made for a winner of a dinner! Our server was kind, attentive and professional. Fortified, we left and wandered through Washington Square Park before calling it a night. Best of all: Colin Quinn was at the back table with the rest of the comedians who were performing. We will return! So nice to see Olive Tree Cafe stays good through the years!!

Right on touristy historic MacDougal Street, this neighborhood joint should please locals and tourists alike. The atmosphere is "boho" and cozy, the service is casual, competent and friendly, the prices are modest and the food is good. I had the Mediterrean Platter- very generous portion. Next time I will share it, rather than waste good food. (Could not take it home do to my schedule).

This place is really cute. Your table is a chalk board! My husband and I have been here 3 times and are always very pleased with the bill , service, and the quality of food. We really like Jewish food and this is a great place for it! The atmosphere is very low key, but there are details around you if you look like interesting drawings on the wall...the place kind of has a taverny feel because of the dark wood and lighting... you almost forget where you are until you go downstairs through the comedy club to go use the bathrooms.

My wife and I had dessert here before visiting the Comedy Cellar. They have great cheesecake and a great brownie ice cream dessert. Grab a piece of chalk and write on your table, It's fun!

This place has good drinks and the best macaroni and cheese ever! Our waiter answered about 12 questions for us even though he was busy and gave us good advice about sitting at the restaurant for awhile instead of getting in line for the comedy cellar at the time they told us to (since we had already signed in for the show).

i like writing on the tables....and the food is good too.

I came here, with my husband, for our wedding lunch after getting married at City Hall just around the corner. In all honesty, we were aiming to go somewhere else but discovered our first choice was closed! And thank goodness it was because, taking refuge from the December climate we stumbled into Olive Tree. We wanted burgers and weren't disappointed. The atmosphere was quiet, hushed even, but with so few clientele we got prompt service. If you're looking for a cosy little place for a quick, unfussy (but delicious) bite where you can enjoy the food and drink in a relaxed atmosphere, then I would recommend this place without hesitation. Bear in mind that the atmosphere and clientele might be different at night (when I gather there's a comedy club downstairs), but I feel very lucky to have ended up here by accident for my wedding lunch. We will definitely be coming back to celebrate our anniversary! The only reason that I rate it only average for romance and special occasions rather than excellent is that I think for most people on any given day it wouldn't be that romantic or special... but for me and my husband, sheltering from the sleet, biting into our delicious burgers and drinking our Kir Royals it was certainly both.

...FUNNY. More on the funny bit later. The Olive Tree is an original, die hard Village joint, reminiscent of when Greenwich Village was filled with characters, artists, outcasts and joints, both kinds. It was around when you could easily get a great meal for two dollars, including a can of soda, right next door at Mamoun’s Falafel. In those days the Olive Tree was were you went on a date. It was extremely cool. Today it is still a great place. When you enter, there is a tiny vestibule with seating for two couples. A few steps up and you are in the dining room/bar area. Cool paintings adorn the walls as well as movie screen showcasing Charlie Chaplin silent movies. All the tables have slate tops and the chalk at the ready bring out the child in the sourest of personalities. This is just the beginning – the best is about to come in the form of the menu. Everything is good, so much so that it is easy to fall into a rut of just ordering the same thing over and over. A solution is to occasionally bring friends who have never been and steer them to dishes you want to try. Of course, you must insist on sharing. Fortunately, the portions are a good size so it is easy to share. The wings, are absolutely heavenly, while the Tabouli, Mezza and Israeli salads, and guacamole are terrific. Any of the platters are a great way of spreading the wealth. As for the hamburgers, don’t swallow the old, “I can’t share because I am having a burger” line. The burgers are excellent, juicy, and large. Besides, that is why knives exist. We’ve cut burgers into four pieces. As for the desserts the cheesecake and the carrot cake are delicious, as is the Apple Crunch pie. These dishes are also easily shared. Now a word about the staff. These people take happy, nice pills before each shift. You come for the atmosphere and food, but you want to hang out because of the staff. You seriously want to cultivate friendships with them. If you have any questions, ask. You won’t get the usual suggestions based on what management is pushing today. One waiter actually asked my sister what she had for lunch as he wanted to recommend something totally different. The bar is fully functional, and don’t be surprised if a waiter comes up with a concoction for you to drink. As for the fun bit, there is a Comedy Club located below the restaurant. After dinner, if you can separate yourself from your server, for a charge you can go downstairs for a few laughs. The place is always packed and it was one of the starting points for folks like Jerry Seinfeld and Jon Stewart. The only negative to the Olive Tree is using the restrooms. They are located in the basement in the Comedy Club. First, you need a secret code to get past the locked door. After descending the narrow steps you will encounter one, perhaps two very large, very burly men who will question your motives. After you stammer something about a bathroom you are directed in the correct direction. Now you are in full view of a comedian and will most likely become fodder for their routine. The women’s room is teeny tiny, but don’t worry you won’t linger. You don’t want to have to answer as to why it took so long. Despite, the Mission Impossible challenge of using the bathroom or perhaps because of it, I highly recommend the Olive Tree. It reminds me of a time when New York was not the polish, gleaming, youth oriented metropolis of today. It harkens back to a time when people had conversations without using their thumbs, when sharing a meal, meant sharing actual food and not pictures of food, when you could chat with a server without feeling as though you were inconveniencing them. All in all, the Olive Tree is the whole package. Terrific place, fantastic food, yummy desserts, interesting cocktails, great staff and on your way to the bathroom, you might get picked on by the next Jerry Seinfeld. All in all, a real New York joint!

great meditteranean food, good sevice. A bit noisy.

Walking down a restaurant row with a mind-boggling variety of food, but tiny, tiny places where conversation is a distant possibility at lunch hour, my friend and I who had not met in months and had much to say to each other, chose Olive Tree just because it was relatively quiet and spacious. The waitress was grumpy and treated us like we were dullards and the space looked like an Irish bar. I was skeptical, but we were hungry and not hopeful of finding anything close by that was as quiet. Turned out to be not an Irish Bar and had above average Middle Eastern food, which we ate with relish. Good salad, lamb skewers, and mujjadhara. Will definitely go back again for the comfortable booths, reasonable and decent fare, and spacious interior. The bar looked like it had a decent variety of draft beers, though we did not order any drinks.

I have been coming to this place on and off for the past four years. Since then the area has improved drastically and so have most of the menu items. Seeing this change, I also noticed that the staff has become a bit less mindful of there guest needs and the food while a good portion and taste has fallen a bit from where it once was. The last time I was here it was 3 of us, we had this one waitress that was very nice and did forget a few things like our water and napkins, and there were very long breaks in between her delivering the food/water, and check. Bottom line: Yes, I will be back, but not on a Sunday afternoon, maybe everyone was just tired from Saturday...It is the Village after all

Best wings... traditional spice but this wild hint of perfect depth and sweetness (almost). Great drinks, friendly service, and it's the MOST FAMOUS PLACE TO SPY COMICS IN THE WORLD. How can you pass up tasty food, good times, a beverage, and seeing iconic and hilarious people that spread joy all over. It's not midscale, but it's no dive. It's one of my favorite New York experiences, and can't wait to be back over and over.

Great Mediterranean food, just a little noisy. Great service

We have been twice, the second time for dinner. Nice pub style place where they play live music. I had a really good steak with a very particular garnish; very abundant in quality. The beers on tap are excellent.

If you pass by The Village, this is definetely a place to pick. Good food, good prices and good music in week ends...

We were very warmly welcomed and had a good first impression of the restaurant already at the beginning. The advice and service of the waiter was excellent. For a cozy fun evening, this restaurant is worth a visit.

If you are looking for quick and inexpensive then this could work. Had the Mediterranean dinner. Chicken was very good but it is served very "pub" style. The service was friendly and quick. It is just a very casual setting with some decent food that won't blow your socks off. Can't complain about the price though!

Very pleased to get good food while waiting for comedy show. My burger (beef) cooked very nicely and was awesome. My friends (turkey) burger was overlooked and dry (typical for turkey burgers IMO). Chalk board Bar tops for fun while drinking and hanging out. Great drink selection draft, bottle and hard Liquors

The food was generally good but I had made the wrong selection - chicken cutlets and mash they were just ok. The atmosphere is good and the waiter was excellent he was good fun and gave outstanding service. There is a comedy club downstairs and if you want to use the bathrooms you have to go through the club which could be a bit dodgy!!! Overall a good experience.

went here for a friends b-day, it was full of famous comedians - one of which i had seen on tv the night before - weird. food was decent, fries were great. sangria was yummy. desserts were delicious. i think it was charming and we all really liked the chalk board tables.

Great mediteranean food, reasonably priced, cozy and cool atmosphere. Just perfect in every way. Loved everything on their menu, plus they carry Blue Moon beer, my favorite.

Brick Walls. Charlie Chaplain movies playing in the background, chalkboard tables, dark warm wood trim and fireplace, low lighting....the perfect ambiance for any occasion. When I walk into Olive Tree Cafe, it reminds me of what Greenwich Village could have felt like back in the 60s. I could sit there for hours, and daydream and wish I lived in NYC. Fantastic food, incredible ambiance, a MUST visit if your in Greenwich. Stop by for a coffee, a cocktail, an appetizer, or a full meal. You won't be disappointed.

We enjoyed a delicious lunch with our 3 children. The waitress was excellent and the food was delicious. The meals are very big. The kids enjoyed using the table top chalk boards. They were a real hit. Would highly recommend! Thank you.

One way or another you will either be so full because you cannot stop eating the wings, salads, Mac and cheese, burgers, or any of the. Other great bar food on their menus. It is a fun small spot perfect for a date or a night with a couple friends. Make sure to book some tix for the comedy cellar downstairs which has all of the best NYC comedians and others who stop in. I am sorry if I am letting to many people know this place because it is a nice spot.

This place has good food reasonably priced. We ordered chicken kebab platter. Rice was very good, Israeli salad was average, other places have it with more spice. Turkish coffee was up to my taste. What is attractive about this place is not food. We liked Charlie Chaplin's movie at the background, the fact that you could draw on the table, chalk was provided. I remember that you could rent other board games, but didn't check it this time. All this made our visit really fun! Thank you, Olive Tree and all people who make it work

Had a delicious strawberry daiquiri here! Also, lots of delicious choices of salads with or without chicken. It's not too crowded earlier on Friday nights. The hummus is delicious, too. The name deceives, it's got a great menu aside from snacks and coffee (as in, it's not just a cafe). The atmosphere isn't spectacular, but it's nice and be aware that if you need to use the restroom, you have to pass through a comedy show going on at night.

Cross posted from Yelp. On Sept. 10 we went here to have a few drinks while we were waiting for stand by tickets to the comedy cellar downstairs. We arrived at 8:40 and had to be in line for the tickets at 9:30 so we had time for 2 drinks each. Our bill came to $30.49 give or take a few cents. I asked our server for the bill at 9:15 and paid him $36 cash, he asked if I wanted change and I told him no thanks, he can keep it and we were on our way. After the comedy show ended our server comes up to me outside the comedy club and says I never settled our bill. Everybody related to the business instantly assumed I was guilty of running out on the bill, from the bouncer to the club owner to the comic that was outside smoking. I tried to tell them I paid my bill in cash but the only response I got was "If you paid it why didn't the server close your tab?". Perhaps because he's incompetent? The manager on duty believed me and felt bad about the humiliation I endured and she offered me complimentary drinks to settle the issue but I declined as I was only looking to clear my name and not looking for free drinks. I told her she can check the cameras and will see me handing him cash with our bill. Afterwards, we were outside smoking and the comedy club owner kept giving me dirty looks so I told him I paid the bill and that he could check the cameras if he didn't believe me. He got in my face and swore at me and then called the cops saying we ran out on the bill. NYPD came and assumed I was guilty without doing any sort of investigative work and said I'd be arrested unless I paid my bill. Not wanting to spend the night in jail, I paid the bill again, with a credit card this time so there's a paper trail.

Having passed this restaurant several times while walking down MacDougal I was excited to experience this restaurant, and I wish I hadn't been. The wait staff did not smile and were not attentive. I had to ask for all my drinks to be refilled they never came and asked if I never needed another one. The food took forever and it was cold when it came out. The taste of the food was pretty good, but at this point I was so frustrated with the wait staff that I couldn't really focus on my meal. I will not be back.

We decided to eat at Olive Tree before the comedy show downstairs as we didn't have much time. We were very pleased with our meal. Food is mainly middle-eastern flair. Every dish was delicious and fresh. Waitstaff was very nice.

I've been there several times, and still feel like coming back again. For: awesome salads, deliscious shakes, tasty chummus, good prizes, original interior, and.. Charlie Chaplin!

Cute café where they seem to work on atmosphere that’s laidback and cool, however service was too slow. Waiting for 15 minutes getting a latte was not up to standard.

The Olive Tree brunch menu inclues a champagne cocktail. Nice touch. On the brunch memu is the Olive Tree omelet that includes spinach and smoked salmon. It was amazing. The Eggs Benedict was really good too. Our teenage daughter loved the Mac and Cheese. It was the best I ever had too. Great place and good service.

I felt right at home at the Olive Tree. Service is just right- not overwhelming. And the middle eastern food is very good. Plus, going to the restroom gives you a peek at the stand-up in the Comedy Cellar.

Only went for drinks and deserts. The interior is inviting and comfortable, with a big screen showing cute Chaplin movies. The shot glasses are big and waiters very amicable.

I remember they had the small grill area by front door.Cooked burgers and Gyros.Awesome.The are known for Chick Pea type foods. The RedBeet Soup, aka Borsch is Almost as good as mine.Almost. I love the Tables.The are slate.So you can use chalk and draw on them.I drew Ava and I running off into the Sunset.I knew her when she was just a manager.Married owner.He has passed on.Very missed.Great Guy.I still Love you Ava.Now the food.All Good. They have an EXTENSIVE Drink Menu.Man Watch Out for the Zombies.They will kick your butt.Four Zombies.You are a Zombie.Seriously.Now after Dinner....Order a Cappuccino with a snifter of Frangellica. Ok you have that.Mix them together..Then order a piece of Cheese cake.To Die for.and a snifter of Chamborg.Drizzle the Chaborg on the Cheese cake and drink your Cappuccino..." Heaven Your In Heaven " .. "La la la la la la la la la la la".You know the rest.Then go to the Comedy Cellar and Watch the show.Right below The Olive Tree Cafe...AWESOME...One of my favorite places in the Village...And I am a Country Boy..

We went here on our 3rd day in New York and found it wonderful. Service was impeccable, atmosphere was nice, we loved the food and drinks were nice. Best of all, for New York, it was great value for money, A nice little novelty were the slate tables and bits of chalk on the table to draw and write on the table which can then be wiped out ( face it, were all childish at heart!).

We just stopped by for drinks after a long walk along the Highline. The seats were comfortable, drinks reasonably priced. The chalk tables were a great touch; we reflected on all the highlights of our holiday visually. The art on the walls was by the owner we think. The mood created by the portraiture was excellent. We would like to know more about the artist / owner but didn't catch the name!

We always stop here for a late night falafel and drink after seeing a show at the Comedy Cellar - the food never disappoints, the drinks are not terribly priced for NYC, the staff can be slow and rude but probably to be expected that late in NYC

great food, low prices. old mute b/w movies projected on the wall black chalkboard as table try the hot borscht, you won't be dissapointed!

sentimental leaning for this great hang-out, the best (nasty), cheese-drowned nachos (!), and more seriously excellent falafels

Top tip..... Don't be rushed tell them to shut up and listen to you .. As its rush rush ... They don't listen or care, but the food is good and freshly prepared . U order u pay u pick up. Be prepared if you are not state side ... I ain't even Atlantic side . Found the staff not interested.

Olive tree cafe has a very cool interior, dark and cozy.. the service is good and the food is pub food. It is just above the Comedy cellar. When we arrived lots of people were standing in front of it to go in the comedy show. I felt that only locals eat here either waiting to go for their show or enjoying their beer and food. It is great to try it. Enjoy!

Cool, low key spot for lunch. Salads, sandwiches and hummus was great. Brittany was a great server, even though she's a Michigan fan. Go Bucks!! Her and the bartender also gave us some great advice about places to visit during our day trip. We will definitely be back!

The food is great, the price is right, and the Charlie Chaplain films in the back are a great touch! I love this place! stop here for dinner, and then when you are satiated, go downstairs to the Comedy Cellar for drinks and laughs! You can't lose.

Great small place for all meals of the day. Reasonable prices, delicious plates and you get to watch Charlie Chaplin in the background while drawing on the tables. The comedy cellar below is where the bathrooms are so that's a fun trip and pay attention to the Art on the walls. A West Village gem!

This is a well known restaurant from the days of Bob Dillan yet the food and service and atmosphere are still going strong. Downstairs is the popular Comedy Cellar with nightly cheerful young crowds waiting to enter. You cant beat the MacDougal St locale. New York University is a constant threat to the viability of the authentic village. Currently cillage residents, faculty and students who wish to preserve the character of The Village are fighting NYUs proposed outlandish expansion plans which include 30 years of construction equal to the volume of the Empire State Building within a small few blocks of venerated village blocks around Houston, Mercer, Bleecker, and Laguardia.

Located on MacDougal street, the building is old, and upstairs from a comedy club, but the food is quite fresh and tasty. I had a double order of wings as lunch with no regrets. They had put a delicious sauce onto it and it was more sweet than hot. Y family enjoyed their salads and sandwiches. Service was friendly and timely. If your walking around the village, do make your way to this location.

This place has been around a long time, and continues to have great Middle Eastern food, nice ambiance, and ongoing Charlie Chaplin movies! Excellent Mediterranean platter with hummus, babaghanoush, grapes leaves, tabooli, Israeli Salad, feta cheese, and pita - huge portion and very reasonably priced!

Around the corner from the Minetta Lane Theatre is a café that is an informal, low cost restaurant that will get you to the show on time. We were there when the menu was an abbreviated one, but the sandwiches were tasty and filling. A clever touch is the tables made out of chalk boards, so you can play tic tac doe or doodle while you are waiting for your meal. Also, there are old black and white movies to watch. Being from out of town, I am not an expert on the New York City subway system, but I was able to take one train down town with a stop about two blocks away. Many tourists hesitate to go for dinner and a show so “far” off Broadway, but the subway ride took less than 9 minutes fro Times Square. The Olive Tree Café is a perfect place to go before an evening show.

Great big steak and chips. Good service. Cool place. Big bit of steak and too many chips, with few cherry tomatoes. If I was being critical I would suggest half of the chips and put a bit of salad, or vegetables on the plate. I would recommend and would go back.

The ambiance was nice, service pretty good - food was reasonably priced - mostly middle eastern food - the babaganush was ok - wish the pita bread was softer and warmer. One of us had a traditionally mid-east entrée which he thoroughly enjoyed. The chili I had was just spicy and hot enough.. with all the wonderful places to eat in NYC can't say I'd go back again, but it was a good meal.

it's a neat cafe, located in greenwich village. Has a pub type vibe and average service. Often, comedians performing or visiting the downstairs comedy club will eat here & are very approachable. Lots of locals and a few tourists. Food is average to better than average, with nice selection of beers.

Our lunch was delicious and low-priced. Not only that, we watched Charlie Chaplin movies... at lunch. What a delight! I had their special borscht with beef and cabbage, a dish I haven't had in years. Highly recommended.

I really like this neighborhood so I always try to get here for dinner, comedy, blues or just a stroll in the street. I have eaten this restaurant twice and it was packed both times. Great American-Mediterranean food in a cozy athmosphere we had and I would go here again tomorrow if I could:) My ideal holiday night would be a good dinner here and then some comedy downstairs but I would also enjoy dinner here and some blues in Terrablues few block away. If you are not looking for anything fancy but cosy - this is it.

Stumbled across here whilst checking out Greenwich village and retreating from the cold. Great decor and atmosphere and really pleasant waitor, very attentive. Good value meals and tasty.

Small frontage that you could miss but worth seeing inside. The food is pub food my veggy burger came on a white bun, a large slice of lettuce, slice of tastless tomato and half a gherkin!!. The soup was very good. Coffee was good and the service was reasonably quick. Can not comment on the beers. I could imagine this is the place to meet at night.

I'll make it simple. TABULIE made fresh for you. The borscht is just like mom, if she was from Russia, is terrif. But the service is the highlight. The waiter was funny and caring...even though it was busy.

If you like Charlie Chaplin movies, being able to draw on the table. If you like Mediterranian food and pitchers of beer. If you like casual places lacking in posuers and trendsters this is the place. Under new management I think, but its still good. Have been going here for going on 15 years. The weak spot is the claustrophobic bathroom accessible by secret code in the basement comedy club. Although navigating the stairs could be seen as a sobriety check....

we dropped in before our reservation at Comedy Cellar. we ordered hummus, two chilis and four pints total. the chili came out lukewarm and i should've said something because before i could even finish my second beer, i started to feel very sick. so sick i spent the next 2-3 hours barfing hummus and chili in my hotel room. my BF was also sick, but not as bad as me. so needless to say, we had to miss the show at Comedy Cellar. to make matters worse, when we returned home and checked the credit card bill, the $62 bill we signed off on was processed for $102! the phone number listed online doesn't work, try calling it to make a reservation, you will not get through. because of this fact, we have no one to contact other than the credit card company to dispute the charge. totally disappointing! next time we're in NYC we'll skip the Olive Tree and go straight to the Cellar!!!

A great fusion of food and people in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Sometimes inn the evenings, they will ask guests if they would like to go see the comedy show down stairs in their other place the comedy cellar... FOR FREE, where Dave Chappelle just happened to walk in unannounced and do a new bit.

This was our first night in New York and couldn't have been better, good food, drink and excellent staff, they quickly made space our party of eight with no problem and were attentive without being all over us. I would recommend you give this place a visit.

We were celebrating a birthday so had 11 people in our party and although it was a tight fit, we were happily accommodated. (Had reservations). The food was excellent and very reasonable prices for the area. The tables are chalk board so there was a lot of fun & creativity w/the chalk that was provided.

We came here because we had reservations at the Comedy Cellar for a 12:30am show and The Olive Tree stays open late. We had 10pm reservations. We were blown away by the food. The portions are really big. I got the platter with beef kafta and subbed the couscous for the rice. It was amazing. I *literally* choked on my food because I was eating so fast! The cauliflower was spectacular. My friend got the burger and it was huge and delicious. The service was fantastic and the atmosphere is awesome. The art on the walls is beautiful and I believe it was all done by a family member of the owner.

My boyfriend and I love this place and we keep on coming back every time in NYC! You can find your own corner and enjoy your drink/food while receiving great service. Staff is amazing and draft beer is a must try!

I love the food. I love the movie. I love their tables. People were little loud… come in its a New York..Loud is Ok. I love the service. In 10 min we got our food. I have attached few pictures with this review. I am sure going to go back there many times. Its very near to 4th W train station.

The chalk board topped tables complete with chalk make this a unique space...vintage Charlie Chaplin (among other favorites) always playing on the screen...VERY VERY casual and the food is VERY reasonable priced....

We stumbled across this great little place during a day out in the Greenwich Village area. The food was delicious and as usual, there was lots of it. A lovely atmosphere and excellent service (we were looked after by Sean) you can sit here all day and lap up the atmosphere. It's great value too. Just superb. Don't miss it. There's even a comedy club in the basement - but during the day it's quiet and civilised. Oh and if you're from the UK and have fussy eaters, their Macaroni Cheese is like it looks and tastes in the UK - the chicken kebabs (they call them kebobs for some unexplained reason) are also fresh and tasty.

Ate here last night as we had tickets for the Comedy Cellar and with so many places to choose from it was the obvious choice as we could spend more time having fun and less on research. We got in without a reservation but we were quite early - would recommend booking in advance. The atmosphere was kicking and decor fabulous. Food great, HUGE portions too. Flirtini cocktails were perfect and the service excellent. Love that you can doodle on your table with chalk. Honestly it was perfect and I would go back tomorrow if I could but sadly am on way home to the UK!