Olive Tree Cafe Introduce
Tucked away on the vibrant and historic MacDougal Street in Greenwich Village, the Olive Tree Cafe is a unique and dynamic establishment that serves as both a cozy cafe and a lively bar. It’s a place that effortlessly balances a casual atmosphere with a trendy, creative vibe. For many, its primary appeal lies in its location right next to the legendary Comedy Cellar, making it the perfect spot for a pre-show meal or a drink. But it's far more than just a waiting area; Olive Tree Cafe holds its own as a destination for delicious food, great drinks, and a genuine New York experience. This is a place where college students, local groups, and tourists mingle, creating a lively and energetic crowd that adds to the fun and welcoming ambiance.
The menu at Olive Tree Cafe offers a fantastic selection of comfort food, with a focus on both quality and variety. Patrons have praised the menu for its delicious options, from satisfying appetizers like Hummus and Mozzarella Sticks to hearty main courses like the Cheese Burger. The menu extends beyond typical pub fare, offering a range of plates, sandwiches, and salads, catering to different tastes and cravings. Whether you’re looking for a full meal or just a quick bite, the cafe provides plenty of delicious options. The food is noted for being "delicious" and the service for being "fast and friendly," creating a smooth and pleasant dining experience. This makes it an ideal choice for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner before a show.
As a cafe and a bar, Olive Tree Cafe excels in its beverage program. It features a great selection of beer, a variety of cocktails, and a curated wine list. This makes it a popular spot for happy hour, where you can unwind with a drink after a long day. The bar is well-stocked with a full range of hard liquor, ensuring a drink for every taste. The cafe also serves a variety of coffees, from classic brews to more specialized drinks, making it a viable spot for those looking for a caffeine fix or a comfortable place to work on their laptop.
Beyond the food and drinks, Olive Tree Cafe is known for its lively and engaging atmosphere. The cafe hosts live performances, often as part of the comedy shows that take place next door. This adds a unique layer of entertainment to the dining experience. While some reviews mention mixed experiences with service, the general consensus is that the staff is often very accommodating and friendly, contributing to the overall positive vibe. Its cozy and casual setting makes it a welcoming place for solo diners or groups looking for a vibrant yet comfortable spot. It's the kind of place that feels quintessentially New York—a little bit of everything in one small, fun location.
---Location and Accessibility
Olive Tree Cafe is located at 117 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012, USA. It is perfectly situated in the heart of Greenwich Village, a bustling neighborhood known for its lively nightlife, bohemian history, and proximity to NYU. The cafe is easily accessible by foot and is a common stop for those exploring the area. As a cozy, older establishment, specific accessibility information is not available, but its central location on a well-trafficked street makes it a convenient option for many.
---Services Offered
- Takeout: Ideal for grabbing a quick meal to go.
- Dine-in: Provides a cozy and trendy setting for a sit-down meal or drinks.
- Table Service: Ensures a relaxed and attended dining experience.
- Brunch, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert: Serves a full range of meals, from mid-day to late-night.
- Accepts Reservations: Makes planning for groups easier and helps avoid wait times.
Features / Highlights
- Fast Service: Praised for its efficiency, especially for a quick meal before a show.
- Great Beer Selection: A wide variety of beers to choose from, perfect for beer enthusiasts.
- Live Performances: Adds a unique entertainment element to the dining experience.
- Lively & Casual Atmosphere: A cozy, trendy, and comfortable place to hang out.
- Good for Working on Laptop: A popular spot for solo dining and remote work.
- Happy Hour Drinks: Great options for winding down after a long day.
Contact Information
Address: 117 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012, USA
Phone: (212) 254-3480
---What is worth choosing
Olive Tree Cafe is a multifaceted gem in Greenwich Village, offering much more than a typical cafe or bar. It's the perfect choice for its unique combination of delicious, satisfying comfort food, a solid drink menu, and an electric atmosphere. Its prime location next to the Comedy Cellar makes it an ideal spot to grab a bite or a drink before a show. The speedy service is a major plus, ensuring you're seated and served efficiently. For a casual yet trendy night out that combines good food, a lively crowd, and the potential for a bit of unexpected entertainment, the Olive Tree Cafe is a top contender. It’s a place that captures the quintessential spirit of New York's laid-back, yet always-on-the-move, culture.
Olive Tree Cafe Details
Service options
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Live performances
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Olive Tree Cafe Photos










Olive Tree Cafe Location
Olive Tree Cafe
117 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012, USA
Olive Tree Cafe Reviews
chalkborschtcharlie chaplinhummuskebabdrawplattersilent moviesvillagebasement
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Small, yet fun little restaurant next door to the iconic comedy cellar. Service was fast and friendly. The hummus and cheese burger were both delicious. Ella was the waitress and she was great.
September 11 · Josh CashSince we got to the restaurant the personal was being very aggressive, our intention was buying a bottle and they got mad because I ask for a taste. There was a Server making comments about how annoying was that, in front of us. Honestly is a place I’d go for watching a comedy show but not for having just a drink, servers are so rude and makes you not to enjoy the experience of being there.
May 08 · Daniela LopezOur server David John was so funny and attentive! The food was phenomenal, and I loved drawing on the table with the chalk provided.Most of the portions are very large, and easily splittable.10/10 would recommend
July 02 · NatRat TheFatRatGet the wings!!!! Hands down best wings in the city, not sure what type of sauce they use but it’s delicious. Cooked to perfection every time too. Can’t go wrong with most of the stuff on the menu. They give you chalk for the tables and always make sure to play a couple rounds of hangman lol.
September 14 · Emma GottorffThe place I keep coming back to whenever I swing by NYC, after having moved out more than for 20 years ago. Love the variety of food options (especially the Middle Eastern platter), the ambience (exquisite lighting, chalk on slate tables, gentle music), Charlie Chaplin’s silent movies (this time “Modern Times”)… a place where time stands still; truly special!
September 28 · Claudia Rei
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