Olive Tree Cafe
“And you can usually see a celebrity comedian or two traipsing about while they wait to go on downstairs in the Comedy Cellar.”
“I got to doodle non-sense on the table with chalk and watch charlie chaplain movies on the wall while I relaxed.”
“The Charlie Chaplin movies are so fun to watch and really brings me back to my childhood (used to watch "Modern Times" all the time).”
Olive Tree Cafe
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Has TV: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
8 reviews
Rate and write a review Cancel reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Kind of disappointed we chose this spot. We were visiting the city for the day, lots of walking and hungry for some lunch. We came across this establishment and decided I give it a try. Don't get me wrong, the waitress was very very nice and service was great. But, the food itself was boring. I ordered the spinach panini and the inside was cold and the bread was toasted and hard, but not even warm. In my opinion, it lacked flavor and heat. There wasn't really much to choose from on the menu unfortunately. The place itself is cute and the chalkboard tables are pretty cool. They were doing construction on the street and the jackhammer constantly shook the building and with the horrible loud noise from that it was hard to enjoy anything really. However, I know this is not the restaurants fault.
A high 3.5 stars.
Olive Tree Cafe surprised me — in a good way. After reading so many unsatisfied reviews on here I can't say I was psyched to try it out, but my fellow food-lover kept singing its praises, and as a pre-Comedy Cellar dinner, you can't beat the convenience.
We came around 6 on a Friday and were seated right away. We ordered the vegetarian and lamb mezze platters, cheese nachos, and various teas.
I didn't get to try the lamb mezze but the vegetarian one and the cheese nachos were awesome.
The vibe is a little odd — it's a very dark, mellow, pub-ish feeling place but most people there are energetic and ready to laugh their butts off downstairs.
The service was fast and kind — we made the show on time!
Overall, a nice spot for a Comedy Cellar- night but not sure I'll be back otherwise.
Honestly I was not expecting a lot out of this place. It's above the Comedy Cellar, so I thought it'd be like those lousy museum cafes, and I also came here reluctantly because the bf refused to wait 45 minutes for the Spotted Pig (clearly not a New Yorker). But it was such good food and fun!!
We ordered the borscht & a Mediterranean platter to share, which came with pita bread. This was more than enough for the both of us! The borscht came with a healthy dollop of whipped cream & was filled with chunks of beef, carrots and other veggies; it came with 2 slices of bread & butter too. It was so hearty and comforting. I saw a patron dining alone and very obviously enjoying his borscht! The Mediterranean food was delicious too.
The best part was the colored chalk and the tables. We dawdled there before our show at the Comedy Cellar, competing to list things & playing hangman & attempting to draw. So much fun for a date! We never felt rushed too. The noise level was not that high as well, which was great. To access the bathroom, you literally have to cut between rows of the audience for the show below, which I found quite awkward – and yet another reason early to get front row seats at the show.
This place made our night so much fun!
Grabbed dinner here before the first show downstairs. Things got busy really fast, but the staff did their best and checked in often. I went for the meatloaf and it was a huge double-patty portion with an equally generous heaping portion of mashed taters. So full, much belt loosening was needed afterward, but totally worth it.
Charming little café above the Comedy Cellar with a surprisingly large menu that would appeal to any coffee/tea lover. Their chalkboard tabletops inevitably prompt you and present company to get creative and draw on them a bit. My girlfriend is a regular here, and says it's the perfect spot to read/study with a nice warm drink or dessert during the quieter hours. I recommend their tiramisu!
One of my favorite places in the West Village. Perfect spot for dessert after dinner at a nearby restaurant…then head downstairs for a comedy show. Downstairs is always crowded. I really love the atmosphere of this place…so cozy and laid back. The prices are also very reasonable! We had a pitcher of (very good) sangria for like $12. My favorite table is the one by the window so I can people watch while eating a delicious Brownie Sundae….Also a cool thing is that you can draw on the tables! Definitely check it out!
Cool spot above the Comedy Cellar.
I came here before catching a show last night with a couple of friends, and it was an enjoyable experience. The café has a casual ambience – featuring what I believe was a Chaplin film – and the staff is extremely friendly. Our waitress was attentive and very patient considering we were distracted by playing tic-tac-toe on the table. Literally, you are given chalk and can write/draw on the table's surface.
The café offers a dining menu consisting of largely Middle Eastern fare. However, we only ordered drinks since we ate before coming to the café. The men ordered the Alabama Slammer (amaretto, southern comfort, sloe gin, and juice), while the ladies tried the Nutty Banana Splitz (vanilla ice cream, banana, vodka, godiva chocolate liquer, and amaretto). Both drinks were good, though I recommend using the lemon for the Alabama Slammer to improve the taste.
I recommend coming here for a drink sometime, especially if you are waiting to see a comedy show downstairs. I also look forward to coming back soon and trying their food menu.
I have been coming to this place for 18 years with my husband and what can I say it's amazing every time we visit . This is visit we decided to bring our daughters which they haven't been a while and they enjoyed it . We ordered the combo plate and chicken kebab plate and the four of us shared it . It is always so tasty and a fairly good portion. The staff is always friendly and service is pretty quick . If you ever decide to go at night they have comedy club just downstairs .