Most definitely worth it! Great prices for great food with a fun atmosphere! If you haven't already, try their wings! Superior! And I love the Chaplin films! read more

One of the best spots downtown. Good food and good atmosphere. I'm a fan of the chicken wings here. They are not really Buffalo Wings because they're not spicy enough but they're made fresh and very good. I also recommend the mac and cheese. Plus Olive Tree is connected to the Comedy Cellar, so a trip to the bathroom is always cool. Unfortunately, the bathroom themselves leave a lot to be desired. read more

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Ordered beef borscht (with spare ribs, according to the menu) and unlike any borscht I've had anywhere it had no beets. None. Was a bowl of beef stew, not with spare ribs but with stew meat. Tasted OK, and it came with sour cream, but it wasn't borscht. Meat wasn't trimmed well, and the chunks buried in the stew were hard to find and shred. This was a loser. Service was good, beer was good, borscht wasn't borscht. read more

I know my beloved olive tree cafe for 20 years. It was one reason to go study at NYU so at least you would have a great middle eastern dish with smoked eggplants, skewers of lamb and beef and fresh tasty salads. And if lonely you learn how to laugh again with Chaplin's films on the wall. My love for the olive tree came to an abrupt halt last week. The new owner (son) has now completely revamped the menu and is now selling cheap fast food to cater for a quick extra buck to the comic cellar. It is so sad. He must really hate his 80 year old dad, the previous owner for decades, by destroying the best menu in town. So I beg you: please don't destroy this precious place. Bring back all the good items on the menu for your father's sake. The cafe was never as empty as I found it on Christmas Eve. Old faithful customers are leaving. Save this once wonderful place by giving it back the culinary soul it deserves! Shalom! read more

The pricing is great to split with a date or a friend or a large group of people. The food is really tastey, and sizable- I dislike huge large plates of unwanted food. I always order the Mediterranean platter, because its simple and to the point. No fancy shtuff. The only thing I dislike is having to press the greasy buttons on the door that leads to the Comedy Cellar that leads to the Bathroom. read more

Basically good food. Generous portions. Apple cider with cinnamon sticks was pretty amazing... Moreover, it's just got a great feel for such a late night (and by late night, I mean wee hours of morning) spot. Everything is intimate and fun. Dim lights, chalkboard tabletops are an ingenious addition, and the slightly tipsy, overly affectionate couples pouring themselves into that place at 4 am are sometimes more entertaining than the comedians dipping in and out all night.... read more

Went here before comedy cellar and the service was incredibly slow. And then after the comedy show was over first the bouncer comes up to us to ask us to leave when I am signing his bill. I mean I wouldn't mind leaving without paying but I doubt his boss would have liked that as he is being paid from the money people like us pay. The bill could have come to me sooner if they were in that much of a hurry. Post that when o wanted to use the washroom he didn't allow me to saying it's shut and it's only the restaurant employees inside now. While very clearly there were some non employees in there. It's rude, inhuman and shows the character or the lack of it when you don't want to allow someone to use a bloody washroom, that too, someone who just spent so much money at the same place. Loved the comedy at comedy cellar. the best ever. read more

So let me preface this by saying both my husband and I are bartenders/servers in bars and music venues and my husband is also a gigging musician. We also like to drink, enjoy good food, and try new places. I rarely Yelp anymore but felt I needed to this time. The food was OK, the waitress was very nice, but the manager, Val, was horrible and ruined our experience. I met my husband here last week. He was coming from his bartending gig in NYC and we wanted a nice place to see some good live music. Olive Tree fit the bill. He ordered the borscht (which was just ok) and then we ordered cocktails and top shelf scotch to drink. Point is, we were spending money. The band was fantastic. It was Jason Merden and a friend of his singing some incredible soulful bluesy music. We were having a great time. The band was having a great time and talking back and forth with the rowdy crowd. My husband and I were being fairly quiet, respectful, and enjoying a nice date. Then Val happened. My husband called out, "play some Marvin Gaye!" to the band and they looked at us, smiled in a thankful and excited way, and broke into Marvin Gaye. The crowd was loving it, the band was having a good time, and the vibe was good. Then Val walked by and "shhhed" us. No joke, she said "shhh!" in a rowdy bar when all we did was shout a request with a smile on. He shouted over the crowd one time in a non-threatening way and she shushed him. My husband asked her why she shushed him and she replied not to shout at the musicians. He replied in a very calm way that he was just trying to have fun with the band (which was successful) and that the table in front of us were way louder than we were and she responded by saying, "I don't want to hear it. Don't make me wake you to leave sir." Unbelievable and completely unprofessional. If she had an issue, all she had to do was say, "sorry sir, please don't shout." even that would've been ridiculous since the table in front of us was way more rowdy and, you know, it's a fun music venue, but at least it would've been the right way to handle it. Regardless, my husband actually apologized to her just to smooth the water. Then we ordered another round of drinks and the server told us we had reached our "3 drink maximum." That's a nice way of saying we were cut off. We had already spent over $100 and had had 3 drinks each over the course of 3 1/2 hours at the bar. Again, 3 drinks in 3 hours. Barely even buzzed, let alone drunk. AND we watched the table in front of us have 6 drinks each in the span that we had our 3. We asked the server if Val had given her that order and she replied, "yes." I'm not sure what we did to piss off this woman but she was clearly in a bad mood and taking it out on us (and the servers, who looked completely miserable whenever she spoke with them). She's unfit to manage and doesn't understand the industry she's in. We will return because, aside from Val, the music and atmosphere was pretty good but we certainly won't spend the kind of money there that we normally would unless she apologizes or is gone. Seriously, if I were the owner this woman would be gone in a heartbeat. No one should ever treat a customer who spends good money and isn't even close to drunk like that. Again, I'll return and give them a chance to change my mind and give more stars. Too bad such a nasty woman is managing such a cool place. Really puts a bad vibe on an otherwise potentially awesome evening out. read more

I have to update it to 4 stars. The reason for the 3 stars is I have been going here before some of you were born. It used to be outrageous. The food is no longer the same on any level and not authentic. The chef left many years ago and they remodeled and it has never been the same as far as the food goes! However when telling people which of the few restaurants that are left that have a true NY ambiance and history , Olive Tree is it and there's a free comedy club downstairs for customers. Don't know if it's still free to customers but it's right downstairs. http://www.comedycellar.com/ There is a $15.00 cover charge and 2 drink minimum. They play Charlie Chaplin movies in the restaurant and have old fashioned NY drinks like a NY egg cream which has neither eggs nor cream. http://whatscookingamerica.net/History/NYEggCreamHistory.htm There are chalk tables to draw on for neurotic New Yorkers or their children. read more

I've been here plenty of times for a little over a year. I've never- never- had a problem. Waiters were quick, drinks were good, food was filling & there was such a great atmosphere. With that all being said- last nights actions were ATROCIOUS. My party of 9 arrived for a nightcap of drinks. It was late, around 1am, and I know people are anxious to get home. Which is why I asked if it was alright for us to be seated- and specified we would only be ordering drinks. The brunette waitress said she would have to speak to someone first. She huffed and puffed as if putting tables together was performing brain surgery. I immediately noticed her aggravation and suggest we leave. But my part was adamant about getting their drinks. She kept huffing to, who I assume to be her supervisor & sat us. A small table to our left, by the bar, sat about 3 other waitresses whom she complained to about having suck a big table & that she couldn't handle it. Thus, we got bitch number 2- Diana. Forearm tattoos & RBF. She took our drinks and ID'ed all of us. We received a smaller menu. Not the official one that has everything on it. In my year or so of attending I've never seen this menu in my life. I don't know if this is a late night menu, or something new they're implementing. As she took our orders she rolled her eyes & never checked on us. It wasn't until about half an hour later she must've noticed my friends lipstick stain on a glass and went straight up to her & said, "I saw you drinking. You have to leave." There was never a time where she saw this, because Diana was never around. We made no act of rebellion, yet somehow the supervisor from before came over to our table and said, what's up guys? Trying to intimidate us. What's up? Really? To which we responded that we were waiting for our check so we could leave. I was overruled by my party, but I absolutely would not have paid & my penny of a tip was well deserved. I've never been so disrespected & disgusted by the anyone in this establishment. It's truly a disappointment. Despite kicking us out for assumed underage drinking- the issues started from the moment we walked through the door. And why? Did you assume that a big party of drunk people would be rude, wouldn't tip, etc? Well to that I say- good job earning your tips Madame. Treat everyone equal. Because we just came from a movie premiere & are doing very well. Can you say the same? read more

I got water with no ice, bland food at a high price. If you remember this place from days gone by , stay away and keep those memories fresh. This place is dead. Menu is dead. read more

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. I would've rated them 3 stars because, though our server was incompetent, he was very polite and got us our drinks quickly. But because everybody there (with the exception of the manager) made me feel like a criminal, I'm giving them 1 star. Needless to say the next time I'm in NYC I'm not going back to the restaurant or the comedy club again. read more

Hi, Last year, late in the summer, we went to your place with some friends, as we've been doing since 1990, to enjoy your fare. We were told that the kitchen was being remodeled and there were only paninis and that sort of thing, which we weren't in the mood for, so we had dinner somewhere else. Last night, figuring that you'd be back on both feet, we went again (with friends from Spain, whom we'd taken to Olive Tree a few years ago). We found it odd that it was so easy to get a table for six on a Saturday night, but when we saw the menus we understood what had happened. The music was great - we were a bit nervous about not being able to have a conversation with live music, but that wasn't the case. Noelle, our waitress, was also awesome. The food, however, was far from stellar, to put it nicely. The hummus was excellent, but that's where the magic ended. I had a chicken kebab that seems to have been seasoned with nothing but salt and while the couscous that came with it made the dish look middle-eastern, but lacked any taste whatsoever. I couldn't eat more than one skewer before asking my friend for a piece of her pretzel-encrusted chicken and digging into her fries as well. I tried my daughter's fried calamari, which were OK (just like in 500 other restaurants), but if you're going to serve a staple dish that requires extra effort to get wrong, please, use a staple sauce as well (marinara instead of that crazy sweet concoction that came with it). I can understand menu items coming and going over time, but this was like being at a different restaurant altogether - one far less memorable and less inviting for a return visit, to say the least. What's next? Pizza? Noelle explained that you have a new chef, and that's fine, but don't you wonder if something's gone terribly amiss when the place is half empty on a Saturday that happens to be the warmest winter night in a long time? I looked around throughout the evening and there were one or two tables always available. This was NEVER the case before. I miss the babaganoush, the shish and kafta kebobs, and, especially, the Israeli salad, which was always very refreshing. I also miss the chicken kebob, even though I seldom had it - it was adequately seasoned, at least. We didn't order anything with mashed potatoes, but I also fear that the current version's a far cry from what you used to serve. Mamoun, next door, must be ecstatic about these changes. read more

It's a little neighborhoody place, felt very comfortable. Sat at the bar & shared a Mediterranean plate, simple & perfect. Cheap drinks. It's a tad funky and the bathroom is all the way downstairs, but I'd go back any day. read more

I come here twice a week after class with friends. it's a great place to grab a semi-cheap sandwich and drinks. Everything i've had as been good, but my favorites are definitely the falafel sandwich and their burgers! the chalk tables are fun, as is charlie chaplin films on the walls. it's a great place to spend the afternoon! read more

Didn't really stay here and eat but this place is connected to the comedy cellar and the food and drinks I order at the comedy cellar was at this restaurant... Got two piña and an appetizer....the appetizer was eggplant hummus with pita bread... The pita bread was burned which I didn't really like...who the hell burns bread...defiantly not worth the nine bucks... The two piña that I had was extremely yummy prob the best piña I have so far... The atmosphere of the place is nice... A lot of people by the bar...remember if you want to see the stand up comedy show this place sells the tickets... Have to ask the bartender! Enjoy! read more

I love this place b/c it's pretty cheap and (obviously) veg friendly. Good falafel (though, Mamoun's, which is a couple doors down is THE best in the city. Seriously.), salads, borscht, baba ganoush....tho, the hummus has a tad bit too much tahini for my taste. Oh, if you're looking to get out quickly after you've eaten, you're out of luck. The service is sometimes lax when you're finished with your meal and wanting your check. Overall, you'll get a good meal and be satisfied. read more

You are here for the show. The bar staff and Great wings are a plus!!! Come here before or after the Comedy Cellar show. This is the eye of the storm. I'm a comedy fan..fanatic.., so this is my mountain peak. I love this fu(£Inc place! read more

One of my favorite places for wings! Awesome blue cheese but the chips were a little stale last time. The borscht soup is always delicious. Good atmosphere overall. read more

Very cozy, cute place. The food is good, drinks are strong, decent prices and I had no complaints. The bathroom is downstairs in the Comedy Cellar so you might get picked on! read more

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! read more

I've been here once with friends and it's very tight quarters but the food was decent. So tonight we went back to meet friends & have dinner but the hostess was awful. She acted like we were a burden on her as she sat with a friend at a table at the top of the stairs eating some food while we were trying to get seated for 2. And then she kept telling us to get out if the way. Obviously not wanting our business. So shame on this little girl of a hostess! read more

This is a great place for just drinks or just snacks. The combination platter is my favorite. The house wine is good too. I've been going here for years and never been disappointed in the food or service. read more

This place is what NY is all about! A restaurant that is open late and provides some pretty great comedy til 2am along with a creative atmosphere if you want to work on your screen play or read a book. The best part is that when you walk in you feel as though you are in the thick of it as comedians are there networking, the energy is alive and if you are in the arts on any level you will feel as if you just got "home!" I loved it and will go back again. The food is fresh and there are plenty of things to choose from whether you need a good dose of grease or a healthy salad with some pita. Beware, when they say they cook the turkey burgers well...they are not kidding, charred is more like it. Otherwise, it is a good go to place and a fun place to bring out of towners! read more

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. read more

Chalkboard tables, Charlie Chaplin movies projected on a wall, and stained glass lighting makes this cafe an eccentric, charming find just south of Washington Square. I spent sooo many days curled up here getting work done, and the servers are sure to never rush you -- so different from the overcrowded (and overrated) Cafe Reggio up the street. Great coffee and even better mozzarella sticks, for that matter. read more

This is my favorite place to eat, they have variety of food, always a place to sit and the most important they have the best Russian borscht I have even had even after my mom and gramma :) the prices are very cheap and affordable for any pocket, you also have an option to go to a comedy show before or after dinner it's right there, always a great and fun experience to eat there and enjoy the energy of a place with Charlie Chaplin playing on a big Screen . read more

Had dinner here before a comedy show. I had a salad with goat cheese and walnuts which was really good! However, I wasn't crazy about their buffalo wings. I ordered a piece of cheese cake when watching the comedy - And I must say that it was the worst cheese cake I have ever had :( I had two small bites and left the rest of it .. read more

Grungy feel but goodbabaghanoush and hummus. Wasn't that big a fan of my lamp platter but I would definitely come again if I was craving middle eastern food in a dive-bar atmosphere. Food came out quickly but prices aren't cheap. read more

Good overall service... the buffalo wings and potato chips are off da chain! Ideal spot for dinner and a show at the cellar downstairs

It's a good place to hang out before going down to the Comedy Cellar, the service isn't that great since the servers seem to be stressed out by the amount of people that are usually there. The place is always packed, but you've got to get your friends with you if you want to visit this place. If you'd rather kick back a bit, go down the block to any one of the other places. read more

highlights: free wifi, cool ambiance, b&w movies playing lowlights: service is slow when it gets crowded, but that's to be expected. tip: great place to bring friends to hang out read more

Randomly walked into this place one night with a bunch of friends, and I had a good time. The atmosphere was comfortable - not too loud, not too bright, not too dim. The food and drinks were good. We had middle eastern & american food (chicken skewers, buffalo wings, mozzarella sticks, alcoholic peach iced tea and mango pina colada). Good portions, and good price! We had a funny waiter and overall, had a good time. They also have tables that are also chalkboards. After dinner, we just randomly drew pictures on our table and chatted. I think they have a comedy thing downstairs. Will definitely like to come back and check it out! read more

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! read more

The atmosphere here is really great; the street is pretty run-down and smelly but inside it's very different. Everything we had on the sampler platter we had was exceptional, especially the Baba ghanoush and kebab. The sangria is also a safe bet. Definitely recommended. read more

I've only recently started coming to here, so I can't speak to the menu changes that other reviewers have written about. I've been with a number of friends, who all agree that the atmosphere here is awesome - we love watching the Chaplin movies on the wall, we're suckers for the chalk tables, going downstairs to the toilets in the awesome Comedy Cellar space. And the food is all fantastic - esp the truffle fries, which are a MUST try. Service has always been friendly, even when they're fantastically busy. I think it's a great place to take friends who are visiting from out of town. read more

Lots of selection and not just Middle Eastern food. I had the chicken kebob sandwich with a falafel appetizer, and both were awesome. The prices are very reasonable. read more

This place is never a disappointment. I've been coming here since I was 15 years old when I use to hang out on the Village streets. The place hasn't changed much since those days. I love the atmosphere. Its dark and hip and the staff is always on point. I always get pitchers of beer with my food. They have a comedy club right downstairs. Lots of well known comics often perform there. If you're from out of town or a local - please check it out - you won't be disappointed. read more

I've been going to the Olive Tree for close to 7 years, and they are still a tried and true haunt that I'll hit up for a late night dish. The kebabs are flavorful and juicy, piping hot from the charcoal grill. Servers are laid-back (read: lackadaisical), so don't go if you're in a rush. Drinks are cheap and the menu's extensive, so you'll have plenty to toss back while you wait for your check. And it's easy to be charmed by the chalkboard tables, silent flicks, and celebrity comics sauntering through. As much as it'd be nice to come for a late-night dessert and coffee drink, the sweets sell out quick. Warm apple crumb pie is a hit if they have any left. read more

Solid, inexpensive middle eastern food. I had the platter with the falafel, grape leaves, israeli salad and feta. Delish. Service was neither here, nor there. Bonus- the comics that perform at the Cellar often stop in here between sets. We got to see Aziz Ansari at the bar. Pretty cool. I would come back here. read more