Olive Tree Cafe

Olive Tree Cafe

117 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012, United States

+1 212-254-3480

Cafe, Bar
(395)
Share Your Experience

About This Place

Nestled on MacDougal Street in the heart of New York City's vibrant Greenwich Village, Olive Tree Cafe offers a delightful fusion of a cozy café and an inviting bar, perfect for those seeking a memorable dining experience before or after a lively night in the neighborhood.

This charming spot boasts a diverse menu that effortlessly marries Mediterranean-inspired favorites with comforting American classics, making it an ideal destination for casual meals or energetic evenings. The falafel platter, hummus platter, and chicken kebab platter showcase rich, authentic flavors elevated by fresh, quality ingredients. The Olive Tree Lentil Soup and walnut pesto pasta provide a wholesome touch, appealing to those craving a healthy yet satisfying bite. For more indulgent fare, the buffalo and sriracha lime chicken wings are absolute standouts—crisply cooked, perfectly sauced, and repeatedly praised by patrons as some of the best wings in the city.

Beyond the food, the atmosphere at Olive Tree Cafe is intimate and buzzing with vibrant energy. Its location adjacent to the iconic Comedy Cellar adds a unique charm, making it a popular pre-show hotspot. The space emanates warmth and friendliness, with attentive staff like Ella, who ensures each guest feels welcomed and well cared for. The playful touch of providing chalk to write on the tables and engaging guests in rounds of hangman brings out a youthful, engaging spirit that turns a simple meal into a memorable event.

The bar scene here pulses with life, enhanced by live music performances that create a joyous soundtrack—from brass bands to soulful voices that effortlessly transition from holiday classics to Bob Marley tunes. This lively environment elevates your dining or drinking experience, making it easy to relax, savor your favorite cocktail or the perfectly crafted Old Fashion, and soak in the good vibes.

Whether you're stopping by for a comforting spinach panini, indulging in garlic shrimp, or sharing the lamb chops with mash and seasonal vegetables, each dish promises a rich tapestry of flavors that invite you to savor every bite. Fans of sweet treats aren’t left out either; the café’s tiramisu and hot chocolate offer a comforting conclusion to any meal or casual meet-up.

Olive Tree Cafe stands out as a hidden gem in New York’s bustling dining scene—a place that feels both familiar and special. Its blend of delicious, thoughtfully prepared food, welcoming ambiance, and lively entertainment makes it not just a café or bar, but a place where memories are made, whether for a solo visitor gearing up for a comedy night, couples seeking a cozy date spot, or friends enjoying live music together.

For an authentic slice of New York dining with heart and soul, Olive Tree Cafe is a must-visit.

Address: 117 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012, United States

Phone: +1 212-254-3480

Service options
Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service Great beer selection Live performances
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Happy-hour drinks Healthy options Late-night food Quick bite Small plates Spirits Wine
Dining options
Brunch Lunch Dinner Dessert Table service
Amenities
Bar on site Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Trendy
Crowd
Groups Locals Tourists University students
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    12:00 PM - 04:00 AM
  • Tuesday
    12:00 PM - 04:00 AM
  • Wednesday
    12:00 PM - 04:00 AM
  • Thursday
    12:00 PM - 04:00 AM
  • Friday
    12:00 PM - 04:00 AM
  • Saturday
    12:00 PM - 04:00 AM
  • Sunday
    12:00 PM - 04:00 AM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Josh Cash
    3 week ago

    Small, 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.

  • Emma Gottorff
    1 month ago

    Get 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.

  • Emmanuel Lopez
    2 month ago

    Great restaurant. Very healthy food. Very cozy. Great for a date night. I went by myself before a comedy show but i can't wait to go back with my wife!

  • claudia cardona
    2 month ago

    This cafe is worth visiting; it has an extraordinary atmosphere. I only went for tea and a delicious tiramisu, and I also enjoyed some hot chocolate.

  • Aimee Collins
    3 month ago

    We came for a drink before seeing a show downstairs and the live music was amazing. Six person band, brass, guitars and singers singing everything from Christmas songs to Bob Marley. Bartender was great, just good vibes all around.

  • Dorottya Kércz Brandfizz
    3 month ago

    In 1987, when my dad was 27, he spent a few months in NYC as a young Hungarian construction worker. One of his favorite places was the Olive Tree Café - he used to tell me about the Chaplin films playing on the wall and how you could draw on the tables with chalk. He and his best friend came here often after work. Now it’s 2025, I’m 27, and visiting New York for the first time with my best friend. We came here last night; watched Chaplin films, drew on the table, had amazing truffle fries, and a long, heartfelt conversation. It was truly unforgettable. If I ever have a child, I’ll tell them to come here too one day. Thank you for keeping the magic alive.

Share Your Experience

Your Rating

Discover What Travelers Love About This Place

Real experiences, honest impressions, and insights shared by the Wherevi community to help you explore with confidence.