Oliva
This long-partying tapas spot sates Lower East Side appetites at prices that leave room for another pitcher of sangria.
(347) 321-4173
161 E Houston St
(at Allen Street)
New York,
NY
10002
40.7229
-73.989
Neighborhoods: Lower East Side, Downtown
Hours:
Mon-Fri 5:30pm-11:30pm
Sat-Sun 11am-4pm, 5:30pm-1am
Price:
$$$
Last updated 4.30.09
What People Are Saying About Oliva
The Owner
Oliva
Owner
Oliva Restaurant & Bar has been a fixture on the corner of Houston and Allen Streets on the LES since 2000. In that time it has been a regular destination of diners seeking great, authentic Spanish food and drink in a fun, exciting atmosphere. The cuisine and wine stay true to Spanish, specifically Basque, influence but the bar and music are fused with other Latin flavors. Rums, tequilas, and cocktails from across Latin America combine with live music featuring Son Cubano, Boleros, Salsa and Meringue. Oliva is a great choice for a first date, a birthday party, or just a fun night out with friends. You will also find friendly service and affordable prices. New to Oliva is the Take-Out and delivery section. Now you can enjoy the great food from Oliva with you family and friends from the comfort of your own home. View our menu online and call in your order.
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short
Located on busy corner of Houston Street, this Basque tapas joint attract girls-out crews and double dates, many of whom end up dancing to live tunes in a corner of the tiny space. Lithe servers deftly weave between the olive-colored tables, and retro ceiling fans buzz overhead. Most of well-portioned Basque tapas options clock in under $10, including mushrooms topped with crispy onions and bacalao rellenos, while deeper appetites get satisfied with entrees like paella and skirt steak and desserts like flan with cherries.
User Reviews
dreamnducer
March 21, 2009
I had been going to this place with a friend for a while adn really enjoyed the Tapas, drinks and small live latin music band on the weekends. I decided to bring a professional group I organize and the placed turned on me. We were 16 people, when we asked they said they would split the bill in two for us but in the end decided not to and gave us one huge bill we had to split ourselves creating issues within the group, the service was poor, the place very crowded, the host rude, and the music over the speakers made it impossible to hold a conversation at less then shouting volumes. Bottom line, go here to eat, drink, not talk, don't bring more than three people with you and wear earplugs if you cherish your hearing.
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EmC651
March 06, 2009
After reading great reviews of Oliva and hearing about the place from friends, I was excited to try it out. I could not have been more disappointed. Not one dish we had was special or interesting in any way. As a past reviewer mentioned, it's also extremely crowded- it was impossible to get out from where I was sitting to use the restroom without having the woman at the table next to us get up, move her chair, move the table out, and crawl around...only to repeat the process on the way back. I really cannot understand why so this place attracts such a crowd! In the end, our bill came out to well over 50 dollars a person- for mediocre food, which we had to eat yelling at one another to be heard. Not worth it. The only positive thing I can say is that we had great service from a very sweet waitress who was patient with our larger group and even brought us a shot at the end of our meal. Still, I won't be making a return visit...
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mellowny
February 21, 2009
Oliva is my favorite tapas restaurant in the city. The food is amazingly tasty. When you go there, you will notice that there is no salt or pepper in sight, and that is because the food is perfectly flavored if you appreciate the taste of a wide variety of spices in your food. I cannot count the times that I have been there. Since discovering it with my boyfriend a few years ago, it quickly became our special treat when we wanted to go out. They also have a band that plays almost every day, and it does get very loud in there, but it creates a wonderful and fun atmosphere. The staff is friendly and pleasant, and they do not pester you with the constant ?how is everything?? that one tends to get from most other restaurants leaving you to enjoy your meal, your company, and the lively band. I love it there.
read full reviewThe Details on Oliva
Know Before You Go:
Although the ceiling fans are cute, they don't quite do the job on sultry nights, so dress appropriately for the weather.
Live Music:
A rotating roster of bands sets a lively, dance-friendly vibe Sunday through Thursday, starting around 8:30pm.
What to Drink:
If sangria's not your thing, an affordable mango margarita ($8) definitely helps one cool down.
Brunch:
The brunch menu keeps things Spanish with dishes like chorizo-spiked Basque eggs.
The Extras:
After the restaurant closes, linger at the bar, which is roughly open two extra hours.
Category:
Spanish, Restaurants, Bars & Pubs
Payment Methods:
Restaurant Special Features:
Brunch, People Watching, Lunch Spot, Date Spot, Group Dining, Live Music
General Info:
Cuisine:
As Seen In…
Message from Oliva
- Take Out & Delivery
- Live Latin Music
- Authentic Basque cuisine
Oliva Restaurant & Bar has been a fixture on the corner of Houston and Allen Streets on the LES since 2000. In that time it has been a regular destination of diners seeking great, authentic Spanish food and drink in a fun, exciting atmosphere. The cuisine and wine stay true to Spanish, specifically Basque, influence but the bar and music are fused with other Latin flavors. Rums, tequilas, and cocktails from across Latin America combine with live music featuring Son Cubano, Boleros, Salsa and Meringue. Oliva is a great choice for a first date, a birthday party, or just a fun night out with friends. You will also find friendly service and affordable prices. New to Oliva is the Take-Out and delivery section. Now you can enjoy the great food from Oliva with you family and friends from the comfort of your own home. View our menu online and call in your order.
