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Olive's
Master Critic Review
Olive's
7.8
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Hidden Gems Heaven
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A Prince Street staple since the early 1990s, Olive’s is a compact counter-service spot known for sandwiches, salads, soups, and bakery items that travel well back to the office. It’s more takeaway than sit-down, but weekday lines of locals underscore how often it anchors quick, budget-conscious business lunches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked Turkey Sandwich, Daily Soup and Bread Combo, Salted Chocolate Chip Cookie
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Long-running, counter-only sandwich shop that reliably feeds SoHo offices.
Who should go: Professionals grabbing under-$15 lunches between meetings.
When to visit: Before 12:30pm or after 2pm to dodge peak lines.
What to order: Smoked turkey sandwich, soup combo, salted chocolate chip cookie.
Insider tip: Call or order online for pickup—space is tight, so plan to eat elsewhere.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce on Prince Street during weekdays; nearby paid garages on Wooster St. and Broadway offer the most reliable options.
Dress code: Completely casual—office wear, jeans, and athleisure are all common.
Noise level: Moderate during peak lunch; it’s a grab-and-go space with limited room for conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—primarily a daytime, takeaway-focused operation.
Weekday lunch: Expect 5–10 minutes in line during peak lunch hours; off-peak is typically no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several vegetarian sandwiches, salads, and soups are available.
Vegan options: Limited but present—typically 1–2 vegan-friendly salads or customizable builds.
Gluten-free options: Some salads and select sides work for gluten-free diners, but sandwiches are not offered on gluten-free bread.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No—this is a counter-service, takeaway-heavy shop with minimal seating. It’s better suited for quick solo lunches than social occasions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no reservations and only a handful of seats; assume you’ll take your order to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can manage counter-service; there are no high chairs, changing areas, or dedicated space for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Faster, cheaper, and more office-friendly than most SoHo lunch spots, with long-standing consistency in sandwich quality.
Skip if: If you need a proper sit-down meeting space, quieter atmosphere, or broader dietary accommodations, choose a full-service restaurant instead.