11/09/2024
Saturday Spotlight: Olive's
Nestled in the heart of Nyack, Olive’s isn’t just a bar; it’s a vibrant venue with a rich history that has welcomed artists, musicians, and community members for almost 45 years. Owned by Marianne Olive, Olive’s is the longest-standing bar in town, known for its live music, welcoming atmosphere, and dedication to original music.
Marianne’s journey to Olive’s is as colorful as the venue itself. Growing up as one of eleven children in the unique community of Marycrest in West Nyack, Marianne learned early the values of self-sufficiency and community. Her adventurous spirit took her from art studies in California to racing airplanes across the West and Midwest to a journey across Europe in a $200 van which kickstarted her life as an entrepreneur – she drew portraits, cut hair, and made dolls to fund her travels.
After returning to New York, Marianne got her cosmetology license and established her first business in Nyack, a full-service salon called Hair’s Marianne. She rented an apartment above the salon and asked her landlord if he would give her the option to buy the building, not knowing that it was a corporate sale that included the building next door. The success of her salon and prior savings allowed her to finance the purchase of both buildings, one of which had two available storefronts that she was trying to figure out how to fill at a time when Nyack was suffering from many vacant storefronts.
Hearkening back to her adventures on the west coast, Marianne couldn’t get a particular LA restaurant and music venue out of her mind – The Baked Potato.
“It was such a unique place that had it all,” Marianne says. “Large potatoes stuffed with 20 different delicious toppings and a large stage with lighting and live bands every night. I was so impressed with this venue that I promised myself if I ever opened my own restaurant, I would use this exact theme.”
And so, in 1979, Marianne broke down the walls between the two vacant stores and make one large restaurant, bar, and music venue that she named One Potato Two Potato, the original version of Olive’s.
“I took a chance on Nyack and fully invested my entire life there in those buildings on Main Street,” Marianne reminisces. “Though Nyack was suffering many boarded up stores, I saw an opportunity to add vibrance and life to this very artsy creative oasis on the Hudson. I renovated the apartments above the salon and One Potato Two Potato and it became the go-to place on Main Street.”
Today, Olive’s is more than just a bar; it’s a community hub for people who love and appreciate music, art, and creativity. Patrons can listen to live music 7 nights a week, shoot a game of pool, or capture memories in the photo booth, all while enjoying the rich atmosphere Marianne has cultivated. The musical lineup is an eclectic one – regularly featuring genres like bluegrass, alternative, rock, and even heavy metal. Local favorites like Frankie D and the Boyz, Misfits Karaoke, and various touring bands bring energy and diversity to the stage. Olive’s has become a launchpad for talented musicians, including the band Coheed and Cambria, who found their start here. The venue’s target audience ranges from young adults to seasoned music lovers, making it a melting pot of ages, backgrounds, and tastes.
Looking forward, Marianne hopes Olive’s will continue to be a platform for emerging artists and new sounds. “These bands will be the music of tomorrow,” she says. “We are always open to new innovative sounds. We might get into streaming our music too.”
In addition to nightly live music, Olive’s also offers bookings its adjacent space, perfect for pop-ups and private gatherings. Notably, this November 29th, Olive’s will be hosting its 45th anniversary party. The celebration will include a free dinner buffet, live music, and merchandise giveaways, all with no cover charge. It’s the perfect opportunity for patrons old and new to celebrate this iconic Nyack establishment.
You can visit Olive’s 7 nights a week at 118A Main Street (5pm-2am). Get the latest news about Olive’s upcoming events, like the aforementioned anniversary celebration, on their website (https://www.olivesnyackbar.com/), or by following their social media pages (Instagram: / Facebook: Olive's).
Photos courtesy of Marianne & Mollie Olive / Olive's
Olive's
118A Main Street, Nyack
Open Daily 5pm-2am
(845) 596-2985
For private parties and events: [email protected]
For band booking inquiries: [email protected]
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Written by Alyssa Rome
