Astoria, Restaurants
Apr 19, 2018

El Olivo Has Closed

Spanish restaurant El Olivo has closed.

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Photo credit: El Olivo

We saw the news earlier today on El Olivo’s Facebook page—they have “have seated the last table, poured the final cocktail, and celebrated the memories.” They are now closed. Here’s the full message:

“Thank you for being a friend.

In 1995, we enthusiastically opened our kitchen to the vibrant community we called home, Astoria. Today, 23 years later, we have seated the last table, poured the final cocktail, and celebrated the memories we’ve shared. Ricardo and Thalia are forever thankful to have spent this chapter of their lives with you. If you’d like to stay in touch, please email – thalia1808@hotmail.com.

Thanks for the memories,

#ElOlivoAstoria”

I have some happy memories of this place and their food, and am sorry to see them go. No doubt this is a result of the sale of the row of buildings between Ditmars and 21st Avenue. It’s only a matter of time before their neighbors fall to make way for big new buildings. We with Ricardo, Thalia, and the rest of the El Olivo staff the best as they make their way to new adventures.

About Meg Cotner

Meg Cotner was trained as a harpsichordist and now works as a freelance writer and editor. She is the author of "Food Lovers' Guide to Queens," and is a skilled and avid home cook, baker, and preserver.

5 Comments

Felicia

I lived in Astoria from 1997-2016…what changes from then till now. Astoria is losing that old world touch. Sooo sad to see Olivo closed down as my husband and I passed it a couple of weeks ago. I simply wanted to cry. The entire staff there is amazing. I have beautiful memories. Astoria will never be the same. Thank you for amazing food, and the drinks, omg, always at the end of dinner a shot on the house. We love you & wish you guys the best

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Michael Barrio

I was hoping that Ricardo would see his beloved Mexican squad win the World Cup along with his many friends and customers by the bar, but now that will not happen. I as well as my family will miss the friendly smile and great service always found here. I wish you all the best

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Joseph Fernandez

We have been customers of El Olivo since 1995 my wife was pregnant the first time we walked in for lunch. Ricardo was turning on the lights and seated us. Soon
my wife and I was bringing my daughter a few months after she was born with us for nights out at El Olivo. MY daughter is now 21 and we have very special memories of our nights out at El Olivo. Gracias Riccardo for everything. I loved the Food, atmosphere, and the best Manhattan’s I ever had. It’s the end of an era for us.

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Claudia

So sad. We have been customers of El Olivo since 1995 as fiancés, as husband & wife, and as parents with our children. We have had private milestone parties here too. We will never forget eating our 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight on many a New Year’s Eve!

Here’s to the ridiculous amount of El Olivo House Margaritas, Clams Casino, Stuffed Mushrooms, and las Mariscadas Diablo we consumed!

Claudia & Nigel
1995-2018

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Jeff E

I’ve never been sadder to see a place close. Simply put, El Olvio was our favorite restaurant. Ricardo and Thalia are Astoria treasures. We have enjoyed this place for years and years and years. The neighborhood will never be the same without El Olivo

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