Customers flock to family-friendly Greentree

By Jason Eisenberg
jeisenberg@riverdalepress.com

When the much-beloved Greentree restaurant appeared shuttered last year, devoted patrons flooded The Riverdale Press with frantic phone calls. "What was happening?" they asked. "Is it closed?"

Audible sighs of relief followed when they learned the North Riverdale eatery was only closed for renovations.

It took seven months, but Greentree is now open again and looking better than ever.

The popular dining spot, housed at 5693 Riverdale Ave. for more than 20 years, underwent an extensive transformation. It now boasts a revised menu, a larger dining room and stylish new decorations.

"We just felt it was time for a facelift, to kind of spruce up the place," said manager Stephen Selvy, "Now I think we have a refreshing modern look and can provide more comfort for our guests."

According to the manager, the whole interior of the restaurant has been completely changed. The dining area has been expanded an extra onethird of the original size and the new party room, located in a private section behind the fireplace, can fit groups of up to 70 people.

The bar now features five flat-screen televisions where customers can watch any sporting event and it has been moved to the front of the restaurant away from the main dining room.

The restaurant's new appearance is already getting positive responses based on early feedback from the returning customers. "The renovation is attractive, with dark wood paneling, abstract wall pictures and a fireplace near the middle of the room," said Riverdale resident Ellen B. Hightower, who made it her business to be the first customer served since the re-opening. "There are many small tables for two that can be easily moved together for larger parties and white table cloths, with center candles complete a cozy ambience."

The revised menu contains some new dishes as well as old favorites but the manager said it is still a work-in-progress, with all suggestions being considered. "We consider ourselves to be a family-friendly American restaurant and we are trying to offer a wide variety of food that can satisfy all customers," said Mr. Selvy. "So we have made some changes to the menu and would love to hear what people think."

All of the popular selections, like the chicken greentree and the French onion soup, which is the same recipe from the restaurant's original opening, are still available. Among the other items on the menu are, seafood entrees, pasta, burgers, steak, ribs and sandwiches. The restaurant also offers a diverse wine list for its adult clientele.

The Greentree will be open and offer special menus on Valentine's Day, Easter and St. Patrick's Day. They can also cater for special occasions like weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs and birthdays, but the party room must be booked at least a couple of months in advance.

"We are at a good location in a really nice neighborhood and have ample free parking," said Mr. Selvy, "and while our Riverdale customers are very friendly and easy to serve, they still expect quality food and good service and that is what we provide."

The Greentree is open on a daily basis and has separate menus for lunch and dinner as well as a menu for kids. Advance reservations are suggested for groups of six or more, especially during peak dining times on Friday and Saturday evenings.

For hours and additional information, call 718-601-2572.