The Optimist Raleigh — Restaurant in Raleigh

The Optimist in Raleigh offers a pleasant atmosphere, making it a great spot to study or get some work done. The setting is comfortable, with plenty of seating options that encourage productivity and relaxation. However, there were some quirks that didn't quite align with the positive vibe you'd expect from a place called "The Optimist." For instance, there are signs all over the place, and the WiFi password is “this place sucks,” which felt ironic and a bit off-putting for a place that's supposed to radiate positivity.

During our visit, we tried The Fig ($10), an English muffin with fig jam, goat cheese, and mint (we opted for no bacon). We also had The Hulk Smash ($10.50), which is a sourdough toast topped with avocado, green tomato, arugula, cabbage, and chili crisp. To drink, we ordered two versions of The Stacey latte ($5.50)—one hot and one iced. This latte is made with espresso, honey, cinnamon, vanilla, and milk.

While the food tasted great, I found it to be significantly overpriced for what we got. Paying $10 for a small English muffin and $10.50 for a piece of toast is hard to justify, especially in North Carolina where you can find similar offerings at much more reasonable prices. The portions were modest at best and left us feeling like we didn’t get our money’s worth.

To add to the disappointment, the lattes were not enjoyable at all. Neither my husband nor I liked them, which is unusual because he's generally not picky when it comes to coffee. We ended up throwing them away, which only compounded the feeling that we’d wasted our money. For the three items, we paid $35, and it simply wasn’t worth it.

Overall, while the atmosphere was nice and the food was tasty, the overpriced food items and disappointing drinks mean I won’t be returning to The Optimist. There are plenty of other coffee shops in the area that offer better value and a more...

The Optimist WAS my go to spot. They have great outdoor seating. They serve Michael’s English Muffins which are a local favorite. When they opened, everything was great but has since gone way downhill. The breakfast sandwiches are overpriced for what you get now because you can tell they are made by someone who doesn’t care and slaps it together. The baked goods case is always empty. Because I come here so much, I notice the inconsistencies in my drink order, which I correlate with the revolving door of staff. You can order online for an easy pickup, which I usually take advantage of. They have a Batch Iced Latte available on their menu online but is always ‘out of stock’. When they are on target, The Optimist is great, but after today I won’t be returning for a while. ^^^ I write this from the parking lot, having had to go back inside and request my drink be remade. I apologized a bunch to the staff, because normally I wouldn’t ask for a new one. They remade it three times and it was still bitter and undrinkable. I wish I had stuck with the first one because the second and third ones were even worse. I ended up leaving because I was not going to wait for a fourth remake. Waste of $7. I appreciate the barista trying to make it better but was confused when she asked me if she should change the setting on the machine, which I told her I don’t know anything about their machine or how to recommend she make it different. I admit I don’t know anything about pulling espresso but I DO know how my drink that I order almost every day should taste! They were apologetic and professional to my face but I heard them whisper behind the machine about me like I wasn’t right within earshot. They clearly could use more experience and training. As a previous regular, I hope they can get back to how they used to be because I really loved it. Today, they lost...

(Update below original review)

The drinks were really great which is the main reason we stopped. The staff was very friendly which is always great. The food we ordered seemed like an afterthought however which was the major downfall of this location. I got a roast beef sandwich and it was just “ok” at best. I could easily make a better one at home, plus it took such a long time to come out for how little was actually in them. My wife finished her latte (drinking it slowly) before our sandwiches ever came out. The meat seemed boiled or steamed too… just sad. My wife’s sandwich was actually decent but the chicken was rubbery for some reason so again, food just seemed like an afterthought. IF we were to come back it would just be for the drinks we got. Ultimately there are a plethora of other places to get good drinks and better food than here. We spent $40 for 2 sad anorexic sandwiches and two drinks; a latte and a chai tea. No thanks.

UPDATE April 3rd

Based on the response from the owner, we want to give this place a second chance. They really take their profession serious and it shows in their customer service. Especially since the drinks and customer service were great and it was only the food that was lacking; which based on their response they will be making sure to rectify moving forward.

I also want to add for anyone reading this, that it is never my intention to be facetious or aggressive in my reviews. I always try to be honest and straightforward about our experiences and give our opinion as good or bad, or hard to write/read as they might be. I do this so that businesses have the opportunity to implement change if they choose to, just as we should all strive to be better both professional and personal. Kudos to this business. We have a real respect for them and...