The Optimist

Review summary

1. NQ

   NotQuiteVeg

   VIP

   Atlanta

   28 reviews

   5.0

   28 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The warm dinner rolls alone are worth going back for! Everything was delicious, from the cocktails to apps to main to dessert . It’s a vibe w/ a side of phenomenal.
   

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2. W

   Whitney

   VIP

   Phoenix

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Incredible service and the best menu we found in Atlanta!
   

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3. C

   Chanel

   Miami

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The ambiance was very nice but the food was definitely the highlight! Everything was so delicious and you can tell the chefs are back there plating that food with love. Great service as well. The only thing I would say is that our alcoholic drinks felt like juice but they weren’t crazy- priced. Can’t wait to go back and try everything else.
   

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4. A

   Amanda

   Atlanta

   5 reviews

   4.0

   5 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 3

   Showed 30 minutes early for our reservation so decided to just sit at the bar for a quick visit. Ordered a Sprite, flat but didn’t bring it to anyone’s attention. Husband’s Old Fashioned was ok. Rolls were good, burger was excellent. Bartenders seemed less than thrilled to be there but that seems to be the norm with most FFry establishments, pretentious staff. Maybe it’s supposed to be part of the charm. However, the gentleman clearing our plates was a sweetheart. Perhaps he is a bar assistant, server assistant, or busboy. Valet was a less than ideal experience. Our car was still sitting in the middle of the entryway with keys on the dash where we left it. None of the attendants ever addressed us. We regrettably paid the $13 tip online and drove it out ourselves.
   

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5. D

   Dan

   Denver

   2 reviews

   2.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 7 days ago

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Very disappointed. The bread was great the meal was below average.
   

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6. D

   David

   VIP

   Atlanta

   6 reviews

   5.0

   6 reviews

   Dined 7 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Date night with my wife. We frequent the Optimist often and it’s never disappointed. The service from the valet to the host to the wait staff was professional and prompt. Ordered the mahi and my wife ordered the butter burger. Overall highly recommend
   

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7. J

   John

   Atlanta

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on February 21, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Our favorite restaurant! Wonderful atmosphere, fantastic food, and thoughtful consideration of my partners gluten and dietary issues. Staff and service are excellent, as well.
   

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8. K

   Kayla

   VIP

   San Francisco

   7 reviews

   3.0

   7 reviews

   Dined on February 21, 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 3

   **SUMMARY** This restaurant simply wasn't my fav. Overall, I was disappointed by the staff's lack of knowledge about the menu, slow service, and the underwhelming quality of the food, especially considering the prices. It just didn't feel worth it. **SERVICE** Unfortunately, our experience dining at this establishment was not the best. While our waiter was very friendly, he was unable to provide much information about the menu or the restaurant itself. When we asked him to share details, he only mentioned that they are an oyster bar known for their seafood options. He didn't seem to have any additional insights. When I asked him for recommendations, he silently starred various menu items with a pencil but offered no context about what they were or why he would recommend them. After checking online reviews and descriptions, we finally decided on our orders. We then faced a delay in the kitchen, which resulted in a wait of nearly 30/40 minutes for the oysters to arrive. However, the staff was very kind and graciously provided complimentary appetizers to compensate for the wait. **FOOD** Overall, I found the food to be quite disappointing. My bass lacked flavor, and my husband's Mahi Mahi was similarly uninspiring, both being under-seasoned. Nothing was "bad," but we left and had to get food at a fast food restaurant on the way home. Not worth it me.
   

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9. J

   Jared

   VIP

   Charleston

   17 reviews

   5.0

   17 reviews

   Dined on February 21, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Had a delicious anniversary dinner! Greeted immediately and seated promptly. Jack was our server and he was great. Very knowledgeable of the menu and made great recommendations. Grouper cheeks were delicious, whole flounder, scallops, raw oysters, she crab soup, and spicy kale salad were all fantastic. Finished off with the key lime pie. Had a great experience and will definitely be back. Nice valet parking onsite in 20 degree weather was an added bonus! Thanks for a memorable anniversary dinner!
   

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10. M

    Mikala

    Atlanta

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 18, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    We had an absolutely amazing experience at the Optimist. Our server was Damien and he gave excellent service all night. All the food tasted amazing and it was perfectly coursed throughout the night. Additionally, Damien had a strong table presence that really made our night. We will definitely be back.
    

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