First visit and I’m hooked! Gorgeous design and atmosphere made me want to just stay all day. The service was excellent: kind and caring people who make delicious coffee. I can’t wait to come back and try out the food menu. This place checks all the important boxes, it has clean restrooms and I loved all the plants indoors and out 😍👏🌱

A very cute coffee shop with a wonderful atmosphere. Unfortunately I didnt get a chance to stay and enjoy it, but its definitely a good place to sit down and enjoy your coffee if you have the time! I ordered the monthly special - Root Beer Float Latte. I was curious how well they could incorporate that flavor into coffee so I totally had to try it. It only comes in a small size so if you are looking for a large coffee, you might need to try something else. While I was disappointed in the small size I was not disappointed in the flavor. It tasted just like a root beer float (except warm and with a hint of coffee). It was delicious and despite it being small it still took me over an hour to drink it because I wanted to savor every sip. The only other downside was that it was fairly slow service. I didnt mind too much as Im not super impatient, but if you are in a hurry it can get a little frustrating. I was able to order almost immediately when I got in the door but it took about 15 minutes to get my coffee. Overall though this place is really cute, has great coffee, unique flavors, and I think I will try it again.

I tried the Hulk Smash and Chai quita banana latte. Hulk was not bad but it was really hard to cut with plastic knife😂. Latte was pretty good! Perfect for chill days. I went here in weekends so it was crowded..

I love the food and the drinks. Although, I recommend that they review their process to taking food orders during busy hours, like the weekends. The last three times I’ve order food to go, the order was wrong. Either I received completely different items or the sandwiches were missing something.I definitely recommend them, but make sure you check your order before leaving.

I’m not one to usually write reviews, but I just absolutely LOVED this cute spot! Service was wonderful and lots of unique twists on the typical coffee drinks... overall if I could give 10 stars I definitely would.

The barista the Asian Dude made the best Coconut Coffee ever ! The place is very original, super clean, super sharp great variety of coffee, the desserts my god the cookies were ridiculous tasty, as always local businesses are thriving post pandemic, southern charming And Hospitality, probably the best in the country, real cute coffee joint, people do there to work as well since they offer free WiFi . Great job fellas, I loved your place, we are back to Ohio Now, and exited that we picked North Carolina as our second home and soon we will make the move as soon as my last kid gets off high school, anyway great job :) and thanks again see you soon

The best coffee shop in town! I love, love, love this place! The decor, the owners, the peeps.. and of course the coffee!!!!! So smooth... And definitely the most delicious coffee around!

My favorite coffee spot in the Triangle. They rotate their menu constantly and have monthly specials. They have good food as well. Also if you love coffee and want to learn they have been offering different classes and coffee tastings. I highly recommend!!! Also a dope back patio!!

This has become my go-to coffee shop since moving to the SE Ral area. Great atmosphere, indoor and outdoor seating, seasonal menu with baked goods and fresh items from the kitchen. You can dine-in right now, but if youre not comfortable with that (or if youre walking your dog from the dog park) they have a walk-up order window. Also they serve Black & White Coffee, which is not only delicious (The Natural is probably the best black coffee Ive ever had), but its a local, Black-owned company. Highly recommend!

The Optimist sponsored one of my scavenger hunts. Their contribution to the gift baskets was very generous. In addition, they were easy to work with and very responsive. Plus this place has skeletons and a chill atmosphere, perfect for getting some work done.

This is one of our new favorite spots in Raleigh, hands down. It has it all - great food and drinks (coffee and beer/wine), amazing staff, and perfect location. Also one thing we didnt notice at first; THERE IS A HUGE PATIO IN THE BACK! And its super cool out there, just like the inside. Walk your dog over and hang out, its 2 seconds from the dog park

Friendly staff and amazing coffee! I’m so happy to have another local coffee shop near by. The sense of humor is an added bonus!P.S. Simon is wrong.

Oil on the avocado toast…if you consider the teeny tiny shear on it avocado… chunks of fried garlic… yogurt dip was a joke. Drink was ok (all one ounce of it). Overall, not worth it and we are still hungry.

I’ve been wanting to try this place for a while now, and I’m so glad I did! I tried the coconut mocha latte and I am OBSESSED. The aesthetic of the inside is so unique and chill, I will definitely be coming back to do school work here! They have a very extensive menu, I can’t wait to try more from them! Honestly, I will probably be back tomorrow to get another latte :)

The drinks taste great. The best thing about this place is the nice outdoor and indoor seating. Great to catch up with a friend or get some work done. The back patio is nice with all of the tree branches overhead.Oh, and Thisplacesucks! Just kidding, thats the wifi code :-)

Easily the best self deprecating coffee shop Ive ever been to

The Optimist Raleigh is definitely a favorite and so worth the visit! Their coffee and tea selections and unique drink twists are so delicious and keep us coming back for more! The walk up window, especially during this time, is super cute and convenient. The owners are super friendly and on top of great customer service! Great decor inside and out! Tucked away hidden neighborhood gem!

Great neighborhood coffee shop!! They have a really good matcha latte with oat milk! Also definitely recommend the hulk smash, yum!

Our go- to neighborhood coffee shop! Their house made chai is the best.

Very cute locally owned shop with great coffee! A great spot to sit and work indoors or outdoors, with a nice back patio area.

I am on the hunt to find the best coffee shop in Raleigh and I have to say this one is a strong contender!

As a fellow barista at another small, trendy coffee shop, I can confidently say that The Optimist coffee and food knocks everything out of the park with the quality of their products. Highly recommend making this store your go-to spot for good breakfast and coffee.

Interestingly delicious coffee flavors. Left is Show Me The Honey. Right is Peachy Cheeks with a splash of lemonade. Definitely recommend Peachy Cheeks for a hot summer day. Friendly staff who all were wearing masks. My pup was offered a milkbone which is a definite plus. Indoor seating is closed, but there are shaded outdoor tables to enjoy your coffee and treats. Thanks The Optimist for serving refreshing sips safely!

One of the best espresso I ever had.

Always a great time, great service, love the atmosphere and the back sitting area.

Loved the house made chai latte and the French toast with blueberry compote..

It’s a great place to stop in and get a wonderful cup of coffee. Don’t forget to grab one of the pastries or one of the sandwiches if you’re feeling a little hungry. The staff is always welcoming and always helpful in selecting something new to try. I recommend this place to anybody who wants to try a good coffee with a great environment.

I have been wanting to try this place and finally got to today! I was unfortunately underwhelmed and not treated very nicely by the staff. If you like spicy chai, this is your place, if not, just skip it. The Hulk smash was pretty good but honestly pretty overpriced for my liking, glad I tried it but will probably not be going back.

Youll find great atmosphere, beautiful people, outstanding coffee and delicious sandwiches here.

Their iced coffee is my favorite thing and you can add creamer and sugar to your liking. Dog friendly and the people are amazing.

Their English muffin sandwiches are ridiculously great.

This coffee shop is great for a nice day to sit outside and have a drink. They are dog friendly and have water bowls out and will give your furry friend a treat! Their breakfast food is amazing and have great egg sandwiches.

Met a coworker here for a working session since it’s been ages since any of us have seen one another! The staff was so kind and helpful and my cold brew and pastry were yummy. I look forward to trying more items on the menu. Plus, fast WiFi!!

The coffee is great. Plenty of seating between the inside, the front, and the back patio. Their breakfast sandwiches are to die for! Friendly service and parking is plentiful.

Great service and food and atmosphere. dog friendly!

Really great orange cold brew, the space is beautiful and Hannah is so nice!

Attention Raleigh Coffee People: This one is a keeper!After coming here for a few months, Im happy to call this one of my newest, favorite-est coffee homes around town. The playful, bohemian interior is a deceptive front for a serious coffeehouse, with excellent food to boot. Pro Tip: Their take on avocado toast, the Hulk Smash, is to die for. With a physical space largely inherited from the previous restaurateur, it has been minimally renovated to retain the lush environs of juxtaposed elements like natural light and rich, dark colors. There are multiple spaces within a space: outdoor front high tops, inside tables and a bar, a stand-up ledge for socializing side by side in post-COVID days to come, and a super-awesome back patio. Andrew & Robyn have built something special for the community, and they pride themselves in being a local, neighborhood business.Kudos to The Optimist - the future is bright!

I love the walk up window and multiple outdoor seating options. They have a rotating seasonal menu that is always really interesting. I’m grateful to have this spot close by.

They have a nice atmosphere and make a pleasant cup of coffee.

Great local spot! Cute inside with lots of plants and outdoor seating as well, which is convenient with Covid. I always get the chai and it does not disappoint! Just the right combo of spicy and sweet. Only thing that would make this place better is some vegan food or baked good options :)

Great coffee and incredible breakfast sandwiches, highly recommended! ☕️👌

Bomb sandwiches and coffee!! I recommend 🤘🏽

Best coffee Ive had in a while

One of those hip places where the food and coffee is good but you leave wondering why you spent so much money for a small amount of food served in to-go containers and service from a rude barista

Amazing English muffins! I got the hulk smash with an egg. Also a delightful chai tea latte with coconut milk!!

We love our neighborhood coffee shop. They have a great selection of espresso, coffee and tea. They also have great breakfast sandwiches. They always have a special and unique menu item on the weekends, be sure to check the pictures on instagram. They have seating outside in the front and back, as well as a walk up window. Very dog friendly, they even have treats for the pups 😎

I just had one of the best matcha lattes Ive ever had, the place was super cute too!

The decor in this place is bone chilling! (Skeletons you see 😂) Super friendly baristas and great coffee. I’ll be back when I’m back in town!

Great local coffee spot. Grabbed a couple pour overs and they were tastey.

This has quickly become one of my favorite coffee shops in Raleigh. Great and quiet location with a HUGE patio. The inside seating area is still closed due to COVID but is absolutely beautiful. The coffee and specialty drinks are all great, and their croissants are so tasty. They have a peach coffee drink that is so refreshing. The owners are so friendly and have created a great spot. Ill be coming weekly!

Great drinks, seating, and atmosphere. Garbage wifi, seriously its frustrating.

Food was excellent, staff is very friendly and the hot chocolate was great. Will definitely be coming back. Thank you!!

A delightful place to get a sandwich or a morning pick me up! They have outdoor seating available, and the staff is very friendly!

Adorable coffee shop, great vibes, good music, and all around lovely.

Get the “in the club” sandwich. You won’t regret it! Also, the Creme Spice Cappuccino is the perfect balance of Fall spice and a caffeine jolt.

Relaxing vibe, good music, delicious coffee and food. One of my favorite places in town.

Finally walked up to this new neighborhood coffee shop and gave it a try... and we will be back! My husband got an iced vanilla latte and I got an iced show me the honey- both were great! Can’t wait to try some of the other interesting drinks they have!

Their “quirky” decor in the shop is true! “This place sucks” is a fitting description.

After reading all the reviews, I couldnt wait to try the Optimist. The place is bright and clean and has a great vibe. But my experience this morning was disappointing. I ordered decaf coffee and Hulk Smash sandwich. However, they dont brew decaf so I had to order an americano instead. The americano tasted like watered down coffee. As for the Hulk Smash, the English muffin was untoasted, cold and tasted like a gummy piece of undercooked dough. And the kitchen must have been rationing avocados and tomatoes, because there was barely a smear and sprinkle of either on my sandwich.I would have let the whole thing go and not written a review if it were not for the awful service from the young woman working the front counter. I received no greeting, no eye-contact, no smile from her. She did not like me asking questions about the menu. There were three people in the cafe when I arrived, and two walked in after as I was served. She was NOT busy. I wanted salt and pepper and approached the counter to ask for some. She told me they did not have any packets and shrugged her shoulders; she did not want to help. I then asked if she would request some from the kitchen and she rolled her eyes and huffed as she stomped passed me. I mentioned she was NOT busy. When she came out of the kitchen, she threw the small cups at me and stomped back to her counter. Was asking for salt that much of an inconvenience???As I ate my breakfast, another woman came out of the back and started helping. She was kind and pleasant, greeting everyone who came in and smiling! I watched the two women at the front and they couldnt have been more different. Perhaps the two should switch responsibilities. One likes customers, the other just wants them to go away.

So glad that The Optimist can join this community! They serve Counter Culture coffee (not anymore see update) here and have some very talented baristas who can extract every ounce of goodness out of this coffee. Highly recommend and I am looking forward to being able to enjoy the space inside and out when they fully open. Update: I FINALLY SAT INSIDE!! Love this place still, but I don’t live near Raleigh anymore so I don’t frequent as much. Also they don’t serve Counter Culture anymore, they now serve Black and White Roasters. Still incredible quality.

Great atmosphere and coffee! Will be back.

Love this cute coffee shop! I’ve tried 4 drinks so far (Oakwood Sunrise, Lime Breeze, Grapefruit Spritzer, and Strawberry Mocha) and have loved every single one of them so much! The staff are so kind and welcoming, as well. If you’re looking for a unique coffee shop, go check them out. I highly recommend this shop!❤️

5/5 all around! Delicious drinks and pastries. Highly recommend the Palmer. Andrew and Robyn were so friendly and accommodating. Will definitely be back!

Hilariously decorated for social distancing and Halloween! The coffee and hot chocolate were amazing!! Truly delicious artisanal drinks! So looking forward to going back!!

Went with my wife and son, and this place will not disappoint. We met with the owners a young couple, super nice, the kiss of a Rose latte was amazing, staff was nice, great place. A 5 stat all the way.

I really liked the shop, the smell, and the plants inside. But unfortunately what I did not like was the coffee. I’ve been trying to find the best coffee in Raleigh but I’ve definitely found one of the worst

I love that The Optimist has a walk up window to order! This is really convenient during COVID and also really nice if you are coming after the dog park and have your dog with you. They were friendly, quick, and the coffee was delicious!

Great atmosphere.

Sooooooo good! I got the dirty chai and loved it. The atmosphere was adorable (loved the skeletons for Halloween!). Definitely the best coffee of Raleigh!

Great place to sit and talk while enjoying a good cup of coffee!!!

Great latte and service, as always.

Matcha matcha matcha so good! And cute space too!

SIMPLY DELICIOUS!

I really liked the shop, the smell, and the plants inside. But what i couldent believe the coffee was delicious i couldent get enough the smammys were deliciously great I’ve been trying to find the best coffee in Raleigh and ive definitely found it i cant belive anyone would leave a bad review on this place everyone in North carolina should be getting this coffee if you happen to be in Raleigh you should definitely stop by for a great cup of joe and a great sandwich i have been coming everyday since

Welcome the newest member of the Raleigh coffee shop family! Delightful service, incredibly tasty coffee, and (from what I see from a safe distance outside 😉) beautiful interior ambience. I can’t wait to see them wildly succeed!

Great family-owned little spot! Food and drink are delicious, atmosphere is GORGEOUS, and online ordering is available

Great coffee, great staff and the environment is fantastic. Loved it!

Love love love this coffee shop! I work next door and stop by for my caffeine fix whenever I can. Staff is always super friendly and the coffee is delicious. Seeing everyone else’s reviews makes me wanna try a pastry!

Much needed coffee shop in the neighborhood. What a cute patio area too. Love this little place.

Waited 24 minutes for a drip coffee, a spritzer and 2 pastries. Clearly forgot my order despite going to the counter twice. Haphazard process was dropping and delaying orders the entire time I was there. Mistakes happen, I get that, but they weren’t busy enough to be this disorganized. Customers shouldn’t have to figure out between themselves who an order belongs to. Happy to give them a shot again in a few months when they have worked out some glaring operational issues based on my visit this morning.

Kind service and delicious coffee!!!

They serve real flat whites. 😁

Great service and coffee!

Cool vibe. Back porch is nice. Dirty Chai is yummy.

Fantastic, friendly service!! Awesome selection, great prices.

Great coffee and the McOptimist was phenomenal. Glad I took their recommendation

The indoor dining space is now open. What a beautiful place.

Beautiful atmosphere, laid back and service was exceptional! Recommend this place for a delicious coffee or a fun play on a classic cocktail.

Delicious coffee, friendly staff. Tasty treats. Would 100% recommend going.

Great lil spot good service tasty treats and awesome coffee

Such a cute spot in Raleigh and the coffee is soooo good! The owners are very sweet and so personable — I’ll definitely be returning 💛

Excellent food options and a dope atmosphere

Cute little coffee shop in a cute neighborhood.

Very cool

Great coffee, amazing food (Layered + breakfast sandwiches), and really friendly people

Coffee selections are always consistent. Plus their seasonal selections are fantastic.

Great customer service, drinks were hot and fresh and the pastries were fantastic!

Absolutely delicious coffee, their new matcha is amazing 😍

Awesome Coffee, Great Service & Amazing environment.

To crowd and no parking sometimes but food is good