The Optimist Raleigh

Not really a coffee person but this place looked cute for a friend date, so a friend and I went. Loved the Halloween decor! The drink was good, my friend enjoyed her toast, and it wasn’t as expensive as I thought it would be based on the pictures. I got two drinks and the toast for like $20.

Had a hot black sesame latte, worth it! Will be coming back to try the other interesting coffee flavors and their food. This is also a great place to just relax and enjoy the space.

I was delivered a Serious cortado, meaning that , even though it was made with oatmilk, they didn’t skimp on the importance of the espresso. I found the skeleton decors to be humorous, but it’s in a lovely part of Raleigh, and the inside was gorgeous. I enjoyed the plentiful plants, and I think the back seating is also a nice touch.

We were so excited for this place but ended up a little disappointed. The sandwich was very greasy made the english muffin soggy. Flavored Lattes were bitter not sweet (might just be personal preference) Beautiful indoor space just a little tight. There was an outdoor seating area. Also it seems like you get more coffee if you order to go, we needed ours to go but they gave us glass cups and so I poured my coffee (untouched) into a to go cup and it came up about half way (there is only 1 size).

This place is the epitome of a perfect neighborhood coffee spot: walkable for nearby residents, excellent coffee, delicious food, friendly staff, and an inviting space to just chill for a bit. I love the chance to be outside as much as possible so always intend to sit on the back patio, but then I get entranced by the interior decor and plants so pull up a chair inside instead. I also love having the option of the walk-up window when I’m in a hurry.Parking: The shared parking lot for this complex isn’t very large so it can fill up quickly, but there is ample street parking on Brookside Drive and Monroe Drive (the side street next to the parking lot and Oakwood Park).