Great atmosphere and very friendly staff. Grabbed lunch and a coffee. Both were delicious. The Easy sandwich was such a good choice! Will definitely be coming back! read more

Ohh this place is beautiful. The design is moody and cozy. Dark walls. Quirky decor. It's a bar. That's a coffee shop. They have excellent coffee and service. There is also a courtyard outdoor patio and seating out front. Parking can be tough but there is extra street parking too. Looking forward to returning and having more coffee!! read more

This place is great. I never leave reviews on this app, but one bite into the McOptimist, and I felt a deep obligation to do so. Sandwich was amazingly tasty, and I love the coffee, only wish they had larger sizes! The atmosphere is also nice. I'll definitely find myself working in there, in the future. read more

Took a visitor here as she loves coffee and plants. We tried their specialty lattes of the season, orange and like a strawberry peanut butter one. Obviously strange combos, we anticipated this. However, my guest asked if the server had a recommendation for hot or cold for the latte and he said her preference. Which was a very very bad answer as the peanut butter speciality latte becomes separated when it's iced, something he should probs have known. Overall, it was really cute and I'm glad I tried it. Just not the best coffees in the area. I'm sure a regular latte would be fine, but the specialty ones severely missed the mark. Also, not a place to go and work if you are a student as the tables are practically on top of each other. read more

The atmosphere is good with ample seating (that is socially distanced) out front, inside, and in the back patio. The only complaint about the outdoor seating is that I only saw one outlet on the patio in the far corner so be sure to be fully charged before coming here to do work. Of the two staff members working, one was nice and helped answer questions about the menu. The other gave one word responses and seem bothered with my questions and didn't offer to help me decide what to get. However, I understand the stressors of the food industry, especially during Covid, so no big deal. As for the drinks, I am quite disappointed. I do enjoy good coffee and prefer strong cold brew and iced espresso. My partner and I each got a cold brew, one with their homemade caramel syrup, and both with a splash of cream. The cold brew was quite weak tasting and I honestly couldn't tell the difference between mine (unsweetened) and my partner's (with caramel syrup). I prefer to have my coffee unsweetened, but I couldn't even taste the caramel in the coffee. For round two, we decided to try something different (i.e., stronger) and opted for iced espresso, with caramel syrup, and a splash of cream. The drink came out and they forgot the cream - no big deal, got it added. However, again, there was no hint of caramel just extremely bitter espresso. I do prefer iced espresso (which I make myself at home every day) but this was extremely bitter and had no caramel flavor. Maybe it is the specific roast they are using? Not sure. We tossed that drink. Lastly, I tried an iced dirty chai - usually my last resort. At first, I was surprised with the chai not being overly sweet (which can happen at many places) and the espresso came through nicely. However, the aftertaste of the chai is an extremely intense spice - like legit spicy. I asked my partner to try the chai and he asked if there was ground black pepper in there, that's how spicy this is. I have honestly never experienced such a strange aftertaste. This definitely is not my cup of tea. All that being said, this place seems extremely popular with numerous people coming and going. Their breakfast sandwiches seem like a hit, but we weren't in the mood for an english muffin sandwich so we didn't get one (might be good to diversify the food options?). Nevertheless, after only being able to consume one of four beverages, I don't think this will be my go-to coffee shop. Maybe my coffee preferences just don't match up with this place, so it could be just me. Nevertheless, I wish them all the best! read more

Such a cute spot. Had the Autumn Orchard iced coffee, and it was divine - and only $4! Staff is friendly, and it seems like the perfect environment to post up and do school assignments or work. read more

I feel so lucky to live by this coffee shop. The coffee is delicious and they chose to move to black and white roasters after their other roaster was making some ethically and morally questionable decisions. They have spaced out indoor seating and have plenty of sanitizer at doors. They have taped the ground outside to space and encourage mask wearing with signage. They also bring food out in disposable containers to prevent spread. The outdoor space is amazing and a great place to enjoy your drinks. The inside is lovely as it was with Fig but The Optimist has made it their own. They added some lovely art work and plants, painting and decor, and optimist branded merchandise that proclaims "THIS PLACE SUCKS!" which is too funny for me. They decorated for Halloween with posed skeletons and all the staff I've interacted with have been friendly. Be prepared for a bit of a wait if you come here at peak times. Since they specialize in coffee, it can take a bit to prep your drinks and food. Also, order the food. The breakfast items are great and the pastries too. Skip the cookies unless you love royal icing or want a cute gift. read more

The Optimist - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Cute interior. Spaces in the parking lot are a little tight, but not too bad. I got the French Toast latte and my mom got "The Stacey" (they were out of Cheerwine so we couldn't try the "Bring It On" unfortunately). We also got two of the apple cinnamon donuts. I enjoyed the french toast latte, but I have to say I didn't get much flavorwise outside of the cinnamon. I feel like it could've used a little extra... I don't know... something. I know that's not very scientific, but it was just one of those things where it felt like it was lacking something distinctive if that makes sense. If you love the taste of honey, you'll definitely love The Stacey. Wasn't for me, but I could see the appeal. Lastly, the donuts: wow. Those things were delicious. They're pretty light, and after like 20 seconds in the microwave I was in heaven. If you like craft coffee but are more on the conservative side flavor-wise, I think this is the place for you. I'll definitely be back! read more

The best coffee shop in Raleigh. Good, seasonal coffee options and our go-to place to grab coffee beans to have coffee at home. Love the walk up window outside so I can go grab coffee with my pup. read more

Best coffee and snacks in town! Coffee shop with the coolest vibes in the best neighborhood. Definitely worth the visit!!

We loved this place! Their seasonal drinks were fantastic, and their breakfast sandwiches are better than most coffee shops offer. It was busier than expected early on Sunday morning, but we were able to snag a counter spot and stay a while. I will be coming back on my next trip to Raleigh! read more

It's a great coffee house and I always get a hot skinny vanilla latte which is delicious. My son usually eats the Goat Meal and shares with his 2 year and is a hit. The place is always busy but staff friendly and accommodating . Very clean and hours are great! read more

When I walk into a coffee shop I would like to smell coffee.. not bacon. I couldn't enjoy my stay with the bacon smell but the coffee was enjoyable after I left. read more

Delicious coffee and breakfast sandwiches. Love the walk-up window & online ordering, although the descriptions of the menu online are incomplete. Heads up; the coffee drinks are European-style in size, so order a latte (which is 12oz) if you're wanting something bigger than 3oz. Great hipster vibe outside, I can't speak to the interior as I only used the walk up window. Good Covid practices happening here. read more

The Optimist - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Absolutely obsessed with this place. Great coffee & great aesthetics. We are here literally every single weekend- no place we'd rather be!

Yummy coffee and yummy pastries! I'm glad we stopped and checked this place out while visiting Raleigh. It was the recommended spot from locals and it didn't disappoint! A cool vibe and they had muffins and donuts that the kids loved too! read more

Although their slogan is "this place sucks", The Optimist does not in fact suck. Its lovely! It's my go to neighborhood coffee shop with a unique and thoughtful menu, plenty of comfy indoor and outdoor seating, and friendly staff. I also appreciate that there are plenty of outlets for when you need to plug in your laptop, and a cute little outdoor window so you can order with your pup outside. read more

The Optimist - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

The food was good, but the wait was very very very long. There was one person taking orders and one making drinks. The drinks took 30+ minutes as well as the food. read more

Great relaxing environment and pretty great food. The basic croissant is a bit lacking in flavor but it is called "basic" so I guess that makes sense. The hulk smash in the other hand is full of flavor and life read more

Found this gem a couple months ago and now I go at least once a week. Their coffee and non coffee drinks are excellent. I usually go for the hot or iced chai or matcha, great options for milk substitutes also. They really support local here and have amazing breakfast sandwiches. They have been taking social distancing and COVID precautions seriously and have a take out window and easy online ordering system as well. Overall, great addition to the neighborhood and hoping it's here to stay. read more

The baristas here are top notch. Management places a high emphasis on quality for every cup.

I went to The Optimist on a Sunday. I ordered the oakwood sunshine, my mom ordered the strawberry mocha, and my dad got a vanilla ice coffee.. My oakwood sunshine tasted like a orange creamsicle...IT WAS DELISH! My mom thought her drink strawberry mocha was "different" My dad liked his vanilla iced coffee. He also got an almond croissant, he liked that too but it would be better warmed up. I highly recommend it ...I would DEFINITELY come back read more

This place is so so good! They have a convenient pickup window for covid and have marked out spaces to maintain social distancing. I came here three times and tried something new every time and was never disappointed! I had the optimist Palmer, strawberry mocha, and Carmel latte. The service wasn't as quick as other coffee stores but they made up for it with how good the coffee is. 10/10 would recommend to any coffee or tea drinker! read more

Such a cute coffee shop! I got a rose lemonade with espresso and a McOptimist. Both items were delicious, and I'd order them again next time around. I appreciate the parking and the fantastic decorations both inside the store and on the patio. It would be a great place to meet with friends or just hang out and get work done for a few hours. read more

Very disappointed with our recent experience today. We arrived around 10:30 AM on a Saturday, knowing it was going to be busy. We ordered outside and waited 30 minutes for our lattes and over an hour for our English muffin breakfast sandwiches. When we received our order it was completely wrong. We requested to have our order replaced with what we originally asked for and was told that we would have to wait a while for them to fix it. After waiting for another 30 minutes, we decided to just ask for a refund. The woman at the front was not apologetic whatsoever. I asked if the food normally takes this long, especially after asking for a corrected order and she said "well you came at the busiest time of day so yes it does." She made it seem like it was our fault AS THE CUSTOMER. So if you are looking to come here on a weekend, just expect it to be busy, take awhile to get your food, and it ultimately be your fault because you chose to come at that time. To management, if you care to reach out I will be happy to discuss the entire experience. read more

Love love love this spot. Great coffee and tea options with good snacks and treats as well. Love the vibe here

The baristas were friendly and the space was beautiful. I loved my seasonal coffee and would definitely go back!

We made a special trip here, just to see what it was like, since we're always wanting to experience new cafes around the Raleigh area, and were so hopeful. Looking through the reviews I have a feeling we experienced the same barista as the other person who gave a negative review. She seemed annoyed, and had basically no customer service skills whatsoever. When we asked if they had any muffins, she pointed to the side where there were croissants in plastic and said, "just these." There were no prices on the menu either. When we asked for 16 oz. coffees, she said, "you can only have 12," which isn't so rude until you heard her monotone voice to go with it. She gave us our 12 oz. coffees without a mention of creamer or anything else, which was not set anywhere for a customer to see (which I understand during COVID, but then the barista should ask if we need it). When we asked for creamer, she said we could have some if we took the lids off, which we did, and she literally poured about an inch of milk into my cup. Yuck. We may try it out again one day, just to see if there are more pleasant baristas that work there. It's probably not the owner's fault (unless she was the owner), and maybe the barista was having a terrible day, but they need to know how their business is being presented, especially when it's brand new. A little warmth goes a long way. read more

Super sweet people and incredible coffee and food! Even with COVID restrictions, I had a great experience and they've really done a great job taking precautions to protect their employees and customers. read more

We've walked here a couple of times, and it's well worth it. The staff are really friendly, and the service prompt. I'm a mocha latte connoisseur and this is one of the best. The almond croissant is great, too. I also had the lime spritzer thing and I can see where that would be a go-to drink in the summer. read more

Cute neighborhood coffee spot! Staff is super friendly. They offer really unique coffee drinks...try their iced strawberry mocha, so good!