The Optimist
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The Optimist

1000 Brookside Dr, Raleigh, NC

★★★★4.3(462 Google reviews)

Crema's Take

This Raleigh spot crafts exceptionally smooth, aromatic espresso drinks that linger in the best way, with creative seasonal offerings like their famous Rosemary's Baby that prove their baristas aren't afraid to take flavor risks. The thoughtfully designed interior and commitment to serving for-here drinks in ceramic mugs create a genuinely welcoming space for lingering work sessions, though fair warning—the pricing skews premium and portions can feel modest. It's the kind of place where the consistency in quality and genuine warmth from the team keeps people coming back, even if the experience doesn't always feel like an everyday coffee run.

What to expect

Signature drinksLaptop friendlyEspresso focusedSpecialty drinksTraditional drinksSlow sit

Google Reviews

Allan Robison
★★★★★3 months ago

I gave this coffee shop three stars because three stars is average and this coffee shop's coffee is average and I felt their food was below average. However, i will say, the coffee shop had most tables full and a line at the register, so the locals must like their local coffee shop. The bread seemed to be standard grocery store grade bread with very little on it. The oat meal tasted like the instant packages. I will not return. There are too many good coffee shops in the area to choose from.

Madison
★★★★5 months ago

It was $14 for a small coffee and a small parfait that contained 3 strawberries and all blueberries, lol. The interior is very nice but they were playing lots of country music and it was clashing with the vibes of the place. It seemed like it couldn’t pick an aesthetic or vibe. But overall it’s pretty but expensive with mid food and coffee. The Jack Frost drink is pretty good though!

Deniz Ender
★★★★★6 months ago

I was glad to stop by again at Optimist Cafe when I was in town. The. I knew what I had missed. Same great quality coffee. very aromatic coffee, no after taste and very smooth. The barista was very kind to made an extra hot latte!

Sarah Leon
★★★★★6 months ago

This was our first time here and we will be back! Service was fast and so welcoming and friendly! I got a seasonal coffee, Rosemary's Baby-- Rosemary and brown sugar had no business being as amazing together as they were... it was awesome!!! I got a breakfast sandwich on sourdough with avocado and sausage added... it was super good! My mom got a cappuccino and the coffee cake...that coffe cake... so good!!! I was in love with the atmosphere!!! All the plants, the darker, rich colors. So calm and comfortable all at the same time. I can't wait to go back!

Andie B
★★★★★6 months ago

Love visiting this café for a latte and some work time. I really appreciate that they serve drinks in ceramic mugs when you order "for here". The Stacey is my favorite drink! The baristas are friendly, the ambiance is great, and they even have live music on Saturdays.

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