The Optimist Raleigh

I'm not usually a coffee drinker, but this place seemed adorable for a friend outing, so my friend and I decided to check it out. I absolutely loved the Halloween decorations! The drink I had was tasty, and my friend really liked her toast. I was pleasantly surprised by the prices, which weren't as high as I expected from the photos— I ended up getting two drinks and the toast for just around $20.

The food is good but the service is SO SLOW. Bring a snack or something. You’ll be waiting a while for your food. Also they have an outdoor window but ignore people when they are standing there? Not sure if there is a reason but the person at front didn’t bother to explain so I just stood there confused until I walked inside.

Love this place! They have my favorite coffee (the flat white) in the area. The people who work there are so kind and make you feel like you're their friend. My go-to spot for getting work done, meeting a friend, or a rainy day game of Scrabble.

I had a delicious hot black sesame latte, and it was definitely worth it! I plan to return to explore their other unique coffee flavors and try some of their food. This spot is also perfect for relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere.

Place was GROSS. Outdoor patio had run down, rusty furniture. Every table on the front patio was dirty and cobwebs everywhere. Indoor seating was so close together. Expected a tip for self service. Food excellent. Coffee