"The Optimist is part of a mini-complex in the neighborhood that includes the option for moody pre- or post-dinner drinks at Le Loup, live music at Star Rover Sound, and summertime tiki drinks and bocce at Jacqueline. Anchoring the whole thing is The Optimist, a seafood-centric spot that’s a great place to bring those friends from Boston who throw shade when they hear “Nashville and “seafood” in the same sentence. The whole place feels like an ancient luxury liner that’s started to exhibit some signs of waterlogged decay in the best way possible—it’s elegant, rustic, and exactly where you want to consume icy platters of oysters, shrimp, tuna, and lobster from a fully-stocked raw bar. Obviously, you’re here for the seafood (the scallops and redfish are solid choices), but the juicy roast chicken served with dates, lemon, and greens also holds its own. Save some of the criminally delicious dinner rolls that kick off the meal for sopping up all of the buttery and saucy marinades left on your plate." - Jackie Gutierrez-Jones
