Nestled in a charming brick-lined space, this Nashville gem serves up fresh oysters and seafood delights alongside creative cocktails and an impressive wine list.
"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
"The Nashville iteration of the Optimist, a seafood-focused restaurant from Atlanta-based chef Ford Fry, serves lobster rolls, oysters, ceviche, and an extensive selection of wine in a stylish reclaimed warehouse anchored by an open kitchen and expansive patio bar. Try the scallop in sunchoke puree or the whole roasted flounder with pecans and brown butter, but don’t pass up the restaurant’s infamous bread service — it’s been known to steal the show." - Kellie Walton, Jackie Gutierrez-Jones
"One of Nashville’s tried and true seafood staples is The Optimist from Atlanta-based Rocket Farm Restaurants. Tucked inside the former TD&W Handle Company, the historic property has been brought into the modern age through a dining room that emulates the interior of a ship. Settle into a tufted booth to enjoy fresh oysters or a crudo before moving onto mains like mahi mahi, lump crab-topped halibut, a whole flounder, or duck fat poached swordfish served with sides ranging from butternut squash to sunchoke puree. During the summer, you can head outside for a frozen nightcap at the patio bar, Jacqueline." - Kellie Walton
"The Optimist’s outdoor bar, Jacqueline, is only open seasonally, so your days of nabbing one of its frozen margaritas or a Deep Blue Sea (rum, blue curacao, lime, and coconut) garnished with gummy sharks are sadly numbered. This whitewashed New England-style shack in Germantown also dishes up light bites to go with its drinks — like smoked fish dip and oysters — and has a bocce court if you’re feeling competitive. The bar is open (weather permitting) every Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m." - Clara Wang, Jackie Gutierrez-Jones, Eater Staff
"Make a reservation or belly up to the bar at the dimly lit luxe seafood spot in Germantown to share a meal of everything from lobster rolls to oysters to whole roasted flounder with pecan meuniere. For those who desire more, step outside to Jacqueline, the expansive patio bar that transports guests beachside with shaved ice cocktails, lawn games, and seafood snacks." - Kellie Walton, Eater Staff
