A Look Inside: The Optimist

July 31, 2020 | Advertising Disclosure | Our Partners may be mentioned in this article.

The Optimist, a seafood-centric restaurant from acclaimed restauranteur Ford Fry and chef Ryder Zetts, officially opened in the Germantown neighborhood on Monday, June 22, 2020. The concept has one other location in Atlanta. Nashville Guru stopped by to get a look inside.


The Interior

The Optimist has three main rooms. Upon entry, guests see the bar area, including a colorful stained-glass wall, standing tables with sleek lighting, and a fireplace with comfy seating.

Three large group banquettes line the wall on the way to the primary dining space, where guests can watch the activity in the open kitchen.

The vibrant side dining room continues the leather banquette seating and incorporates plaid drapery and multi-colored chairs.


The Exterior

The Optimist is situated in a charming historic building on Adams Street. When the weather is just right, there’s an expansive patio for patrons to enjoy.


The Menu

Fish and seafood lovers will appreciate the menu at The Optimist with options like skate wing schnitzel (pictured above), grilled swordfish steak, and starters like shrimp and oyster gumbo or deviled crab. Other options include heirloom tomatoes, a simple salad, and grilled summer squash.

The full bar has everything from specialty cocktails like Pleasure Cruise (vodka, hibiscus, ginger, lemon, club soda) to draft beer to a long list of wines.


The Details

For a fresh seafood dining experience, check out The Optimist. Also be sure to keep your eye on the two other soon-to-open concepts from the team—Le Loup, an upstairs cocktail lounge, and Star Rover Sound, a music venue and tequila destination.

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