jordin winger

Review of The Optimist

This weekend I visited the Optimist for the 3rd ti...

This weekend I visited the Optimist for the 3rd time since moving to Atlanta. It is at the top of our list of contenders when choosing where to go to celebrate a special occasion. Our first two visits were top-notch and absolutely something to write home about.
Unfortunately, this was not the case this past visit. Everything went smoothly at first with our ordering of oysters and some octopus to start. When our main plates came, I was extremely displeased to find my shrimp extremely overcooked and mushy. Sorry, but I am not paying $30+ per plate at a place that specializes in seafood to be served overcooked shrimp.
Our server was extremely off the ball. It took over 25 minutes for us to receive a cocktail that was ordered prior to our entrees. He was absent for long gaps of time where his table presence was needed. He did not check in post-meal delivery, I was served red wine in a white wine glass, and at the end of our meal it took nearly 20 minutes to receive our checks (sitting right near the POS, may I add). As a party of 2 couples, we asked for the check to be split for each couple, which should not have been complicated since we did not split anything. However, the waiter still did not split the check properly. We decided to settle the differences outside of the restaurant instead of wait any longer to have the checks corrected.
Overall, I will give the Optimist 3 stars for the times I have dined there and been really pleased with my experience. Unfortunately I will not be returning to dine here because, like I said, I am not paying $30+ per plate for sub-par service and overcooked shrimp.