• Restaurant
  • Seated: 150
  • Standing: 350

Host your next event at The Optimist, a premier venue located in the heart of Atlanta's bustling Westside. Our unique space offers a warm, nautical ambiance and is renowned for our fresh, sustainable seafood and Southern hospitality. No matter the occasion, whether it's an intimate dinner, lively celebration, or corporate gathering, The Optimist has a variety of private event options to suit your needs. 


Our Oyster Bar provides a vibrant, semi-private setting perfect for cocktail receptions, social gatherings, or casual networking events. Featuring a laid-back coastal vibe, fresh-shucked oysters, and seasonal small plates, it's the ideal backdrop for mingling and enjoying the best of the sea. For more intimate occasions, our secluded private dining area, located just behind the bar, offers a refined and elegant space. Perfect for executive dinners or special celebrations, this area boasts personalized service and customizable menus in a cozy and intimate setting. 


For larger-scale events, The Optimist offers the option of a full restaurant buyout. This exclusive opportunity allows you and your guests to have complete access to our entire venue, including the bar, dining room, and patio. With the ability to curate menus, create bespoke cocktails, and even include live entertainment, a full buyout ensures a tailor-made experience for you and your guests. 


No matter the size or style of your event, our team at The Optimist is dedicated to providing exceptional food, impeccable service, and a unique coastal atmosphere that will transport you and your guests to the seaside. Our expert team is here to assist with every detail and guarantee a seamless and unforgettable event from start to finish. To inquire about availability, pricing, or to begin planning your private event, please contact our private dining manager or visit our website for further information.

Location

914 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta, GA, US

Hours

Monday -
Tuesday -
Wednesday -
Thursday -
Friday -
Saturday -
Sunday -

Space

Semi-Private or Private Dining Room

  • Seated: 30
30 seats for a seated event only Our semi-private space can be reserved with a preset menu for parties of up to 30 guests. Other diners may be seated around the perimeter of the space. There is a floor to ceiling curtain separates your event from the main dining room. This area is for a seated event only. Hors d’oeuvres may be ordered and will be served on trays and set on the table for seated guests. Dinner for parties 24 or more guests will be served family style for a seamless execution and dining experience. A stunning wall of tall windows lights this area and the sound system has independent volume con

Semi Private Oyster Bar

  • Standing: 25
25 guests for cocktail style event only A portion of this area is available to be reserved for a semi-private event of up to 25 guests for a two-hour event, seven days per week, for a food and beverage minimum. We apologize but speakers, live music, presentations are not allowed. Hors d’oeuvres that are ordered will be served on trays and set on either the Oyster Bar or small round tables. Beverages must be ordered from Oyster Bar only.

Full Restaurant Buyout

  • Seated: 150
  • Standing: 350
125 guests for a private, seated event If you wish to host a private event, The Optimist can be closed to the public. A buy out would include the entire dining room and Oyster Bar. We can provide service ranging from hors d’oeuvres stationed and/or passed, a seated lunch or dinner for up to 125 guests and buffet style for 125-350 guests. • For buy out events, there is a food and beverage minimum required based on the day and time of the week. Please discuss details with the Event Director. • Vegetarian and vegan options are available for all events. • Guests who wish to bring in a dessert will be charged $3.50 per person. Permission to carry in a dessert can be granted by the Event Director.

Oyster Bar Private Dining Room

  • Seated: 18
up to 18 guests A private seated event can be hosted in our Oyster Bar Private Dining Room for up to 18 guests. The space is surrounded by windows and is separated from the restaurant by floor to ceiling curtains that can be left open or shut, depending on your privacy needs. The space also includes access to our patio and mini putt putt, weather permitting. A food and beverage minimum does apply.

More Details

Amenities

  • Bar Packages
  • Full Bar
  • Handicap Accessible
  • Outdoor Space
  • Patio
  • Pet Friendly
  • Private Space
  • Valet Parking
  • WiFi
  • Wood Fire Oven

Look & Feel

  • Classy
  • Industrial
  • Modern
  • Tall Ceilings

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The Optimist

Atlanta, GA, US
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