The Optimist is a seafood restaurant in Germantown, Nashville.
Editorially verified May 18, 2026 by Elliot Marsh, TableJourney editor. Source.
Guided tour · 3 hours
Explore Germantown on a guided walking tour to 3 top bars. Learn about the area's history and choose from a variety of drinks, including cocktails and non-alcoholic options.
Guided tour · 3 hours
Walk through Downtown Nashville with five food tastings, lively stories, and sights like the Ryman, Country Music Hall of Fame, Broadway’s honky tonks, and hidden gems...
Guided tour · 3 hours
Experience East Nashville through 5 tastings and stories of resilience, creativity, and community on a guided walking food tour.
Address: 1400 Adams Street Nashville, Tennessee 37208
Sean Brock's Rutledge Hill institution in Nashville cooks ingredient-driven Southern food on a wood hearth, run today by chef de cuisine Brian Baxter.
OrderThe cornbread skillet, then whatever the menu lists from the wood hearth.
TipLunch is a quieter seat with the same kitchen. Book the porch in spring; it overlooks downtown.
Sean Brock's East Nashville Appalachian fine-dining room opened 2021, named for his grandmother and in the 2025 Michelin Guide. Sam Jett runs day-to-day.
OrderThe full tasting if you can; otherwise heritage pork from Brock's own farm.
TipClosed Sunday and Monday. June, the upstairs counter, is on hiatus for guest chef sessions in 2026.
Chef Hal Holden-Bache's East Nashville room in Nashville opened in 2012 in a Lockeland Springs corner storefront, running wood-fired pizzas and Southern.
OrderMargherita pizza from the wood oven, the pork chop with redeye gravy.
TipHappy hour 16:00-17:30 runs half-price pizza and pours at the bar; a James Beard nominee for Community Kitchen.
Jake Howell's 38-seat Iberian room in East Nashville off the Gallatin corridor in Nashville. Michelin Bib Gourmand 2025 and a James Beard win for Howell.
OrderThe braised rabbit in garlic broth with piment d'espelette aioli and the oyster croquetas.
TipOpen Thursday to Saturday only with 38 seats. Reservations recommended; bar walk-ins early are the move.
Philip Krajeck's casual East Nashville sibling to Rolf and Daughters opened in 2018, running naturally leavened pizza and a vegetable-forward menu.
OrderThe mushroom pizza and whatever bitter green is currently on the menu.
TipClosed Wednesdays. Walk-in seats at the long marble bar are the best move on a weeknight.
A converted East Nashville church running 150 artisan wine selections and seasonal small plates, named to the New York Times 50 Best Restaurants list in 2024.
OrderTell the sommelier your price range and let them build a flight with snacks.
TipThe bar takes walk-ins; named Michelin American South Sommelier of the Year 2025.
