Charlotte food hall is one of the best in the country, USA Today says

There are a handful of food halls around Charlotte, but one of the city’s first has been named among the best in the country.

As part of the annual 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, USA Today revealed the Top 10 in the U.S. based on their “fantastic selections of eateries, as well as their positive contributions to their communities.”

Of all the delicious dining spots to grab a quick bite to eat, Optimist Hall was ranked No. 8 — the only food hall in North Carolina to make the list.

“Optimist Hall is a hip food destination in Charlotte, welcoming visitors with a delightful blend of specialties within a historic 1800s building, originally a textile mill,” the report says.

“Sample an abundance of mouthwatering standouts like Southern-inspired dishes, homemade barbecue, Asian-style dumplings, Italian favorites, Mexican specialties, and fresh bakery items. A comfortable space that can accommodate both groups and solo diners, this market also features several dine-in restaurants, a brewery, cocktail lounge, and some retail shops.”

When the 147,000 square-foot space opened its doors in 2019, there were only six tenants. Now, more than five years later, it is home to 25 tenants — with more on the way.

Food, drink and retail spots at Optimist Hall

• Archer Paper Goods, a stationery and gift shop

• Ava Neopolitan Pizzeria, an authentic Italian eatery with wood-fired pizza

• Bao and Broth, a ramen and bao bun shop with Asian street fare

• Botiwalla, an Indian street grill inspired by tea and kebab houses

• Collier Candy Company, a sweets shop with chocolates, premium sodas and more

• The Dumpling Lady, an Asian eatery with traditional Sichuan dishes

• Enat Ethiopian Restaurant, known for traditional Ethiopian platters and small plates

• Felix Empanadas, known for its authentic Argentinian sweet and savory empanadas.

• Fonta Flora Brewery, a taproom with draught beer and packaged drinks

• Harriet’s Hamburgers, a retro burger concept

• Honeysuckle Gelato, a gelato shop with gelato sandwiches and milkshakes

• Marina’s Tapas, a Spanish tapas spot with small bites, sangria and more

• The Merchant, a stationery and gift shop

• Mezeh, a fast-casual Mediterranean chain

• Noble Smoke, a Southern barbecue restaurant

• Papi Queso, known for specialty grilled cheese sandwiches

• Paradiso Plant Shop, a gardening store with house plants and home goods

• Pet Wants, a pet supply store with pet food and special treats

• Schreiber’s on Rye, a New York-inspired deli and sandwich shop

• The Spindle Bar, a cocktail bar with classic drinks, local beer and wine

• Suárez Bakery, a local dessert shop with cakes, cookies, doughnuts and more

• Undercurrent Coffee, a cafe with handcrafted coffee, tea, and small bites

• Village Juice & Kitchen, a cafe with “Mother Earth approved” foods and drinks

• Zukku, known for its sushi and poke bowls

You can find USA Today’s full list of the top 10 food halls in the U.S. online at 10best.usatoday.com.

Chyna Blackmon

The Charlotte Observer

Chyna Blackmon was a service journalism reporter for The Charlotte Observer. A native of the Carolinas, she grew up in Columbia, SC, and graduated from Queens University of Charlotte. She’s also worked in local television news in Charlotte, NC, and Richmond, VA. Support my work with a digital subscription