An insider’s guide to eating your way around Optimist Hall in Charlotte
Optimist Hall has easily been crowned as one of the best places for Charlotte families, friends and visitors to go to for whatever food they are craving.
Optimist Hall, opened in 2019, is on every “must-visit” list when looking for things to do in Charlotte, and it’s there for a reason.
Walking into the old textile mill-turned-glamorized food court, you not only smell delicious food waiting to be tried, but also hear the buzz of chatter from hundreds of visitors enjoying the trendy take on quick, quality food options.
By design, the space invites everyone — from those just looking to grab a quick coffee and read a book to families exploring kid-friendly bites.
Home to over two dozen tenants, sometimes it can be overwhelming when choosing what to eat when flavors from all corners of the world are at your fingertips.
If you haven’t visited Optimist Hall yet, now’s your moment. With so many options, it’s impossible to walk away hungry. And when you arrive, consider these standout vendors to get a full taste of what’s been missing from your plate.
Ava Pizzeria
Ava Pizzeria is where Italian tradition meets modern food hall style. The New York-style Neopolitan pizzas are baked per order and with just enough crispness on their crusts. Crowd favorites include the margherita style, which comes with fresh mozzarella, basil and tomato sauce; and the prosciutto pizza, which comes with fresh mozzarella, ricotta, red onion, arugula, balsamic and prosciutto.
Bao + Broth
Bao + Broth is a go-to for ramen lovers. Its bowls are loaded with flavorful broths, meats and vegetables, with the miso ramen and spicy pork standing out as favorites. The stall also offers bao buns and vegetarian and vegan options, making it a comforting and inclusive stop year-round.
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The Bar at Optimist Hall
The Bar at Optimist Hall took over what used to be Spindle Bar, offering wine, draft beer and non-alcoholic beverages, plus cocktails. Table service is available to Optimist Hall guests 21 and over.
Botiwalla by Chai Pani
Optimist Hall’s Botiwalla is an outpost of Michelin-recommended and multiple-time James Beard semifinalist chef Meherwan Irani’s Chai Pani empire, based in Asheville. At the Charlotte location, you can enjoy Indian street foods including chaat, Gobi 65, a chicken tikka roll and salads or rice bowls.
Comal Taco Co.
Comal Taco Co. serves Southwestern-inspired tacos, dips, and refreshing drinks with simple, fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. Among its specialties is the Arizona cheese crisp, a dish not readily found elsewhere in Charlotte.
Dumpling Lady
Just around the corner from Bao + Broth is The Dumpling Lady. For only $12, you can get some of the best dumplings in the area. The chicken and shrimp dumplings topped with scallions are a standout, and frozen dumplings are available for customers who want to recreate the experience at home.
Enat Ethiopian
Enat Ethiopian offers generous portions of traditional dishes packed with rich spices. The chicken tibs paired with fosolia and miser make for a flavorful and filling meal, and Enat’s shareable platters are perfect for families looking to try a little bit of everything.
ESO Artisanal Pasta
ESO focuses on fresh, handmade Italian pasta dishes, along with arancini and classic sauces that bring authentic flavor to the food hall. Sound familiar? You may have seen the owners on “The Great Food Truck Race.”
Felix Empanadas
Felix Empanadas serves freshly baked Argentinian-style empanadas filled with both traditional and creative flavors. From chicken and chorizo to cheeseburger or even lobster, each empanada pairs perfectly with its chimichurri or spicy aioli.
Fonta Flora
Fonta Flora offers its local craft beer, along with house-made cocktails, with seating indoors and outdoors. Packaged products are also available to take home.
Harriet’s Hamburgers
Harriet’s Hamburgers, a nostalgic burger spot, specializes in classic smashburgers with melty cheese and soft buns, keeping things simple and satisfying. There’s also a selection of signature sauces available for dipping your fries into. The crispy-edged patties and no-frills approach to Harriet’s burgers make it a reliable go-to when you don’t want to overthink an order.
Honeysuckle Gelato
Honeysuckle Gelato offers creamy, rotating seasonal flavors of gelato, along with shakes and sweet treats that make for the perfect dessert stop. Vegan sorbet is available, too. Whether you opt for a cup or one of the waffle cones, the texture of the gelato is rich and smooth, making it an easy way to cool off after a savory meal.
Mezeh
Mezeh features Mediterranean bowls, wraps and flatbreads built with fresh ingredients and customizable toppings for a lighter, flavorful option. Guests can choose from several different bases and protein options, creating a meal tailored to their tastes.
Noble Smoke Barbecue
Serving hickory-smoked meats and hearty southern sides, Noble Smoke delivers classic barbecue plates packed with bold, smoky flavors. With brisket freshly sliced and comforting sides such as mac and cheese, each tray feels like a feast for royalty, leaving you full before you even leave Optimist Hall.
Papi Queso
Papi Queso elevates grilled cheese sandwiches with bold and delicious combinations that feel both nostalgic and modern. Each sandwich is pressed until crispy on the outside while staying gooey enough for a wicked cheese pull in the middle. The Mac Melt, which is a mac and cheese-grilled cheese is no joke and packs on the cheesy goodness.
PoppyCox
Optimist Hall’s PoppyCox has had a warm welcome, as dozens of visitors have been waiting in line to try its Nashville hot chicken. The menu is small but mighty as customers are visiting PoppyCox for one thing: “The Sando.” The crispy chicken, layered with tangy sauce and crunch, delivers a balance of heat and flavor that keeps people coming back for more.
Schreiber’s on Rye
Blending Jewish and Italian deli traditions, Schreiber’s on Rye crafts hefty and hearty New York deli-inspired sandwiches. Other options include hot dogs, matzo ball soup and Coney Island-style knishes and classic black-and-white cookies to top off the meal.
Suarez Bakery & Cafe
Suarez, a Cuban-influenced bakery and cafe, offers pastries, cakes, sandwiches and coffee in a vibrant, welcoming setting. The display case alone is enough to draw you in, filled with colorful desserts and beautifully crafted sweets. The smell of freshly baked goods wafting in the air is how you know you are near Suarez.
Undercurrent Coffee
Undercurrent Coffee provides thoughtfully sourced espresso drinks and cold brews, ideal for a morning stop or afternoon pick me up. The minimalist setup creates a calm contrast to the busy food hall atmosphere.
Village Juice
Village Juice offers fresh-pressed juices, smoothies and plant-forward bowls for visitors looking for something light and refreshing. The menu highlights nutrient-packed ingredients in dishes such as power salad bowls and smoothies while keeping your meal delicious despite being super healthy.
Zukku Sushi
Zukku Sushi serves fresh sushi rolls and hibachi-style dishes, sushi bowls, sushi burritos and even boba tea options to satisfy those sushi cravings. The variety makes it easy to customize your meal, depending on how hungry you are. It’s a colorful, quick option for sushi lovers to find a variation of all their go-to rolls.
Other Optimist Hall tenants
When you’re done eating, Optimist Hall also has several specialty shops to check out. They include:
- Archer Paper Goods, a stationery and gift retailer
- Collier Candy Company, which carries sweet treats and snacks
- The Merchant, which sells books, home decor and gifts
- Paradiso, a plant shop
- Pet Wants, offering dog and cat treats and accessories
Optimist Hall
Location: 1115 N. Brevard St., Charlotte, NC 28206
Parking: Parking charges go into effect after more than 90 minutes and start at $6.99.
Travel: Take the rail and exit Parkwood Street Station, then turn right and walk around 0.3 miles from the station. Or drive there and park in one of the three lots that surround it.
Instagram: @OptimistHallCLT
