2 Charlotte food halls nominated for best in US. How to vote for your favorite
Two Charlotte food halls are getting their turn in the national spotlight for their variety of must-try eats and commitment to the local community.
The Market at 7th Street in uptown and Optimist Hall in Optimist Park both nabbed Best Food Hall nominations in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Voting officially opened Monday, March 16, and will run until April 13.
Here’s what to know as the national contest gets underway:
How to vote
The Market at 7th Street and Optimist Hall were among 20 food halls across the nation nominated “for their fantastic selection of eateries and their positive contributions to their communities,” USA Today 10Best editors wrote.
Starting today, supporters can vote once a day until the contest period closes at noon on April 13.
The winning food halls will be announced the following week on April 22.
For the annual awards, an expert panel of 10Best editors nominates spots in various categories and invites the public to cast a vote for their favorites over a monthlong period, according to the news outlet’s website.
The Market at 7th Street
Location: 224 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202
At The Market at 7th Street, food options run the gamut from Jersey-style pies at Geno D’s Pizza, to seasonal lattes at Not Just Coffee. But it’s more than just a spot to grab your next meal.
It touts itself as Charlotte’s only not-for-profit food hall, acting as a “small business incubator” to support up-and-coming food entrepreneurs, according to 10Best. The market usually hosts about a dozen businesses at a time.
“This nomination is a testament to the creativity and determination of the chefs and makers who have built their businesses here,” Salem R. Suber, executive director of the Market at 7th Street, said in a news release sent to CharlotteFive. “The Market belongs to them, and to the Charlotte community that shows up every day to support local.”
Since opening in 2011, The Market at 7th Street said it has helped launch and grow over 75 local businesses “through subsidized, scalable rents, access to business development resources, and shared infrastructure.”
Optimist Hall
Location: 1115 N Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28206
Housed in restored textile mill, Optimist Hall has a little something for everyone. Grab a slice at Ava Pizzeria, or chow on savory chicken and shrimp dumplings from The Dumpling Lady.
Artisanal pasta, classic smashburgers and authentic Ethiopian cuisine are also among the available food options inside the sprawling food court. 10Best described it as “a hip food destination ... welcoming visitors with a delightful blend of specialties within a historic 1800s building.”
Opened in 2019, Optimist Hall has cemented itself among the city‘s must-visit dining destinations. It currently has two dozen tenants, so the chances you’ll walk away hungry are slim.
This story was originally published March 16, 2026 at 3:48 PM.