Where to Eat, Drink, and Hang at Optimist Hall
A guide to the Charlotte food hall
Optimist Hall – a textile mill-turned-food hall just north of uptown – has become one of Charlotte’s most popular dining destinations. The 22,000-square-foot space at 1115 N. Brevard St. is home to more than two dozen tenants that include food stalls, bars, restaurants, and retail. Grab a seat inside at a communal table and take advantage of the free Wi-Fi, or head outside to the courtyard to eat, drink, and socialize.
OPTIMIST HALL
1115 N. Brevard St.
Monday-Thursday: 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
Friday: 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
*Some locations may have different hours.
Chef Larry Schreiber, who also owns Optimist Hall food stall Bao and Broth, specializes in “sliced, stacked, and stuffed” sandwiches at this New York-inspired deli counter. The Long Island native draws from Jewish and Italian influences and gives sandwiches names like The Lower East Side, The Mulberry, and The Riverside. You can also find Opa’s Matzo Ball Soup and classic deli sides like pickles, chips, slaw, potato salad, and knishes.
Order Zhang Qian’s authentic Sichuan dumplings, noodles, and dim sum—and brace for spice.
The Mexican cantina and gaming venue serves tacos and cocktails with a side of duckpin bowling.
This burger joint with a pickup window has a simple menu of burgers and fries, but they get everything right.
Expect all the staples from the popular food truck, along with an expanded menu of grilled cheeses, mac and cheese, and melts.
Order an authentic Neapolitan pizza cooked in a specially designed wood-fired oven.
Enjoy a classic cocktail or try something new at this Chicago-based bar, which has one of the largest spirit libraries in the country.
This organic raw juice bar and café has cold-pressed juices and smoothies, as well as breakfast sandwiches, wraps, and salad and grain bowls.
Chef Meherwan Irani’s menu is full of Indian street foods like Savory Kale Fritters, Spicy Potato Dumplings, Chicken Tikka Rolls, and Botiwalla Lamb Burgers.
Chicken Tikka Roll from Botiwalla.
Customize your own sushi roll, burrito, and poke bowl, or choose from a menu of chef’s specialties.
The Charleston-based restaurant slings classic fried chicken sandwiches with local ingredients, and everything on your tray is compostable.
The menu features an array of meat-based, vegetarian, and vegan options that are meant to be eaten family-style.
Owner Felix Godward serves up sweet and savory empanadas and traditional Argentinian dishes.
Sip craft and seasonal brews on the expansive patio or grab a few packaged beers to take home.
Stop by this gelato shop for scoops, pints, gelato sandwiches, and milkshakes.
Follow the smell of ramen and steamed pork belly buns to this food stall, the fifth restaurant from chef Bruce Moffett.
This Mediterranean grill has build-your-own bowls, flatbread wraps, and pita pockets, plus fresh baked cookies and baklava.
Feast on Carolina-style pork, Texas-style brisket, and Southern sides at this outpost of restaurateur Jim Noble’s barbecue joint on Freedom Drive.
Come for creative spins on classic cocktails, along with local beers and carefully selected wines.
This counter-service spot serves Cuban-inspired pastries, sandwiches, and coffee.
Grab a cold brew, tea, or espresso drink to go, or pull up a chair and enjoy it with some Avocado Toast or a Grit Bowl.
