Your 2024 ultimate guide to eating your way around Optimist Hall in Charlotte

When Optimist Hall first debuted, only six tenants were fully operational on opening day. Now, this Charlotte food hall rings in at more than two dozen tenants, serving everything from bao buns to craft cocktails and gooey grilled cheese.

And while the food draws visitors, the rich history of the building adds to the experience. The 147,000 square-foot space — a turn-of-the-century textile mill involved in the manufacturing of the first Spanx shapewear — was originally owned by Highland Park Manufacturing Company. When Paces Properties and White Point Partners purchased the building, they retained many of the property’s original, 120-year-old elements. In addition to the hardwood floors, the 14-foot ceilings and industrial bricks and beams were preserved.

Now, with a few new changes in the works, Optimist Hall is well on its way to carving a new space in the building’s history. It’s a space where ethnic dishes and comfort food favorites live side-by-side to bring together the community.

Pizza. The best burger in NC. Shopping. Find it all at this former Charlotte-area mill

Know before you go

Location: 1115 N. Brevard St., Charlotte, NC 28206

Getting there:

• By car: Uber and Lyft are highly recommended, but if you’re driving, look for designated signs that point to parking. Charges for parking more than 90 minutes are in effect.

• By light rail: Take the rail and exit Parkwood Street Station, then turn right. It’s a .3 mile walk from the station.

• By bike: From uptown, take the Rail Trail pathway past the 9th Street Station. After you bike under 277, turn right onto 12th Street alongside Alpha Mill Apartments and then left on Brevard Street. You’ll follow the bike path the whole way. Head straight to Optimist Hall. Bike racks are available on site.

[READ NEXT: Your 2024 guide to eating your way through The Arboretum shopping center in Charlotte.]

Get to know the tenants

Here’s where you can grab a bite or shop while you consider your food and drink options:

Archer Paper Goods

If you’ve been to the Ponce City Market in Atlanta, you’ve likely strolled by this stationery and gift retailer inspired by the sport of archery. Look for greeting cards, desk supplies, pencils, art prints, gift wraps and books.

Ava

Having found success in Tampa’s Armature Works food hall (a similar restored, mixed-use space), this Italian concept serves hot-from-the-wood-fired-oven pizza made with fine Italian flour and hand-prepared dough.

Bao and Broth Ramen + Bun Shop

Restaurateur Bruce Moffet and chef Larry Schreiber teamed up to offer Asian street food recipes, featuring everything from steamed buns and ramen bowls to sweet macaroons.

Billy Sunday

Known for its classic drinks, this award-winning, Chicago-based cocktail bar blends vintage spirits with a culinary approach to flavor to create a rich sip for food-hall-goers.

Botiwalla Indian Street Grill

Dedicated to preserving cooking traditions and authentic cuisine, Botiwalla serves authentic Indian street food like kebabs and rolls wrapped in hot, buttered naan. There are even options exclusive to the Optimist Hall location, including butter chicken and saag paneer.

Boxcar Betty’s

This Charleston-based fried chicken joint opened its fifth location in Optimist Hall, where you’ll find everything from The Boxcar (pimento cheese, peach slaw, house pickles, spicy mayo) to the Chicken “Not So Waffle” (bacon jam, maple syrup, pimento cheese, tomato). Vegetarian options are available, as well.

Collier Candy Company

If you love old-fashioned candy, look no further. Collier Candy Company offers nostalgic treats including Chick-O-Sticks, Charleston Chews and Bubble Gum Cigars. Of course, you can also find classic favorites such as M&Ms and gummy bears. But don’t wait too long: The candy shop will be closing in late 2024 to make way for ESO Artisanal Pasta.

Customshop concept at Optimist Hall

A new Spanish tapas concept from the team at Customshop is slated to open this summer at Optimist Hall. Chef Andres Kaifer will bring his family recipes to the table at the food hall, where the still-unnamed spot between Boxcar Betty’s and Village Juice will be putting out sandwiches, shareables, patatas bravas and Kaifer’s famous flan.

The Dumpling Lady

Serving traditional Sichuan family recipes, this popular food truck’s owner serves authentic, locally-sourced dumplings, noodles and Sichuan street food. A South End location opened last year, too.

El Thrifty Social Club

This Greenville-based, all-day Mexican cantina offers everything you need for a fun night out, including authentic cuisine, craft cocktails and upscale gaming and entertainment. Look for weekly specials, including half-price margaritas on Mondays, $5 nachos on Thursdays and tableside tequila service on Fridays and Saturdays.

Enat Ethiopian

Enat Ethiopian opened at The Plaza in Charlotte’s Shannon Park neighborhood and an Optimist Hall location followed, specializing in traditional East African food with a modern flair such as the stuffed pastry Sambusa, the stir-fried meat and veggies Tibs and the spongy bread Injera. There also are vegan and vegetarian options, sandwiches and family platters.

ESO Artisinal Pasta

Freshly made pasta, arancini and polpette will be available at Optimist Hall later this year, when ESO Artisinal Pasta moves into the Collier Candy Company space next to Schreiber’s on Rye and Zukku Sushi. If the name sounds familiar, you may recognize it from Food Network. The pasta shop’s owners — now-married chefs AJ Sankofa and Kristina Gambarian once took their Italian cuisine on the road with “The Great Food Truck Race.”

Felix Handmade Empanadas

Dedicated to individuals “committed to carbs,” Felix Handmade Empanadas became a food truck staple in Charlotte by serving unique, homemade empanadas (think: pepperoni pizza, shepherd’s pie). Now, you can enjoy these same flavors at the Optimist Hall location, crafted with Peruvian, American and British influences.

Fonta Flora Brewery

It wouldn’t be a Charlotte party without a brewery in the mix, and North Carolina-based Fonta Flora Brewery serves brews inspired by English and Belgian traditions.

Harriet’s Hamburgers

Papi Queso and The Plaid Penguin teamed up to serve old-fashioned hamburgers from a ‘50s-style diner stall. After much research and testing, this spot is said to serve the “perfect” hamburger with a mission to “just be good.”

Honeysuckle Gelato

The result of three friends’ passion project to “Be Sweet,” Honeysuckle Gelato serves scoops, pints, sandwiches and shakes with Southern-inspired flavors like Brown Butter Crunch, Lemon Raspberry Crumble and Bourbon Pecan Praline.

The Merchant

Atlanta-based stationery and gift shop The Merchant offers candles, coffee table books, tea towels and other items you can mix and match to create the perfect gift or make your own home a little more cozy.

Mezeh Mediterranean Grill

You can build your own twist on the “mezze” experience at Mezeh. All food is made in-house, from scratch and can be crafted into a bowl, flatbread wrap or pita pocket.

Noble Smoke

The Charlotte barbecue restaurant’s stall is cranking out smoked meats. You’ll find Chopped Cheshire Pork, Creekstone Farms Beef Brisket and Turkey and sides such as Pan-Fried Green Beans, Slaw (Eastern and Western), Zack’s Collards and Mac & Cheese.

Papi Queso

The wildly popular, cheese-inspired food truck and “streatery” now serves fan favorites from its brick-and-mortar location, including the gooey grilled cheese sandwiches as seen on “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.”

Paradiso

Shop succulents, grab a house plant to brighten your desk or take a class at Paradiso Plant Shop. The store also sells pots, cards and everything else you need to take a plant home or give one as as a gift.

Pet Wants

You may recognize this all-natural pet food brand from local pop-ups. It offers retail options to purchase slow-cooked, small-batch food for your furry friend.

Schriebers on Rye

New York-style deli Schreiber’s on Rye took over the space that was formerly home to Xiao Bao, between Boxcar Betty’s and Collier Candy Company. You can expect to find Jewish and Italian influences in its sandwiches, hot dogs and matzo ball soup.

The Spindle Bar

This 18-seat cocktail bar serves drinks that you’re able to carry throughout the entire food hall (due to its unique liquor license).

Suárez Bakery & Barra

This “2.0 concept” from Suárez Bakery offers popular favorites such as pastries and doughnuts supplemented by a Cuban menu. Savory items include sandwiches, snacks and bowls.

Undercurrent Coffee

This full-service coffee and espresso bar will fuel your travels throughout the hall with cold brew selections, lattes, cappuccinos and teas.

Village Juice Company

Based out of Winston-Salem, this family-owned concept couples the idea of healthy eating with a bounty of flavor and color. Look for cold-pressed juices, nut milks, smoothie bowls and dishes crafted with organic ingredients.

Zukku Sushi

At Zukku Sushi, the rice is your canvas. Create your own sushi roll, burrito, and poke bowl, or choose from curated selections on the menu.

Information for this article was contributed by Catherine Muccigrosso and Chyna Blackmon.

Optimist Hall

Location: 1115 N. Brevard St., Charlotte, NC 28206

Instagram: @OptimistHallCLT