Optimist Hall

Charlotte’s first food hall, located in the Optimist Park neighborhood just outside of bustling NoDa, offers everything from coffee to cocktails and sweet treats to spicy dumplings. Order from Charlotte staples like The Dumpling Lady (dumplings, noodles, and Sichuan street food) and Papi Queso (delicious variations of grilled cheese sandwiches)—and explore eats from “out of town” with Charleston’s Xiao Bao (Southeast Asian favorites from Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia and go to town at Botiwalla (food inspired from Irani cafes from Asheville chef Meherwan Irani's childhood).