Optimist Hall, at 1115 N. Brevard Street, Charlotte, is a food hall inside in a redeveloped former gingham mill. Its 147,000 square feet feature a wide variety of unique food stalls, as well as bars, some retail, and restaurants.
It’s situated in Optimist Park, between Uptown and NoDa.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about Optimist Hall before visiting, including a current list of tenants, parking information, hours and upcoming events. Or, jump right to the upcoming events!
Parking at Optimist Hall
Optimist has announced a change in parking policy. Starting Monday, August 15th, 2022:
- The first 1.5 hours will be free
- 1.5 to 3 hours will incur a $5 fee
- 3 to 24 hours will incur an $18 fee
Optimist Hall will be working with Laz Parking. if you have questions, email optimisthall@lazparking.com.
When you take a free fitness class at Optimist Hall, you might receive a validation code for free parking.
If you’re worried about parking, you can also get to Optimist Hall on the Blue Line Light Rail. It’s a very short work from the Parkwood LYNX station, and there’s even a path between the station and Optimist Hall. When you exit the station, turn right.
Hours
Optimist Hall is open:
- Monday to Thursday: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Friday: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Saturday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sunday: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Look for updates on hours at optimisthall.com/visit. If there’s a change that we learn about, we’ll update here as well.
Some tenants do have different hours.
Tenants at Optimist Hall
This is the current list of food stalls, restaurants, breweries, bars and retailers at Optimist Hall.
Ava
An authentic Italian eatery. Get pizza cooked in wood-fired ovens.
Bao and Broth
Asian street food.
Billy Sunday
Cocktail bar with classic drinks and new creations.
Botiwalla Indian Street Grill
Try the Chicken Tikka Roll!
Boxcar Betty’s
Fried chicken sandwiches from locally-sourced ingredients.
Collier Candy Company
For the candy lover. You might feel like you’re stepping back in time.
The Dumpling Lady
You’ve tried these dumplings from the food truck so you know they’re good!
el Thrifty
Mexican cantina and gaming destination. Craft cocktails and classic games.
Enat
Ethiopian cuisine.
Felix’s Empanadas
Handmade sweet and savory empanadas, made fresh every day.
Fonta Flora
Brewery inspired by English and Belgian traditions.
Famous Harriet’s
Burgers and fries.
Honeysuckle Gelato
Serves up scoops, pints, gelato sandwiches and milkshakes, inspired by the south.
Mezeh
Mediterranean grill serving up wraps, bowls or pita pockets.
Noble Smoke
Southern barbecue and sides.
Papi Queso
Another food truck turned food stall. Twists on the grilled cheese sandwich.
Suarez Bakery
Your spot for Cuban-inspired pastries.
Spindle Bar
Creative spins on classic cocktails, along with local beers and wines.
Village Juice Co.
Organic raw juice and clean food cafe.
Undercurrent Coffee
Coffees, teas and light fare.
Velvet Taco
International takes on the taco.
Zukku
Sushi rolls, burritos and poke bowls.
Archer Paper Goods
Stationery gift store. Shop here for greeting cards, desk supplies, pencils, art prints, and gift wrap.
Pet Wants
Premium pet food and special treats for your best friend.
Paradiso Plant Shop
Shop for houseplants and plant accessories. This shop is expected to be here only temporarily.
Indoor and Outdoor Eating
In addition to the tables inside the food hall, Optimist Hall has several outdoor areas, including a Courtyard. Some of the outdoor seating areas are covered, which is appreciated in the heat of summer.
Online Ordering
You can order online from the food stalls and restaurants, and pick up your order. Just park and go to the individual business to pick it up. Make sure to check the hours of the tenant. Some tenants also offer delivery through DoorDash or Uber Eats.
Events at Optimist Hall
OH-CUS POCUS
Thursday, October 31, 2024
7 to 10 p.m.
Free (previously, there was a cost to this event, but it’s been changed to be free)
Live music from SoulJam, a costume contest with multiple winners throughout the night, and bar specials.
Botiwalla Diwali Mela
Friday, November 1, 2024
5 to 10 p.m.
Free
Botiwalla will be celebrating Diwali Mela – the celebration of light over darkness, the victory of good over evil – with a Pani Puri counter, a Henna artist, food and drink specials, and a Bollywood DJ!
Botiwalla will also be holding a Diwali Raffle for Dharavi Diary, a volunteer-run community center located in Mumbai that provides supplies, health programs, educational resources and more for students
Raffle tickets will be $1, and guests can enter as many times as they wish for the chance to win Chai Pani and Botiwalla gift cards, merchandise, and Spicewalla goodies!
Hot Cocoa with Santa
Saturday, December 7, 2024
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Free
Meet Santa! There will also be a free hot cocoa bar.
What’s Near Optimist Hall?
If you’re at Optimist Hall, you’re near some other interesting Charlotte businesses and attractions, including Rosie’s Wine and Coffee Garden (at McGill Rose Garden), Birdsong Brewing, Starlight on 22nd, and Cordelia Park. A little farther up North Davidson Street are Rhino Market & Deli, NoDa Escapes, and then, the rest of NoDa.
Accessibility
There’s an elevator near el Thrifty. Please contact Optimist Hall with any questions about accessibility.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
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