The Answer To The Old Question: Where To Eat?

It happened to me last weekend, I was planning a girls night out with two other Charlotte Moms and we couldn’t decide where to go! We live in the Ballantyne neighborhood of Charlotte which offers plenty of options, but we felt like since we were getting out on the town we needed to branch out! I offered the staple options: Sushi, Italian, Tacos, a brewery.. Or! How about a place where we can get ALL of that and more?

We chose to go to Optimist Hall in Charlotte just outside of the NoDa neighborhood. What is Optimist Hall?

Optimist Hall is a historic textile mill that was converted to a food hall (or as I refer to it, an adult cafeteria!) that also features coffee shops, bakeries, shops, bars, and yes, even a brewery!

The hall opened in late 2019, and new vendors are pouring in each month! One of the more famous tenants is “The Dumpling Lady” which originated as one of Charlotte’s favorite food trucks! These spicy savory delicious pockets of goodness draw in a crowd and are the perfect appetizer dish as you go from one food spot to another.

Looking for a tasty beverage? Downstairs in the hall you’ll find Fonta Flora Brewery, but don’t forget to head over to The Spindle Bar for a custom craft cocktail! They offer a rotating seasonal frozen blend, I highly recommend the “sweater weather” if you can find it!

Other Tenants include Velvet Taco, Undercurrent Coffee, Village Juice company, Honeysuckle Gelato, Ava Pizza, Zukku sushi and so so much more!

The design of the hall is open, artistic, lofty and industrial with the original hardwood flooring and exposed brick walls, but what I love most is the seating style. Patrons are encouraged to share seating with others in a sort of “social table” setting! There are mostly large tables with up to 12 seats, but you’ll also find little “bunkers” with vintage style black leather sofas and club chairs. These areas are tucked in with living green walls of viney plants and potted greens.

It was the perfect spot for our mom’s night out! (see the proof below!) I can’t wait to keep coming back and try something new every time!