Charlotte’s Optimist Hall and Market at 7th Street Named Top U.S. Food Halls

Two Charlotte food halls earned spots on USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards this week. Optimist Hall grabbed No. 8. The Market at 7th Street snagged No. 9.

The awards recognized food halls based on their restaurant choices and what they bring to local neighborhoods, 10Best editors said. Readers cast votes for their picks in the competition, which wrapped up April 13.

Optimist Hall won praise for its wide array of cooking styles — Southern plates, handmade pasta, Asian dumplings, and pizza slices. The old textile mill transformed into a dining destination opened in 2019 and has appeared on USA Today's Best Food Halls list twice now, hitting No. 8 each time.

The spot houses over 25 food stalls, sit-down restaurants, a full bar, a brewery, and some retail stores, its website shows. Editors called it a space that works for big groups and people eating alone.

The Market at 7th Street gives diners varied food choices but does more than feed people. The non-profit hall has worked as a small business incubator since it started in 2011, helping launch and build more than 75 local food ventures, according to its website.

About a dozen tenants occupy the market at any given time. Geno D's Pizza serves there. So do Serengeti Kitchen and The Social Cow ice cream shop.

"This ... is a testament to the creativity and determination of the chefs and makers who have built their businesses here," said Salem R. Suber, executive director of The Market at 7th Street, to the Charlotte Observer after learning of the nomination in March. "The Market belongs to them, and to the Charlotte community that shows up every day to support local."

High Street Place in Boston took first. Southern Market in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and 3rd Street Market Hall in Milwaukee finished in the top three.

The Garage Food Hall in Indianapolis claimed No. 4. Assembly Food Hall in Nashville landed at No. 5. Budd Dairy Food Hall in Columbus, Ohio, got No. 6, and City Foundry STL in St. Louis seized No. 7. The Market at Malcolm Yards in Minneapolis rounded out the list at No. 10.