Charlotte’s food scene just picked up another national bragging right: Optimist Hall and The Market at 7th Street are both in the running for USA Today’s 10Best Best Food Hall award. The two Charlotte spots made the 20-location national shortlist, with voting open through April 13 and winners set to be announced on April 22.
That is a big moment for the Queen City because it adds to a growing list of food honors Charlotte Stories has reported in recent years. Earlier this year, Robin Anthony of Omakase by Prime Fish was named a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist. BLT Steak and Gallery Restaurant were also recently ranked among the best restaurants in the world. The City of Charlotte also landed at No. 9 on Zagat’s list of America’s best food cities, ahead of both Charleston and Atlanta.
The two food halls represent very different kinds of success. Optimist Hall has become one of Charlotte’s top dining destinations since opening inside a restored textile mill, while The Market at 7th Street has built its name as Charlotte’s only nonprofit food hall and a launchpad for local entrepreneurs. Since opening in 2011, The Market says it has helped launch more than 75 local businesses.
Taken together, those honors show Charlotte is no longer just an emerging food city. It now has nationally recognized chefs, globally ranked restaurants, award-contending food halls, and a growing track record of major culinary recognition.
You can vote now for either Optimist Hall and The Market at 7th Street here.
