Move over, old-school cafeterias. Charlotte has hopped on the food hall trend with six markets just in our immediate area. Unsure of where to start? Our Scoop guide to Charlotte food halls shares the need-to-know information, from parking to which is best for a family outing, pre-show dinner and drinks, a full day adventure and more.
Monarch Market
Uptown | 101 N Tryon St.
Good for: An after work al fresco happy hour or a casual pre-show dinner
Getting there: The market is located 2 blocks from the CTC-Arena Lightrail stop and is right next to the Tryon St CityLYNX stop. If you’re driving, they offer discounted and convenient parking with validation at the One Independence Center garage. It’s just on weekends and after 4pm on weekdays for up to 2 hours and $8 all day Monday and after 4pm on weekdays, more than two hours.
What to know: This newest food hall on the list boasts 12 food stalls, 1 full-service restaurant and 3 bars within 18,000-square-feet inside One Independence Center. It’s directly across the street from Belk Theater and an easy walk from the Spectrum Center and other Uptown destinations, making it a great place to stop for dinner before other evening plans kick off. The stunning outdoor terrace bar also offers ample people-watching opportunities on Tryon St. as well as an elevated option for post-work happy hours.
Notable Vendors:
- Aster (upscale cocktail bar)
- Lanai (outdoor terrace bar)
- Focaccina
- Pha Khao Laotian Cuisine
- Curry Gate
- Brooklyn Dumpling Shop
Camp North End
300 Camp Rd.
Good for: Trying new dishes and food trends al fresco
Getting there: The Camp North End campus is quite large and best navigated by foot once you arrive. There are two surface level parking lots, but the newly added parking garage is the most convenient and well-positioned option. It’s free for the first three hours and $4 per every additional hour.
What to know: Browse the 76 acre complex by foot as vendors are positioned throughout the campus, and leave plenty of time to discover a new favorite along the way. Many stalls offer outdoor seating, which is a perfect option for soaking up the atmosphere.
There’s truly something for everyone. Cocktail lovers will appreciate multiple spots to grab a drink along the way, while foodies will recognize many poplar names among the vendors, including James Beard-semifinalist Chef Greg Collier’s Leah and Louise. Even little ones will have a blast: the grounds are very stroller friendly, there’s a ton of space to run around and even swings and games in many common areas.
Notable Vendors:
- Babe & Butcher
- Room Service (new)
- Tipsy Pickle (coming soon!)
- Leah & Louise
- Saru Ramen
- Seemingly Overzealous
- North End Farmers Market (From 4-8pm every Wednesday April through December)
Urban District Market
NoDa | 2315 N Davidson St.
Good for: Families craving fresh flavors with multiple Asian options
Getting there: It’s about a 10 minute walk from the 25th St. Lightrail station. If you drive, there is plenty of dedicated parking nearby.
What to know: There’s also something for everyone at Urban District Market, which opened earlier this year. Each stall is brand new to Charlotte and the culinary scene, so foodies will have no shortage of new flavors to sample. They’ll also love the ticketed wine and sake tastings the market will offer later this month. For families? You can’t miss the playground and splash pad at Seoul Food Meat Company and the supermarket-themed play area right inside the food hall’s entrance. Locals will love the emphasis on community events and the on-site bodega market. It’s a win-win for the whole family!
Notable Vendors:
- The Rare Butcher
- LaBARatory (part Soju distillery, part craft brewery)
- Stick Street (street fare foods from across the globe)
- Crispy Patty (shrimp, tonkatsu(pork), fish, beef, soft shell crab, or chicken)
- Super (bodega market)
The Market at 7th Street
Uptown | 224 E 7th St.
Good for: Supporting new chefs and tasting local flavors
Getting there: Although this market’s in the center of the Uptown action, it’s easily accessible by car or light rail. It’s adjacent to the 7th St. light rail station and the attached parking garage offers validated parking for the first two hours when a purchase is made at the market.
What to know: Looking for a community feel and local flavors? Look no further. The Market at 7th Street describes itself as a “a non-profit incubator” where “emerging chefs, restaurateurs, entrepreneurs, artisans, and makers all have the chance to be part of this tradition and start their dreams.” Not only does this market highlight local entrepreneurs, but also features many woman or BIPOC-owned businesses and first-location concepts.
Vendors:
- Mano Bella Artisan Foods
- Jimmy Pearls (“Virginia’s rich history of Black food”)
- Assorted Table Wine & Shop
- Orrman’s Cheese Shop
- Mad Dash (gourmet street food quick service restaurant)
Optimist Hall
Optimist Park | 1115 N Brevard St.
Good for: Trying the latest food trends and new to Charlotte spots
Getting there: There’s ample parking on-site (free for first 90 minutes) and Optimist Hall is only a short walk from the Parkwood light rail station.
What to know: Highland Park Mill #1 was originally built in 1892 and continued to operate on some level until 2015. Today, it’s home to 25 food stalls, bars, full-service restaurants and retailers. A few stalls started as local food truck favorites (Papi Queso and The Dumpling Lady) while others come from well-known Charlotte chefs like Bao and Broth from Chef Larry Schreiber.
On a nice day, opt for a sunny spot in the landscaped courtyard. For a remote working spot or to escape a January day, grab a table alongside the stalls or a spot at a long table. Also, stay tuned to their website and social media channels for regular community events.
Notable Vendors:
- Bao and Broth
- Billy Sunday (A Chicago-based, award-winning cocktail bar)
- The Dumpling Lady
- Enat Ethiopian Restaurant
- Fonta Flora Brewery
- Papi Queso
- Zukku Sushi
Gibson Mill Market
Concord | 305 McGill Ave NW
Good for: An all-day outing featuring foodie finds and antiquing
Getting there: Gibson Mill is less than 30 minutes from Charlotte and offers ample parking on site.
What to know: Gibson Mill was established in 1899 and opened in 1901. Now it welcomes guests to both the largest antique mall in the South and a food hall with 10 vendors. It’s also one of the region’s largest adaptive reuse projects. The hall is easy to navigate, especially when everyone in the group wants a different dish. On a nice day, grab a seat on the covered outdoor dining area.
Notable Vendors:
- Luck Factory Games Board Game Cafe
- High Branch Brewing Company
- Livy’s Neapolitan Pizzeria
- Johnny Rogers BBQ & Burgers
- Taco Street
- Market Bar
