Eat your way through Charlotte’s diverse food halls

From Southern cuisine to international favorites, Charlotte’s food scene is smothered and covered with tasty eats within eight food halls across the city.

A two-story dining area with round lights, displaying names of tenants.

The warm interior of The Alley is all thanks to the skylight, providing a view of Charlotte’s highrises.

Photo by CLTtoday

Charlotte’s food halls are packed with global flavors, community vibes, and local talent under one roof. From Spanish-inspired croquettas to sushi burritos, there’s a dish to satisfy any craving.

Let’s dig into these eight locally driven halls — all located within a 45-minute drive of the Queen City.

Optimist Hall | 1115 N. Brevard St. | Diners will find 20+ food stalls, craft cocktails, beer, and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating at this revitalized textile mill-turned-food emporium. We love the pork + chives dumplings from The Dumpling Lady.

Monarch Market | One Independence Center | Use the walk-up window to order from Kick’s Deli + hang at the outdoor cocktail bar or covered patio. Inside, you’ll find 11 vendors, five event spaces, and two additional bars.

A food hall with three rectangular communal tables and food stalls lining the back wall.

Dining at The Market at 7th Street’s communal tables, you never know who you’ll meet over lunch.

Photo by CLTtoday

The Market at 7th Street | 224 E. 7th St. | This dining hall serves as a nonprofit incubator for emerging chefs, restaurateurs, and artisans.

Urban District Market | 2315 N. Davidson St. | UDM boasts 10 food stalls and a large market, indoor and outdoor seating, a play area for children inside, greenway access, and free parking.

The Alley at Latta Arcade | 320 S. Tryon St. | Boasting views of Uptown’s skyscrapers, this historic landmark was renovated to become a community hub in the heart of Uptown. Keep your eyes peeled — Manaki, Jean’s Cold Drinks, and La Bonbonniere Bakery are expected to open this year.

A cup of boba tea next to dumplings, a bao bun, and other Asian food items.

Try various vendors when visiting Alley 51 — it’s the right way to go.

Photo by CLTtoday

Alley 51 | 10500 Centrum Pkwy., Pineville | Located within Super G Mart, this expansive food court serves an eclectic mix of street foods from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

The Power House | 378 Technology Center Way, Rock Hill, SC | This former 1929 electric factory is now a one-stop shop for food, drinks, events, and apartments.

Gibson Mill Market | 305 McGill Ave. NW, Ste. 200 | Beyond its various dining options, visitors can sip from two craft breweries + visit a classic car showroom and shop from The Depot Antique Mall.

More from CLTtoday
The Ballantyne shop will be the first of two South Block locations coming to the Queen City in 2026.
Plot Twist aims to be the “cool older sister” behind Trope Bookshop, offering all-day coffees, cocktails, and a hangout space in the community.
The nonprofit organization aims to broaden its offerings by becoming a launching place for immersive experiences to attract all audiences.
U-Haul rolled out info on 2025 moving trends — and now you just might know a little more about your new neighbors.
From Charlotte, NC’s type of government to the powers local leaders hold, and when elections take place, we’re getting a refresh on our local government.
We compiled all of the feedback from our Giving Campaign to learn what readers love most and want to see more of in our newsletters. Here’s a peek at what they said.
The locally-owned wellness studio offers a range of recovery services like IV drips, contrast therapy, and float therapy.
We’re asking our readers to submit their top questions about the Queen City and we’ll do our best to answer them in 2026.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Taking the train isn’t just for commuters — it’s also for leisure travel that’s growing in popularity.