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    Botiwalla

    4.4 (90 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Botiwalla Photos

    BOTIWALLA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Touristy
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Botiwalla

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    Lamb wrap
    Eda X.

    Botiwalla has the best crispy okra fries! I did not know such thing existed until I passed by their menu ad while walking through the Optimist Hall for lunch options. Definitely do give them a try if you're a fan of fries!

    Mango Lassi
    Britney B.

    No wonder this spot always has a line! Located inside Optimist Hall, Botiwalla serves up flavorful eats, refreshing drinks, and a seriously good margarita. The atmosphere: Plenty of indoor seating, plus room temp and cold water dispensers for easy access. The colorful, eclectic décor adds so much charm and personality to the space. The food: The Mango Lassi is a must. Super creamy, refreshing, and perfectly sweet. I grabbed the Malai Chicken Skewer (served with a bright green chutney). I also opted for a side of hot, buttery Naan brushed with Ghee. Both were delicious. The skewer had great flavor, though a little pricey for just one. The naan, though? Worth every bite. Served piping hot and so good! The service: Extremely friendly. The cashier offered excellent recommendations and made the whole ordering process feel welcoming.

    Okra fries
    Kellie R.

    Botiwalla is a great choice for to-go or eat-in when you're feeling like eating delicious Indian street food. Botiwalla is more like a restaurant than the rest of the stands inside Optimist Hall. There's plenty of seating inside and outside of the grill. It's decorated really well and takes you to India while still being in North Carolina. I love that they sell spices and other goods across from the order line. The staff are all really nice and quick with service. I only ordered the okra fries and mango lassi as I was driving back home and wanted a snack for the road. The okra fries were DELICIOUS!!!! Oh my gosh, I need to make these at home because there's nothing like these where I am! The mango lassi was good, too. It was for the roadtrip home and I felt better having that instead of soda or energy drinks. I'm definitely coming back on my next trip to Charlotte to try other menu items, but for sure getting those okra fries again.

    Andrew K.

    There are a LOT of options in Optimist Hall and this one is tucked away in the back and would be easy to skip over, but if you're into Indian street food this is a solid option. We grabbed a paneer sandwich, which was well-seasoned and the paneer itself was super plump. This one I probably could have skipped but the bhel puri is worth the try. It's a huge dish that is perfectly crispy with a lovely mix of spices. Not a dish I'm as used to so was happy to have experienced this. And don't skip the mango lassi.

    Smashed potatoes and Vada Pav
    Jo L.

    Delicious food, the friendliest staff, clean space. Kind of glad I don't live near here or I would be by too often Masala Smashed Potatoes $6 (crispy fingerling potatoes tossed with chaat masala, lime, & cilantro. Served with sweet and spicy Maggi ketchup) - tasty even the next day as leftovers Vada Pav $11 (cpicy potato dumplings (2) fried in a curried chickpea batter. Served with green & tamarind chutneys on toasted buns (pav) brushed with ghee) - this was really good. Quite spicy but couldn't stop eating

    Lamb boti kabab roll
    Michael A.

    Really good smells coming out of this place! It's been a while since I've had any indian food so I figured I'd check it out. The food is as fresh and vibrant as the decor. I got the lamb kabob roll which was really flavorful, big hits of cilantro and red onion. The naan was really well done and the lamb was perfectly cooked and spiced. I'm not a huge fan of red onion and it's on me for not asking them to omit that. But otherwise was very good. Next time I'll ask for no onion because they really go hard with it.

    vada pav
    Daisy G.

    vada pav was packed with flavor! was too full to try anything else. But glad I was able to try this at least! Will definitely come back here next time!

    Bhel puri
    Sarah A.

    Every time I come here, I end up ordering the same thing because it's that good. The flavor is always spot-on--bold, fresh, and full of that classic street food punch. You can tell everything is made with care and great ingredients. There's plenty of seating both inside and outside, and I've never had to wait long, which makes the experience even better. The atmosphere is relaxed and lively--nothing too fancy, but clean and full of energy. It has that casual, vibrant feel you want when you're enjoying street food-style dishes. If you're craving delicious, reliable Indian food staples, this place absolutely hits the mark. Definitely a favorite of mine!

    Crispy Masala Potatoes
    Tameka G.

    Nice place to try in Optimist Hall. I ordered my food online and picked it up inside. The employee who gave me my food was friendly and verified my order. The seating are was nicely decorated. I truly enjoyed my food the potatoes were flavored very well and crispy. The Lamb burger sliders were a good size and delicious. I felt like I got my money worth of food.

    Lamb Kabob Roll
    Daniel H.

    The food is interesting. First time eating this type of food. It's not my favorite, but is edible. Very oniony flavor and cilantro scent. The setting is like walking into a food court, staff very friendly. Portion size is decent. Recommend if you want a full belly.

    Sid P.

    Everything that we tried here was amazing! We ordered the Bengali special fish (curiously came in a burger style with nice chutney!) the malai chicken kabob and the MG road style chicken wings, all incredibly tasty and flavorful. The highlight was the bourbon spiked hot chai (tea!) . Again, the ambiance and the service is awesome too.... Thoroughly recommended and will be back whenever we are in Charlotte!!

    Outside
    Rebekah P.

    Had the aloo tikki chhole: Crispy Indian potato fritters served over a spiced chickpea stew with tamarind chutney, green chutney, sweet yogurt, sev and red onion. SO GOOD! Service was so friendly and recommended food based on my preferences. Ambiance is a fun and casual vibe- great place for a casual hangout with friends at the Optimist Hall

    Malai Chicken roll
    Kendra B.

    The Malai Chicken Roll is a 10/10 and you need it in your life! This was my first time trying it. It was extremely filling... tender marinated chicken topped with the dynamic flavors of slaw, onions and cilantro on soft hot naan. It was ahhmazing and I was sad when I got to the end. Thankfully I found one last surprise piece of chicken in my little bag that had fallen out which was the love on top of love. The only bad thing about this place is that there are not more locations around town (at least not yet). I wish I could pop in without the inconvenience of driving to Optimist Hall. My husband also swears by the Crispy Masala Fish Roll. He said it's a hit but he didn't share any with me because we were both being stingy with our rolls. Service was also great. My meal was basically ready before I could finish placing the order but it was hot and the staff was friendly and appreciative of our business. I highly recommend!

    Mango lassi

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    Photo of Kris H.
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    5 years ago

    This place is awesome. Great food and great flavor combinations, nothing like it in Charlotte

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    Harriet's Hamburgers - The Royale

    Harriet's Hamburgers

    4.6(335 reviews)
    0.0 miNoDa
    $$

    Located inside the lively Optimist Hall, Harriet's Hamburgers is a great stop if you're craving a…read moresimple, well-executed smash burger. Optimist Hall itself is a very food-centric, upscale food hall with a ton of vendors, so the atmosphere is energetic and fun. Seating can be a little challenging during peak dinner hours since so many people are grabbing food from different spots, but when the weather is nice there's plenty of outdoor seating. Harriet's keeps their burger formula refreshingly simple. It's a classic smash burger done right--made to order with a straightforward menu that doesn't overcomplicate things. There's usually a line, but it moves pretty quickly, and the burgers come out hot and fresh. One of the best parts of eating here is the flexibility of the food hall experience. While you're waiting, you can grab a craft beer, a glass of wine, or even browse for dessert from one of the other vendors. Insider tip: Come with a group if you can. It's a great place to share fries and let everyone explore different vendors around the hall. Parking is fairly easy with the nearby garage, which makes the whole experience even more convenient. Overall, Harriet's is a fun, delicious stop for a smash burger, especially if you're already enjoying the energy of Optimist Hall.

    After seeing Harriet's Hamburgers all over TikTok being crowned "the best burger in Charlotte," I…read morehad to see what the hype was about. I live super close to Optimist Hall, so it's been on my radar for a while. This particular night I wasn't feeling great, so I DoorDashed instead of dining in. I ordered the Royale with crispy fries and let me just say... I get it. The burger was genuinely impressive. The quality of the beef stood out immediately. Juicy, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. The meat to bun ratio was spot on, which is crucial. Nothing worse than a bread heavy burger. The lettuce and tomatoes were fresh, the build was balanced, and even after delivery, everything held up beautifully. So far I've tried two burger spots in Charlotte, and this one takes the top spot. I'm not ready to declare it the best in the entire city just yet because my burger tour is ongoing, but right now it's leading the race. I'll definitely be going to Optimist Hall soon to try it fresh off the grill and experience the service and atmosphere firsthand. Expect an update. But based on this first round alone, Harriet's is absolutely worth the order. Burger lovers, this one deserves a try.

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    Harriet's Hamburgers - Kitchen where it goes down

    Kitchen where it goes down

    Harriet's Hamburgers
    Harriet's Hamburgers

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    Ace No 3 - Belmont Village

    Ace No 3 - Belmont Village

    4.6(504 reviews)
    0.6 miBelmont
    $$

    As a West Coast transplant now living in Charlotte, I have very specific standards when it comes to…read moreburgers. For me, the gold standard isn't fancy -- it's balance. Think that perfect meat-cheese-bread ratio you get at an In-N-Out: not too big, not too messy, not dripping everywhere, but still juicy and satisfying. A burger you can actually pick up and enjoy without resorting to a knife and fork like George Costanza. That's why I appreciate Ace No. 3. Their menu is refreshingly simple -- burgers, fries, shakes -- and that simplicity tells me they know exactly what they do well. Everything is made to order, and the consistency shows. The Ace burger is my go-to, and it delivers every time. The shoestring fries are excellent, and the sweet potato tots are another favorite. I've also treated myself to a milkshake here and there, and they're worth it. Fun bonus: they offer "boozy shakes" for adults, which adds a playful twist -- just note they have to be enjoyed on site. They also keep a short, rotating list of beers, which I appreciate. It's curated, not overwhelming. One thing I noticed recently -- and as a fellow marketer, I have to applaud this -- is their milkshake happy hour from 2-4 PM. That's a smart strategy to drive traffic during slower hours between lunch and dinner. Simple, effective, and well executed. A few practical notes: Parking can be a little tight because the lot behind the restaurant is small, but if you go during off-peak hours or order ahead for pickup, it's manageable. The Belmont neighborhood location is easy to get in and out of, and while it's not a high-traffic pedestrian area, that can actually work in your favor. Bottom line: As someone who grew up with West Coast burger culture, this is the closest I've found in Charlotte to that classic, satisfying bite -- even if it costs a bit more than In-N-Out. The quality and execution make it worth it. Get out there, eat well, be curious -- and follow me as I continue eating my way through Charlotte.

    Food was not great! Their parking lots is full of grease dripping out of a fan. Smells awful…read more Imagine how dirty the inside is, if they just leave this sitting there like this.

    Photos
    Ace No 3 - Belmont Village - Saturday

    Saturday

    Ace No 3 - Belmont Village - Ace's Burger. Onion Straws. Sweet Tea. Sycamore Mango Cider

    Ace's Burger. Onion Straws. Sweet Tea. Sycamore Mango Cider

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    Moo & Brew - Cheeseburger and fries at Moo & Brew

    Moo & Brew

    4.0(536 reviews)
    1.1 miElizabeth
    $$

    This is the best non-commercial burger spot in CLT hands down. The ingredients are quality and…read moreoffer a great variety. You can get classic cheeseburger or a cool speciality. The vibe is fun very eclectic with ample inside and outside seating. The service is Amazing! We've never had a bad experience with the people at this spot. They really care to give you great food at a great price with quite a few going above and beyond. The only improvement that would push this place over the top is better beer maintenance. I've had many different kinds of beers over many seasons here and they're never good. Either skunk tasting, flat, or room temp. We now only order cocktails if we want to drink here. Maybe cleaner beer lines or improved cooler system would help. Otherwise thank you for being a community Gem and must see in Charlotte.

    Moo & Brew continues to be a solid go-to for us. I tried the patty melt this time and it was…read moreexactly what you want it to be, melty, savory, and packed with flavor. My boyfriend went with the bison burger and loved it. We've been here a few times now and the food is consistently great, which I really appreciate. The only reason this isn't a full five stars is the sweet potato fries; they just tasted like they needed a bit more time to get that perfect crisp. Also, the space is definitely small and gets crowded quickly..not a dealbreaker, just something to note. Service was friendly, our food came out hot, and overall it was another really good experience. We'll absolutely be back!

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    Moo & Brew - Bar

    Bar

    Moo & Brew - Parmesan. Garlic & Olive Oil

    Parmesan. Garlic & Olive Oil

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    Queen City Bites & Crafts - What more could you ask for?

    Queen City Bites & Crafts

    4.3(199 reviews)
    1.2 miUptown
    $$

    There are nights when you just need your faith rewarded. Tonight, my friends, is that night…read more Out of town we here spending my first night in Charlotte. There are so many choices. Too many choices. Just red something simple, delicious, and contorting. But who? Enter QCBC. It's getting late. I'm hungry. And I want something simple. And honestly, The Alley is really hyper confusing. So I pull into QCBC just looking for a burger and a beer. And dayum!! Did they deliver!!! First...my bartender comes in super cool. She explains the menu and recommends a beer. I keep it simple...the QCBC Burger with provolone and fries. She recommends the Kolsch. I'm in!! Long story short...perfection!!! The burger is cooked exact to spec. The fries are crispy, seasoned and delicious, and the beer is a pitch-perfect match. Faith restored!!! I was skeptical going in. Walking out...full, happy, and looking forward to the next time I can settle up to the bar and enjoy another perfect burger and a beer experience. Seriously kids...hit it out of the park!!!

    Visited here for some food and drinks before a show at the Knight Theatre. It was great! Very cozy,…read morefelt like a neighborhood spot. Service was wonderful and friendly and food came quick. I got the poutine, which was solid, and my aunt got a burger. It wasn't life changing, but it was good and I was thrilled to be able to have basically anything on the menu because they confirmed my allergies (seafood and nuts) were not a concern here at all. Will absolutely be back!

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    Queen City Bites & Crafts - Having a little fun!  Our favorite spot in the alley to chill and drink good beer!

    Having a little fun! Our favorite spot in the alley to chill and drink good beer!

    Queen City Bites & Crafts - Amazing pimento cheese bacon burger

    Amazing pimento cheese bacon burger

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    Optimist Hall - Noble smoke Pork Sandwich and Mac-n-Chz. Maleficent fairy drink.

    Optimist Hall

    4.5(761 reviews)
    0.0 miNoDa
    $$

    What a great place this was. Best food hall I've ever been to. This was definitely a foodie…read moreexperience. I went to Botiwalla. I wrote a separate review for that one, which was out of your mind amazing, and when I come back, there are so many other places I have to try. There's an Italian place that makes noodles from scratch every day, so that's my goal for the next visit. My husband had a Cuban sandwich, and he said that was the best he's ever had. Everywhere there was great, comfortable seating with beautiful hanging boho plants that just gave a nice natural and calm touch to the environment.

    While visiting the Carolina's at the start of 2026, we decided to do a short day trip to Charolette…read moreand ended up at Optimist Hall. As a New Yorker we have our share of markets/food halls and OH fits the familiar script, with a slightly smaller footprint than what I've experienced. What never seems to change is that securing seating can be a challenge because all spots are "prime" real estate and the abundance of choices is an indecisive person's nightmare. Nonetheless, to all the foodies at heart those are just minor details for mere mortals... lol. We managed to grab a larger enough table and everyone circled until we made our individual choices and then returned to our central meeting spot to break bread and indulge in all of our finds. We enjoyed several of the eateries we experienced and I was particularly intrigued by the plant store (albeit kinda pricey). Return is a no brainer especially for the places that were most memorable. Just A Note: Parking is not free, payment is required. Please not depending on the time of day it can be crowded so securing a spot will require patience.

    Photos
    Optimist Hall - Food options

    Food options

    Optimist Hall - A little bit of everything: left to right: miso ramen with soft egg, OG bao bun, maleficent fairy drink, chendu dumplings. Broth.

    A little bit of everything: left to right: miso ramen with soft egg, OG bao bun, maleficent fairy drink, chendu dumplings. Broth.

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    Batiwalla

    Botiwalla - burgers - Updated May 2026

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