If there’s one thing us humans love to do, it’s come together around food. That’s true no matter the culture—we’ll sit around and swap stories as we pass plates and bowls from one hand to the next, and we’ll eat until we just can’t eat anymore. These days, we might not have as much time as we used to for gathering friends together and deciding on a place to eat, but that’s part of what makes places like food halls so fun and special. By bringing so many different cuisines together in one place, they make it easier to find something for everyone—and in the case of Monarch Market, they do it with style, too.
The Food Hall
Monarch Market, which opened recently in November of 2023, is a food hall in Uptown Charlotte that takes pride in offering an eclectic culinary experience to guests. The upscale dining area feels spacious and sleek, with Monarch butterfly motifs pulling the theme together. The food hall offers both booth and table seating, as well as a full-screen projector for events and videos.
As far as the food goes, Monarch Market features one full-service restaurant, Sushi Art, as well as 12 food vendors, including ones guests can’t find anywhere else. Those vendors include Pha Khao, Rolled AF, and Focaccina. At Pha Khao, guests will find authentic Laotian cuisine from restaurateur Chef Rocky Jokbengboon, and at Rolled AF, they’ll get a taste of modern Mexican food from the owners of two Charlotte food trucks, Nacho Average and 22 Street Kitchen. Focaccina offers yet another type of cuisine, focusing on the love that Chef Albano Barjami and Manuel Scenna have for focaccia bread and Italian flavors—not to mention their delectable desserts, like their handmade cannoli and stuffed croissants.
But guests can find more than just food at this food hall. Like many of Charlotte’s gathering spots, Monarch Market also sells specialty drinks. Guests can head to one of the Market’s three bars: Lanai Terrace Bar, Aster Cocktail Room, and Monarch Bar. Monarch Bar serves as their standard bar space, where guests can order draft beer and basic cocktails without leaving the dining area. For drinks made with fresh tropical juices and bold flavors, the Lanai Terrace Bar is the place to go.
Best Gems in Monarch Market
But the hidden gem of Monarch Bar is really the Aster Cocktail Room. Tucked away on the second floor, this speakeasy-style bar serves classic cocktails with high-end spirits and a few modern twists. Those looking for something sweet, yet well-balanced should try The Cherie Berry, which includes Manzanilla sherry, Pasubio Amaro, Spanish brandy, as well as citrus, blueberry, mint, and nutmeg. For something a little more timeless and liquor-forward, guests can’t go wrong with the Reserve Old Fashioned, featuring Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon.
Those who want to check out Monarch Market for themselves can find it at One Independence Center in Uptown, just a short walk from the Lynx Blue Line’s CTC/Arena stop. Not sure what to order first? With the Market’s unique checkout technology, guests can order from multiple vendors at once and pay it all on one tab when they use the To Go booth at the front of the Market. For more information about new vendors and upcoming Market events, visit the Monarch Market website.
