Papi Queso

The BEST grilled cheese place! It’s reasonably priced and has a TON of flavor. The Texas cheesesteak grilled cheese is very very good. The buffalo chicken grilled cheese is delicious as well! The garlic Fries.. may be the best fries I’ve ever had. It was so good, I ended up buying an order to-go. I recommend wholeheartedly!

YUM! This is grilled cheese on a professional level. We got the little cheesy, mac, tomato soup, and garlic tots with aioli. Everything was excellent tasting. Super flavorful. Tomato soup very tasty, thick, and has a great basil flavor. Mac grilled cheese was so good and perfect balance of noods, cheese, and bread. Tots were excellent and completely dusted in seasoning. The truffle aioli is so good too. Excellent lunch.

We loved the spaghetti 🍝 grilled cheese- yummy. It was like cheesy spaghetti inside garlic bread. I had to share it- it was SO heavy. The area itself is cool too with it being inside the renovated mill with shops and restaurants. Service was friendly and quick. My friend got champagne on draft, and the portion was quite large. Overall- would definitely recommend attain.

When we came here in 2020 it’s amazing food. The regular grilled cheese was delicious-they had a cheeseburger grilled cheese equally delicious-we came back 2025 and not the same as it was in 2020 - nothing was the same for flavor or the service the people did not know what they were doing. And. Is they add parsley to the grilled cheese. Not good for kids. Just overall not the same restaurant it was in 2020!

Fantastic place! Really enjoyed the atmosphere. The food was great. I got the pulled pork with mac and cheese. And the cheese fries.

Went today and had their Cubano grilled cheese and it was phenomenal! I don't know whose idea it was to create this deliciousness but they need a raise and promotion! The sandwich was perfect: tender pork, sliced ham, a deliciously tangy/tart mustard sauce and the best homemade pickles that still had their crunch! The balance of flavors and textures were perfection! I think it's a limited flavor so I highly recommend you go and get one!

Papi Queso is an exceptional place to get a sandwich. I'm not usually much for buying sandwiches that aren't burgers, but these are special grilled cheeses. My mother eats a ton of grilled cheeses and loved the classic Little Cheesy. I ate the Pig Mac with pulled pork and macaroni and cheese. Fries were excellent. I just wish they had fountain drinks. Bottled sodas or water is not always what I want. Such drinks are usually overpriced. Service was very friendly. This is another great food stall at Optimist Hall.

I had a mommy baby date with my daughter here. I guess the owner was behind the bar. Such an awesome personality. The whole staff was amazing. And the food was so good for just being a sandwich shop. I stick by forever statement. Amazing service makes great food taste amazing (dont steal my quote!!😜)

Ordering was easy. Lots of choices. The sauces options are great and I highly recommend trying a few. We ordered the cheesesteak and the bacon with pepper jelly and while both were good, the bacon with pepper jelly was the clear winner.

Stopped inside Optimist Hall for lunch. I love grilled cheese so decided to give them a try. We had the pig mac, which was pulled pork and the Texas cheesestesk, brisket grilled cheese with tomato soup. Perfect meal on a cold day. The lady that took our order was helpful when we had questions. She kept track of the many orders that were flowing through and when mine came up she remembered what was mine and alerted me that it was ready. There seemed to be a great flow of dine in verses to go orders. It was orderly and clean. Great customer service. The grilled cheeses did not disappoint. The Texas cheesteak brisket was my favorite but the pig mac was good too. The bread was toasted with a perfect crisp and the sandwiches were very cheesy. The soup was good and light, not overly tomatoey, but it was a tad bit too thin and soupy. I like my soup slightly thicker. The taste was good tho. I also tried the frose, which was a frozen Rose' drink. It was really good. good. I can't wait to go back and try the other unique grilled cheeses.

No more chasing after the food truck, Papi Queso and their amazing grilled cheese have landed at Optimist Hall. After walking the circuit and checking out to see if there was anything else we would regret missing, we circled back to the neon moustache and ordered the classic "Little Cheesy." A few minutes later, the pager buzzed and I picked up half of our dinner. A perfectly toasted grilled sandwich. Inside, American cheese, provolone and cheddar all combined for a rich tangy cheese deliciousness. This is grilled cheese for grown ups! Of course, they have tomato soup and fries and sandwiches that also include brisket or pulled pork or buffalo chicken. But for our first go with Papi Queso, we stuck with the classic and it was the right choice. Delish! [Round number 23100 overall - review 2081 of 2024 - 3763 in North Carolina]

Love that it is in a food hall! This little restaurant had a few seats in front at the bar. The staff were very welcoming and friendly. Thankfully we put our orders in before the rush came. But the food was superb. I got the spaghetti grilled cheese and it was so nostalgic. It was hearty, the flavors were on point, and it wasn't rushed to be cooked

We loved the spaghetti grilled cheese- yummy. It was like cheesy spaghetti inside garlic bread. I had to share it- it was SO heavy. The area itself is cool too with it being inside the renovated mill with shops and restaurants. Service was friendly and quick. My friend got champagne on draft, and the portion was quite large. Overall- would definitely recommend attain.

After always hearing about it, I finally got to Optimist Park to try Papi Queso. I've been loving grilled cheese since I was a little girl. However, I let fear keep me from being too adventurous and just went with the little cheese. I didn't want to get something that I wouldn't enjoy, especially as this is the most I'd be paying for a grilled cheese. There was a short wait as they were busy while I was there. The staff was pleasant. I think I'll try the pulled pork or the mac and cheese next time.

Alright y'all - this was AMAZING. First of all, I recommend ordering online so that you can avoid the lines and just go pick up your food. It was ready within 15 minutes of placing the order. The mac & cheese melt was absolutely to die for. I added caramelize onions and it rounded out the whole entire melt. The flavor was there, and it was incredibly cheesy. Now the star of the show were the garlic tots with the truffle aïoli and I also got the garlic aïoli. OMG these were the best tater tots I have ever had. Without a doubt every time I visit this place I will be getting these garlic tots. I already can't wait for my next visit so I can try what I'll they have on the menu.

Incredibly kind and genuine staff! Comfortable atmosphere- I sat at their little counter.

Came here with a couple of my friends when we could not decide where to go get food. First of all, I love this little spot with so many restaurant options . After making several rounds I landed on papi queso. The food was served warm and flavorful. Definitely a comfort food spot so don't go there when trying to count calories haha. Loved the outdoor and indoor space and the cute decorations of the spot too!

Warm, gooey, cheesy comfort food at its finest! The grilled cheese is delicious, perfectly crispy on the outside with melty goodness inside... so flavorful!

Food - A+ Service A+ This spot is inside the food hall but it is MORE than just grill cheese! It's a flavor bomb sandwich that will brighten your day! We got the Mac and cheese and added brisket!! Which was delicious by itself BUT I also got the aioli (garlic I think, they have a truffle one too and I'm sure both would be good!) and I DIPPED the sandwich and it was a word better than delicious! We ate the whole sandwich and I wish I lived in Charlotte so I could try another sandwich! Oh and ask Amy(I think) or any one there, cause everyone was nice, for recommendations there is kind of secret menu/customizations that you can play with ! Lol

This place is definitely a sleeper. I'm at Optimist Hall regularly when I'm in town and never went to this station.I was so wrong. I got the melt and tomato and the garlic tots with the garlic aioli. Amazingly delicious. The sandwich was gooey and fresh. The tots were epic and I am obsessed with the aioli sauce. The service was fantastic and I got my order with a smile. It was Itis worthy food.

I was wanting something that was not typically something I would eat, and Papi Queso had a variety of grilled cheeses sandwiches. The sandwich was really good, and it had a unique flavor to it that I enjoyed. The person taking our order was super nice, and coming here was a pleasant experience all around.

Papi Queso offers a quick and delicious option for grilled and cheese lovers. This place is located in one of Charlotte's coolest food halls, Optimist Hall. The menu offers delicious options of grilled cheese sandwiches. My wife and I tried the Classic Combo (sandwich and tomato soup). They were good! Now, the tomato soup here is not the traditional one. It's more gourmet but really good! The service was terrific and the ambiance was great. Now, keep in mind that this is a fast-food restaurant in a food hall, so the seating setting is on a bar. In other words, it's a fast-paced food experience. There is plenty to do around after you enjoy this place. There is plenty of parking (first 90 minutes are free) in its own parking lot. Overall, 100% recommended.

It's quick service grilled cheese but my wife can't resist the gooey cheesy goodness at papi queso. I usually go to another food vendor, but papi queso is her go to spot. It's always consistent and fast. The workers are always friendly and attentive. My wife always gets the jalapeño bacon grilled cheese and isn't ever disappointed.

I consider a grilled cheese to be the ultimate comfort food. It's something that your parents would whip up for you when you're a kid, and something that you can make yourself if you want a quick wholesome meal. The idea of a restaurant dedicated to grilled cheeses seems far fetched, but Papi Queso proved that even a simple staple can be improved upon! If I remember correctly they used to be a beloved food truck, but with the opening of Optimist Hall they now have a brick and mortar location. Optimist Hall has no shortage of delicious food options, so regrettably it took me a couple of visits before I decided to stop by. They have a few bar seats to eat and drink at, or you can take your sandwich to one of the many tables at the food hall. I elected to go with the spaghetti melt because it sounded so out there I had to try. It might be one of my all time favorite sandwiches now! Seriously can't wait to go back and try some other items on their menu but I may just be too tempted to get the spaghetti melt again it was that good.

Back again but this time with my sights set on the Texas Cheesesteak. I'm rather disappointed in myself for not writing a review after the first visit as this place was the first to catch my eye in Optimist Hall. I've wanted to revisit it ever since! I'm still dreaming of that tasty bacon and jalapeño grilled cheese and side of cheese curds. Unfortunately it seems the curds may not be on the menu anymore or maybe I just overlooked them this trip. They were good and if they ever make a return, I recommend them! This trip we decided we would try to split a few different items from different restaurants to be able to sample more of Optimist Hall's offerings. So for Papi Queso we decided on the Texas Cheesesteak. I'm not sure what it is they do to their bread or if maybe it's the type of bread they use, but they have absolutely perfected the art of a grilled cheese here! It has that perfectly crispy, golden brown crust from one end to the other but isn't greasy or charred. The ingredients inside offer great flavor mixed with melty cheese and it's absolutely delicious. I love that they use poblanos instead of bell peppers in their cheesesteak. The brisket is also a nice addition as sometimes shaved steak can be a bit chewy. Overall a great option but honestly I'm sure that can be said about the entire menu. Hopefully I will be able to visit more and sample them all eventually. It's certainly hard not to order the previous selections every time though!

Papi Queso WOW, when you are in the mood for Grilled Cheese type sandwiches this is definitely the place to go! The bread is perfectly toasted, the ingredients are top quality and there is ample delicious cheese in every sandwich they make. We tried the Texas Cheesesteak sandwich and the Spaghetti Melt Sandwich. Both of these were super tasty! I have never had Spaghetti in a sandwich but it definitely works, so delicious! I am sure all of their sandwiches are amazing. The side of Mac n Cheese was also so good and so cheesy. Papi Queso is located in Optimist Hall a wonderful building filled with several eateries. Service was also excellent. I highly recommend this place for your comfort food needs!

I got the jalapeño bacon grilled cheese with a side of tomato soup and it was perfect! The tomato soup is such a good dipping soup for the sandwich. The sweet bacon added a great combination to the rest of the flavors! So good 10/10. I also got a frosé, it was super small for $10. My total was around $30

Man if you want some amazing grilled cheese and tater tots this is the place to get it. I had the buffalo chicken grill cheese which had great flavor through and through. I don't do tater tots but these garlic tots are amazing and fried to perfection. The person at the register was very polite and helpful. The ambiance is cool. The restaurant shares space with other restaurants in a building called optimist hall. It's a really cool spot to hang out with friends and have lunch with your boo. I will definitely eat here again!

When I saw this place on diners drive ins and dives I knew I had to come. The menu is full of amazing grilled cheese sandwiches and sides. I opted for the Texas cheesesteak and garlic tots that was a good call on my part! One my order was placed, it took maybe 20 minutes until it was ready for pickup. It was so good, I wish I could could have tried all of the other sandwiches on the menu, but that just give me reason to keep coming back for more. I like that they are not just a food truck anymore, as it's nice to visit optimist hall for the other businesses and to enjoy the atmosphere. If I had any complaints it would be how expensive the sandwiches are, but I guess good quality doesn't come cheap.

Papi Queso is a Charlotte staple. I can't believe I haven't reviewed it before. The Pig Mac is my go to favorite, but I forced myself to try something new on my last visit. I got the Texas Cheesesteak which was very good. I can't say I liked it more than the Pig Mac, but you really can't go wrong with any sandwich here. I also tried my friend's cheese curds which were way too salty for my liking. If you're at Optimist Hall, you can't go wrong with grilled cheese from here.

Came in here on a Sunday evening with a friend. Optimist Hall is pretty busy on the weekends and can be overwhelming with all the options but a gourmet grilled cheese won our first pick to share. We opted for the Pig Mac. Pulled pork can be hit or miss for me and I wasn't sure about Mac and cheese on the sandwich - but this was a game changer! It was the perfect combination and ratio of toppings.

Master Chef skills bringing in hot and tasty with the Texas Cheese Steak are absolutely delicious and delicious and delicious Wow! You must try all of these sandwiches because they are money ! Fasten your seat belt and go full throttle to taste a new level of gustatory delights !

I ordered the Texas cheesesteak grilled cheese with house fries. Omg! First let's start with the fries. Excellent amount of seasoning! Fried perfectly and fresh! My sandwich was cheesy and far from dry. They also gave me so many fries so I will be saving for later. The service was nice and friendly as well. Highly recommend.

Yay grilled cheese! This was our first visit to Optimist Hall and it was a success. There are so many interesting places we will definitely be back. I got the Pig MAC sandwich which is pulled pork and Mac and it was delicious. I dunked it in the tomato soup. Yum! Hubby got the Texas cheesesteak and loved it. Kiddo knocked out the little cheesey. Usually he has leftovers but not tonight. We will definitely return!

Some may scoff at their prices, but let me tell you, they are worth it! My boyfriend and I swung into Optimist Hall Sunday afternoon after the Panthers last game. We got there with perfect timing before the dinner rush and were able to secure two spots at their counter to eat in. Now, I normally go for the pork sammy, but I saw the spaghetti one and knew I had to have it! Made even better, their special was spaghetti AND meatballs. Y'all. When I tell you I've been thinking about that sandwich for dayyyyys now. It was amazing. The meatballs were flavorful and tender, the sandwich was stuffed with spaghetti it was hot, it was fresh... I'm salivating just writing this. All that to say I highly highly recommend it, you can't go wrong with whichever you choose.

Very sold grilled cheese. I got the little cheesy since I wanted to try so many other things in the food hall. It was still pretty filling. It was yummy, creamy and salty on a thin toast.

Made a trip to Optimist hall for a team lunch. After walking by Papi Queso I knew that was going to be my lunch choice. The cheesy smells and delicious looking sandwiches is what did it for me. I ordered the most popular sandwich - with pork, Mac and cheese and onions. It was like a flashback into my childhood after taking the first bite. It was rich and delightful. I can't wait to try other cheesy treats next time I'm back at Optimist Hall.

Papi Queso is always a good choice when you go to Optimist Hall. Pig Mac is true deliciousness. My concern is the prices have seemed to increase. For the Pig Mac, separately sold fries, and a food tax, the bill ended up being a drastic $17 A grill cheese sandwich with pulled pork and fries is good, but it's not that good. We will be giving them a break for a little bit to explore some other options.

Papi!! The man for real! I first discovered these amazing sandwiches on a lunch break uptown when I noticed their food truck near the Convention Center. Tried it on a whim and was blown away! The food at Optimist is just as amazing as that first time I tried it from the food truck. Adult filled cheese sandwiches on steroids. The Pog Mac is my absolute fav and the only one you need. The combination of the cheese plus the pork is so so good. No wonder it's their top seller. If you're in the area, try this, you won't be disappointed. It's a staple and something I treat myself to when I'm in a cheesy mood.

The food was average, but the service was good and the cashier was very friendly. The garlic tots and the dipping sauce were the best thing on the plate.

Do I recommend....ABSOLUTELY!!!!! The brisket grilled cheese may be one of the most amazing things I've ever eaten!! I wanted to go back the next day!!! The service was good and I love the vibe of Optimist Hall as a whole!!

In a far off land I love to visit called NC, there is a magical place called Optimus Hall. Within its walls lays many of the best formerly "outdoor" food trucks in Charlotte! Papi Queso is as yummy as it looks! Who doesn't want a hot pressed sandwich filled with gooey goodness? Service is great and they have vegan options as well. Great for lunch date, remote working, family meals or hanging out with friends. Optimus Hall has indoor and outdoor seating. Great location to post up with your laptop for the afternoon. Please tell them I sent you. For more: See YumYumYemi on Instagram and TikTok

Wow is all I can say! Visiting my son from out of state and we went for lunch. My son told me it's his favorite spot in Charlotte. I had the Pig Mac and it was absolutely delicious! Creamy melted cheese, pulled pork with just the right seasoning and sauce and the best part was the bread was perfectly grilled nice and crispy. Fries were hot, fresh, crispy on the outside soft on the inside. Sauce was a nice treat to skip the sandwich in. Staff was super friendly!! If you haven't tried it yet, you are missing out! 10 out of 5 stars!!

Optimist Hall was packed. I mean PACKED. I walked around once to see what food was available then I made another loop to find a line that didn't stretch around the corner. That's when I saw Papi Queso - a couple of people in line in front of me - that could have been a good sign yet it could have been a bad sign. Because how can you go wrong with cheese, butter and bread, I chose it as a good sign. I ordered both the Mushroom Gruyère and the Pig Mac grilled cheese sandwiches. I also ordered rosemary fries, a beer for my husband and a wine slushy for myself. I guess I'm unfortunately getting used to inflation - I didn't flinch at $9 and $10 for grilled cheese. (After I thought about later I did flinch a little.) After paying, I was served my drinks, handed a beeper and told to come back in about 10 minutes. That gave me enough time to get the drinks back to our table. Speaking of those drinks - the slushy was excellent - I'd love to have one of these on a hot Bama evening while sitting on the deck listening to some Garth. I went back in the allotted 10 minutes to retrieve my food. I waited and waited until they realized that my beeper wasn't working. No biggie - just be mindful that this can happen. My husband and I first split the mushroom Gruyère sandwich - silky smooth cheese, lots of sautéed mushrooms sandwiched between two slices of perfectly grilled bread. It was delicious. Amazingly delicious! I was so full that I didn't have room to split the Pig Mac. I don't know who decided to put cheese, Mac and cheese and pulled pork between two slices of bread but whoever it was, give that woman a medal! I shouldn't have gotten the fries - the sandwiches were way more than enough on their own and also, the fries weren't all that great - the rosemary was almost nonexistent. In the end, I guess fate brought me to Papi Queso but the food will bring me back!

A perfect grilled cheese. I always get the little cheesy and sometimes add tomatoes. As basic as it comes but oh so good. Best to eat it right then and there when it's hot and the cheese is stringy. Pro tip- get the chili oil from the dumpling lady and dip that bad boy in her... you'll thank me later. I'll always enjoy papi queso and you should too.

The food was mediocre. I ordered the brisket sandwich. Just to keep it short and simple, the brisket tasted and looked like prepackaged meat. The cashier stated that the brisket is smoked for 16hrs. It's probably sitting on low heat for 16hrs....it just didn't taste legit. Definitely not worth the price.

This place is a fantastic creative little gem. I stopped by Optimist Hall while in Charlotte for work. Great space to have a stale/ booth in. I ordered the most creative sandwich I saw on the menu- the Pig Mac. A grilled cheese with pulled pork and Mac and cheese. The crunch on the outside of the sandwich was to die for. Overall, seasoned great and amazing combo sandwich wise. Would stop by again for a different sandwich in the future.

Papi Queso has been popular for several years but this was my first visit to their site at Optimist Hall and it wont be my last. The staff engages their customers and adds to the experience whether you're grabbing food to go or sitting at the counter. The grilled cheese sandwiches are loaded with cheese and toppings and the soup is an excellent complement. I grabbed a Munkle beer and it did not disappoint. If you're looking for some comfort food and an inviting counter this is the place to visit.

Found this place while trying to find my mom something to eat for dinner. She thought about the Buffalo chicken sandwich but wanted to try something else since she couldn't alter the spice level. The cashier was so helpful in answering her questions. I got the Mushroom Gruyere Sandwich and some fries for myself. And I'm glad I did! It was full of flavor just how I would've cooked it for myself. My mom even said next time she'll try something too.

I don't live in Charlotte, but I make sure to get a grilled cheese from here every time I am in town. This has to be the best grilled cheese I have ever had in my life! The mushroom gruyere is my absolute favorite, but I have tried the other ones too - they are all amazing! I love optimist hall, the vibe, and how clean it is there. It's an awesome hangout spot and this grilled cheese makes my day every single time. The staff is always super nice, the food is served pretty fast even when they are busy. I would give 6 stars if I could!

Papi queso is honestly a Charlotte staple. This is a warning to not order the tomato soup. Honestly so watery and flavorless. Would prefer to be served campbells. See picture. The grilled cheeses always hit though. Perfectly crisp and super cheesy. Frose is also a 10/10!

Papi Queso has some solid grilled cheese! I got the Mac n cheese one and it was fabulous! It's the perfect quick bite and I'll definitely be getting it at Optimist again!

Wanted to try after seeing on Triple D... amazing grilled cheese, several options. Really cool place to eat - like an indoor / outdoor food court (Optimist Hall). Glad we checked it out!

With Papi Queso now open in Optimist Hall there was no way I could pass up a grilled cheese sandwich during a recent visit. Having had a few in the past, The Pig MAC and the Jalapeño, we decided to try some other options. We ordered the Little Cheese, Mushroom Gruyere and Burger Melt, a couple of Tomatoe Soup and Fries. Exactly what I expected, each sandwich was amazing. Perfectly toasted bread, melted cheese and they did not skimp on fillings. The soup was a nice addition, especially to compliment The Little Cheese. As for the fries, loved! Won't pass those up again.

2.5, average grilled cheese place. The mac and cheese grilled cheese was severely lacking in flavor. I added jalapeños but they barely put any inside and they were very mild. The tots were the only good part of my meal, and the aioli that came with it made the sandwich slightly more tolerable. Very greasy (although that's to be expected) but the taste wasn't worth it. Pass.

Papi Queso is an exceptional place to get a sandwich. I'm not usually much for buying sandwiches that aren't burgers, but these are special grilled cheeses. My mother eats a ton of grilled cheeses and loved the classic Little Cheesy. I ate the Pig Mac with pulled pork and macaroni and cheese. Fries were excellent. I just wish they had fountain drinks. Bottled sodas or water is not always what I want. Such drinks are usually overpriced. Service was very friendly. This is another great food stall at Optimist Hall.

Hands down the best grilled cheese in town !!! Now how does one get so excited about a freakin grilled cheese ? Papi Queso has a menu that's pretty basic and straight to the point but it's nothing basic about the grilled cheeses . They offer all different types of grilled cheeses and you cant order one without getting the garlic tots. Great balls of fire I could legit order & eat the garlic tots alone ! If you want a grilled cheese that will have you feenin for more Papi Queso is the one .