Wow, straight to the trash it went. This isn’t me complaining for money back or anything, I just wanted to share my experience. I rarely ever write reviews, only when I’m highly disappointed or highly impressed. Well, TLDR; I would not recommend this location. I remember going to the shop on Park Road back in 2017, and I was quite pleased with the goods there and became a fan since. When this one opened in Optimist, I began visiting this one instead as I’m a lot closer. I’m an occasional visitor, nothing’s that impressive there, but I enjoy baked goods after eating. In the beginning, it was good. A bit overpriced, but I didn’t mind. After every visit, it just became lacking but never inedible until today when I tried it tonight. It was disgusting. As a baker and ex pastry chef, this was so horrendous that it made me angry. I just tossed it in the trash. Your salted caramel brownie was so salty, I could taste the ocean. The first bite I took I just spit out. I was in disbelief. I tried another side of it, thinking maybe it was just that one area. Nope. I couldn’t eat it, it was just a bar of salt, not even the dark chocolate can atone for it’s saltiness. I’ve had this a multitude of times here, never had I ever bit into a bar of salt. Next, I tried the chocolate chip cookie. For sure no one can mess up a chocolate chip cookie? Nope. It tasted like a refrigerator. I took another bite, thinking maybe I was mistaken. No, it tasted like you left it unwrapped properly, put it in a fridge and then out to serve. I understand that you’re a growing and busy business and sometimes things are mass prepped/made, but there sure is a lack of quality recently.

I moved to Charlotte NC about 15 years ago from Miami Fl. On several ocations, I would search for a Bakery that sold authentic Cubano Sandwiches. I believe My search is over. My family had ask what I would like for lunch and I quickly replied that I would like a really nice Cubano Sandwich. Did a quick Google search once again and came across Suarez Bakery and Barra. Being that We live in North Charlotte, it was about a 20 minute drive. The directions took Us to Optimist Hall and Suarez Bakery was located upstairs. This was a new adventure for Us. For those from the north side of Charlotte, This is a wonderful place to enjoy a nice meal inside or outside. I ordered the Cubano Combo for Myself, the Chicken Cubano for My Wife and the MOJO Chicken Bowl for My Daughter. When My Daughter saw the MOJO Chicken Bowl, she took claim to it quickly. We decided to sit down and enjoy the atmosphere of Optimist Hall, it reminded Us of a wonderful place back home in Miami.... Bayside Marketplace. All of the meals were delicious. The Cubano had a wonderfully soft, flat toasted bread. The Ham and Pork along with its melted cheese and condiments was exactly what I had wanted. The Chicken Cubano was made with a delicious Breaded Chicken with Ham and melted cheese. For those that have not made the drive from the north side of Charlotte....take the drive, it's worth it. ps the Yuca Fries are fantastic.

When I first discovered OH, I got so excited to see a Cuban restaurant and ordered my main meal from here. It was so good, I came back the next day *awkward smile* The Good: although I’m Latina, I’m not sure I’ve had authentic Cuban food so I can’t speak to that. I can say that what I got was absolutely delicious and my mother, also Latina, loved it as well. We got the Ropa Vieja with an extra side of Maduros and Tres Leches for desert. Everything was FANTASTIC!! The tres leches cake was so good, not too sweet, and very (insert gross M word adjective). The rice and beans had nice flavor and went well with the Ropa Vieja. Highly recommend getting sides of the Mojo sauce if you’re a fan of garlic (I can literally drink the stuff). My mom and I split everything and were stuffed so I feel the portions were great. The Meh: nada The Bad: nada again. This place is amazing. Again, can’t speak to the authenticity like some reviews mention, but it is DAMN good food.

UNAUTHENTiC CUBAN FLAVOR, MINUSCULE PROTEIN IN THEIR BOWLS At this restaurant, cuban flavors are very unauthentic, the most cuban thing they have in their food, are their names. Their plates’ flavors are very strange, adding to the undefined flavors their amount of protein is minuscule, is about a soup spoon. Today I had lunch at the Optimus Hall location, I ordered a ropa vieja, for my surprise I could barely see the meat, so I approached the manager Brandom and told him about it, he was very cynical and told me laughing that a soup spoon is the amount of meat they put in the bowl and that he is ok with that, cause he eats those bowls daily. Someone of my group ordered a Cuban sandwich, the same story, the meat very salty and with an undefined flavor, the pork comes pulled so it gives the illusion that is more quantity, you can barely see the meat, worst Cuban restaurant and manager in Charlotte

This inauthentic Cuban bakery might be good for Charlotte locals who’ve never had authentic Cuban pastries, food or coffee, but for a Miami local this place is subpar at best. First HUGE mistake is not using CUBAN coffee to make CUBAN coffee, they use a local brand of coffee which defeats the purpose. In Miami you’ll never see a Cuban bakery not using Cuban coffee, (Pilón, Bustelo, La Llave, Mayorga, Cubita, Serrano to name a few) Sorry, but you can’t have Karen making cafecito, there’s an art to making good cafecito and la gringa doesn’t have the touch. I know my review is harsh, but I’m from Miami so my expectations are much higher than a Charlotte local. I do like ONE thing from this place and it’s the raspberry croissant which ISN’T EVEN CUBAN

I've been to their original location several times, but they have a couple items at the Optimist Hall location only that I wanted to try. Covid-19: unfortunately there's no way to order ahead of time that I could find. Luckily you can quickly get your food. We came on a Wednesday around 4:30 and I was lucky enough to get the last raspberry croissant. It's half covered in a raspberry coating and then it's filled on the inside with a whipped raspberry filling. Both my husband and I loved it. I was also eyeing the strawberry chiffon cake, but I ultimately decided one dessert was enough. It's definitely worth a stop here at Optimist Hall.

Got the café tres leches. Very yummy. Unfortunately, the service was not great at all. We showed up at 10:05 and the light was still off. And I would have some grace if they at least acknowledged their patrons. But we stood for another 7 minutes as they are unloading the pastries behind the case. Finally the young lady acknowledged us. Didn’t apologize or anything. We waited all that time just to hear the kitchen is still closed. I actually saw another party of 5 walk away because she didn’t acknowledge them either. Please work on your service so you don’t lose customers!
Atmosphere: 2

Upon looking at the baked items, I knew I was in trouble. Immediately, I knew I would need to come back multiple times to satisfy my curiosity. Today, I started with the classic Cubano. The smoky pork, cheese, mustard, and pickles were perfectly layered in a thick toasted bread- delicious! The tres leches, which gets mentioned often (and now I know why), is the best TL cake I have ever had. Paring it with the TL coffee was a bit of an overload, but I couldn’t help myself. Both were so good. Many more visits are in my future, for sure.

I’m a big fan of trying the vegan/vegetarian options at places, I saw a picture of the vegan sandwich so I made my way out to OH to try it cause it looked so good. I’m sure every thing else on the menu is super tasty, but for me personally I could have gotten the mushrooms without whatever they soak them in (they taste kinda vinegar-y). Just a heads up for anyone whose vegan and has a less pickly palette! Otherwise I’m excited to go back and try some pastries :) the strawberry chiffon cake is rly so delightful

Usually a good experience but today I tried to order a breakfast sandwich at 10:00. When they “supposedly” opened. I waited to be acknowledged by the server who after 5 minutes of waiting said “yes were are open but I can’t help you because I need to finish putting all the pastries out.” I said so you are not open then. Need to put the pastries out!! Upgraded this review to a 5 after their response!!

AMAZING. I hope this place NEVER goes out of business. Apart from the aesthetic being beautiful, it looks like the owner put so much effort into this business. The young lady at the register was so helpful and kind. The food was A1. Will definitely be coming back (a lot lol) this is my new favorite place to come grab a bite. Thank you! :)

My mom ordered food and was handed the incorrect order. My husband went back to get the correct order and they still messed up the order. I tried to call them and was instructed to send them a message on there website, so I did. I have not gotten a response back. I just want to get refunded for the food that I did not get.

This is the only place in Charlotte to get a real Cuban sandwich (Cubano). Cafe con leche was made the right way and I really enjoyed the cafe con tres leches too ! There aren't many places that do these things right and Suarez beats them all. You can only get a Cubano and Cafe con leche this good in Miami. THANK YOU !

I got a Medianoche, a chocolate croissant, and a cafe con leche. The medianoche was one of the best "cuban's" I've had, and the chocolate croissant was probably the best one I've ever had. Coffee was quite good as well, but the food really stood out to me. I wish I lived in the area so I could go back more often.

I love their desserts so much. My favorite so far has been the trés leches. It was so yummy one of my favorite places in Optimist Hall!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Tres Leches Cake

The guava pastry was the winner for me. My fiancé and I bought one if everything of the pastries they had and it was all good. Donut’s definitely not their specialty.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 3
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 4

I ordered the Mojito bowl and OMG absolutely delicious. It was so tasteful and mouth watering. Hands down one of the best dishes I have gotten in a while. Great job
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

Impressive selection of baked goods. I didn’t know what I was in the mood for so I went with one of my old faves- a cinnamon churro like twist. It also said Vegan on the sign. The young man at the register was telling me they also have food. Good to know! I’ll try something else next time.

The desserts were a highlight to my road trip ! The salted Carmel brownie was delicious! Definitely made from cocoa and probably the best brownie I’ve ever had ! I also had the guava pastelit and cookie sandwich which were amazing as well ! I would stop by again i …

We ordered the Cubano and a pork shoulder bowl for lunch. Both were spectacular!! The sauces that came with the Cuban were excellent and tasty. The portions were also HUGE which is a pleasant departure from the portion norms at optimist hall. We left full and satisfied!

Everything’s beyond delicious. I’m very thankful for the vegan options for those of us with various allergies. It’s impossible to walk by and not purchase something. Once you figure it out, parking is easy at Optimist Hall so don’t let the crowds scare you away.

I enjoyed my vegan, mushroom "cuban" from Suarez. It was made fresh to order so it was hot. So were the maduros and yuca fries. The green sauce is spicy but very good as well. The space was cleaned well. The service was rapid, professional and outstanding.

Seriously amazing breakfast croissant sandwich with romesco. We come back to get it every time we're in town :) This time, we also tried the confetti cake donut and when I tell you....it was so good. The filling was like the best whipped frosting ever.

Located in the heart of Optimist Hall you'll find some of the best croissants in charlotte. Made in-house they are flavorful, flaky, and delicious. The chocolate ganache is to delectable. The park road location has croissants on Friday and Saturday.

I'm a former Florida resident and this place has the best Cuban food ive had in NC. For the cubano Pork is not over cooked bread is nice and soft and planca well. Pasalitos are flakey buttery and the guava jelly is in perfect ratio. Bravo Suarez.

absolutely adorable store front and branding all across the board. they have an info sheet at the register with how the different types of coffee are made which is quite helpful. i absolutely adore this place and cannot wait to come back

Delicious! Got the Chicken Cubano Sandwich. Very filling so definitely shareable. Tried the Vanilla and Chocolate Truffles...Vanilla was like cookie dough and chocolate was like a fudge brownie; a little heavy but not too sweet.

I LOVE Suarez and buy something whenever I’m in the area! Their cookies are so good, cakes are amazing & the donuts never let me down. I had a Medianoche sandwich the last time I was here and it was absolutely delicious …

Good food at Suarez inside Optimimist Hall. I ordered the portobello sandwich and the plantains. They also have vegan doughnuts which is a plus. The entire experience was phenomenal and I believe the food is a solid 4 stars.

Tried the Iced cafe con tres leches and strawberry chiffon. That iced coffee was phenomenal - smooth and delicious! My family tried the chocolate croissant and chocolate chip cookie sandwich. Everyone enjoyed their options.

This has the best Tres Leches I've had ANYWHERE... Yes I'm looking at YOU, City of Miami, even better than yours! The croissants are meh! Sun Flour bakery still has the best in Charlotte as does Renaissance Pastries imo...

Bought a medianoche sandwich and croquetas. The croquetas were good, just too greasy. The medianoche was very thin in meats for the price and the bread was not the appropriate medianoche bread as it was extremely greasy.

Wasn’t sure what to expect with their savory options, but the portions were huge and so delicious! It’s hard to leave Optimist Hall feeling full without spending $40+, so this is a great option if you’re really hungry.

Got a chocolate dipped croissant and a double chocolate gluten free cookie. Going to be honest, the croissant was only okay. A bit dense for my liking. That being said the chocolate cookie was unbelievable.

This is my go-to place for delicious pastries...the cookies just melt in your mouth and the apple fritter is excellent!!! The way the sugar and cinnamon spice mix with the apple is very delightful....

I had the empanadas before and they were good but they make you wait an hour to get 3 empanadas and the people behind the register do not acknowledge you even though they see you waiting. …

The cafe con tres leches was undrinkably sweet for me but the place is adorable and I would for sure go back and just ask for half of the milk mixture, or take it home and cut it into two drinks

First time at Suarez gotta say the egg croissant was great and the Cuban sandwich was excellent. We are Cuban/Spanish so we definitely know the food. We highly recommend Suarez Bakery & Barra

Delicious cuban sandwich and croquettas! I'm from Miami and was not sure how it would compare but it was amazing. The bread was soft and the pork was tender. Would definitely go there again!

The Foos is Great! However trying to recommend food to a friend who's looking at the photos would help if you can describe the name of it or tell what is is . So she can order

Love the cafe con leche and croquetas!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Originally I thought it was a little pricey, but the chocolate croissant may have been the very best one I've ever tried. 10/10 will buy again.

Most unassuming Cubano I've ever had. Looks like they used presliced Oscar Myers luncheon meat. Maybe the desserts are their mainstays.

Crabby employees EVERY SINGLE TIME I’ve gone. Yikes. Thank he sweet treats don’t make up for unhappy, unhelpful, depressing workers.

The coffee tasted off (definitely one of the worse coffees I’ve had) but the sandwich was alright. Overpriced though.

Best crossaint in the city - made perfectly and resembles a work of art! Taste like art too….so poetic in my mouth

The food was surprisingly very good for its appearance. It looked like not enough food but it was filling enough.

Came here for the bakery goods and they are AMAZING. The tres leches were absolutely delicious in particular :D

First time and very pleased overall. Good sauces and really enjoyed the street beef and steak empanadas.

Good Bakery items, but pickings are very slim in the evening. Kind of odd since they are open so late...

Haven't tried the baked goods yet but I ordered ropa veija and it was very underwhelming unfortunately.

please..please can I have the chickpea/sweet potato stew recipe...I'll pay anything …

The best place to get a real Cuban sandwich!! Food is so good and coffee is delicious

Cuban coffee and croissants were great! Service was good as well, will visit again.

Food was amazing but the service needs some work. The help is not friendly.

Takes too long to make the coffee! Almost 10 minutes to have my coffee

Cool branding. Great Yuca Fries. Also enjoyed the beer they offer!

Great Cubano Sandwich and like always the pastries are to die for.

wonderful food every time - terrible customer service every time.

Best Sammies around..come and try them...you will love it

All day long I dream about their chocolate chip cookies.

Totally transported me to Cuba for a feast with a King

Overall poor experience for the price of the deserts.

Muy buen trato, el pan delicioso,muy buena calidad

Good selection of dips and options on empanadas.

Delicious cuban food !! So good 1000% recommend

Super rico el sandwich Cubano que ordene.

Prueben el cubano y el tres leches …

Very fresh coffee and decent deserts..

One of the best Tres Leches I've had

THIS PLACE SLAPS get the tres leches

Very quick service and great food

Café de tres leches lo mejor

They serve a fresh espresso!

The Chicken Cubano was fire

Best cookies I've ever had

great key lime cheesecake

Yummy cakes and cookies

Love their tres leches

Good desserts

It was okay