Atlanta food halls are microcosms of the city. While there are several to choose from, no two are alike and each provides its own perks. Ponce City Market encourages visitors to shop, dine and even get active due to its location near the BeltLine, while The Canteen offers a unique dining experience for Midtown business people and Georgia Tech students. Even the suburbs are getting in on the action. Our guide to Atlanta’s food halls includes why you’ll want to visit (and probably sit a spell) and exactly what to order. Let us be your guide as you head out on a culinary adventure.
Grant Park Market
519 Memorial Drive, Ste. A4, Atlanta, GA 30312
More Info: grantparkmarket.net
This small, local market is found directly across from historic Oakland Cemetery and is the anchor of a new Grant Park development that includes restaurants, boutiques and even fitness studios. The neighborhood shop features tons of gourmet treats and local fare within its aisles, and the wine section would make any wine enthusiast swoon. As soon as you enter the market, you’re greeted by Gather, Grant Park Market’s in-shop eatery. Defined by decorative concrete tile and long picnic tables, the spot truly encourages visitors to enjoy a meal together.
What to order: The Most Excellent
Gather’s lunch menu features a variety of old-school favorites like soups, salads, and sandwiches. Particularly eye-catching is the “Most Excellent,” a pimento cheese, bacon, and tomato sandwich, but if you’re looking to keep it healthy, the chicken salad topped with pickled onions is hard to beat.
Krog Street Market
99 Krog St., Atlanta, Georgia 30307
More Info: krogstreetmarket.com
Atlanta’s OG food hall, Krog Street Market remains a preferred spot to grab a bite to eat, taste some quality beer, and do a little shopping. Take our word for it: Krog Street Market has some of the best food stalls, counters, and restaurants in town and constantly expands its offerings. Check out Recess, a primarily plant-based concept focused on healthy alternatives from the Castellucci Group. You might know them as the same team behind Cooks and Soldiers and The Iberian Pig. SB TIP: Start your day at Krog Street Market, and then meander the BeltLine over to Ponce City Market to hit both food halls in one mouth-watering morning.
What to order: Frozé at Recess
It’s spring, and in Atlanta, that means we’re already reaching above that 80-degree mark regularly. Cool off at Krog Street with a Recess Frozé. Just because Recess offers healthier provisions doesn’t mean they’re leaving you dry. Imbibe with beverages ranging from a Kombucha Margarita to a Turmeric Spritz.
Ponce City Market
675 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
More Info: poncecitymarket.com
Arguably Atlanta’s most bustling BeltLine food hall and located in the historic Sears, Roebuck & Co. building, Ponce City Market is our largest space on the list. With ample metered parking, loads of shops, and several local restaurants, Ponce City Market is not to be missed as a destination for Atlantans and out-of-town visitors alike. PCM houses over 20 eateries within its Food Hall and additional choices in surrounding areas. Plus, there are several ventures on the way. Since seating is largely communal, everyone in your group can order precisely what they want while still dining together. Another fun experience is the Roof. Check out StyleBlueprint favorites like Abbey Glass, Coco+Mischa, and Batter Cookie Dough before heading to the top of PCM for an afternoon on the game-filled midway. Take note: Skyline Park is 21+ after 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
What to order: The Original at H&F Burger
It should come as no surprise that top of our list at Ponce City Market is Atlanta’s iconic burger joint, H&F Burger. Once only available at sister restaurant Holeman & Finch, H&F Burger opened the doors for burger seekers to get their fix anytime, day or night. We like sticking with the original, but be sure to check out the burger of the month, too.
The Canteen
75 5th St. N.W., Centergy One Building, Atlanta, GA 30308
More Info: thecanteenatl.com
If you live or work in Midtown, The Canteen might answer all your lunch prayers. Comprised of three stalls and one bar and therefore dubbed a “micro-food hall,” The Canteen essentially takes the best of a few area eateries and tucks them into one modest spot. Here you’ll find Fred’s Meat and Bread with its ever-popular cheesesteaks, Square Bar with its boozy slushies, TGM Bagel with its schmear and garnishes, and Yalla! with its falafel and shawarma.
What to order: Chicken Shawarma at Yalla!
This Middle Eastern food stall is one that we find ourselves craving. From the salty pickles to the fried eggplant, we can’t get enough of the bowls at Yalla!, especially the chicken shawarma. Don’t forget this food stall has locations at Krog Street Market and The Canteen for all your Middle Eastern cuisine needs.
Marietta Square Market
68 North Marietta Pkwy NW, Marietta, GA 30060
More Info: mariettasquaremarket.com
Located in historic Marietta Square, Marietta Square Market has 20 restaurants with various international cuisines, three bars, and many places to relax. From authentic Cuban food to New Orleans-inspired dishes to vegan fare (and everything in between), there’s plenty to choose from!
What to order: The Fornos San Marzano pizza from Forno Vero
Don’t get us wrong, any one of Forno Vero’s wood-fired Neopolitan-style pizzas is worth the trip. But our favorite is the Fornos San Marzano, featuring hand-crushed San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, and arugula. Grab a crostini starter with pears and balsamic drizzle to start, and wash it all down with a draught beer.
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