Atlanta’s 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. Now, even the suburbs are getting in on the action. Late spring brings The Daily to Alpharetta, and fall will be ushered in with Marietta Square Market, both of which are rumored to rival in-town offerings. 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.
Caravaca Market
782 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta, GA, 30308
Why go?
At 6,000-square-feet, Caravaca Market might not be as large as some of the other markets on our list, but it still packs its own punch. With four food stalls that range from pizza and beer to charcuterie and wine, Caravaca Market is an international food experience without leaving Atlanta. Inspired by many of the world’s great food halls found in exotic places like Madrid, Oslo, Paris and Sao Paolo, owner Harry Pagancoss says he hopes his market becomes “a place where one can go anytime of the day, hang out alone or with friends, eat, drink and feel at home.”
What to order: Espresso
When deciding exactly what to grab from Caravaca Market, we turned to Harry for his expertise and were delighted with his choice. “Our espresso captures my many trips to Italy driving through the countryside and stopping in little towns for an espresso next to the locals,” he explains.
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Find more information at caravacamarket.com.
The menu at Harry Bakes, one of Caravaca Market’s food stalls, is filled with espresso and other beverage options. Image: Liz Lapidus PR
Grant Park Market
519 Memorial Drive, Ste. A4, Atlanta, GA 30312
Why go?
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-o swoon. As soon as you enter the market, you’re greeted on your left with 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.
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Find more information at grantparkmarket.net.
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A simple plate of greens is brought to life with chicken salad topped with pickled onions at Gather at Grant Park Market. Image: Nicole Letts
Krog Street Market
99 Krog St., Atlanta, Georgia 30307
Why go?
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 is always expanding its offerings. Recently opening its doors is Recess, a mostly plant-based concept focused on healthy alternatives from the Castellucci Group. You might know them as 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, after all, 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.
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Find more information at krogstreetmarket.com.
Cool off with a frozé from Recess at Krog Street Market. It’s the adult slushy we can’t get enough of. Image: Recess
Ponce City Market
675 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Why go?
Arguably Atlanta’s most bustling BeltLine food hall and located in the historic Sears, Roebuck & Co. building, Ponce City Market is definitely our largest space on the list. With ample metered parking, loads of shops and a number of 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 in large part communal, everyone in your group can order exactly 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 at any time, day or night. We like sticking with the original, but be sure to check out the burger of the month, too.
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. Find more information at poncecitymarket.com.
Nothing beats a burger, and this one from Ponce City Market’s H&F Burger is our #1!. Image: H&F Burger
The Canteen
75 5th St. N.W., Centergy One Building, Atlanta, GA 30308
Why go?
If you live or work in Midtown, The Canteen might be the answer to all of 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 both Krog Street Market and The Canteen for all of your Middle Eastern cuisine needs.
Hours: Monday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Find more information at thecanteenatl.com.
A chicken shawarma bowl from The Canteen’s Yalla! is packed with flavor. Image: The Canteen
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