One of the Best Food Halls in Georgia, This Spot Is a Must-Visit

One of the best food halls in Georgia is hidden in plain sight along the well-trodden Beltline. While there are plenty of food halls to choose from, like the ever-popular Ponce City Market, the only one you really need to visit is Krog Street Market. Set in a former warehouse that has a grittier feel, this food hall is home to several restaurants and food stalls that have been repeatedly recognized by the Michelin Guide. Though the food itself is reason enough to visit, there are several other reasons that Krog Street Market should be your preferred hall within Atlanta.

Where This Food Hall Is and What Makes It Special

Located in Atlanta's Inman Park neighborhood, this food hall has lived many lives prior to its current iteration. The former warehouse was once part of an 1889 industrial complex that manufactured cast-iron goods like skillets, pans, and stoves. One of the most iconic features of Krog Street Market is the Krog Street tunnel that connects the former factory in Inman Park to Cabbagetown, where many of the workers lived. Built in 1912, the tunnel was once used for workers to commute to the factory, but it's long since become a popular and celebrated spot for graffiti artists to paint.

The earliest version of Krog Street Market opened in 2014 with a single warehouse filled with food vendors and a taproom. Just a few steps outside of the food hall, there were a couple of shops in a smaller building and a house. Today, Krog District encompasses several buildings that lead right up to the eastside Beltline. But to truly experience the Georgia indoor food market in its purest form, you won't want to miss a few food stalls in particular. This includes Fred's Meat and Bread and Ticonderoga Club, both of which received Bib Gourmand recognition from the Michelin guide. Gu's Dumplings and Varuni Napoli are also excellent choices.

The Vendors and Dishes You Cannot Miss

Though there are plenty of food halls in Georgia to choose from, including one in Columbus, some of the best places to eat in Atlanta, Georgia, are inside Krog Street Market. Buford Highway is a popular food crawl just outside of the city's perimeter, but if you can't make it out there, the food hall's best vendors offer an equally impressive spread of cuisines (and even some of the same restaurants). This is abundantly clear as you walk through the market, taking in the stalls and enjoying the delicious aroma of dishes spanning everything from Italian to Chinese.

Start at Fred's Meat and Bread with a classic cheesesteak. While this sandwich is easily one of the most popular at the stall, the garlic fries are not to be missed either — especially if you are a big garlic lover. These aromatic fries are piled high with chopped roasted garlic and parsley.

Next, head to Gu's Dumplings. Try the award-winning Zhou-style vegetable dumplings for a tangy, sweet, and spicy bite to cut through the fattiness of the cheesesteak. Remember to get a half-order to save room for the rest of the must-try food stalls.

Then, take a seat at Ticonderoga Club's eclectic bar for an expertly crafted cocktail while you make room for your last stop. Try the Silver Dagger for a drink with a velvety mouthfeel and balanced profile, thanks to its house-tweaked Campari paired with Vermouth, lemon, and pineapple. While you won't want to skip drinks here, any of the starters are excellent if you start to feel peckish. Round out your visit with a wood-fired pizza from Varuni Napoli. Try any of the white pizzas like the oro bianco pizza, topped with fresh mozzarella, ricotta, pancetta, basil, and black truffle oil.

What It’s Like to Visit

This bustling spot is never empty, but it typically doesn't feel as crowded as Ponce City Market. The beauty of food halls, however, is that they are well-suited to all kinds of people. Whether you're visiting alone, with a group of friends, as a family, or for a date night, there are plenty of options to satisfy everyone and seating to accommodate everyone. If it's too busy inside, you can simply order your food to go and grab a table outside or even picnic along the Beltline.

When you go, try to avoid driving, if possible. Renting a bike or scooter is an easy and fun way to reach the food hall, but it's also easy to use a ride-share car, too. If you do drive, know that parking is limited. Street parking is available, but it's important to pay attention to restricted areas and the rules of nearby decks.

However you get there, Krog Street Market is well worth the effort of visiting. Apart from its distinguished selection of food and drink vendors and restaurants, this food hall is a little piece of Atlanta history with a tie to the culinary world that runs deep. So, consider it a non-negotiable stop on your itinerary when you visit next. Your stomach will thank you — especially if you take a stroll through the district's shops and the Beltline afterward to digest all of the tasty dishes.