Atlanta’s Best Markets: 10 Spots for Soul Food, Crafts & More (2025)

Explore Atlanta’s top markets in 2025! From Sweet Auburn’s soul food to Ponce City’s hipster havens, this guide serves up the best of ATL with must-try eats, local crafts, and insider tips.

INTRODUCTION

Atlanta’s markets are a mashup of peach stands, Black-owned boutiques, and Appalachian crafts—all served with sweet tea hospitality. Whether you’re craving a plate of fried chicken, hunting for vintage vinyl, or looking for locally crafted goods, Atlanta’s markets have something for everyone. Here are 10 must-visit spots in 2025, each brimming with flavor, culture, and a little Southern magic.

1. Sweet Auburn Curb Market

Collard greens meet Korean BBQ under one roof.

Must-try: A plate of Busy Bee Cafe’s fried chicken, served with candied yams and collard greens.

Anecdote: Picture this—you bite into a flaky peach cobbler as a jazz saxophonist plays just outside the market. That’s Sweet Auburn, where history and flavor collide.

Tip: Arrive early for lunch; the lines get long, especially at the soul food stalls.

2. Ponce City Market

Where you can shop for vinyl and ride a rooftop Ferris wheel.

Must-try: H&F Burger’s juicy, double-stacked cheeseburger with hand-cut fries.

Anecdote: Imagine flipping through vintage records at Rhen’s Nest Toy Shop before heading upstairs for skyline views at Skyline Park.

Tip: Visit on weekdays to avoid the weekend rush.

3. Krog Street Market

Artisanal eats in an industrial-chic setting.

Must-try: Gu’s Dumplings’ spicy Sichuan dumplings, a perfect blend of heat and umami.

Anecdote: A local potter once shared how he turned a broken bowl into a best-selling design—just the kind of creativity you’ll find at Krog Street.

Tip: Parking is limited, so opt for a rideshare or bike rental.

4. Peachtree Road Farmers Market

Farm-fresh goodness in the heart of Buckhead.

Must-try: Freshly baked cheddar biscuits from a local bakery stand.

Anecdote: One vendor swears her peach preserves won first place at the state fair, and one taste will make you believe it.

Tip: Bring cash; some smaller vendors don’t take cards.

5. Castleberry Hill Art Stroll Market

Black-owned businesses and cutting-edge art collide.

Must-try: Vegan soul food from a pop-up stand—think jackfruit BBQ and mac ‘n’ cheese.

Anecdote: A street artist once painted a custom portrait on the spot—Castleberry’s artists are full of surprises.

Tip: Arrive at sunset for the best experience, when the art scene is in full swing.

6. The Goat Farm Arts Center Market

An offbeat gem with folk art, handmade jewelry, and live music.

Must-try: Locally brewed kombucha and homemade sourdough bread.

Anecdote: Imagine stumbling upon a hand-carved folk-art gnome that looks just like your grandpa—Atlanta’s artisans bring their creations to life in unexpected ways.

Tip: Follow their Instagram for event updates, as the market pops up on select weekends.

7. Grant Park Farmers Market

Family-friendly and full of fresh finds.

Must-try: Spiced apple cider from a family-run orchard stand.

Anecdote: A beekeeper once let a curious kid hold a honeycomb dripping with golden nectar—it’s that kind of hands-on experience that makes this market special.

Tip: Get there early for the best produce selection.

8. Atlantic Station Market

Big-city shopping with small-business charm.

Must-try: A handcrafted candle from a Black-owned boutique.

Anecdote: A street poet once wrote an impromptu poem about a passerby’s smile—there’s creativity at every corner here.

Tip: Check their calendar for seasonal markets, like the holiday night market.

9. East Atlanta Village Farmers Market

A funky, community-driven market with local flavor.

Must-try: Pimento cheese-stuffed pretzels—because why not?

Anecdote: A vendor once turned an old pair of boots into a flower planter—it’s a place where creativity thrives.

Tip: Stick around for live music after the market closes.

10. Freedom Farmers Market

Organic produce and chef pop-ups at the Carter Center.

Must-try: Freshly baked sourdough and homemade jams.

Anecdote: A chef once used ingredients from this market to craft a meal for a surprise proposal—true farm-to-table romance.

Tip: Grab a picnic basket and enjoy your finds on the Carter Center’s green space.

Plan Your 2025 Market Adventures in Atlanta

From soul food feasts at Sweet Auburn to art strolls in Castleberry Hill, Atlanta’s markets are the heartbeat of the city. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these spots will fill your belly, warm your soul, and send you home with a bag full of Southern charm.

Grab a sweet tea and start exploring—Atlanta’s markets are calling!