The Krog District Is Primed To Become One Of Atlanta’s Favorite Hang-Outs

You may know Krog Street Market well, but it's time to meet Atlanta's newly named—and growing—Krog District.

Since 2014, when Atlantans said, “Let’s meet at Krog,” they meant Krog Street Market, the 12,000-square-foot food hall at the intersection of Irwin Street and the Atlanta BeltLine. Now, thanks to development by Asana Partners, the newly christened Krog District is primed to become even more of a destination. The new area includes the land adjacent to the BeltLine’s Eastside Trail, a three-mile segment of the pedestrian greenway in the Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park neighborhoods, with Krog Street Market, the Atlanta Stove Works, and SPX Alley, a dining destination in its own rite, as well as a host of new builds for more retail and office space over the coming years.

Chef Ford Fry, who has built an empire that includes eateries in Atlanta, Houston, and Nashville, was one of the original restaurateurs at Krog Street Market, opening Superica, the Tex-Mex spot that still draws a crowd. For him, it was an easy decision to put down roots there. “Krog Street Market brought life to that neighborhood and that section of the BeltLine. There were a couple dinner destinations prior, but I wouldn’t have called it alive,” he says. Now that the wider district is expanding to include even more to draw visitors to the area at large, Fry is looking forward to how it will continue to grow.  “Krog Street Market was one of, if not the first, cool food hall and marketplaces for in-town Atlanta. This will only bring more people, and more people means more energy.”

While development and new openings are still in the works, here are some of the best ways to experience this exciting Atlanta enclave.

Indulge in Retail Therapy

The Merchant at Krog Street Market has long-been a favorite for gifts, coffee table books, and signature ATL hats, but a new slate of retail openings will offer even more opportunities to give your wallet a workout. One of the biggest retailers to open so far is Patagonia. Atlanta’s second location will overlook the BeltLine and feature outdoor gear for every member of the family. Specialized Bicycles, a company dedicated to making bikes and cycling gear since 1974, and Millennial favorite ath-leisure brand Outdoor Voices, will also open storefronts in 2023. Don’t miss a visit to longtime local favorite small-batch chocolate purveyor Xocolatl for inventive bars in flavors such as “Kissed Mermaids,” made with coconut milk, dark chocolate, cacao nibs, and vanilla-infused sea salt.

Expend Some Energy

The Atlanta BeltLine provides a year-round opportunity to jog, bike, walk, or skate to get your blood flowing, all while taking in outdoor art installations, Atlanta skyline views and the lush native plants along the path. For a guided workout, join a challenging interval-based class at MADabolic or flow your way to greater flexibility at Dancing Dogs Yoga. After you’ve sweated it out and soaked up some rays, book an appointment at Heyday, a retail outpost and skincare salon offering personalized facials. 

Enjoy a Bite or Sip

Eating well remains at the heart of the area’s ethos, whether you’re talking about Krog Street Market or the wider Krog District. The beauty of heading to Krog Street Market with a group is that, since it’s a food hall, everyone can get what strikes their fancy and then eat together at large communal tables. You can’t go wrong with a gooey cheesesteak, garlic fries, and a vintage bottled soda at Fred’s Meat & Bread. Or try spicy-sweet pork dumplings and slurpable Chengdu cold noodles at Gu’s Dumplings. Tasty and good-for-you grain bowls and salads await at Recess too. If everyone can agree on one type of cuisine or restaurant, venture down the BeltLine to SPX Alley for a meal at Nina & Rafi, where the Detroit-style pizza has a cult following. Stay for a complex craft cocktail at The James Room (or come back during the day for a pastry and coffee) or finish on a sweet note with a treat from Butter & Cream, where ice cream flavors are as creative as they are delicious.

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