When Ponce City Market opened in 2014, it was a whisper of the institution it is today. The live-work-play multiplex now includes a campus of retailers, including boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and purveyors. There’s a carnival on its roof and a somewhat secret cocktail bar.
Ponce City Market (or PCM) is often called the “Chelsea Market of the South,” and the destination was redeveloped by Jamestown, the same group behind NYC’s popular marketplace. It’s part of the Old Fourth Ward, a loosely defined neighborhood between Virginia Highlands and downtown. A century ago, Sears, Roebuck and Co. planted its flag here. From 1926 until 1987, a staggering 2.1-million-square-foot distribution center fulfilled anything ordered for the home via its popular catalog.
Today, the award-winning food hall at PCM boasts a soaring ceiling supported by industrial steel beams. Some concepts are full-service restaurants with indoor and outdoor seating. Others are stalls or small markets, carts, and kiosks. Offerings range from Iranian to Indian dishes, Pan-Asian to Italian fare, Mexican plates to New England seafood, and everything in between—including sweets. It’s a place to taste modern global flavors by notable chefs. Unlike some popular food halls around the country, PCM allows any tenant to sell drinks, so no one is stuck in line at a single bar.
Flagship stores for Williams Sonoma and Anthropologie are at PCM, as well as specialty retailers like Archer Paper Goods, Allbirds, and Glossier. Airbnb-style apartments are available to rent if you’re staying for more than one night, but just a block away is Hotel Wylie, a 111-room boutique hotel. Its styling and chic comfort make it a standout, and the restaurant and bar , Mrs. P’s, serves breakfast with extended hours and features a large front patio.
It takes a bit of planning to navigate PCM. The first floor holds most of the food and drink options. In the past year, even more eateries have meandered down additional wings, creating unique quads, if you know where to look. The second floor contains boutiques, galleries, installations, and lots of tables for two to ten.
The front courtyard is lined with retailers; this is also how you access all rooftop activities, which are ticketed. Around the perimeter is a Pancake Social, City Winery, parking, and the Atlanta BeltLine, the city’s 22 miles of urban trail.
There’s so much to do, see, and eat, it would be impossible to experience everything at PCM. Consider a stop at these sure-fire winners:
The Stalls at Ponce City Market
Bibi: From the team behind Delbar, Bibi is an Iranian fast-casual concept with stellar sandwiches, including The Koobideh, with its ground brisket and lamb shoulder, butter-braised tomato, and labneh. The Shirazi Salad is also delicious.
Umbrella Bar: Welcome to the mirage that is Seven Chan’s Umbrella Bar. Inspired by Korean night markets, the bar serves K-dogs, bibimbap, and buttered shrimp skewers that are all spot-on. There’s matcha lemonade and Thai iced tea, too.
King of Pops: The popsicle purveyor has three locations at PCM for pops and pop-tails (delightful mixtures featuring a popsicle dunked in a cocktail or prosecco): a flagship shop, The Getaway Bar near the shed at the entrance of the BeltLine, and a courtyard bar on The Roof.
The Food Hall
H&F Burger: One of Atlanta’s top burgers, H&F Burger is the little sister of Holeman and Fitch Public House. A double patty sits on a pain de mie bun with pickles and ketchup, all scratch-made. They dish out milkshakes, boozy shakes, and fries, too.
Bellina Alimentari: This gorgeous Italian market offers hands-on classes. There’s a lovely bar in the back and a covered porch in the courtyard for dinner, wine, and pert cocktails. This is where charcuterie dreams come true.
Botiwalla: James Beard winner Chef Meherwan Irani runs a fast-casual concept at PCM called Botiwalla. Consider ordering the Lamb Boti Kabob Roll, Tamarind Ribs, and Desi Salad with Paneer. Rumor has it Greenville could potentially get a Botiwalla soon.
The Ponce City Market Rooftop
9 Mile Station: It is worth the price of a rooftop ticket to access the 180-degree views of Atlanta at 9 Mile Station, especially at sunset. The kitchen produces gourmet-driven apps, boards, and entrees. Note: it’s 21+ after 5pm.
12 Cocktail Bar: One of Atlanta’s notable secret bars is hidden away above the event space called RFD Social. Cocktails are expertly made, and the space is intimate with a nod towards industry chic. Reservations are a good idea.
Skyline Park: The carnival on the roof is just plain fun. There’s a speedy three-story slide and a Heege Tower, which lifts riders for 360-degree views, plus old-fashioned boardwalk games like goblet toss, derby horse race, and classic Putt-Putt. All ages are welcome.
Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave. N.E., Atlanta, 404.900.7900, poncecitymarket.com
The Atlanta BeltLine
Atlanta’s version of the Swamp Rabbit Trail is called the Atlanta BeltLine, and it’s a fun way to walk all your food adventures off. Twenty-two miles of former rail line extend in both directions from Ponce City Market. And don’t worry, there are plenty of bikes to rent if you don’t want to amble by foot. The Southeast’s largest impermanent public art project is here, called Art on the BeltLine. Murals adorn most overpasses and underpasses and change every year. Also look for iron sculptures and tiny doors set into unusual places. Want a tour? Both bike and walking tours are available. Check out beltline.org for more details.
