In the months since, the food hall, which is often compared to Krog Street Market in Atlanta, has welcomed a steady stream of new restaurants and retail merchants, with a grand total of 20 doing business in the 18,500-square-foot former warehouse space.
Developed by Concordia Properties and Creative Culinary Ventures, the market’s design was inspired by the railroad tracks that run just beyond the back windows of the building, and the build-out conjures the atmosphere of a historic train station, including a patio that resembles a platform.
The Trolley on display at the main entrance to Marietta Square Market will become home to Pulp Addiction later this summer. RYON HORNE / RHORNE@AJC.COM
Along with the sound of locomotives regularly rumbling by, another unique feature of the market is the Trolley. The 1922 streetcar of the style that once operated between Marietta and Atlanta is on display front and center at the main entrance.
But right now, here’s a glimpse of some more places to eat and drink at Marietta Square Market:
The Baja Fish Taco, the Smoked Brisket Taco, the Al Pastor Taco and the Fitti cocktail are just some of your options at Marietta Street Market’s Street Taco, which has its own dining room. CONTRIBUTED BY MIA YAKEL
The Gooey Margarita at Street Taco pops with color, thanks in part to Blue Razz Pop Rocks. CONTRIBUTED BY MIA YAKEL
Street Taco — The first restaurant to debut at the market, Street Taco is also the only place with its own dining room (which is in back with views of the tracks) and one of only two places with a bar where you can order beer, wine and cocktails to drink in the market. Look for takes on Mexican street food centered on an assortment of tacos, plus starters and snacks such as chicken flautas, as well as salads, a soup of the day, and daily specials that range from burritos and “garbage can” nachos to gorditas and tamales. 678-823-8700, streettacoatl.com.
Forno Vero Neapolitan Kitchen at Marietta Square Market offers pizzas with blistered crusts and classic toppings. CONTRIBUTED BY FORNO VERO
Forno Vero Neapolitan Kitchen & Drinkery — Boasting towering tiled wood-fired ovens and high-quality ingredients for its Neapolitan-style pizza, Forno Vero offers seven pies with blistered crusts and classic toppings. Besides the Margherita with fresh mozzarella and hand-crushed San Marzano tomatoes, the Forno San Marzano adds prosciutto crudo and arugula. Grab food to go or take a seat at Forno's centrally located bar, which serves the market with 20 beers on tap, wine and cocktails. 678-310-2078, fornoveropizza.com.
Find Cuban sandwiches and more at D’Cuban Café at Marietta Square Market. RYON HORNE / RHORNE@AJC.COM
D’Cuban Café — With two locations in Norcross, D’Cuban Café is billed as serving “authentic Cuban sandwiches and dishes made fresh to order.” That means you may end up waiting for some menu items. But a just-pressed, warm Cuban sandwich with roasted pork, smoked ham, melted Swiss cheese, dill pickles and mustard is worth it. Also on the menu are Media Noche, Ropa Vieja and Pan con Lechon sandwiches, plus empanadas, yucca fries, and, of course, various combos with black beans and plantains or tostones. dcubancafe.com.
Grand Champion BBQ — With locations in Krog Street Market, Milton and on Shallowford Road and Canton Street in Roswell, Grand Champion has become a metro Atlanta barbecue favorite. On the menu, sandwiches and plates feature pulled pork, sliced-to-order beef brisket, smoked chicken, and smoked pork and beef sausage. But signature items such as Sloppy Q 14-hour smoked pork with chipotle barbecue sauce, and premium sides such as four cheese rigatoni mac n’ cheese and Southern Lasagna are fun to try, too. 678-594-4000, gcbbq.com.
Crème de la Crêpe — For something a bit different, French-inspired, locally conceived Crème de la Crêpe (not to be confused with the California chain) offers a simple chalkboard menu with breakfast, savory and sweet crepes, along with soft drinks and house coffee. Le Classique is folded with eggs, bacon, spinach and cheese. Veggie Lovers gets bell peppers, onions, mushrooms and provolone cheese. And the S'More Crepe is as expected, flavored with graham cracker crumbles, chocolate sauce and marshmallows. 678-557-1204, cremedelacrepeatl.com.
The bakery case at Bread & Butter Bakery at Marietta Square Market has plenty of ways to tempt you. RYON HORNE / RHORNE@AJC.COM
Bread & Butter Bakery — The second location of Covington’s Bread & Butter Bakery seems a good fit for the market, with a full-service coffee bar and its own special beans from local roaster the Herd. On the menu, you’ll find homey sandwiches like Pistachio Chicken Salad and Turkey Cranberry with sides like potato salad. The bakery case is filled with cakes, cupcakes, brownies, cookies, lemon bars and macaroons. With advance notice, you can order party snacks, dips, and breakfast and sandwich platters. 770-769-5824, breadandbutter.coffee.
Just Loaf’n — The idea of Atlanta’s popular Cajun food truck and gas station storefront making its way to a food hall in Marietta may seem surprising. But Just Loaf’n adds a lively edge to the scene. Shrimp, oyster, fried green tomato, Patton’s hot sausage and other po’boys come dressed in half or whole sizes on New Orleans’ flaky Leidenheimer French bread. And don’t sleep on the sides, including red beans and rice, jambalaya and gumbo, or beignets, bread pudding and snoballs for dessert. 770-884-2434, justloafnpoboys.com/location/marietta-square.
A Four Fat Cows ice cream cone is served up at Marietta Square Market. RYON HORNE / RHORNE@AJC.COM
Four Fat Cows — Family-owned Four Fat Cows’ motto is “it’s all about flavor.” With three more locations in Athens, Alpharetta and Dunwoody, the company’s products are locally churned by Atlanta’s Greenwood Ice Cream, and the sky’s the limit when it comes to new combinations. Apple Tart, Nutella Cookie Dough, Strawberry Balsamic, Blueberry Buttermilk Pie, and Chocolate Overload are among the current offerings. Look for shakes, floats, cookies, cupcakes, and coffee drinks made with Batdorf and Bronson beans, too. fourfatcows.com.
