Recess at Krog Street Market: Fresh, Feel-Good Eating in the Heart of Atlanta

If you spend any time on the Atlanta BeltLine or in Inman Park, you’ve probably heard people mention Recess at Krog Street Market. It’s one of the city’s go-to options when you want something fresh, vegetable-forward, and lighter than the usual food hall fare—without feeling like you’re “on a diet.”

This guide walks through what to expect at Recess, how it fits into Atlanta’s healthy dining and juice bar scene, and how to make the most of a visit, whether you live nearby or are just passing through.

Where Recess Fits in Atlanta’s Healthy Dining Scene

Atlanta has steadily built a reputation for health-conscious restaurants, and Recess is firmly part of that trend.

Key things that set Recess apart:

• It’s located inside Krog Street Market, one of the city’s most popular food halls.
• The menu is vegetable-centric, with bowls, salads, and sandwiches that lean lighter than many neighboring stalls.
• The vibe is casual and quick, ideal for weeknight dinners, BeltLine walks, or lunch breaks.

If you’re looking for something that feels fresh and colorful after a heavier meal elsewhere in the city, Recess is often the kind of place locals think of.

Location, Parking, and How to Get There

Recess – Krog Street Market
Inside Krog Street Market
99 Krog St NE
Atlanta, GA 30307

Recess operates as a stall within Krog Street Market, so you’ll find it among other food vendors, with shared seating in the main hall and some outdoor options.

Getting There from Around Atlanta

• From Midtown or Downtown:
  Take DeKalb Ave NE or Edgewood Ave SE east toward Inman Park, then follow signs to Krog Street Market.
• From the BeltLine Eastside Trail:
  The market sits just off the trail. Many Atlantans simply walk or bike in, especially on weekends.
• By MARTA:
  The Inman Park/Reynoldstown Station on the MARTA rail line is about a 10–15 minute walk, depending on your pace.

Parking Considerations

Krog Street Market offers paid parking in an onsite lot and nearby overflow areas. Patterns many locals notice:

• Evenings and weekends can be busy, especially when the weather is nice.
• Some visitors use rideshare to avoid parking stress.
• If you plan to walk the BeltLine before or after, you might choose a BeltLine lot or nearby street parking and walk in.

What Kind of Food Does Recess Serve?

Recess focuses on fresh, seasonal, vegetable-forward meals. It’s not strictly vegan or vegetarian, but many items are built around:

• Grains (like rice or other whole grains)
• Roasted or fresh vegetables
• Light proteins (which may include plant-based options and sometimes animal proteins, depending on the current menu)
• Bright sauces and dressings

The exact menu can change, but typical categories include:

• Grain and veggie bowls
• Composed salads
• Sandwiches or wraps
• Sides that emphasize produce

You’ll usually see colorful, bowl-style meals that lean toward what many people consider “healthy fast-casual.”

Healthy Dining at Recess: What to Expect

If you’re seeking a healthier choice in Krog Street Market, Recess tends to appeal for a few reasons:

1. Emphasis on Vegetables

Bowls often feature:

• Roasted veggies (such as sweet potatoes, squash, or Brussels sprouts, depending on the season)
• Fresh greens or slaws
• Herbs and toppings that add flavor without relying only on heavy sauces

For Atlantans trying to increase their veggie intake, Recess fits naturally into that effort.

2. Customization Options

Like many fast-casual spots, you can often:

• Ask for sauces on the side
• Adjust or swap certain toppings
• Choose different protein options when available

This makes Recess easier to fit into individual preferences, whether you’re focused on lighter fare, more plant-based meals, or just specific likes and dislikes.

3. Balanced, Bowl-Style Meals

A typical bowl may include:

• A base (greens, grains, or a mix)
• A protein element (possibly plant-based or otherwise)
• Multiple vegetables
• A dressing or sauce to tie it together

This structure can make it easier to get a mix of food groups in a single dish, which many people feel good about for a quick lunch or dinner.

Is Recess Good for Special Diets?

Recess is not a dedicated allergy- or diet-specific restaurant, but it often works well for a variety of preferences.

Vegetarian and Vegan Diners

• Many bowls and salads are vegetarian or easily made vegetarian.
• There may be vegan-friendly options, or dishes that can be customized (for example, by removing cheese or certain sauces).
• If you follow a strict plant-based diet, it helps to ask staff which items are fully vegan, since recipes and ingredients can change.

Gluten-Aware Choices

Some dishes may be naturally gluten-free or can be adjusted, especially if they’re built on greens or gluten-free grains. If gluten is a concern:

• Ask which bases and sauces are gluten-free.
• Mention any sensitivities or needs clearly when ordering.

Food Allergies and Sensitivities

Because Recess operates in a shared kitchen environment within a food hall, complete separation from common allergens may not be guaranteed. If you have a serious allergy:

• Let the staff know your needs.
• Consider whether a shared space fits your comfort level.

Recess vs. Other Options in Krog Street Market

Krog Street Market offers everything from burgers and fried foods to international street food. Recess fills the “fresh and lighter” niche.

Here’s a quick way many visitors think about it:

This makes Recess a frequent compromise spot when one person wants something lighter and others in the group want more indulgent options from the rest of the market.

Tips for Visiting Recess as an Atlantan or Visitor

Whether you’re a local regular or planning your first visit, a few practical tips can make things smoother:

1. Time Your Visit ⏱️

• Weekday lunches: Popular with people who work nearby or remote workers taking a break.
• Evenings and weekends: Krog Street Market can be busy; expect some wait during peak times.
• Nice-weather days: BeltLine traffic increases overall crowds.

If you prefer a quieter experience, aim for off-peak hours (late afternoon or early weekday evenings).

2. Combine It with a BeltLine or Neighborhood Outing

Recess works well as part of a bigger Atlanta day:

• Walk or bike the BeltLine Eastside Trail, then refuel with a bowl.
• Pair your meal with exploring Inman Park, Cabbagetown, or nearby street art, including the Krog Street Tunnel.
• If you’re new to the city, it’s a convenient way to experience both local food and the BeltLine culture in one stop.

3. Consider Group Dynamics

If you’re meeting friends or family with mixed tastes:

• Recess gives a healthier-leaning option within a food hall that also offers burgers, tacos, and more.
• Everyone can order from different stalls and still sit together in shared seating, which many groups find easier than agreeing on one restaurant.

How Recess Fits into a Healthy Atlanta Lifestyle

Many Atlanta residents try to balance indulgent meals (think fried chicken, barbecue, or Southern-style brunch) with places that feel more vegetable-forward and energizing. Recess often plays that “balance” role:

• A go-to weekday lunch that feels lighter.
• A post-workout meal after a run or bike ride on the BeltLine.
• A reset meal after a string of heavier restaurant outings.

It’s not a medical or nutrition-focused facility, but rather a casual food stall that lines up well with people seeking:

• More produce
• Colorful, bowl-style meals
• A sense of eating something fresh and made-to-order

Practical Details to Keep in Mind

• Setting: Food hall stall with shared seating (indoor and some outdoor).
• Atmosphere: Casual, busy at peak times, popular with BeltLine walkers, neighborhood residents, and visitors.
• Ordering style: Counter service; you typically order, receive a number or receipt, and pick up when your food is ready.
• Payment: Standard food hall expectations apply—most visitors bring a card or digital payment.

Because hours and menus can change, many locals check current hours and offerings before heading over, especially on holidays or during special events at Krog Street Market.

If you want a healthy dining option in Atlanta that feels modern, casual, and convenient, Recess at Krog Street Market is a solid choice—especially if you’re already planning to explore the BeltLine, Inman Park, or Krog Street Tunnel and want a fresh, produce-forward meal along the way.