Fred’s Meat & Bread in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re craving serious sandwiches in Atlanta, especially with an international flair, Fred’s Meat & Bread in Krog Street Market is one of the first names locals mention. It’s casual, counter-service, and focused almost entirely on doing a few things extremely well: bold, globally inspired sandwiches, crispy fries, and a short but thoughtful menu.

This guide walks you through what to expect, what to order, and how to plan a visit if you live in Atlanta or you’re here exploring the city’s food scene.

Where Fred’s Meat & Bread Fits in Atlanta’s Restaurant Scene

Atlanta’s food scene is known for Southern staples, global flavors, and mashups—Thai by way of Buford Highway, Indian in Decatur, Korean and Latin influences all over town. Fred’s Meat & Bread fits into this landscape as:

• A sandwich shop with international influences, not a traditional sit-down restaurant
• A Krog Street Market favorite, easy to add to a day of exploring the BeltLine or Inman Park
• A place where you’ll see locals, office workers, and visitors all lining up at the counter

You’re not getting white tablecloth service here. Instead, think:
fast-casual, high-quality ingredients, and globally inspired flavors in a very Atlanta setting.

Location, Hours, and How to Get There

Main location (as of the latest widely known info):
Fred’s Meat & Bread – Krog Street Market

• Address: 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Neighborhood: Inman Park / Edgewood area, along the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Setting: Inside Krog Street Market, a popular food hall with multiple vendors

Because hours can change, especially around holidays and events, it’s smart to:

• Check posted hours at Krog Street Market before heading over
• Plan for peak times at lunch and weekend evenings

Getting there from around Atlanta

• From Midtown or Downtown:

  • By car: Usually 10–15 minutes depending on traffic; parking is available in Krog Street Market’s lot and nearby streets (typically paid or time-limited).
  • By MARTA: Take the train to Inman Park/Reynoldstown Station, then a short rideshare or a 15–20 minute walk depending on your route.

• From the BeltLine:

  • Fred’s is steps from the Eastside Trail. If you’re biking or walking the BeltLine between Ponce City Market and Memorial Drive, Krog Street Market is a natural food stop.

What Kind of Food Does Fred’s Meat & Bread Serve?

Fred’s is focused on sandwiches with global and American influences, plus fries and a few sides. The menu can change, but you’ll typically see a mix of:

• Cheesesteaks (often considered a signature here)
• Burgers
• International-inspired sandwiches (like banh mi or Italian-style options, depending on rotation)
• Fried chicken sandwiches or cutlet-style builds (often with global seasonings or sauces)
• Vegetarian-friendly options (limited but usually present, such as veggie sandwiches or creative sides)
• Fries and loaded fries with different toppings or seasonings

You order at the counter, get a number or ticket, and wait for your name to be called. Seating is shared with the rest of Krog Street Market, so it’s more of a food hall vibe than a standalone restaurant.

Popular Menu Items and Styles to Try

Menu details can shift, but when Atlantans talk about Fred’s, they often mention:

H2-Level: Cheesesteaks and Meat-Centered Sandwiches

1. Cheesesteak-style sandwiches
Fred’s is known for a cheesesteak with thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and grilled onions, often with options for:

• Whiz or provolone-style cheese
• Peppers or extra toppings
• Add-ons like hot cherry peppers if you like heat

It’s not a strict Philadelphia copy; you’re getting a version that fits Atlanta’s style—quality beef, careful seasoning, and a slightly more “chef-driven” approach than a basic sandwich shop.

2. Burgers and patty-style sandwiches
You’ll often find:

• A classic burger with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and house sauce
• Variations with more international seasonings or toppings, depending on the season

H2-Level: International and Fusion Flavors

Because Fred’s is grouped under “International Cuisine”, it’s useful to know where that comes from:

• You might see Vietnamese-inspired banh mi elements (pickled vegetables, cilantro, spicy mayo) worked into certain sandwiches.
• Italian-style sandwiches could feature salumi, provolone, and giardiniera or similar toppings.
• Global touches show up in sauces, spice blends, and garnishes more than full traditional plates—this is still a sandwich shop, not a full international restaurant.

This makes Fred’s a good stop if you want international flavor profiles in a casual, handheld format rather than a full multi-course meal.

Vegetarian, Vegan, and Dietary Considerations

Fred’s is, as the name suggests, meat-forward, but there are still a few points to know if you have dietary needs:

• Vegetarian options:

  • There is often at least one vegetarian sandwich or a veggie-based option, and sides like fries are usually available.
  • Offerings can be limited compared to meat items, so you might want a backup plan in Krog Street Market if you’re strictly vegetarian.

• Vegan options:

  • Options are more limited; you may be able to order fries and customize certain items, but it’s not a dedicated vegan spot.

• Gluten-sensitive or gluten-free:

  • Most sandwiches are served on bread, and there may or may not be gluten-free bread options at any given time.
  • If you’re highly sensitive to gluten, it’s best to ask at the counter about ingredients and cross-contact.

In Atlanta, where there are many dedicated vegan and gluten-free restaurants (especially around Midtown, Poncey-Highland, and Grant Park), Fred’s is usually a choice for mixed groups where meat lovers want something bold, and others can find at least a snack or side.

Price Range and What to Expect to Spend

Fred’s Meat & Bread is typically in the moderate range for Atlanta casual dining:

Typical cost per person:

*These are general Atlanta-style approximations and can change with time, specials, and inflation.

You’re paying more than a basic fast-food sandwich, but many Atlantans consider it in line with chef-driven casual spots across Inman Park and the BeltLine area.

When to Go and How Busy It Gets

Because of its location inside Krog Street Market, Fred’s can be very busy at peak times:

• Lunch (12–2 p.m.) on weekdays sees office workers, locals, and visitors.
• Weekend afternoons and evenings are especially crowded when BeltLine traffic is heavy.

If you want a quicker, more relaxed experience:

• Aim for late lunch (around 2–3 p.m.) on weekdays
• Consider early dinner (before 6 p.m.) on weekends
• Be prepared for limited seating inside Krog Street Market at peak hours, but usually you can find a seat if you’re patient or flexible

Parking, Accessibility, and Family-Friendliness

Parking near Krog Street Market

• On-site lot: Paid parking lot adjacent to the market; rates vary.
• Street parking: Surrounding streets can have metered or limited parking—always check posted signs.
• During busy times, especially weekends and event days on the BeltLine, parking fills quickly, so consider carpooling, rideshare, or MARTA plus a short ride.

Accessibility

Krog Street Market, including Fred’s Meat & Bread, is generally:

• Wheelchair accessible, with ground-level entry points
• Designed with shared seating areas and wide aisles, though it can feel crowded and noisy during busy hours

If mobility or sensory considerations are important, you may prefer off-peak times.

Good for kids and groups?

• Kids:

  • Many children enjoy fries and burgers, though the bold flavors or spicy options might be better for older kids.
  • The food hall setup gives families flexibility—different members can choose different vendors.

• Groups:

  • Great if your group doesn’t need assigned seating; you can order from Fred’s and other stalls and then meet at a shared table.
  • Larger groups may need to hunt for enough seats during busy periods.

How Fred’s Compares to Other Atlanta Options (Context Only)

Within Atlanta’s international food landscape, Fred’s stands out more as:

• A sandwich specialist that borrows from global cuisines
• An easy add-on to a BeltLine food crawl or Krog Street Market visit
• A reliable pick if you want something hearty, handheld, and flavorful rather than a long, sit-down meal

If you’re planning a full international food itinerary in Atlanta, you might:

• Start with Buford Highway for more traditional Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Mexican, and other international restaurants
• Visit neighborhoods like Decatur, West Midtown, or Chamblee for specific cuisines
• Use Fred’s as a casual stop when you want international-inspired flavors in a fast-casual format near Inman Park or Old Fourth Ward

Practical Tips for Visiting Fred’s Meat & Bread in Atlanta

Here are some quick pointers to make your experience smoother:

• Plan for lines at peak times. 🕒 Expect to wait at lunch and on weekends—build that into your schedule if you’re on a tight timeline.
• Decide on your order early. The menu is posted at the counter and often online; knowing whether you want a cheesesteak, burger, or something more international speeds things up.
• Share if you’re sampling multiple spots. Krog Street Market has several vendors; consider splitting a sandwich at Fred’s so you can try something else nearby.
• Check for seasonal or special items. Some of the more interesting international-inspired combinations may appear as specials.
• Have a backup for dietary needs. If someone in your group is vegan or strictly gluten-free, you may want to combine Fred’s with another vendor inside the market that better suits their needs.

Fred’s Meat & Bread is a solid choice if you’re in Atlanta’s Inman Park/BeltLine area and want a hearty, well-executed sandwich with global influences in a casual, food-hall environment. Whether you’re a local grabbing lunch or a visitor exploring Krog Street Market, it fits naturally into a day of eating your way through the city.