Atlanta: Ponce City Market 2.5-Hour Weekend Food Tour

The Atlanta: Ponce City Market 2.5-Hour Weekend Food Tour offers a vibrant and flavorful way to experience Atlanta’s culinary scene without stepping outside into the humidity or navigating busy streets. Priced at $99 per person, this tour lasts approximately 2 hours and takes place inside Ponce City Market, the largest brick structure in the southeastern United States. This market, housed in a former Sears distribution center, has been transformed into a bustling hub of locally owned, award-winning eateries.

What makes this experience especially appealing is the combination of delicious tastings at five different stops, a chance to skip long restaurant lines, and some outdoor exploring along the Atlanta Beltline’s Eastside trail. The tour is perfect for those who want a comprehensive taste of Atlanta’s street food, enjoy learning about local history, and appreciate colorful murals in a climate-controlled setting.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: $99 per person for a 2.5-hour guided food tour
• Location: Starts inside Ponce City Market in Atlanta, Georgia
• Food Highlights: Gourmet creations like Oprah’s favorite gelato and Chicken Tikka Naan with slaw
• Outdoor Experience: Short 20-minute walk along the Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail to see murals
• All-Inclusive Tastings: Five stops featuring locally owned restaurants, offering a full lunchtime experience
• Age-Related Perks: Two cocktail tastings for guests over 21, including a Boozy Slushy

You can check availability for your dates here:

Inside Atlanta’s Largest Brick Structure at Ponce City Market

The tour begins inside Ponce City Market, which has earned recognition as one of the country’s best food halls. Originally built as a Sears and Roebuck distribution center, the market has been revitalized by the same developers behind Chelsea Market in New York. Its air-conditioned, indoor environment provides a comfortable setting to sample Atlanta’s street food without worrying about the weather or crowds.

As visitors move through the market, they encounter award-winning, locally owned restaurants. Each stop offers a generous tasting, ensuring that the tour functions as a satisfying lunch. The market’s vibrant atmosphere and historic architecture create an engaging backdrop for the culinary exploration.

What Will Be Tasted at Each Stop

The tour features five distinct food stops that showcase Atlanta’s diverse flavors. Among the highlights are gourmet dishes crafted by renowned chefs. For example, guests get to try a cheeseburger made entirely from scratch, including homemade mustard and ketchup, created by James Beard Award-winning Chef Linton Hopkins. There’s also a Cuban sandwich with yuca fries from Chef Hector Santiago, a Chicken Tikka Naan topped with gourmet slaw, and Oprah’s favorite Brown Butter Toffee gelato.

Along With the food, adults over 21 have the option to refresh with two cocktail tastings, which include a Boozy Slushy. These drinks add a fun, adult twist to the tasting experience and complement the savory bites.

The Unique Story of Ponce City Market

Guests learn about the fascinating history of Ponce City Market during the tour. The building’s transformation from a sulfuric springs location to one of the largest brick structures in the southeastern U.S. adds a layer of local significance. The market’s history, combined with its modern culinary offerings, creates a dynamic setting for tasting and exploring.

The guide shares insights into the building’s past, connecting its historic roots with its current role as a lively food and retail hub. This context enriches the experience, making it more than just a food tour but also a glimpse into Atlanta’s evolving landscape.

Exploring Murals on the Atlanta Beltline’s Eastside Trail

After enjoying the flavors inside the market, the tour takes a short outdoor walk along the Atlanta Beltline’s Eastside Trail. This 20-minute guided walk offers a chance to see and photograph colorful murals decorating the trail. The murals add an artistic flair to the urban environment and provide perfect photo opportunities.

The outdoor segment is optional but highly recommended for those interested in street art and Atlanta’s vibrant murals. The guide points out details about the murals’ creators and themes, enriching the visual experience.

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Practical Details: Meeting Point and Accessibility

The tour departs from inside Ponce City Market, specifically at public tables between El Superpan and Hop’s Chicken. The guide, identifiable by a brown messenger bag, greets guests here.

This experience is wheelchair accessible and typically available in the morning, making it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing. The majority of the experience remains indoors, offering comfort in all weather conditions. Children under 4 can participate for free, but they do not receive tastings.

Booking Flexibility and Cancellation Policy

Reservations can be made with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The tour allows reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility for travelers with changing plans. Since the duration is just 2 hours, it is a manageable activity for most schedules and energy levels.

Why This Tour Stands Out in Atlanta

This food tour combines culinary delights with cultural insights, making it a well-rounded experience. The focus on local, award-winning restaurants ensures authentic flavors, while the history and murals along the Beltline add a visual and educational dimension. The guides, notably David in reviews, are praised for their knowledge and personable approach, enhancing the overall experience.

The generous tastings and inclusion of adult beverages for over 21s make this tour a satisfying, fun way to spend part of a day in Atlanta. The climate-controlled indoor setting and short outdoor walk strike a good balance, offering comfort without missing out on outdoor art.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

Ideal for food lovers eager to explore Atlanta’s street food scene, especially those interested in gourmet dishes and local history. Perfect for first-time visitors, as it offers a comprehensive look at the city’s culinary and architectural highlights. It also suits families with older children and adults looking for a relaxed, flavorful experience paired with outdoor art exploration.

Atlanta’s Ponce City Market Food Tour: Final Thoughts

This 2.5-hour guided tour provides a tasty and educational introduction to Atlanta’s food scene within a historic and artistic setting. The mix of indoor tastings and outdoor murals creates a varied experience that balances culinary exploration with local culture.

The guides’ expertise, the variety of food from acclaimed chefs, and the relaxed pace make this tour a strong choice for those wanting to enjoy Atlanta without the hassle of long lines or outdoor heat. Its affordable price and flexible booking options add to its appeal.

This tour caters well to foodies, art lovers, and history buffs alike, offering a rich snapshot of Atlanta’s modern vibrancy grounded in its past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 4 can join for free but do not receive tastings.

How long does the outdoor walk along the Beltline last?
The outdoor segment lasts approximately 20 minutes.

Are cocktails included in the tour?
Yes, two cocktail tastings are included for guests over 21 years old, including a Boozy Slushy.

What is the meeting point?
Guests meet inside Ponce City Market at the public tables between El Superpan and Hop’s Chicken.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts about 2 hours.

Do I need to pay upfront?
You can reserve now and pay later, with no payment required until booking.

What are some highlights of the food on this tour?
Highlights include Oprah’s favorite gelato, Chicken Tikka Naan, cheeseburgers with homemade condiments, and Cuban sandwiches.

What makes Ponce City Market special?
It’s the largest brick structure in the southeastern U.S., with a history as a Sears distribution center and a vibrant modern food hall.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby