Ponce City Market isn't just the centerpiece of Old Fourth Ward — it's one of the most important adaptive reuse projects in the entire Southeast. What was once a crumbling Sears, Roebuck & Co. distribution center is now a vibrant, 2.1-million-square-foot mixed-use destination that has fundamentally changed the character of O4W.
But here's the thing most visitors don't realize: Ponce City Market is much more than a food hall. It's a living, breathing ecosystem of food, shopping, offices, residences, and entertainment that rewards repeat visits and deeper exploration.
The Building's Story
The Art Deco building at 675 Ponce de Leon Avenue was built in 1926 as a Sears, Roebuck & Co. distribution center and retail store. For decades, it was one of Atlanta's most important commercial buildings — a place where families came to buy everything from appliances to clothing.
After Sears closed in the 1990s, the building sat largely vacant for years, a massive, beautiful relic of a bygone retail era. The building's conversion into Ponce City Market, led by Jamestown Properties and completed in 2014, preserved the original Art Deco details while creating a modern, mixed-use space that honors the building's history.
The Food Hall
The food hall is the heart of Ponce City Market — a bustling, open-plan space with 30+ vendors offering everything from artisan tacos to handmade pasta. Here are some of the standouts:
One note on turnover: the hall rotates vendors more than you'd expect. Early in 2026, four original stalls, Sugar Shane's, La Metro, Ton Ton Ramen, and Miso Ko, closed as Jamestown rebalanced the lineup after the first round of 10-year leases came due. The new arrivals landed in spring 2026: Okiboru, a Michelin Bib Gourmand ramen house, and NoriFish, a sushi spot sourcing from Tokyo's Toyosu Fish Market, both took over the former Ton Ton and Miso Ko spaces. If you have a favorite stall, don't take it for granted; and if you're visiting, check what's new before you arrive, because the map changes faster than the printed signage keeps up.
Coffee
Spiller Park Coffee
The best espresso on the premises
Dessert
Honeysuckle Gelato
Artisan gelato made in small batches
Southern
Bantam + Biddy
Fried chicken and Southern comfort food
Wine & Tapas
Bar Ana
A wine bar and tapas counter that opened inside the market in late 2025
Ramen
Okiboru
Michelin Bib Gourmand ramen house that opened in the food hall in spring 2026
Sushi
NoriFish
Sushi spot sourcing from Tokyo's Toyosu Fish Market, opened spring 2026
Cuban
Cuban Diner
Authentic Cuban sandwiches and sides
Mexican
Taco DLM
Creative tacos and mezcal cocktails
Beyond the Food
The Roof at Ponce City Market
Atlanta's most unique rooftop experience: roller skating, mini golf, carnival games, and a bar with panoramic skyline views. The rooftop was redesigned for spring 2026 with a new mini-golf course, SK8 The Roof roller skating, and new ticketing: general admission to rides, boardwalk games, and skating runs $15 for adults and $7 for kids.
Whiplash Comedy
A comedy club from the founder of Laughing Skull Lounge opened at the Glen Iris and North Avenue corner in October 2026, with two showrooms, a full bar, and a patio.
Shopping & Retail
From Williams-Sonoma to local boutiques, the retail wing offers a curated mix of national brands and independent shops.
Food Hall Exploration
With 30+ vendors, the food hall alone can fill an entire afternoon of tasting. Come hungry and share plates with friends.
Tommy's PCM Tips
Visit on a weekday morning. Ponce City Market gets crowded on weekends, especially between 11 AM and 2 PM. For the most relaxed experience, come on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning when the food hall is quiet and you can actually hear yourself think.
Try the rooftop before sunset. The Roof at Ponce City Market is great any time, but arriving about an hour before sunset gives you the full experience — golden hour light on the skyline, followed by the city lights coming on one by one.
Park in the garage. The parking garage is connected to the building and typically has spots available. Street parking around Ponce de Leon can be competitive, especially on weekends.
Walk the BeltLine connection. Ponce City Market connects directly to the BeltLine Eastside Trail. After eating, take a walk in either direction — it's the perfect way to work off those tacos.
About the Author
Tommy Williams
Tom Will Sell Atlanta · Old Fourth Ward Expert
Tommy knows O4W block by block. When he's not helping clients find their perfect home, he's exploring the neighborhood's newest restaurants, trails, and hidden gems.