The Sweet Auburn Curb Market, located just a few block east of Downtown Atlanta, is a historic market with a large variety of fresh produce, hard to find meat products and local food vendors. The market is often overlooked by locals, but it a great option for many of your fresh food needs and also provides a unique experience. Sweet Auburn is a bit like a hybrid between a farmer’s market and a regular grocery store.
It can most closely be compared to the Dekalb Farmer’s Market, though the selection is much more limited.
Shopping at Sweet Auburn Curb Market:
There are a number of different vendors at Sweet Auburn, here’s an example of some of the items you might find there. There are several produce stands at Sweet Auburn, and you’ll find almost any fruit or vegetable you’re looking for at a good price. Among the highlights are large bags of pre-cut collard greens, exotic fruits and Chinese herbs.
There’s also something you wouldn’t expect at a farmer’s market - lots and lots of pre-cut, prepped products ready for your use. There’s a whole team working behind the counters, chopping and slicing so that you don’t have to. Unlike what you’d see in a traditional grocery store, there is not a huge price increase for these prepared items. Especially great values come in the form of peeled garlic cloves and pre-cut kits with all the ingredients you’d need for a perfect fajitas dinner.
At the meat counters, you’ll find a much greater variety of offerings than in most Atlanta grocery stores.
The prices offer significant value over what I’ve seen in traditional grocery stores and farmer’s markets.You’ll find the usual cuts of meat, but also lots of less used cuts, which are always an even better value. You’ll also find specialty items you may not see elsewhere like tripe. Most of the meat counters are lined with all different kinds of smoked meats. Even when the market is busy, the owners of the shops are happy to give you advice on what to choose and will do custom cuts for you as needed.
The market also has a large fish counter, Atlantic Seafood. Along with whole fish, fish filets and a wide range of shellfish, they carry some exotic meats like rabbit. If you’re not one to deal with whole fish on your own, they will help clean and prepare your selection, and will even steam cook if for you if you’d like. There are some items that you won’t find (or that are in short supply) at the market are dry goods like pasta, spices, rices and the like.
You also won’t find processed foods like canned goods. The website for Sweet Auburn does mention cheese, but I wasn’t able to find any fresh dairy items when I visited. The G & V Supermarket at the market does offer some packaged goods but feels more like a convenience store than a true grocery store. Note that the Sweet Auburn Market differs from local farmer’s markets because it the vendors are site are not the farmers that grow the produce. Though it is fresh and seasonal, the primary focus is not necessarily local produce.
Dining at Sweet Auburn Curb Market:
In addition to the goodies you’ll buy and take home to create your own gourmet meal, Sweet Auburn is home to a number of casual on-site restaurants to grab a quick bite or a full meal.
Restaurants at Sweet Auburn Market include:
The best thing to do it just take a quick lap around the market and check out all of the restaurants. Some of them have counter seating, for others you grab your food to-go and sit at one of the community dining areas around the market. After your meal, don’t forget to satisfy your sweet tooth with the amazing baked goods at Sweet Auburn Bakery.
Location, Parking and Hours:
The Sweet Auburn Curb Market is located on Edgewood Avenue directly east of Downtown and just off of the highway (traveling north, exit Edgewood Ave - traveling south, Jesse Hill Jr. Drive exit). There are multiple parking lots for the market. The closest is just off Edgewood on the southwest side of the market, near the main entrance. You can access this lot from Jesse Hill Jr. Drive. There is also overflow parking under the highway bridge just east of the market. The area also has street parking, but check signs as some areas do not allow parking on weekdays. Parking can be validated in the market when you make a purchase at any vendor (which you most certainly will!).
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