Fred’s Meats and Breads, located in the bustling Krog Street Market, is a culinary gem that has captured the hearts and taste buds of Atlantans and visitors alike. Known for its inventive and flavorful sandwiches, Fred’s offers a delightful dining experience that is hard to match.

Spotlight on Sandwiches

The Cheesesteak and the intriguing Korean Cheesesteak are undoubtedly the most talked-about items on the menu. These sandwiches have garnered rave reviews, with many claiming they might be the best in Atlanta. While local food celebrities like Steak Shapiro and Alton Brown have gone as far as to say that these creations surpass any found in Philadelphia, such claims are certainly debatable and perhaps a bit exaggerated. However, there’s no denying that Fred’s cheesesteaks are a must-try for sandwich enthusiasts.

Another standout is the Italian Grinder, which might just be the best sandwich Fred’s has to offer. Packed with a delightful mix of flavors and textures, this sandwich is a testament to Fred’s commitment to quality and taste.

Perfectly Crispy French Fries

Fred’s also excels in the side dish department with their fabulous French Fries. These crispy delights have been praised as the best in the metro Atlanta area, making them the perfect accompaniment to any sandwich on the menu.

Burger Excellence

In addition to their celebrated sandwiches, Fred’s offers a Burger that ranks among the top five in the metro area. This burger is so popular that it’s also available at their sister restaurant, The General Muir, allowing more people to enjoy its deliciousness.

🍽️ Love the honest food reviews from Atlanta Grubber? Help keep the bites coming! 😋 Support us by visiting DuffyStore.com—our handpicked Amazon recs—or just use our Amazon link next time you shop. 🛒It’s FREE for you, but fuels our foodie finds! 🙌

Consistent Quality

Having sampled virtually all the sandwiches on Fred’s menu, I can confidently say that there is nothing bad to be found. Each item is crafted with care and precision, ensuring a satisfying meal every time.

In conclusion, Fred’s Meats and Breads delivers on its promise of exceptional flavors and quality. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this spot is a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable sandwich experience in Atlanta.

Fred’s Meat and Bread‘s grinder is rated as one of the best sandwiches in the entire metro area by Atlanta Grubber the top expert when it comes to Atlanta Restaurant Reviews!

🍽️ Infallible Local Restaurant Reviews from the one and only Atlanta Grubber – where flavor meets facts and mediocrity gets grilled. Join the food obsession across every platform:

🎧 Podcasts — Unfiltered foodie takes, hidden gems, and savage truths about ATL eats!

📸 Instagram — Scroll-drooling bites, savage captions, and real ones only.

📘 Facebook Group — Join the elite squad dishing truth bombs and discovering GOAT-level grub around Atlanta.

🐦 X (Twitter) — Hot takes served fresh. Sharp wit, sharper food opinions.

▶️ YouTube — Real talk food reviews with zero fluff. Your next favorite spot? Found here first.

🎥 TikTok — Fast, fiery, and brutally honest ATL food drops. Watch it, crave it, debate it.

Here is a compilation of what others out there are saying!

Fred’s Meat & Bread: Atlanta’s Sandwich Hotspot Review

Fred’s Meat & Bread is a popular sandwich counter located in Atlanta’s bustling Krog Street Market. Known for its gourmet take on classic sandwiches and hand-cut fries, Fred’s has amassed hundreds of positive reviews across Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor, even earning a coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction. From cheesy Philly-style cheesesteaks to one of the city’s most talked-about burgers, this food stall has quickly become a local favorite. In this review, we summarize online feedback on all aspects of Fred’s Meat & Bread – food quality, customer service, atmosphere, pricing, and the must-try menu items – to give you a clear picture of what to expect. (Spoiler: come hungry!)

Food Quality & Flavor

Reviewers overwhelmingly praise the food quality at Fred’s Meat & Bread. Sandwiches are consistently described as flavorful, indulgent, and made with high-quality ingredients. The menu, created by Chef Todd Ginsberg, features inventive twists on deli classics – “nontraditional deli sandwiches, including Korean fried chicken, hot roast turkey with spicy romesco sauce, and a cheesesteak that is making a play to be the city’s best”. Each sandwich is prepared to be “messy-delicious and over the top in the best possible way”, as one Michelin Guide write-up notes. Portions are generous: a TripAdvisor reviewer raved that the cheesesteak was “filled with meat and cheese, a huge sandwich” and advised that less ambitious eaters could “split it” with a friend. Overall, the consensus is that every bite at Fred’s packs a punch – rich, juicy, and downright delicious. Even Bon Appétit magazine singled out Fred’s “juicy, messy cheesesteak”and “flawless burger” as must-haves at the food hall, underscoring the widespread acclaim for the flavor and execution of the food here.

Customer Service

Being a counter-service eatery in a busy market, Fred’s Meat & Bread offers a fast-casual service model that most reviewers find efficient and friendly. Customers line up to order at the counter, and despite the crowds, many note that the staff handles orders swiftly and with a good attitude. One Yelp reviewer said “the staff are very kind”, complimenting the overall service even if the line gets long. Several TripAdvisor comments echo that sentiment, mentioning helpful and upbeat employees and a smooth pickup process when ordering ahead online. Of course, with popularity can come some hiccups – a small minority of visitors have reported less-than-stellar service during peak rushes. In fact, an early TripAdvisor review from 2015 was bluntly titled “Bad customer service,” indicating an instance where expectations weren’t met. However, such complaints are rare compared to the volume of praise. Overall, the general feeling is that customer service is solid for a high-traffic food stall, with friendly cashiers and an organized system that keeps the sandwich assembly line moving.

Atmosphere and Ambiance

Krog Street Market in Inman Park, home to Fred’s Meat & Bread’s bustling sandwich counter.

Fred’s Meat & Bread is located inside Krog Street Market, a trendy food hall in Atlanta’s Inman Park. The atmosphere is casual, lively, and often bustling, especially during lunch and weekend peaks. The stall itself exudes an old-school diner charm – there’s a small counter where you can watch the cooks in action (the design “is a mixture of metals and warm woods with glazed, handcrafted tiles,” giving off a retro vibe). If you’re lucky, you might snag one of the few counter stools to eat right in front of the kitchen. Otherwise, seating is open within the market’s communal tables spread around the hall. Diners love the energetic food-hall ambiance, noting that it’s part of the experience: the clamor of orders being called out, the sight of sandwiches being prepared fresh, and the mix of locals and tourists all digging into their meals. A Yelp review described the “overall vibe” as “nice” – expect a laid-back crowd of food enthusiasts. Do be aware that it can get crowded and a bit noisy at prime times, and finding a seat might require patience. Still, most visitors appreciate the hustle and bustle as an authentic part of enjoying Fred’s in its vibrant, market setting.

Pricing and Value

When it comes to pricing, Fred’s Meat & Bread sits in the mid-range: it’s not a cheap sandwich shop, but fans insist you get what you pay for. Sandwiches generally range from around $9 to $15, and a fries order is a few dollars extra. Some first-timers experience a bit of sticker shock given the food-hall setting – a couple of online reviewers felt the food was “overpriced” for sandwiches. One TripAdvisor commenter even titled their review “Average and ridiculous price,” indicating they found the cost hard to justify. However, the majority of feedback says the quality and portions make it worth it. The cheesesteaks, for example, are massive and packed with premium steak and cheese, which many argue earns the $14 price tag (“it sometimes sells out… The $14 price tag may seem high to some, but it’s worth it”). Value is further affirmed by outside recognition – Fred’s was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2023, meaning Michelin’s inspectors deemed it an excellent meal for good value. Many locals and visitors alike are happy to pay for what they call “one of the best” sandwich experiences in Atlanta. In summary, Fred’s isn’t bargain dining, but you’ll likely feel your money was well spent on the flavorful food. If you’re on a tight budget, you might save it for a treat yourself occasion, but if you judge value by taste and satisfaction, Fred’s delivers in spades.

Most-Recommended Menu Items

With such a tempting menu, you might wonder where to start. Certain items have risen to legendary status in reviews – here are the top recommended dishes at Fred’s Meat & Bread, according to online consensus:

• Philly Cheesesteak (Original): The classic ribeye cheesesteak is Fred’s marquee item and a consistent favorite. Diners describe it as authentic and decadent – tender chopped steak, perfectly grilled onions, and gooey cheese loaded into a soft roll. Some even say “no need to go to Philadelphia anymore: here’s the real deal”. More than one reviewer has called it the best cheesesteak they’ve ever had outside Philly, with one TripAdvisor user urging others to try this “huge, delicious” sandwich. If you love cheesesteaks, this should be first on your list. (Pro tip: come hungry or bring a friend to share, as it’s very generously sized!)
• Korean Cheesesteak: A creative twist on the classic, the Korean Philly cheesesteak swaps in flavors like gochujang (a Korean chili paste) and maybe a hit of kimchi or candied jalapeños (depending on the variation). This fusion sandwich has earned rave reviews for its sweet-and-spicy kick. One enthusiast on TripAdvisor went so far as to call Fred’s cheesesteaks “ELITE,” declaring the Korean Philly “TOP-TIER good!”. You can get it with ribeye or chicken; either way, expect the richness of a cheesesteak with an extra layer of tangy heat. It’s a must-try for adventurous eaters who want something you won’t find at a typical sandwich shop.
• Burger Stack: Don’t let the name “Meat & Bread” fool you into thinking it’s all about sandwiches – Fred’s double-stack cheeseburger is another superstar. This burger consists of two griddled beef patties with crispy edges, melted American cheese, house-made mayo, and pickles on a butter-toasted bun. It’s a simple, old-school burger executed to perfection. Reviews frequently list the Burger Stack among the top burgers in Atlanta; it’s been described as “so meaty/juicy in all the right ways, and cheesy/goopy in all the right ways”. One Reddit user even proclaimed they would “drive an hour, and wait in line an hour” just to eat this burger again. If you’re a burger lover, you’ll likely be in heaven – several people say it rivals (or surpasses) more famous burger joints in town.
• Hand-Cut Fries (with Seasonings): Nearly every sandwich order at Fred’s is accompanied by a paper cup of their thick, hand-cut fries – and these have a fan following of their own. You can get them plain (crispy outside, fluffy inside) or jazzed up with seasonings and dips. Popular choices include the garlic fries (tossed with lots of fresh garlic) and the Old Bay fries served with garlic aioli. There’s even a BBQ-seasoned fry with white BBQ sauce noted on the menu. Food writers have crowned Fred’s fries the best in Georgia, thanks to their freshness and addictively rich flavors. In short, don’t skip the fries – many say they’re the perfect complement and worth the extra few dollars. The portion is generous enough to share, though you may not want to once you taste them!

(Honorable mentions: Fred’s offers plenty of other intriguing options, and different regulars have different favorites. The Italian Grinder, packed with Italian cold cuts, provolone, lettuce, and cherry peppers, is praised as a home-run for classic deli lovers. The Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich with kimchi and spicy mayo is another hit for those who enjoy a crispy chicken sandwich with a twist. Even vegetarians aren’t left out – there’s a unique cauliflower & eggplant “banh mi” style sandwich on offer. In truth, as one blogger observed, “Everything on the menu at Fred’s has a champion”, meaning just about every item has someone who swears by it. You really can’t go wrong, but the four items above are the most universally acclaimed.)*

Final Verdict & Recommendation

In summary, Fred’s Meat & Bread lives up to its reputation as one of Atlanta’s top spots for casual eats. The food is rich in flavor and craftsmanship – from the famed cheesesteaks to the indulgent burger and beyond – leaving a trail of satisfied, often repeat, customers. The customer service is generally friendly and fast-paced, helping you get your comfort food fix with minimal hassle. Yes, you’ll be dining in a busy food hall setting with limited seating, and you’ll pay a bit more than you might at a typical sub shop, but those trade-offs come with the territory of enjoying some of the best sandwiches in the city.

For potential visitors: if you find yourself at Krog Street Market (or simply have a craving for a great sandwich in Atlanta), Fred’s Meat & Bread is absolutely worth a try. It’s the kind of place where cheesesteak aficionados, burger lovers, and foodies in general will be in hog heaven. Our recommendation is to go at an off-peak hour if possible (to snag a seat and shorter line), bring a hearty appetite, and definitely order a side of fries. Fred’s offers a flavorful taste of Atlanta’s creative dining scene wrapped up in butcher paper – and according to the overwhelming online consensus, you won’t regret biting into what might be one of the best sandwiches you’ve ever had. Highly recommended for a delicious, no-frills meal that showcases what a truly great sandwich should be. Bon appétit!

Sources: Online reviews and ratings from Yelp, TripAdvisor, Google; local food blogs and publications including Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Creative Loafing, Atlanta Magazine, Bon Appétit, and the Michelin Guide, among others. These sources reflect the general public consensus and expert opinions on Fred’s Meat & Bread as of 2025.