Fred's Meat & Bread

Sandwich lovers of all ages constantly wait in line to get their hands on one of Fred’s coveted cheesesteaks (it’s on our best cheesesteak guide) or cheesy burgers. And on any given day, take a quick scan of the Krog Street Market’s high tops and long picnic tables and the tally of Fred’s brown bags and bright aluminum foil reaches double digits. Despite Fred's modest food hall placement, this retro-looking stall, with shelves stocked with glass bottles of old-school sodas, has been an Atlanta staple (and an all-star in the sandwich game) since 2014.

photo credit: Amy Sinclair

With fourteen different sandwich options, there’s an appropriate choice for every mood, but there’s a heavy focus on meat here and only one plant-based option (the thick cauliflower and eggplant bánh mì). We’ve been here countless times, tried every bread and meat combination, and have never walked away disappointed because every sandwich is generously stuffed with high-quality proteins and served on bread made fresh daily by TGM Bread (a.k.a. the team at The General Muir). 

We’re still slightly mystified at how a burger as simple as two patties, a few slices of cheese, mayo, and pickles stacked on a sesame seed bun can transport us directly to the ground beef gates of burger heaven. But we don't need the extra fluff when a patty is this juicy, fresh, and tasty. Fred’s isn’t afraid to go the creative route, too. It spices up classics with options like their Korean cheesesteak doused in tangy gochujang sauce and candied jalapeños. When you finally reach the order counter to make your selection official, take comfort in knowing that anything you order will be phenomenal and it’ll be crafted by the best sandwich spot in the city.

Food Rundown

photo credit: Amy Sinclair

Goodfellas Cheesesteak

This is a contender for best cheesesteak in Atlanta. Melty provolone cheese serves as an adhesive to contain the large amounts of chopped ribeye, tomatoes, and cherry peppers from spilling out of the long bread roll.

Korean Cheesesteak

Your choice of chopped chicken or ribeye is served with american cheese, green onion, and spicy candied jalapeños. It comes doused in gochujang sauce for that tangy taste and puts a delicious twist on a traditional cheesesteak.

photo credit: Amy Sinclair

Burger Stack

No trip to Fred’s would be complete without a taste of their juicy, cheesy burger. They keep it simple with american cheese, mayo, and bread and butter pickles all on a toasted, buttery sesame seed bun.

Italian Grinder

Using the same bread as the cheesesteaks, the Italian Grinder is for hearty meat lovers since it’s packed with pork, salami, and mortadella. Oil and vinegar, a tasty garlic aioli, and a healthy portion of iceberg lettuce help balance out the meatiness.

photo credit: Amy Sinclair

Pimento Cheese Club

Served on buttery, toasted white bread, this club is loaded down with a heaping portion of pimento cheese that only a true Southerner will appreciate. It’s topped with bacon and fried green tomatoes that can get mushy if you’re a slow eater.

photo credit: Amy Sinclair

Fries

You should obviously get a sandwich here. But for your own sake, order the hand-cut fries that can be spiced up with garlic, Old Bay, or a white barbecue sauce. We haven’t seen a more perfect pairing since peanut butter met jelly.