There’s no better local Black-owned restaurant to start with than Busy Bee Cafe. Founded in 1947, the Southern landmark is one of the oldest and most legendary eateries in the city, and thanks to its famous fried chicken, Busy Bee Cafe has been able to transcend generations with ease. Lil Baby, Killer Mike, Oprah, Samuel L. Jackson, and Vice President Kamala Harris are just a handful of notable people that have paid the beloved Atlanta restaurant a visit over the past few years, so don’t sleep—Busy Bee Cafe still has plenty of soul.

Yes, Busy Bee has been around for decades, and yes, it’s still the best place for straightforward soul food. Even though the West End diner is takeout-only now—with the same fascinating mix of people waiting semi-patiently in line—the juicy fried chicken remains an Atlanta legend, fried in a light batter that’s more seasoning than bread. The perfectly crisp catfish and pork chops are still the standard in the city, and so are the candied yams with just the right amount of sweet and the crispy fried okra that isn’t too chewy.

Since 1947, Busy Bee Cafe has become a historic staple of Atlanta (even Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ate here). This cozy restaurant was founded by Lucy Jackson, a self-taught cook, and today it still offers delicious Southern cuisine that has molded and shaped Atlanta's food scene. From fried chicken to seafood, and with all the sides you could want, there’s no shortage of choices.

Beyond those that received a star or a Bib nod, 30 additional restaurants around Atlanta were featured, receiving writeups to inspire visitors and locals about where to eat. In total, 45 eateries are included in the guide, which includes a total of 23 different types of cuisine, reinforcing the idea that Atlanta embraces global flavors.

A lunch spot that has been making food since 1947, and anyone who knows anything about Atlanta politics and Southern cooking has paid a visit. It’s a meat and three to love. And it’s almost always busy.

Sure the Busy Bee Cafe has been around since 1947 and has some of the best fried chicken in the area. Its daily meat-and-three plates and Southern specialties are a favorite of locals as well as notables such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Oprah Winfrey. And now has become internationally recognized as the James Beard Foundation named it an American Classic that has “timeless appeal and showcases regional dishes.” The cafe, which was started by Lucy Jackson, is still experiencing the impact of COVID and is now only offering take out/pick up, curbside service and free delivery.

Atlanta would be a lesser town without Busy Bee, which provided sustenance to Civil Rights leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr. Since 1947, the woman-owned institution has reliably served heaping helpings of soul food: smothered pork chops, oxtails, fried chicken, collards, and cornbread dressing. Currently, you won’t see old-school politicos and R&B stars alike crammed into the tight quarters on the outskirts of Atlanta’s HBCU complex—but you might see them lined up outside for their takeout orders.

Indeed, the Busy Bee Cafe serves some of the greatest fried chicken in the region and has been around since 1947. Notables like Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and locals love its daily meat-and-three plates and Southern delicacies like Green Chile and Chicken, Carne Adovada, and Veggie Green Chile Pizza. Since the James Beard Foundation declared it an American Classic with" timeless appeal and showcased regional dishes", it has gained recognition on a global scale.

Michelin-recommended and a Bib Gourmand awardee, The Busy Bee Cafe is an Atlanta institution. Back in 1947, this soul food eatery opened its doors on Hunter Street—now Martin Luther King Drive—at the time one of only two streets where Black businesses could operate. Once frequented by MLK Jr. and Hosea Williams, The Busy Bee is best known for its must-try fried chicken, offered alongside Southern classics like oxtails in gravy, BBQ ribs, cornbread muffins, and black-eyed peas.

Though the heated debate on where to find the city’s best fried chicken will never draw to a proper conclusion, you won’t be let down by the version turned out at Busy Bee, which opened in 1947. The joint may look lean and humble, but don’t be fooled: The food is lovingly made and deeply, deeply satisfying. For your first visit, order the golden, crusty, and perfectly seasoned chicken with some tried-and-true sides, like candied yams and broccoli cheese casserole.

This Atlanta institution has been serving up the city's best soul food to residents, including Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., since the 1940s. Along with arguably the city's best fried chicken, the Westside restaurant specializes in classic Southern fare like BBQ ribs, fried catfish and pulled pork sandwiches, and fried shrimp served with all the sides: think candied yams, broccoli cheese casserole, and fresh collard greens.

The Martin Luther King Boulevard staple has survived lean times in the 1990s and enjoyed a resurgence as gentrification combined with a loyal following from Atlanta University Center students has kept the doors open for years. Choice dishes include the Baked Chicken & Corn bread Dressing … a quarter of chicken smothered in its own gravy and served with cranberry sauce. And don’t sleep on the Pork Chops: Two 6 oz.

Just this year, Busy Bee Cafe won a James Beard Classics Award for its reliable and delicious soul food. The restaurant was opened in 1947 by Lucy Jackson, a Black woman and self-taught cook. Since its early days, the restaurant has changed hands a few times but remains a place for great soul food in Atlanta with popular menu items like fried chicken, chicken and waffles, fried catfish, mac and cheese, and more.

Make sure your Atlanta food map includes a stop at Busy Bee Café, a staple for Georgia diners since 1947. The restaurant and its owner, Tracey Gates, were honored as inductees into the 2023 Atlanta Hospitality Hall of Fame. With soul food specialties served in the most comforting manner possible, this stellar eatery has attracted luminaries like Oprah Winfrey and Vice President Kamala Harris, among others.

Founded by Lucy Jackson in 1947 and then sold to outside buyers, this cafe is was revitalized in the 1980s by Tracey Gates, who made it her mission to bring back the original menu standards. This historic restaurant in downtown Atlanta was recently dubbed a James Beard Classic. It was another favorite of the man whose name now graces the street the cafe is on: Martin Luther King Jr.

The Busy Bee Cafe is an Atlanta landmark that serves soul food to hungry locals and out-of-towners. The cozy restaurant serves homestyle meals that are both delicious and inexpensive for those looking to stay in a budget. Be prepared to choose between their gravy-smothered chicken, pork chops, fried fish, smoked ham hocks, oxtails, slow-smoked ribs, or baked macaroni and cheese!

Another favorite historical Southern-style restaurant, The Busy Bee Cafe, was founded by self-taught cook with a heart of gold Lucy “Momma Lucy” Jackson in 1947; it's a must-stop for anyone who loves soul food. Expect a warm greeting and flavorful grub as you indulge your taste buds with hearty dishes like candied yams, cornbread dressing, collard greens, and black-eyed peas.

When you’re looking for the best fried chicken in town, you might as well go for a veritable Atlanta institution. Busy Bee Cafe has been operating in Atlanta since 1947, opened up at the height of the segregation era by self-taught cook, Lucy Jackson and is still Black-owned today by restaurateur Tracy Gates. View this post on Instagram

Just recently, the James Beard Foundation named it one of America's classic restaurants. Opened by Lucy Jackson, Busy Bee was, and still is, known for its soul food, particularly its fried chicken. Jackson's chicken was so beloved, and still is, that the restaurant became a frequent stop for the leaders of the Civil Rights Movement.

810 M.L.K. Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314404-525-9212 Visit Website. Next up on my list of soul food restaurants in Atlanta is Busy Bee Cafe, located in the Downtown area, near Panther Stadium and Clark Atlanta University. This cozy yet buzzy spot is a great place to unwind after a long day and enjoy classic soul food entrees.

The Busy Bee Cafe has also been an Atlanta staple since 1947. Located in Downtown Atlanta, The Busy Bee Cafe is a 2023 Michelin Bib Gourmand Winner, as well as a 2022 James Beard Foundation “America’s Classics” Winner. With the motto “the South on a plate,” Busy Bee offers the Southern comfort foods we all love to savor.

Busy Bee Cafe is one of the few restaurants in the city of Atlanta with a long-standing history of excellence. Established in 1947 by Lucy Jackson, a black American whose love for delivering tasty food can’t be disputed. Busy Bee Cafe offers tremendous and delicious cuisines to make you forget you’re far away from home.

Since 1947, Busy Bee Café is a Black-Owned restaurant in Atlanta that has been a staple in Atlanta’s soul food scene. Known for its fried chicken, collard greens, and sweet potato pie, this historic restaurant has served everyone from locals to presidents. It’s a place where tradition meets delicious comfort food.

When pairs want their dinner date to actually be about the dinner, they head to Busy Bee. A casual downtown joint, Busy Bee has been serving up simple soul food fare since the 1940s. The unassuming spot with a humble brick exterior and teal awning may not look like a date-night candidate to the uninitiated.

The Busy Bee Cafe, an iconic soul food kitchen in Southwest Atlanta, has been serving classic, delicious dishes since 1947. Their true taste of southern scrumptiousness has earned them a 2022 James Beard Award. Diners who have “goated” Busy Bee include Kamala Harris, Rev. Jesse Jackson, and Jay-Z.

Busy Bee’s has been “slanging” the best mac and cheese since 1947. Their centered-cut pork chops, cajun turkey wings, golden filet catfish, fresh collard and turnip greens, and their thanksgiving cornbread dressing shows that they have been making their soul food with our ancestors in mind.

Busy Bee’s website touts the restaurant as “Atlanta’s Soul Food Kitchen Since 1947.” It was a meeting spot for civil rights leaders after opening on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and continues to stay busy, serving up fried chicken and other Southern staples. The restaurant is open 11 a.m.

Established in 1947, The Busy Bee Café is a very well-known location and one of the best restaurants in Downtown Atlanta. Frequented by famous folks, politicians and local celebrities, The Busy Bee Café is a great place to enjoy homestyle Southern soul food in a casual diner atmosphere.

Busy Bee Cafe is an Atlanta soul food restaurant that was established in 1947. At Busy Bee, you can taste classic chicken, fish, pork, and beef dishes served with incredible veggies and sides. Guests rave about the fried chicken and waffles and the homemade mac and cheese.

The Busy Bee Cafe is a casual diner serving southern style soul food. But it has reigned supreme as one of the favorite spots for soul food in Atlanta for years. This diner is a favorite of students at the nearby University who pack them full during lunch.

If you’re looking for a taste of tradition, the Busy Bee Cafe is a must-visit. Known for its delectable soul food, the Busy Bee has been a fixture in Atlanta for over 70 years. Their fried chicken, smothered pork chops, and cornbread are all legendary.

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. Spend Your Saturday With Us Cheers to The Weekend from The Busy Bee Dine With Us At Home Or On The Go!. Check Out Our Menu and Place Orders at TheBusyBeeCafe.com

This one’s an Atlanta institution—like, your grandma’s grandma probably ate here. Since 1947, Busy Bee’s been slinging soul food that’ll stick to your thighs. A crispy fried chicken plate with collard greens and yams?

Crunch through the salty, crackly crust of BUSY BEE CAFÉ’s famous fried chicken to reveal a trove of juicy meat thanks to the restaurant’s top-secret brining process. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

All of that said, the slights you’ve heard about Busy Bee are correct. The (closed-until-further-notice) dining room is too tight. The Saturday takeout line does stretch to Conyers.

In 1947, self-taught cook Lucy Jackson decided to open her own restaurant, and thus, The Busy Bee Café was born. The restaurant won 2022 James Beard Award American Classics.

The Busy Bee Cafe still makes this classic chicken dish with as much love and attention to detail as the previous chefs, which has customers always coming back for more!

Dr. SWAtlanta, GA 30314(404) 525-9212 Visit Website Open in Google Maps. Opened in 1947, Busy Bee Café has been busy providing scrumptious soul food to Atlanta.

I tried the Atlanta staple BUSY BEE during their lunch hours. Busy bee known for their pressure cooked & fried chicken for decades. Let me tell y'all....

Busy Bee Cafe (MLK) ~ One of the longer standing food establishments of this ilk, great fried pork chops and highly regarded fried chicken.