"There are two soul food restaurants whose long history wraps around Atlanta like the kudzu you see everywhere, The Busy Bee Cafe and Paschal’s. Back in the day, Paschal’s was like the Avengers headquarters—a gathering spot for hero Civil Rights activists like Martin Luther King, Jr., John Lewis, and Andrew Young. It’s still a great venue for big groups, but these days, you’ll see locals, corporate types rocking the latest in lanyard fashion, and families hanging out at the large two-level restaurant that also has an event space. Join them in appreciating massive photos of the aforementioned icons on the restaurant’s walls while you dig into your savory greens, cinnamony candied yams, buttery mashed potatoes, and sweet cornbread that could double as dessert." - nina reeder, juli horsford, jacinta howard