Bankhead Seafood returns with old favorites and new rooftop views - Review - Atlanta - The Infatuation
"Long before Bankhead Highway was renamed Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway, Bankhead Seafood reigned as Atlanta's king of the fried seafood platter. After more than 50 years in business, it closed in 2018. Now, Atlanta rappers and Westside natives T.I. and Killer Mike have brought the beloved establishment back to life with a snazzy interior upgrade, complete with a new rooftop bar where you can (and should) order cocktails, like the tangy-sweet lemon drop with a sugar rim. If you’re “Old Atlanta” enough to remember when Goodie Mob name-dropped the restaurant in Soul Food, you might wonder if the shiny new digs and rapper appeal now overshadow the food. We’re happy to report they don’t—you can still count on a reliably good seafood meal here seven days a week. Older folks from the neighborhood who still remember the original spot, celebrity-curious groups, and area residents keep the spot pretty busy from lunch until closing. It’s still the kind of place to settle in with friends for a long lunch or a casual dinner while catching the game on the big screens above the bar, awful parking aside (the lot is tiny although a security guard is often outside to help direct you). And with seafood platters ranging from $9 to $37, the menu hits every price point. The sandwiches are a standout here. Our favorites include the crispy, well-seasoned pollock or catfish stacked between thick slices of toasted buttered bread with tomatoes, sweet pickles, lettuce, and cheese. But, take note, it’s the sweet, moist hushpuppies with crunchy outsides-—a holdover from the old menu but now available as a solo item—that threaten to steal the spotlight away from all the noticeable upgrades. photo credit: Tabia Lisenbee-Parker photo credit: Tabia Lisenbee-Parker photo credit: Tabia Lisenbee-Parker photo credit: Tabia Lisenbee-Parker Pause Unmute Food Rundown Hushpuppies These are the best things on the menu. They're crunchy on the outside, moist and sweet on the inside. photo credit: Tabia Lisenbee-Parker Fried Catfish Sandwich This is a tasty, thick catfish sandwich that comes with crispy, well-seasoned fish, thick toasted white bread, tomato, shredded greens, sweet pickles, and tartar sauce. photo credit: Tabia Lisenbee-Parker Big Ass Platter True to its name, this massive platter comes with crackly fried fish, lobster bites, shrimp, hushpuppies, and fries. Everything is perfectly crunchy and well-seasoned, making it a great option to share if you’re feeling generous—or not, if you’ve got a big appetite. photo credit: Tabia Lisenbee-Parker Momma Harden Platter Named after the original owner, this is the best deal on the menu: fried white fish served with hush puppies—all for $9. photo credit: Tabia Lisenbee-Parker Cajun Fries The run-of-the-mill crinkle cut fries are sprinkled generously with cajun seasoning. They go just fine with the rest of the menu. Coleslaw Creamy with just the right amount of tang, this coleslaw is the perfect sidekick for the fish. Penne Pasta Alfredo This isn’t the kind of Alfredo you’d find at a fancy Italian spot, but it’s solid fast-casual pasta—creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, with a lot of spinach and a generous piece of blackened salmon on top. Crab Claws These are good—sprinkled generously with cajun seasoning and served with two pieces of tostini." - Jacinta Howard
