"Opened in the late ’40s and a safe space for Dr. King in the ’60s, this undisputed ATL icon near the AUC has been run by the Gates family since the early ’80s. Over that time, there have been a few recurring rumbles about Busy Bee. The (closed-until-further-notice) dining room is too tight. The Saturday take-out line does stretch to Conyers. Yes, your bill will run $50 for two people. Still, no matter how many times we’ve complained under our breath—we’re well over 100 visits by now—we’ve never left unhappy. The best soul food restaurant in the city has its challenges, yes, but cooking excellent fried chicken, fish, and sides isn’t on that list." - nina reeder, juli horsford, demarco williams, jacinta howard