Bankhead Seafood 1

"This Northwest Atlanta institution famous for its long lines and hefty takeout trays of whole fried fish and fries hasn’t had a brick-and-mortar operation since 2018. With the backing of Killer Mike and T.I., that changes when their new building finally opened in late 2024 on the old spot’s footprint." - juli horsford, jacinta howard

"Opened in 1968; closed in 2018 for six years After more than 50 years of dominating Atlanta’s seafood scene, Bankhead Fish closed its doors in 2018. The Westside institution was later revived by Atlanta rappers T.I. and Killer Mike, and their version stays true to the neighborhood joint’s roots. The crowd is a mix of regulars from the old spot and celebrity-curious diners, all lining up for a plate of crispy fried fish. The hush puppies are still crunchy, moist, and a touch sweet, but there are a few welcome changes, like a new patio and a full bar." - anne cruz

"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 Food Rundown photo credit: Tabia Lisenbee-Parker 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. 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

"Atlanta hip-hop artists Michael “Killer Mike” Render and Clifford “T.I.” Harris reopened an Atlanta institution, Bankhead Seafood, on November 17. It serves the classics it’s always been known for: fried fish, hush puppies, and wings, including the “big ass platter,” which includes lobster bites, catfish, and shrimp. And now, there’s also a rooftop bar. Just weeks after its reopening, Helen Brown Harden, the founder of Bankhead Seafood who opened and ran the restaurant for 50 years, passed away on December 1. She was at the reopening ceremony." - Henna Bakshi

"A historic restaurant in Atlanta known for serving the city's best fried fish and hushpuppies. Founded by Helen Brown Harden, it nourished the community for over 50 years before closing in 2018. It recently reopened under new ownership, continuing its legacy." - Henna Bakshi