Busy Bee Cafe
Soul food restaurant · Atlanta
810 M.L.K. Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
Highlights
Award-winning soul food institution known for its fried chicken.
Award-winning soul food institution known for its fried chicken.
"If your goal is to take down some Southern soul food while in Atlanta, then Busy Bee Cafe in the West End should be a required stop. Though they’re only offering takeout for the moment, there’s some heavy history happening in the walls here. Opened in 1947, this place is famous for its best-in-the-city crispy fried chicken, greens, pork chops, and other soul food staples that have fed famous patrons from Martin Luther King Jr. to former President Barack Obama. Since it’s near the Atlanta University Center, drive by to see the Spelman, Morehouse, and Clark campuses before your visit. Or check out the Mercedes-Benz complex just a few blocks down." - nina reeder, juli horsford, jacinta howard
"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." - nina reeder, jacinta howard, juli horsford
"There’s a reason Busy Bee Cafe continues to dominate the Southern food conversation in Atlanta after seven decades — it’s that good. The dining room fills immediately after the doors open for lunch, and folks pour into “Atlanta’s soul food kitchen” for some of the best fried chicken likely within a 100-mile radius. People also love the tender collards, which the restaurant now prepares with smoked turkey rather than pork. Make sure to also indulge in the cornbread, baked mac and cheese, yams, cobblers, or sweet potato pie, while gazing upon bronze-framed photos of Civil Rights icons, celebrities, and world leaders — all who have eaten at Busy Bee over the years. The restaurant earned a James Beard award in 2022 and was named a bib gourmand by Michelin in 2024." - Mike Jordan
"In business since 1947, this Vine City staple serves some of Atlanta’s best fried chicken alongside an assortment of other meat-and-three staples. It continues to be a popular spot on Atlanta’s westside, so be prepared to rub elbows with fellow diners. And, don’t be surprised to run into a famous face or two. In 2022, the restaurant was named one of America’s classic restaurants by the James Beard Foundation. Busy Bee will now have a new location at Atlantic Station in 2026." - Missy Frederick
"Yet another beloved Atlanta restaurant that’s been around for decades, Busy Bee Cafe opened in 1947. Here, the chicken is marinated for 12 hours, hand-breaded, and fried. If that isn’t enticing enough, get the smothered version, which is topped with pan gravy. The Atlanta soul food institution won an America’s Classics award from the James Beard Foundation in 2022. And Busy Bee owner Tracy Gates can now add Michelin Bib Gourmand to the list of accolades this Vine City soul food institution has received over the last 76 years. Another location of Busy Bee is headed to Atlantic Station in 2026." - Eater Staff
