Experts' Choice Award The Busy Bee
What the experts agree on
An Atlanta soul food institution since 1947, famous for perfectly fried chicken, mac and cheese, and collards. Expect long lines and a packed, diverse crowd—go early for lunch.
“Simply put, this is an Atlanta soul food institution, where fried chicken has been the star since 1947.”
– Tasting Table
Not For Tourists "Simple soul food attracts cops and college students."
National Geographic "Go early for lunch, or you may end up standing in line for this busy soul food...popular with students and politicos who come for the authentic meat-n-two (meat with two sides)." Full review
Where "This always-crowded, family-run restaurant, a favorite with politicos and police officers, has been serving down-home meals since 1947." Full review
Bon Appétit "The classic Southern meat-and-three, open since 1947." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler " This perpetually packed neighborhood hangout has been serving Southern style soul food since 1947 and draws a crowd of hungry locals who aren't afraid of a little cholesterol and Red #5." Full review
Travel + Leisure "With a line of customers out the door waiting for the fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and collard greens that have kept it in business for more than half a century."
Time Out "Jackson’s recipe continues to satisfy, producing a sheer, barely-there bronzed crust enveloping juicy, well-seasoned meat. A chicken dinner gets you two pieces, plus two sides" Full review
The Infatuation9.0
"A place can be considered a classic eatery based off its tenure, its taste or, in the case of this unquestioned ATL icon, a delicious combination of the two" Full review
Fodor's "Since 1947, Busy Bee Cafe has become a historic staple of Atlanta (even Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ate here). This cozy restaurant was founded by Lucy Jackson, a self-taught cook, and..." Full review
Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand
"In the hospitality business, restaurants often come and go, but not The Busy Bee. Open since 1947, it's an Atlanta institution. Everyone has come through these doors, including Martin..." Full review
