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Name: Busy Bee Cafe
Address: 810 Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Atlanta, GA, 30314
Telephone: (404) 525-9212
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.12

Busy Bee Cafe

810 Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Atlanta, GA, 30314

(404) 525-9212
Store is closed

Busy Bee Cafe Menu

Salads

Fried Chicken Salad Or Roasted Chicken Salad
Southern Favorites

Busy Bees Fried Chicken

Smothered Chicken

Baked Chicken

Pork Chops

Mamas Beef Stew

Fried Fish

Baked Tilapia

joe Lewis Ham Hock

Chitlins

Stewed Oxtails

Bar-b-que Ribs
This & That

Cole Slaw

Veggie Side

Sliced Tomatoes

Side Tossed Salad

Take-out

Rice

Yeast Roll

Corn Muffin
Garden Fresh Veggies

Fresh Collard Greens

Baked Macaroni & Cheese

Candied Yams

Fresh Creamed Corn

Fried Okra

Buttered Okra

String Beans W/potatoes

Carrot Souffle

Fried Green Tomatoes

Mashed Potatoes

Corn Bread Dressing

Broccoli Cheese Casserole

White Rice

Yellow Rice

Potato Salad

Tossed Salad

Cole Slaw

Pickled Beets

Sliced Tomato & Onion
Veggie Plate

Any Three Of Our Southern Style Veggies

Any Four Of Our Southern Style Veggies
Sandwiches

The Club

Fried Chicken

Chopped Bar-b-que

Bar-b-que Rib

Fried Fish
Desserts

Ol Fashioned Banana Puddin

Georgia Peach Cobbler

Cake

Sweet Potato Pie

Vanilla Ice Cream

Blackberry Cobbler

Healthy Meal suggestions for Busy Bee Cafe

Salads

Fried Chicken Salad Or Roasted Chicken Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Southern Favorites

Busy Bees Fried Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Smothered Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Baked Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pork Chops [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mamas Beef Stew [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Fish [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Baked Tilapia [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

joe Lewis Ham Hock [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chitlins [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Stewed Oxtails [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bar-b-que Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
This & That

Cole Slaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Veggie Side [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sliced Tomatoes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Side Tossed Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Take-out [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Yeast Roll [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Corn Muffin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Garden Fresh Veggies

Fresh Collard Greens [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Baked Macaroni & Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Candied Yams [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fresh Creamed Corn [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Okra [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Buttered Okra [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

String Beans W/potatoes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Carrot Souffle [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Green Tomatoes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mashed Potatoes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Corn Bread Dressing [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Broccoli Cheese Casserole [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

White Rice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Yellow Rice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Potato Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tossed Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cole Slaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pickled Beets [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sliced Tomato & Onion [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Veggie Plate

Any Three Of Our Southern Style Veggies [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Any Four Of Our Southern Style Veggies [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sandwiches

The Club [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chopped Bar-b-que [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bar-b-que Rib [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Fish [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Desserts

Ol Fashioned Banana Puddin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Georgia Peach Cobbler [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sweet Potato Pie [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vanilla Ice Cream [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Blackberry Cobbler [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Alden W.

Why did they kidnap my Great -Grand-Mother and chain her to the stove in that place. The lord only knows that when I would come down to Atlanta as a child from Chicago to visit family and to be a po black share cropper. My only reward for all my hard work and bitching, would be my Great-Grandmothers table. She served up Love, Wisdom and SOUL FOOD also if my bitching was to much she could serve an awesome back hand or switch. This place is not pretty, nor is it in the best of hoods "yet". But it has great charm and the best of what you would expect from Classic Southern / Soul Food. This is the place that I take out of towners "national and inter-national" and all have thoughts of their Grand parents. Order every thing on the menu and share, drink half and half "half sweet tea and half lemon-aid" and tell the large lady at the cash register "she and her family own the place, always has" Tell her to free my GREAT-GRANDMOTHER from her kitchen, I'll pay!
(5)
Michelle P.

i hope this does not come out racist, as its not meant to be. But when i go eat soul food in the south i want to be a minority at the restaurant. I'm sorry, but thats just how it works. And thats exactly how it was at Busy Bee. The place was absolutely packed and all of this pointed directly to the fact that this was the perfect place to get fried chicken (I guess i should give Jeff W. props for choosing it,huh?) We waited about 20 minutes and were seated and served drinks very promptly. Since we were in the south, of course i ordered the fried chicken special. Within what seemed like seconds we were served sweet tea as part of our special. Well i learned i dont like sweet tea... weird but i dont. However i gave it a shot and passed it on jeff. So then came the basket of bread and cornbread. Well the bread was soft and warm and perfectly complimented by honey butter. And the cornbread was also warm and the perfect balance of sweetness and cornness. Also perfect with the honey butter. As soon as we were done, we got our meals. I opted for the the white meat which was a wing and big old chicken bosom. And of course i got the mashed potatoes which reminded me exactly of how my mom would make them. I really wanted the fried corn, but they were out so i settled for the broccoli caserole, which again tasted like it came right out of my mom's kitchen. Awesome. We got additional sides of fried green tomatoes and fried okra which were good... but its hard to mess up something that is fried. As for the chicken... it was not too greasy, perfectly crispy and had great flavor. It really tasted like they had put a lot of work into making the flavor great. While maybe not as cost effective, it was way better than hitching post (my only other fried chicken experience). I didn't feel greasy at all Of course we had to try the peach cobbler for dessert (we were in Georgia!) which was great. More nutmeg than i normally have, but still good. Everyone was friendly and the food was great. Exactly what i would expect out of a southern food restaurant!
(4)
K. A. R.

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes! I was in Atlanta visiting and friend, wanted to try authentic soul food (I was a newbie), so my friend and her husband brought me here. None of us had set foot in this place before, but were were greeted and treated like long-time customers. Even other patrons said hi to us. Such a friendly place. Because of our newbie status, we asked the waitress to order a decent selection of what she would chose to introduce folks to soul food. Great yabba kazaam we were glad we did that! We gorged ourselves on giblets, ham hocks, collard greens, pinto beans, chitlins, and mac-n-cheese and washed everything down with sweet tea. Everything was so delicious that even after I was full I just... wanted... to... get... one... more... bite... in. Ah! Heaven! Since we literally had no room for desert, we got some cobbler to go and ate it the next morning for breakfast. Yum, yum, yum! This was nearly three years ago folks, and I *still* remember that meal. My friend and I talk about whenever she tries to entice me back to Atlanta for a visit. "If you come, Kelly, we can go to Busy Bee..."
(5)
Shawanda M.

me & my out of town guests frolic off to Busy Bee for a real "southern" lunch. so good. Smothered chicken, mash potatoes, mac & cheese, cornbread. Not even dinner time yet. the sweet tea = sugar coma. Jackie our waitress was sweet...cannot wait to go back and eat more.
(4)
Alexa G.

Apparently the left over fried chicken was so good even my cats ate pieces of it up!! And I definitely have to agree with all the previous reviewers, get the fried chicken! Going to eat here is like going to go eat at your favorite Auntie's house ( minus getting hit up for change on the way in and out of the restaurant.) I learned that homeless people who are supposedly starving would rather have a dollar, than my leftovers I tried to offer him. Hmph! I suppose he was on some sort of "liquid diet". Anyhow, back to the food which was amazing. The day that we were there they were packed for lunch, and I swear they gave my skinny Caucasian boyfriend the largest piece of chicken I had ever seen- It's kinda like your grandmother saying "here eat more/ you need more meat on your bones!" Which I found hilarious! We were served some table wine of the south (sweet tea), cornbread, Baked mac and cheese, collard greens (which he ate up before I could even taste!), and yams. All of which were delish! You can get orders to go, and they even give a 10% discount to students!
(4)
Justin H.

This place is ok at best. Had the smothered chicken and it was good but the portion was kinda small. Had the greens and mac and cheese and both of those were half assed. I dont really understand how a soul food spot can have greens that taste like they came strait out of the can but i guess other people like it so whatever. Im giving this place three stars only because Jeezy names this spot in a rap song. Yeeeeeeaaah.
(3)
John K.

Busy Bee has it all when it comes to soul food, but be prepared to have to squeeze to get into this place. The line is usually out the door, with just a few chairs to wait in. So if its extremely hot or cold that day, be prepared to be crowded as the line to pay starts where the line to sit starts. They also take phone-in orders so the cashier ladies can take a while at moving people along. Thankfully, the food is more than worth the hassle. The sweet tea is usually extra sweet and everything from mac-n-cheese to fried chicken to fried fish is done up right. The specials of the day are usually a meat and two sides for $7.99. The most expensive dish here is the ox-tails at $14.50 (who orders this anyways?). The waitstaff are usally extra courteous which is impressive considering the crowds that come through here. If you're in the neighborhood, you definitely need to stop bye. A bit of advice to anyone that hasn't ordered a rib or a fried chicken sandwich before, they're not really sandwiches! They're just ribs or fried chicken on the bone with two slices of bread as a side item. To me, one should be able to bite all the way through a sandwich without eating around parts of it. Just my two cents.
(4)
Adrienne T.

When I was in grad school at Clark Atlanta, I used to love to eat here. No pretention- just good ol', down home soul food. This is not the place to go if you're doing Weight Watchers or trying to be health conscious- it's just gooooood eatin'! Don't forget your dessert-a slice of Red Velvet Cake, and a glass of REAL Southern SWEEEET tea with your meal!
(5)
J L.

They don't have food like this in California. When I took a bite of the fried chicken....I was grinnin'...ear to ear. I don't usually smile that much when it comes to food. You guys are lucky down in Atlanta. Don't take it for granted.
(5)
Shanel E.

I visited Atlanta in February with my bf and really wanted to try out some "real" soul food. We went here for lunch, shared the ox tail special with cheddar brocolli casserole and buttered okra, we finished the whole thing. We also got the sweet tea, of course, which was very good. For dessert I wanted a slice of red velvet cake... which I ended up eating for breakfast the next day (I was on vacation its ok!), and it was very good as well, moist like it should be and frosting not too sweet. Just to note - I probably would not go there by myself, even during the day, the walk from the subway stop to the restaurant (about 4 or 5 blocks) was pretty interesting. The place is fairly small, also a lot of people will be there waiting for their takeout when you think they might just be waiting for a table. Basically you gotta just keep a look out and wait until a table frees up and take it... there is no waiting list. I think this is a good place to go if you are looking to try out some of the more authentic soul food... whether some people say its not really soul food or not, you can get a good idea of what it's like.
(4)
Chuck E.

I eat here for lunch and think it's the best soul / comfort food place around. The main point of difference is all of the vegetables are fresh, never out of a can, and they are cooked with bits of ham for flavoring. Too many "comfort" food restaurants open a can of beans, heat them up, and then serve them. The service is always friendly and outstanding. My favorite entree is the fried pork chops. The original family still plays a major role in the business, versus a place like Mary Mac's, which has changed owners so many times, there is no resemblance to the original restaurant. I you go by yourself, you'll usually be able to find a seat at the counter. If you're going with others, and want to eat at a table, better get there by 11:30; or you'll be waiting.
(5)
anthony s.

Good Soulfood for a decent price! Good Location for Lunch or dinner. The cafe is small but it feels like home! I always get the fried chicken w/ mash potatoes and macaroni and cheese. It is a delight everytime I pull in. Great Location for the AUC and even better for people who like good food regardless of the location! Thanks for servicing me and my colleagues during my stay in the AUC.
(4)
Drew M.

I went to Busy Bee for lunch. The service was very friendly and the atmosphere is consistent of what I would expect for a soul food place. I ordered the fried chicken and it is very tasty. It is marinated first and breaded just right. The fried okra was the best I'd had in a long time. The baby lima beans were also very good. The corn muffins have a great flavor - just a touch of sweetness and fantastic with butter. Definitely a good experience.
(4)
Stephanie H.

Man, this place is so on point!! Fried chicken at it's finest...candied yams that are sweet to the core, black-eyed peas over white rice with cornbread on the side..the buttered yeast rolls with honey spread...collard greens... peach cobbler with extra crust for desert...and bottomless sweet tea and lemonade!!!! This place is heaven!!!!!!! I would be here when I couldn't get home for the holidays for a good, traditional, southern meal. You'll enjoy it just the same!
(5)
Ken L.

forget mary mac's, this is the real place to get good soul food that is off the hook... it might not look good from the outside and it only houses about 30 people inside, but if you dont come early the wait is horrible. and did i mention it is not even located at the best part of town? thanks yelp for helping me to find this diamond in the rough. this soul food joint dishes up the best southern cooking that is hard to beat. the cornbread muffins served with honeyed butter sets up the mood to throw your diet out of your mind. the busybee fried chicken is a must, and you have an option of white meat or dark meat. i paired mine with mashed potatoes and mac n cheese, both items are a delight. these people know what they are doing. service is fast and its always crowded with families, collage kids and people from all walks of life... even celebrities as told by pics on all the walls. furthermore, i noticed buzybee is keeping up with times by changing to the more efficient florescent bulbs, which is greener to the environment. yay! how do i feel today? BLEEEEEEESSED!!
(5)
Kitty D.

I love it so bad!!! I have only been to Atlanta twice and that is the same amount of times I have been to Busy Bee Cafe! It is amazing! I recommend the fried chicken instead of the smothered, why mess up a good thing? The sweet tea is always great. And the sides are amazing! My favorites are the mac and cheese and the greens! I can't wait to go again! They are always busy...it is called Busy Bee! But but don't worry the servers are used to a crowd in the small cafe and they see you. Just be patient because it is worth the wait!
(5)
John A.

imma give you guys a real review about busy bees...ive lived in atlanta all my life so i am what you would consider a soul food critic...ok here goes 15 to 20 years ago this was 1 of atl's best soul food spots...the service/establishment/parking was the same but the food has definitly gotten worst! i remember 10 years ago as i was walking to my car i noticed the large empty vegetable cans in the trash can parking lot and was turned off so i hesitated to return....its been 10 years later and i didnt miss a thing....very dissappointed-smh ok heres how it went: i walked in and saw the same girl at the counter and in the kitchen from 10 years ago, the place was semi packed but still no elbow room so i sat at the counter because it was clear (amazingly but it was closing time) the waitress must have bumped into me 10 times i started to feel she was doing it purposely or she was just use to it i guess. ok now the food review: i ordered the smothered chicken with mac& cheese and rice with grave to be safe plus they was higher than usual, or i probly would have tried the market price ox tails-come on really? but i guess you can blame the economy on that. the corn bread was ok , the usual -cornmeal and water, the chicken was omg danm them wings was huge! i wasnt use to that so of course they was half done not tasty but the breast was just ok, rice was ok, mac was ok, so the $13 price tag plus $2 server tip , plus $1 cashier tip wasnt worth my time and didnt satisfy my appetite either. its safe to say i will never go back to busy bees ever again (r.i.p) ill just spend my $16 bucks at mary macs because its average soul food but at least ill be more comfortable eating my meal.
(1)
Blissful G.

I adore this place. Since moving to Castleberry, it has become my go-to spot when I do not want to cook. Food travels well so I suggest getting it go because the wait can be maddening. The counter is another option if you are dining solo.
(4)
Jimmy L.

We were in Atlanta for a work related trip, and made a stop here for lunch. The place is located in not the best part of town, in fact, I was a bit intimidated walking up to the restaurant. Inside, the atmosphere was friendly and very welcoming, almost felt like I was a regular. They severed the best fried chicken I have ever tasted. The corn bread was crispy on the outside, soft inside, probably the best corn bread I've eaten, Got collard greens and corn for sides, excellent. Got the sweet potato pie to go, it was as good as it gets. You'll never find soul food this good in the west ...maybe that's why its called southern food...Its only this good when you're in the South.
(5)
Tina M.

This is hands down the best fried chicken I have ever had. The restaurant is small but always packed so be prepared to wait, but i can't stress enough... it is worth the wait. The chicken was tender, flavorful, crunchy coating that wasn't too thick and let the taste of the chicken shine through. The greens were good and the mac n cheese was homemade and delicious. I wish I could have access to this chicken for the rest of my life, it's just that good.
(5)
Kara G.

Is it wrong for me to say that this place was just okay? I had never been to Busy Bee...I know right and I work in the AUC so it's just like right there. The times that I tried to go previously were so packed you couldn't get in the door. Well my coworker and I went at like 11:30 am one Friday and got in right away. I had the smothered chicken, greens and broccoli and rice casserole. Busy Bee is so small it doesn't make any sense. I kept getting bumped (we were sitting at one of the center tables). The greens were fair, the casserole was good but the broccoli had been like pureed it was still good though, the chicken was good, but not fantastic. I don't know if this place is worth all the trouble. I also had the sweet tea which was for sure too sweet, I expected that though and I had the peach cobbler which was good, but honestly can't hold a candle to Spelman College's Wednesday Peach Cobbler in the cafeteria. The service was fine, but I felt claustrophobic here, I am sure I will be back though.
(3)
Kyle R.

Another decent "Sunday Dinner" spot. I had the ribs (fatty, don't recommend them). Fried Chicken was awesome! I'm sorry some people have said that it was "dry" ... must have been an off day because this chicken was great. The veggies were all good and the cornbread is decent. The red velvet cake is some of the best I've ever had. Save room.
(4)
Chen W.

two words - yummy chicken
(5)
Timil E.

Yes the seating is tight and the wait can be long, but it's worth every minute. The food is great! The chicken is crisp and not greasy. My husband loves the ribs. The deserts are also good.
(5)
Keith H.

"All Abuzz about Busy Bee!" It's a rainy Sunday afternoon, it's lunch time, called my dining guest, decided to venture outside my natural/organic cuisine comfort zone and fill my stomach with some Soul Food from Busy Bee. I've lived in the ATL for over 15 years and I've never been to this Soul food institution, so being the foodie that I am, I had to try it and share my experience. As we arrive, there's a long waiting line, that didn't matter, we were seated in about 20 minutes. Our waiter, delightful, excellent customer service, and well informed about the restaurant and menu. I was amazed that the restaurant has been around since 1947. The cafÃ© is nestled between 2 other businesses on MLK, so drive slowly so you won't miss it. My dining guest and I both started our meal with sweet tea blended with freshly squeezed lemonade, just the right sweetness. All the meals are served with corn muffins or yeast bread(we tried both)...delicious! The food service is fast and friendly, our food arrived less than 10 minutes. While I ordered the baked Tilapia over a bed of rice, with a side order of candied yams and collard greens(cooked with turkey), my dining guest had the "Beelicious" Fried Chicken which is marinated for 12 hours, lightly breaded, cooked in peanut oil, moist, juicy, crispy.....(of course, I had to try it, so I removed the skin, and devoured it, as JJ( 70's tv show "Good Times") would say it was "Dyn-o-mite! LOL), for his side order, turnip greens and candied yams. Now, I can't forget, dessert, my dining guest and I shared the Keylime Cake and Peach Cobbler, both simply divine. I see what the Buzz is all about, finger lickin' good, deliciously seasoned and cooked Soul Food, prepared with Tender Loving Care, the way my grandmother did. The restaurant has a diner style counter with red leather stools, and red leather booths that line the walls. The walls are filled with local, national celebrities, and their Best of Atlanta "Soul Food" plaques. If you are in a hurry, no time to eat in, don't worry, you can get take out. This is a great place to take out of town guest, just be aware of the long wait and the best part, it's very economical. The cafÃ© has a great atmosphere, very diverse, families, students, and urban trendsetters. There's something on the menu for everyone, even vegetarians. I've had my Soul Food Fill for awhile, now it's back to "Organica" food deluxe.
(4)
Sha A.

Ahhh... Busy Bee...Where shall I start?!.... one of my best friends and I made frequent visits to Busy Bee while we were in college. I loved the baked chicken and dressing and the fried chicken. Overall, I enjoyed every visit to this establishment! One of both of our favorites were the fresh, out of the oven, hot buttered corn muffins... they would just melt in your mouth!
(4)
Harry H.

Definitely our favorite Fried chicken in ATL*, and we drew a lot of attention as the only white people in the joint. Sadly they were out of the creamed corn, but the other sides and the peach cobbler and banana pudding were excellent finales. *famous fried chicken in batches using pressure fryers per United Tastes of America
(5)
Jasmine D.

The food is absolutely terrific!!!! Seasoned to perfection!!!! The food was worth the wait!!! I would definitely return.
(5)
Tiff H.

I have tried to eat at Busy Bee Cafe literally three times already. 1. Closed Easter Sunday 2. Completely full with a 1.5 hour wait 5 minutes after opening on a Sunday afternoon. And I was hoping the third time would be a charm, but it was still far from easy and just super busy. Traffic in Atlanta doesn't allow for those living OTP to get downtown easily. With an hour drive just to get to Buford Hwy so I could take local all the way down and 45 minutes to go... Closing time was upon us (7PM?? Who eats dinner that early, EVER?) so we got our friend who was working out of midtown to pick up fried chicken for us to-go. She ordered us 6 fried chicken dinners, with two sides each. I ended up choosing the mashed potatoes and creamed corn as my two sides and it came with some corn bread. The fried chicken came with two pieces of dark meat, per my request. The total was about $14 for the meal. I vaguely remembered another famous fried chicken venue that offers FOUR piece fried chicken with two sides for the same price... Ahem, Mary Mac's. As we dug in to our food, I noticed the dark meat was a little dry and the skin not super crispy. I know it was mostly due to the fact that the chicken was sitting in a steamy styrofoam casket of death. The mashed potatoes were ok, but tasted like they came from a box. The cornbread was SUPER dry and crumbled at a single touch. It was so chalky in my mouth, I couldn't finish the small piece of bread. The creamed corn wasn't bad (really, the only saving grace), but it wasn't mind blowing, either. And through all the complaints we had, I knew I couldn't base Busy Bee's review off of a single take-out experience. However, until Busy Bee Cafe can prove to me in person how great they REALLY are, I can't give them a 4 or 5 star for the "Best Fried Chicken in Atlanta" that they claim to have.
(2)
Anjail L.

I went to Busy Bees to get my fix of Southern soul food while in Atlanta, GA for a weekend. I went on a Sunday afternoon and the cafe was very crowded and we had about a 10-15 minute wait. I am never discouraged when I see long lines because that means the restaurant is doing something the people love! The wait was well worth it once we were seated, ordered I food and ate. I had the Busy Bees Fried Chicken, which was tender juicy and crunchy, along with their macaroni and cheese and dressing. I would definitely come back to Busy Bees. I enjoyed the Southern hospitality. Instagram : @_thefoodloversparadise_
(5)
Ashley T.

Of course you can have southern comfort food at just about 9 million places in Atlanta but if you want southern comfort food that touches the soul...get to Busy Bee. Stopped in on a Friday afternoon and of course there were 1700 people there but we were seated very promptly. The space is super small but hey this place has been around for decades and definitely has that old school charm about it. The right at home vibe kinda made you feel like you stepped into your grandparents home. Our waitress, Tawanna, was awesome. She handled our big party very well and never missed a beat. She was sooo friendly and helpful. Most of us had the fries chicken special for $11.99 that came with two side and corn bread or a roll. The fries chicken was hot and crispy and scrumptious. The Mac and cheese was made with love and the green beans were seasoned with happiness. The sweet tea was soooo worth it. I left full and happy!
(5)
DynamicDuo H.

Good ole fashion soul food. Small spot with great food. Down home atmosphere with fast service with a smile. I ordered the aides platter with Mac and cheese yams and collards. All delicious. Mom order the fried chicken and it was amazing. Ummm so good. Can't wait to go back
(4)
Manpreet S.

I had there chicken with fried green tomatoes, macaroni & cheese and fried okra. The food was not anything special. I believe this place is a tourist trap and overhyped. I've had Mary macs chicken and it is 10x better than busy bees. The chicken at Popeye's tastes similar to busy bees. There is a reason why Mary Max has over 1000 reviews on yelp and this place only has about 250. So if you're visiting Atlanta like I am and want to try the best soul food in Atlanta go to Mary Mac's tea room. Also the waiting time for busy bees is ridiculous and the food is not worth waiting for 45 minutes. Overall the food is overpriced & overhyped.
(2)
Deborah C.

BEST soul food I ever had.
(5)
Annie A.

Came here on a recommendation from a local. He asked how we liked Wife Savers in Augusta, then laughed and said that was not REAL southern food, like real real southern food like his grandma used to make it. He recommended this place instead. We got there and discovered that this was not a well-kept secret. Throughout the 1 hr wait for our to-go order, people kept coming in. It did not stop! Everyone was really nice, though. They recommended that we should have called in to pick up. That looks like the fastest way. So please save yourself some time and do that. We ordered the chicken, Mac n cheese, mashed potatoes, pork ribs, collared greens, and candied yams all for around 36 bucks. It was more than plenty for only 2 people. The chicken skin was delicious. So bad yet so good! And the candied yams, oooooo baby I need more of that in my life! The pork ribs were dry though, and the Mac n cheese and mash potatoes weren't anything to write home about...it's just not their specialty. Tried the collared greens and no matter how much of it I have, I don't think ill ever like it. Just personal taste. Overall, if you can get your food quickly (again, call ahead!!!) then it's definitely worth the trip--especially for the chicken. Don't forget to ask for hot sauce! We forgot to ask, but that would have made the chicken perfect!
(4)
Candy W.

Went for lunch with two friends and we ordered; Entrees - Fried chickens = Tasty! I love, love, it. Well seasoned, huge, and juicy. - Turkey wings (Thursday special) = Smothered wings in gravy with cranberry sauce......now, that's the Thanksgiving spirit! Sides - Collard greens = A bit too sweet for my liking but very good. - Mac & cheese = Kind of greasy. - Fried green tomatoes = THE BEST!! Crispy & tangy....full of flavor. - Steamed cabbage = My friend said it was excellent :-) Came hungry, left happy. ..................................................Â............................... Something to know beforehand: 1) They won't take your credit/debit card unless you show them ID. 2) 10% discount with a student ID. 3) It's a small restaurant with a limited parking space. It can be packed during the lunchtime.
(4)
Tonya B.

Excellent food and kind service! Expect a bit of a wait for fresh prepared food. I had the fried chicken, collard greens, man 'n cheese, dressing, and fried green tomatoes.
(5)
Jay C.

On a business trip to Atlanta, Ga I wanted to experience some good old southern cooking, therefore one of my friends volunteered to take me to one of atlanta's best kept sercerts or so he thought. He said that this place had great "soul food". Walking into Busy Bee Cafe I saw many pictures of celebrities, athletes and politicians who have eaten here. It's a very small restaurant, in a not so great location in Atlanta. The particular day that I went, there was a line hanging outside of the door. The wait was approx 30 mins to be seated, being the fact that this place was disorganized, They did not bother to seat patrons by first come first serve. I ordered the catfish with two side dishes, Mac & cheese and greens. The catfish was by far the best dish that I enjoyed at the Busy Bee Cafe! It was fried to perfection with ther perfect blend of seasonings. Again, I really enjoyed the catfish, yams and greens even though the greens were a bit cold. I did not care for the Mac & cheese, so don't bother ordering it because it was as simple as you can imagine. Overall, I thought the food here is decent and wouldn't mind coming back again for fish if I'm ever in the area.
(3)
Sharondia P.

The best soul food restaurant in the A-T-L! If you want soul food like Momma made, this is the place. I love the entire menu!!! Have yourself an uptown and pick an entree, any entree... I guarantee you'll love it. Don't forget to save room for dessert :) Oh, this is another one of those places you'll need to get to at opening, if you don't want to stand in a long line. Enjoy!!!
(5)
Kevin Z.

Very consitent Soul Food. One of the best in Atlanta for the food itself. Good old southern sass from the staff makes this an authentic experience. For the true foodies, the chitlins are the bomb. If that makes you cringe, then you probably think Cracker Barrel has good fried chicken. This is down home food, so pull up a glass of sweet tea, keep the hot sauce nearby, and clean your fingers before you eat, because you will want to lick them.
(5)
Joe L.

4, maybe a 3.5 So i went by myself after i worked out, and let me tell you, going by yourself is def preferable to going with a group, i just bypassed the line in front of the restaurant in seconds. I ordered the ox tail with broccoli casserole and mashed potatoes. Id say the sides were average. the broccoli casserole was unique but not something id get again. it was cheesy, thick and had kinda sour tinge to it ( i think). the mashed potatoes were creamy, with a tasty gravy, but i mean, Ive had better. Wasnt very chuncky and didnt have skins in it. BUT the dinner roll was OMG GOOD. sweet, moist, didnt even need to use butter on it. *tip* try tearing off a piece and dipping it in the gravy, you get the sweet and savory taste all at once. AWESOME. and the ox tails? a bit expensive BUT OMGGGGG i dont think ive had oxtails this good since i lived at home like 3 years ago. it was fall off the bone good, slightly fatty like other reviewers have said, but hey its an oxtail wat the heck are u expecting. I was expecting to order the beef short rib tho and was disappointed they didnt have it. So anyway back to the oxtail. flavorful, juicy, and def a pretty bog portion, i do wish they served it over a bigger bed of rice. but the rice was def a great compliment to the saltiness and creaminess of the gravy. I got a peach cobbler for dessert. after eating it, it hought about how i would rate it. to me, its one of the best I've had. not overly sweet, and not overly reduced. it wasnt super thick like how other places make it, but thats ok, wish they gave me more crust tho, the crust was that good. so good food, a bit expensive but worth it. 4 stars, maybe edging toward a 3.5, ill hit up mary macs and carvers southern kitchen and then i can make a good judgement
(4)
Jeff W.

I needed some soul food while I was in GA. After researching, I decided on Busy Bee and was very happy with the decision. In DC, Soul Food is this grand novelty item and people flock there and get excited to feel like they're part of some cutting edge cuisine. Well, it's not fancy, but it is good. At Busy Bee I just felt like this is how soul food is supposed to taste, and that this is just what life is like down here and what people eat. Fried stuff galore, decent prices, but would've liked a larger order of chicken. The chicken was well seasoned and had a light coating on the outside. Not as crispy as others I've had, but the chicken was moist and flavorful Not to take away from the chicken, but I really loved the cornbread muffins and the warm, soft and buttery dinner rolls. Everything just felt so homey here. The atmosphere was so friendly and I felt like I was just over a friend's house. It was absolutely packed with a line out the door but they crank the food out and keep things moving. I'm sure there are other comparable places out there, but I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Busy Bee and wouldn't hesitate in returning.
(4)
Lori F.

THE place to get soul food in Atlanta. Chitlins, giblets, ham hocks and neck bones, fried chicken, smothered chicken, pork chops and meatloaf. Veggies include broccoli and cheese, lima beans, pinto beans, mac and cheese, green beans, and more. Sorry vegetarians - pretty much everything here is cooked with meat - even the vegetables! I love their fried chicken, and their cornbread muffins are delicious. Don't forget to try their awesome desserts: red velvet cake or banana pudding. The only complaint about the Bee is that it's so popular and so small, so it's always busy. It gets a little warm in there, too, with all those hungry people.
(4)
T I.

I can truly say this is what is considered a SOUL FOOD JOINT. There are a list of qualifications to meet to be considered a JOINT: 1. The capacity should be less than 50 people 2. The line must be out the door jam packed 3. The staff must appear to be MEAN MEAN near cafeteria lady mugging at you, but will serve you with the warmest hospitality within her/him and your name is hearby baby or sweetie. 4. The staff never changes. 5. All employees take vacation at the same time. Closing the establishment for one week. Leaving you saying WTH!!! who does this. 6. Varies cakes that would never think could be possibly created must be served at the checkout counter. (Key Lime Pound Cake in Grinch Green) 7. The temperature inside no matter what the season will always be 89 and above. Now on the food and service--- The food is without a doubt some down south put your food in it so damn good. I usually order the ox tails, but they have these daily specials that just scream your name. No need to look for salt/pepper this food is seasoned Perfectly. This place I can not speak enough on. I love it, its worth the wait and the sweat you will encounter from it being so small and crowded. You may meet a new friend simply because you will sit that close to the next party.
(4)
Precious P.

This place isn't worth a visit. I've had home cooked meals in people's houses that were better than this place. My first issue, how does 3 chicken legs w/3 sides come to $19 at 12Noon??? Like really! If their food was delicious I don't believe in putting a price on it but for a lunch consisting of small childlike portions, the food wasn't worth the $. I ordered fried chicken with mac&cheese,collard greens,and candy yams. When my order came out I knew something was wrong when I wasn't shown my food before it was being placed in the bag. So I went out to the car and immediately I saw the mac sitting in a pool like amount of oil. Where did these ppl learn to cook?? I have simple rules if you can't cut it with the mac and fried nothing else is worth trying. I simply walked back into the restaurant and asked them to change my mac because it's running. The waitress did it w/no problem. So I got rice w/gravy instead. So I when back to the car and started to sample the food. The collard greens sucked, I don't if it's because they used turkey instead of pork but they were blan. The rice w/gravy was decent and so were the yams. The chicken looked good at sight but once you bit into it, any decent cook could tell the chicken wasn't cleaned properly. The cornbread wasn't edible. Honestly GA isn't know for the best country food but I would have believed the food was going to be decent. Popeyes and KFC would have been a better choice and for half the price which would have included a drink.
(1)
Latoya S.

Overrated! The plaza is run down and Dirty and the food in my opinion is Just, OK. The food portions as well as the establishment is very small and seating is limited. I might return again (Only if I'm in the area), food is not worth a special trip..
(3)
Mark K.

The food at this restaurant is damn good for what it is. Its very unpretentious soul food, with flavor flavor flavor. I went with a couple of friends and so I was able to try more than my meat and 2 veg. So Here are all the things I sampled: Fried Okra - pretty hard to screw up, very tasty. Oxtails - Delicious, simply effin delicious. Its rare to get oxtail outside of a Caribbean establishment and I have never had oxtails with whatever grave it is they use here...All I know is I started eating them with a fork and ended with me fingers messy. Fried Catfish - It was very tasty, but I'm not sure how hard it is to mess catfish up. Buttered Okra - Very tasty, if you like that sort of thing. The few times I've seen this dish, the okra look over teamed and unappetizing; not so at Busy Bee...defintely worth the try. Candied Yams - Just try them. The portions for the food were very reasonable (neither excessive nor stingy) and I walked out of there without the food coma I typically associate with soul food. If you want some really good soul food this is the place for you. I'd almost be tempted to give this place 4.5 stars if it wasnt for the wait. I dont know if they chose the name of this place because of how busy it gets, but be prepared to wait if you want to sit down. Even though I felt very safe, its worth noting that they had a police man seating people and the restaurant location is not in the best neighborhood. I'll definitely be going back to sample other menu items. FYI - The beef short ribs are no longer being served, even if it says they are on the menu. 10/11 update - The fried pork chops are on point! 11/10 update - Smothered pork chops. These are fried pork chops smothered in some kinda smotherin' sauce. Lets just say they are even better smothered!
(4)
diamond s.

Busy Bee Cafe is just delicious... The meatloaf on Mondays is so melt in your mouth good. I think I have tried everything besides the liver and onions on the menu. It tastes like grandma is in the back cooking. The sides are always good but I feel like they can spare a liitle more in that department ( we are spending in upwards of $10 a plate). The actual store is small and you will have a line but it is so worth the wait. The people are nice and welcome you. Just make sure you have your ID if you are paying with a CC...
(4)
Kathleen M.

When some out of towners were looking for a spot for solid fried chicken, I knew this was the place. Located right around the corner from Clark Atlanta University, Busy Bee is known for no frills soul food. We were quickly greeted and perused the menu: I didn't get far beyond the fried chicken. 2 large pieces (white, dark, or both!) plus 2 sides for $9.99. Options for sides included fried green tomatoes, mashed potatoes, broccoli and cheese casserole, fried okra, fried corn, string beans, collard greens, and the like. Just about everything you'd expect from any reputable soul food spot. I ordered 2 pieces of white chicken with fried green tomatoes and string beans. The chicken was great: very moist with crispy skin, no need for any additional sauce/topping, in my opinion. The fried green tomatoes were pretty good but the string beans were kind of nasty. Super salty and mushy and just not good at all. Service is typical fantastic Southern charm and the price is right. Definitely worth a stop.
(4)
Jefferson L.

Authentic soul food served by authentic soul-servers in an authentic soul neighborhood. Friendly to outsiders. Don't be afraid to come on down! P.S. The ribs are great.
(5)
Shica B.

I enjoy Busy Bee enormously! One of my happy places... Much to what it seems like in all of the postings that are here, there are menu options available that do not consist of fried chicken. There is fried and grilled fish. There is also baked chicken. If you enjoy it, there is even an option during the winter months to get chitterlings (yes, I spelled it correctly for those who are not familiar). Just to let someone know about those other menu options! Just as everyone else has said, the buttery biscuits are dreamy. The half & half here is not half unsweet and half sweet tea... it is half sweet tea and half lemonade. The red velvet or key lime cakes are fantastic. I don't eat bananas, but I have some co-workers who always place an order and love it whenever we go. The area is a little sketchy. When parking (especially when you are not racially reflective of the surrounding community), I suggest parking in the lot across the street at the bank. They have cameras on that parking area and are more likely to come back to your belongings being contained within your vehicle. Do not plan to come here with your 10 best foodie buds. The most that you are going to be able to seat together is going to be 4. Period. There is no waiting it out to get a larger table, thats the best you're gonna get. If you ask for more, you'll get a blank stare. All in all, the most that can be seated in this place at a time is about 30-40. The police officer who takes orders is awesome - don't you wish that the folks who hang out in places would help a little more? That probably ensures that he has fewer altercations in the line - folks have their orders in, so they aren't argumentative!
(5)
Shaun M.

Food was great!!!
(4)
Pamela M.

Busy Bee's is "whatcha see is whatcha get"...LOL.... Its REAL ya'll, now I am late with my review but I have dined there numerous times ...I do believe our Mama'nem are cookin in the background ...LOL...cause thats the feel of this tiny spot, but I still digs it a lot. Sometimes those waitresses can be kinda fussy ...it is what it is...and its sho'nuff good eatin. None of that reserved seating crap, and you will be sitting close to someone/anyone so don't trip, just dine! Parking can sometimes be challenging too but you will find a spot. One of the best if not THE best "soul food" joint in Atl.... don't get it twisted thinking its gonna be southern quisine, there is a difference...you gotta know whatcha know...its soul food !
(4)
Lynette F.

Went here today with the crew from work. All but one of us ordered the fried chicken. One guy ordered the fried tilapia. Sides ordered included fried greeen tomatoes, candied yams, and collard greens. The candied yams were so good and that fried chicken was perfect! The greens had a decent flavor. I'm glad I brought my Texas Pete with me because they sure didn't have any. The cornbread muffins had a good texture and flavor. I wish I had room for dessert because that red velvet cake was calling my name. Maybe next time. I enjoyed the food greatly and so did my lunch mates. This will definitely be a go to spot when friends and family come to visit from out of town.
(4)
Yeme T.

I love me some busy bee! Some of the best soul food it the city! The mac and cheese and the yams are on point, the baked tilapia over rice is scrumptious. Yes the wait is long but the food is cooked to order and this place is really popular so that is to be expected. The sides are a bit too small for my liking but id take quality over quantity any day. If you go on a Sunday the wait will be long. You are going to be in the midst of the after church crowd. Expect longer service times on Sundays. Awesome food, great service.... come here for some tasty AUTHENTIC soul food. I like my soul food to taste like someones down home aunty or grandma cooked and Busy Bee food is just that.
(4)
Wayne W.

Love this place! Every time I come back it just grows on me more. One thing you have to accept is that this place is always packed! If you're trying to phone in an order you can forget it! LOL The telephone lines are always busy as if they were running a telethon! Haha the neighborhood really loves this place and the down south home cooking aroma that fills the air as you walk through the door squeezing through crowds of "folks". This is a true gem. It would be good to have a designated driver because the food will leave you craving your sleep number and a pillow!
(4)
AC O.

This was the best souls food I have had in Atlanta in the five years that I lives here. I was fortunate enough to strategic convince my family to order a diverse array of food so that we could sample multiple items. And everything - I mean everything - was outstanding. Thank you Busy Bee!!!
(5)
Dennie C.

I was visiting family and friends in Atlanta not too long ago and had asked for some suggestions for Southern food. Everyone enthusiastically recommended Busy Bee as the spot for authentic Southern food - especially since they found out someone sent us to Chicken N Waffles and wanted to set us right with real Southern eating. They were absolutely right, we ordered a few dishes and everything was delicious , indulgent and priced perfectly for every day dining. I do have to say though that if you're not used to eating Southern food then brace yourself because part of what makes it so delicious is they don't hold back so if butter, salt and even lard can take a dish to that other level then it's going there. I remember after both times that I ate here sitting outside in my car having a coffee trying to get my system going again because I was in a food coma like I went in heavy on Thanksgiving dinner. Seriously though their food is delicious so if you're in the area do yourself a favor and check it out. Maybe schedule in a nap or something afterwards, hehe.
(4)
Oneshia H.

I visit this place every time I come to Atlanta and it typically never disappoints. However, during my last visit, we waited excessively (over 30 minutes) to pick up our call-in order. I ordered the smothered pork chops, which were rather bland. I was very surprised. Despite my recent experience, I still think Busy Bee is a solid eatery. Plus, supporting the black business is an absolute MUST. I'll be back Busy Bee. :)
(3)
David R.

I recently visited Busy Bee Cafe for this first time. I have heard about it and driven by it many times. There are a few parking spaces in front of the restaurant and a car park adjacent to it. I arrived in time to get a space as someone was leaving. This restaurant is smaller than I conceived and it was near full occupancy when I arrived however, I was able to get a seat at the bar within a few minutes of arriving. I ordered fried chicken, lima beans and fried okra. nThe fried chicken was good and flavorful. It is apparent that it was marinated as the flavor could be tasted in the meat and not just the breading. The sides and the corn muffins were good also. The red velvet and Key Lime cake slices looked good, but I opted for banana pudding. It was good and tasted like a homemade banana pudding I have tasted before.
(4)
Lanae T.

Yes Lawd. Come through with the banging soul food! We ordered mac n cheese, collard greens and fried chicken. Everything tasted great. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because it's a bit tight and crowded. Other than that, I loved it
(4)
Nicky H.

The fried catfish, lemonade and cornbread were delicious. My folks loved the fried chicken, fried green tomatoes, yams and sweet tea. Sheila (our waitress) was a sweetheart and made us feel right at home.
(4)
Nate C.

Well if you don't know now you know! This is not only an ATLien landmark- it's a great place to get back to your southern palate!! The food amazing. Check in with them and ask them what the specials available. The staff, beautifully amazing! Sheila is my favorite. You will find that all people in our near the AUC can recommend this place to friends or family. Lots of celebrities will stick there head in the door and become mesmerized by two soul food scents streaming out of the kitchen. This is not hype, this place is the Real!
(5)
Brian M.

This is where MLK went, if it was good enough for him, it's good enough for me. Love the history on the walls and the environment. It may be uncomfortable and hectic with the tight quarters and long lines, but that adds to the experience. The fried chicken is the star and very good. It has a nice bite to it that I haven't really found elsewhere in ATL. This is my favorite chicken in ATL. If I remember the yams were a bit of a surprise from my last trip.
(5)
Christina D.

I was so underwhelmed by the taste of this soul food. Nothing popped, no party in my mouth, just plain ole southern favs. Nothing to really write home about here. When you are making common dishes, you have to put your signature on it - something to seperate yours from the slew of others, I just didn't get anything momentous or savory with this food. The cake and mac n cheese is where those two stars magically appeared from, I'd only visit again for one of the two.
(2)
Unique C.

I saw this place on the travel channel or maybe it was the cooking network for Atlanta's best fried chicken. I went today and it was really great, the space is very tight but other than that I don't have any complaints. The chicken was crunchy yet light and their stuffing -- some people call it dressing, was really good. Only thing I would say is that their side orders are a bit small for the price. 2 sides come with each meal but anything additional is 4.50 and they are literally like a spoonful of whatever you get, the candied yams are great as well, I would just either like more for what I paid for or a lesser price for a comparable amount. The service was pretty quick given the crowd and the waitress was pleasant and responsive. Will go again!
(4)
Leslie W.

In a word...delicious. I had fried chicken, collard greens, mac & cheese, and peach cobbler. I enjoyed every bite. The restaurant is a little tiny, especially when full. The service is great, but you may have to wait a while if you go during a busy time, like noon.
(5)
v p.

I ordered 4 pieces of fried chicken, that is half a chicken. It was so good, I finished it all. I am a 130lb petite girl by the way. I got an Uptown to drink, it was very refreshing, it wasn't too sweet. Service was great! :) Next time I am in Atlanta, I will return.
(5)
Fee A.

Busy Bees Busy Bees oh Busy Bees.... Where do I begin? Okay, so I was a virgin to Busy Bees, but today I decided to become a grown woman. I read previous reviews and decided to go around 3ish, which is when the traffic should have lighten up. I actually called ahead to place an order to go (.45Â¢ charge for to-go orders). I ordered the smothered pork chop dinner with mac&cheese, black-eyed peas, rice and gravy and a roll. For desert I got a slice of key-lime cake and and uptown to drink. Overall the food was okay. The pork chops were barely covered in gravy, the rice and black-eyed peas needed a little salt, but the macaroni and cheese was the bomb. For that very reason, I'll be back to try their chicken because it's the most talked about item from here. Key lime pie was dope and sweet baby Jesus, the uptown hits the spot. I will be back to self indulge in other items. I most definitely will be back to try the neck bones and greens (country girl in the house).
(4)
Jeanette B.

We saw they were voted #1 place in Atlanta to get fried chicken! Food didn't disappoint. Very small inside though and completely packed. Their credit card machine wasn't working but there's a Suntrust right across the street. Staff was friendly and worked well to keep tables moving! Word of advise though only come if you have time to wait.
(4)
Stacy M.

The food was good except the turnips had too much salt ! The food was overly pricey for the small postions ,one scope of dressing served.I was disappointed paying that type for such small dinner.
(3)
Tom M.

We went to Busy Bee based on all the hype around their fried chicken. It is one of my life's quests to find the best fried chicken, obsessed since childhood. Well...our experience wasn't as good as the other reviews would have indicated. The chicken didn't have much flavor and was so over cooked it was dry. Coating was crispy but it needed seasoning. The sides were equally lackluster. Fried Green Tomtoes were adequate, mac and cheese kinda 'eh', potato salad (quite good), and the rice with gravy was also 'eh'. But the real sad thing was the chicken. One piece came out cold (bad) the other piping hot (yea!) but it was clear it hadn't been seasoned very well and the meat dry from over cooking. Considering the list of places that has really good consistent fired chicken: South City, JCT, even Mary Macs this fell short. My quest continues...
(2)
Deidre A.

I moved to Atlanta 2 months ago and I was looking for a good SoulFood restaurant and seen Busy Bee's on my favorite television show that was showcasing restaurants in Atlanta, Andrew Zimmerman's "Bizzare Food" and I knew I had to check it out and OMGeeeeeeee! It is worth the drive thru Atlanta traffic! I had to takeout, but the service was still excellent. Of course had the fried chicken. Everything I ordered was soooo good. I recommend this to everyone living or visiting the "A"!
(5)
Ling X.

Sign in the window states they were voted best fried chicken in Atlanta. I can agree. Solid choice to take visitors for some great soul food but expect a wait because the place is small. They do take out orders though.
(4)
Spechal A.

I love coming here. The food is always great. The area is sketchy, and parking is tight if you park in the lot. Inside, it's very tight, and it's always a 15-20 minute wait to be seated... But it's worth the wait. Our waitress ms. Jackie is super nice. She was very attentive to us. The smothered pork chops is amazing. The fixin's are great, especially the collard greens and Mac N cheese.
(5)
Edward B.

Dearest Busy Bee, I live in Phoenix and was raised in Michigan. My momma and grandma could cook some greens, God rest their souls. But on the afternoon of May 1, 2015 in Atlanta Georgia I had a bowl of turnip greens that took me back to all those Sunday afternoons. The texture, the saltiness, the flavor was the best that I have had. Busy Bee Thank you!
(5)
Kimberly W.

I used Busy Bee Cafe for the first time today. Wow! was pleasantly surprised by the awesome food and the EXCELLENT service. I highly recommend this restaurant!
(5)
John S.

Ok. This is the BEST. The best soul food I've eaten thus far in Georgia, We had fried Chicken, Turkey wings smothered in Gravy (a Thursday special), Fried Okra, Fried Green Tomatoes, Green beans, Collard greens and peach cobbler. The Thursday special of Turkey wings has stuffing and cranberry, too. - EXCELLENT. The Fried green tomatoes were the best I'd had ANYWHERE. The fried okra was standard fried okra. Green beans very good as were the collard greens. The peach cobbler was the BEST I'd had anywhere by a long shot. The Fried chicken was EXCELLENT. This place is IT!!
(5)
Deborah S.

We were very satisfied with the service and the Food, I think if they expanded the place it might loose something, I had the ribs with sides, potato salad, candied yams, Mac n cheese, string beans and cornbread. Dessert ( Butter Pound Cake ). And Peach Cobbler ( Wonderful ).
(4)
Garrett O.

First time experience. Had heard about it a couple of times but since I was around I decided to give it a try! This place was PACKED! A little enclosed but the atmosphere of the place is that of one big family! We were seated within the first 5 minutes (if you are alone you can choose to eat at the bar too). The lady who served us was very kind in answering all of my questions. They change up their menu everyday. I was hoping for the meat loaf or liver and onions but they only serve it Monday and Friday. So I settled with the ribs. OMFGGD I could not tell you how delicious they were. Every bone fell off the meat! Whatever sauce it was I couldn't get enough of it! Each plate comes with two sides and I decided to get the fried green tomatoes and fried okra. It literally took less than the 5 minutes it took us to get seated to get our food after placing our order. I was very happy. A plus was that this lady came in and I saw two people ask her if she had been helped. These people were very professional. For desert I tried the key like cake. Yes cake xD It was okay but next time I will try something different. My manager got the banana pudding and wow! It was huge. A big portion that looked absolutely amazing with every bite she took. Price wise with both of our meals it was $40 but all things aside with the speed of service and taste/texture of the food it was well worth it and I will be here again. The only draw back is the seating.
(4)
Crystal H.

Me and two friends ate here yesterday after looking at the reviews. The food was excellent!! We ordered the fried chicken and pork chops. All the sides were homemade and the candied yams, green beans, and cornbread dressing are fantastic! We ordered so much we had enough leftovers to feed three. We ordered almost every side item. Our server Sheila was great and very attentive even though the place was packed. Oh an try the sweet tea! I will definitely come back the next time I'm in Atlanta. I may go back before I leave! Great place and the prices are reasonable!
(5)
Jamie S.

This place has the best soul food in Atlanta BY FAR so don't be fooled by the hype around other restaurants like Mary Mac's Tea Room or Colonnade. I would assume those places get more press because of their location, but dont be deterred because this place is definitely worth the drive. I visited Busy Bees on a Friday afternoon and was promptly seated. Everyone who worked there was super friendly (it was truly southern hospitality) For my meal, I tried the smothered chicken (opted for white meat) along with a side of rice, collards, and yams. Everything was super tasty and cooked to perfection...including the corn muffins which were some of the best I've had. And my food came out within minutes!!! Overall it was a pleasant experience and would recommend the restaurant to anyone looking for down home cooking/real food with a soulful essence in Atlanta. This was one of the few meals I had in Atlanta that actually comforted me and made me feel like I was in the south. Way to go Busy Bees!!! This is a must try type of place in Atlanta!!!
(5)
Savannah M.

Wow! What can I say about this place? It was amazing. Hands down the best "soul food" I have ever had. I had fried chicken, collard greens, and baked macaroni. All were delicious. It is a small place but with a homey atmosphere. Love the music and photos on the wall as well. I was definitely impressed and glad we came here.
(5)
Ryan L.

My favorite soul place in Atlanta. It's probably the classiest for soul style southern in town, and many famous ATL people have come through here. Their prices are higher than the soul food cafeterias like 285 Soul and K&K, but the quality and sit-down service more than make up for that. Basically the soul version of Mary Mac's. Come here for ATL's best fried chicken, and their turkey wings, green tomatoes, and mac n cheese are decadent. This place gets busy (hence the name), and there's usually a wait. Don't forget they aren't open for dinner, and not on Saturdays.
(5)
Karim K.

It took 45 minutes to get our food AFTER sitting down. The food was very average for soul food. Had thee fried chicken and catfish. The black eyed peas and yams were lacking in flavor, I've had much better elsewhere. This place is ranked high but not worth the wait! There was no organization and the servers were too busy gossiping to pay attention to guests. You must be assertive to get service!!
(1)
Fabian W.

There's something great about a restaurant where everything you pick is fantastic. The wait on the other hand, just plain sucks. But call in orders are an option.
(5)
Keith B.

Meat & Three for Me Busy Bee CafÃ© has been around for a while and has garnered several awards and mentions in various lists as some of the best fried chicken in the country. They don't lie. We went for lunch and it was busy, but we were able to score a table pretty quickly. The place is really a large diner with a counter and stools and several tables and booths. Service was quick and friendly. Typical of southern restaurants, there were lots of vegetables on the menu. I had a half fried chicken with 2 sides and my lunch partner had a 4-vegetable plate. We shared everything. The chicken was delicious. So often fried chicken is greasy but this was not. The coating was the perfect amount of crunchy without being overly-battered. Highlights in the sides were the collard greens and the fried green tomatoes. Also good were the fried okra, mashed potato, creamed carrot and baked beans. It all comes with very nice cornbread. For dessert we had an excellent peach cobbler. Normally that is way too sweet for my taste, but this had wonderful fruit punch without all the normal added sugar. I would definitely return for more of that wonderful food.
(5)
D J.

I've been here a couple of times and the food is good. My Complaint is the lack of adequate seat space for dine in and also parking. And if you take food to go they charge you .39 for the to go container i guess. which i think is wrong. It should be added into the price of the plate. Not leaving customers feeling like they are being nickel and dimed.
(3)
George G.

I'd have to day the place has some of the best fried chicken in Atlanta. However, if you aren't willing to wait in a long line, this isn't the place for you. Also, some of the worker bees there can be pretty rude when it gets busy which is a big time turn off for me. Honestly, I'd rather go to Mary Mac's and get similar food and service with a smile.
(3)
Ms.Leading 1.

Busy Bees has always been Authentic (to me) no sugar in the FOOD desserts yes This time I ordered Ribs Mac&cheese yams banana puddin (xtra cookies) collards and an Arnold Palmer.... Customer Service Great Establishment was clean Satisfied on every level.
(5)
Miguel A.

Fried chicken was fresh and flavorful. Fried green tomatoes were excellent with or without hot sauce. Mac and cheese was a little greasy for my taste. The yams looked better when I peeked at other tables. Didn't try the fried pork chop but it looked awesome also. If you go, expect it to be crowded and a whole lot of culture attitude. Great little hidden gem other than a highly advertised famous person.
(4)
Michelle L.

This is as authentic as southern soul food gets in Atlanta, Georgia. The key part is the "soul" component, which sets this downtown treasure apart from your more gentile offerings, like Mary Mac's or the Colonnade. Time your arrival for right before Church lets out (seriously folks, timing is EVERYTHING) and still be prepared to wait for one of the cramped tables or booths. Make it an afternoon event, because it takes a while to fry chicken, okra and green tomatoes up this golden delicious. Or to boil down collards in pork fat salted water. Or bake sweet potatoes into a sweet serenade of earthy flavors. Bring friends, order a lot of sides, share, clean your plates - this ain't for gym day or guilt day. And for the love of everything - save room for the banana pudding!
(4)
Howard A.

About 4 years ago i ate here for lunch while visiting ATL on business. I ate Mac & Cheese, Yams and Fried Chicken. About 45 minutes later I was in a meeting and had to leave early to return to hotel..... I Got a SEVERE CASE OF FOOD POISONING. I was on the toilet 2X/hour, for the next 4 hours. I had an event that night and had to leave it twice to use bathroom. NEVER AGAIN. EVERYTHING GOOD TO YOU, IS NOT GOOD FOR YOU. CAN'T TRUST THEM.
(1)
Chloe S.

I have been here twice and I LOVED it both times. The first time I was here, I brought my mom. She even mentioned then that although she has to add salt to all restaurant food, the food here was all perfectly seasoned and salted! Fried green tomatoes, mac and cheese, candied yams, and fried chicken I have all tried and they are wonderful! Not to mention perfectly sweetened tea.. yum yum yum.. hoping to return soon!
(5)
Ayesha N.

An ode to Busy Bee Cafe: Threatened by storm clouds along the way, I found relief in your jumbo fan and celebrity adorned walls. Your "Uptown" was as sweet as our waitress, Jackie. Tangy and crisped to perfection, Your fried green tomatoes lingered on my taste buds. Surpassed in delight only by your tender and tantalizing, Perfectly seasoned collard greens. I will savor the experience of your Southern authenticity For many moons. Oh, and that fried chicken was the effin' BOMB.
(4)
Jason B.

Hella good. I had oxtails and my girl had smothered chicken. Everything was good all of the sides included. A bit pricey but worth the experience. Sweet tea was good. Lemonade hella sweet. Bannana pudding was full of hella waffers and delicious. I got it to go and murdered it when i got back to the hotel
(4)
Britney R.

Everything about this place, YES. We ordered half the menu and EVERY SINGLE THING we ordered was delicious. And it's so reasonably priced. I will be back here every time I come to Atlanta!
(5)
Steven C.

Supposedly an ATL tradition since '47. I think they could do better. Sure the small restaurant interior oozes historic atmosphere, ignoring the fact a Walmart was built right across the street. Service was warm & cheerful, but the food came out super fast that it felt like they had most of the food prepared already in the back & just reheated. Tried the following: Fried Chicken (2pc) - Crispy flaky skin, but tended to lack flavor. Chicken itself was dry too even though it was split between dark & white meat. Maybe I just don't get it or Southern fried chicken is really average. I mean it's hardly a grade above fast food chicken, I'd rather have Korean style chicken instead. Smothered Chicken - This was okay. The gravy giving the fried chicken a lot more flavor, although a tad bit salty. Fried Catfish - Highlight of the meal, seasoned well. I would of much preferred something like this on the fried chicken on retrospect. Stewed Oxtails - Tender, but not to the point where it was fall off the bone. White rice it was served with was a bit mushy but the oxtails alone were alright. And a whole bunch of sides, the only stand out would be the carrot souffle & collared greens, everything else including the mac n cheese, blackeye peas, and candied yams were not very good. Cornbread itself wasn't even flaky, it was rather hard and dry. I don't understand the love for this place. This was also the restaurant that I started feeling underwhelmed by ATL's food scene.
(2)
Nekiba M.

I usually order the fried chicken but decided the fried pork chop. Best decision to go for the fried pork chop. It's up there with their chicken if not better. Great now I have make a decision when I come here, which to lean to the chicken or pork chop. Decisions, decisions.
(4)
William F.

I hadn't been to Busy Bee since college, the prices are higher but the food is still savory. The space is small so if u are clostraphobic - get your food to go. The mac n cheese is hands down the best i have ever had. It was soft and cheesey. The fried chicken is delicious and so is the okra. The sweet tea was good but next time ill pass on the fresh lemonade. Busy Bee is the perfect spot for southern cuisine.
(5)
Exnovia M.

Visiting from Maryland and the food was awesome.. We waited awhile for a table, however, the food was worth the wait.. Definitely recommend for anyone looking for some southern soul food..
(4)
q c.

Waited over 45min and being from Cali I expected more from this place. Sides were very bland. Ribs were not the best. However the peach cobbler was very good.
(2)
Shon B.

Busy Bees has always been my to-go spot for the best smothered fried chicken. They have so many side options that its hard to chose a favorite, but I absolutely love the candied yams and mac & cheese. Oh and don't forget to try the desserts!
(5)
Crystal H.

Great food. The fried catfish was everything. The service was great. There was quite a few people dining in when we arrived, but the wait wasn't too bad. This is my 4th time eating here and they have still been a great satisfaction. Highly recommend!!
(5)
Japhet L.

The food is good, but it is nothing to write home about. The sides are better than the main dishes.
(3)
Alan A.

In Atlanta for a convention. I heard this place is good, so I caught a lyft over for dinner. The place was full, but myself and 4 other people from the convention were the only white people there. :) They apparently have won awards for the best fried chicken in Atlanta. Ordered the 2 pieces of fried chicken, broccoli casserole, and collard greens. The chicken was OK. It had a lot of flavor to it, but one piece was drier than the other. It did have a good crust. The collard greens had a good flavor to them. Collards if not cooked right can be slimy, but these were not. I never got the broccoli casserole, because they told *me* they were out, but then after I ordered Mac and Cheese as a replacement, they put it in a to go order for someone else. Turns out they weren't out after all. Anyway, the Mac and Cheese was good. Not spectacular, but good. Very rich and cheesy. What brings this place up one star is the peach cobbler. OH, My, God!!! The dough they use for the cobbler was delicate, the peaches were delicious, and the sauce was amazing!!! The dessert was the best part of the meal!! Overall, an up and down experience saved by a great dessert. t.
(4)
Viviana M.

We were on our way to FL and were looking for some good southern cooking on our way. We found Busy Bee through Yelp and it was amazing! The wait wasnt long at all the staff was super friendly. It is a bit pricy but totally worth it. We ordered the mac n cheese, greens, fried green tomatoes, candied yams, and basket of corn bread; oh and a peach cobbler to go. All delicious, all amazing. Please give this place your business!
(5)
Missy W.

The food was Delicious!! Only only complaint is that the Monday Special which was meatloaf was done by 4:30pm. So I was unable to get 2 dinners for myself and my guest. If the restaurant closes at 7pm, why not have enough to cover the dinner diner's.
(4)
Deborah H.

Good solid down south cooking. Good service, endless iced tea, outstanding fired okra and good smothered pork chops. Some of the vegetables were average and under seasoned. Lots of vibe and local color. I would return when back in Atlanta. Near downtown w parking.
(3)
Vanessa M.

Busy bee was my go to place for food. But over the years the food and the service has declined. The food can get a bit pricey
(3)
JAmie k.

I love this place... this is as close to home cooked food as you can get. I find myself wanting to go several times a week!! It's definitely at the top of my list for soul food restaurants. And I love that they they don't close early because it's close to closing time.
(5)
Rebecca O.

Growing up in the south, fried chicken and southern food are my favorite. The sides here are great! I had the mac n cheese and candied yams. The mac n cheese was tasty, and some of the better restaurant mac n cheese I've had. The candied yams were sweet but also citrus-y (likely made with orange juice). They weren't overpoweringly sweet, like you find with many yam and sweet potato dishes. The fried chicken is good, and not overcooked. However, I wish there was a little more seasoning to it. Although tasty, it was just missing something that would've made it spectacular. Overall, one of the better southern restaurants in the city. If you want a true southern food experience, this is it!
(4)
Barb G.

This is the place to go for fried chicken/soul food. The place is really small...just about 10 tables and counter seating. My husband got there around 1:00 and the place was packed. With that being said we were greeted with a friendly hello by everyone who works there. So I ordered the 2 piece chicken dinner...you get to pick what chicken you want and 2 sides. The chicken is CRISPY and tender...my mouth starts to water thinking about it...the mac and cheese is delicious and the broccoli cheese casserole was tasty. I was stuffed but couldn't resist the temptation to order the peach cobbler...OMG it was amazing - every last bite of it! If you want a taste of the south Busy Bee is the place to go.
(4)
Melissa L.

We came here looking for chitlins, but were disappointed to find out it's the off season. But it looks like my weekend in Atlanta has turned out to be the Great Fried Chicken Escape because that's all I've been having. No complaints about the chicken, they are well-known for that. The candied yams are equally amazing. Be prepared for some chaos if it is your first time. The crowd hovering by the entrance are for takeout only, or waiting to close their check. You will have to ask every person if front of you if they are dining in, then jostle your way forward to catch the server's attention. It is a waiting game from here on. You wait to be seated and you wait for your food. But it isn't a bad experience. It is busy but the servers remain friendly, they check on you and follow up on promises to check on your food. The food lives up to the reputation.
(4)
Dave L.

awesome fried chicken and sides, great experience here down in Georgia. Foods great, people are great, and the sweet tea is definitely sweet! =)
(5)
Alex C.

Everyone says get the fried chicken. Well, if you're going with a bunch of people all getting the friend chicken, I'd say get the fried catfish! In my opinion the catfish was better seasoned and better cooked than the chicken. In fact, the white meat that my friends got was a little stringy (overcooked/dry), the dark meat was okay, though still lacking in seasoning. In terms of sides, the sweet potatoes are the variety that is made with OJ, so expect some citrus flavor. The mashed potatoes aren't quite salty enough, even with gravy. However, the fried green potatoes are huge and good, as is the broccoli and cheese casserole.
(4)
Dorothy P.

Came here on a really busy Sunday (probably the busiest day to come), parking was hard, line was long...but once we sat down (sitting at the bar is more fun) it was all worth it! Atl magazine voted this joint as having the best fried chicken so I wanted to taste for myself...it didn't disappoint! I recommend getting what I got if this is ur first visit here like mine: fried chicken, collard greens, Mac n cheese, black eyes peas and wash it down w the uptown (half lemonade half sweet tea). The corn muffins they give at the start r amazing.This place makes me so proud to be from the south!
(5)
Tamar S.

My visit to Busy Bee made me forget about my all time fave, Paschals and made me think even less of the overrated Mary Macs. I ordered the cubed steak, mac and cheese and rice and gravy and if I hadn't been on a date I would've licked my plate. The only thing I can really complain about is when we asked a server for the wifi password her reply was very snippy and smartass. She wasn't our server and I won't identify her because maybe she was having a bad day, but I work in customer service and know firsthand that it's not what you say, but how you say it. Our server was great, though, but u do have to point out a few blips in the service. We were a party of 3 and one person's food took so long to come out that the sever expressed concern. It would have been better if all 3 were bought at once. The other issue was when paying with a credit card and giving the card at the table the customer is asked for ID. I assume it's for a reason but that is NOT normal protocol as restaurants. But the food, which is the primary reason we were there, was the BEST.
(4)
Heather S.

A friend and I have been on a quest to find the best fried chicken in Atlanta. Our most recent journey brought us here. Chicken was great. It was perfectly cooked with just the right amount of seasoning. Sides were good. I had mac and cheese and fried green tomatoes, but next time will probably opt for something else. The space is small and if you go on a Sunday, go when they open. We got there and got seated with no issue, but it got packed really quickly. Service was great and price seemed about average. So far, I think they are winning the battle of the chicken.
(4)
Michael G.

If you want some Outstanding Fried Chicken this is the place. While visiting Atlanta my wife and I jumped off the Marta and we were not disappointed. Small local place but the staff were all friendly and we even struck up a conversation with a local that had been going to Busy Bee's for 25 years. Make sure to get the mac and cheese as a side! Authentic local spot!!
(5)
Rahnesha K.

The place is very limited in space (especially on Sunday at 11am when I went) and the wait time was a tad lengthy.....and it was 100% worth it! This was first time in Atlanta, and last day there so I didn't hold back. I had the fried chicken, greens, mac n cheese, potato salad. My boyfriend had catfish (and I stole some of that too.....don't you dare judge me!). Flavorful and delicious! I also had the peach cobbler, bf had the key lime cake but I was too absorbed in the cobbler to try the cake - he had only good things to say about it.
(5)
Tiya R.

Rita and I went to Busy Bee Cafe. She's from MO and knew about this place. I can't believe no one has suggested this place to me before...I can't believe I haven't heard of it already. This is the best food I ever tasted in my entire life ever on this earth in this universe. I had smothered chicken and broccoli casserole and lima beans and i wanted to slap everybody in that place. I want to marry every cook in that place. I would drink that gravy like it was red kool-aid. AND the sweet tea is the best in the world, 2nd to my grandma's sweet tea. That food made me feel like i was being unfaithful to every other good morsel of food i had eaten in the past. That food was so good i really got mad at everyone i knew in Atlanta for about 47 seconds, because none of you people had taken me there before. The building is so small. That food was so good i was glad the building was so small, because that meant not so many people would be able to fit in there....when i wanted more food. That food was so damn good that I tasted the first bite and immediately began to plan my escape route from work to Busy Bee Cafe for my lunch breaks. That food was so good, all i wanted to do after i was done eating was to crawl up in my bed in the fetal position and put my thumb in my mouth like a 3 year old kid that just got bathed tucked in by his 67 year old aunt that smells like moth balls. That food was so good it could be used in a ransom situation. That food could will somebody off of the top of a building giving them hope to continue life instead of jumping off of the edge. The way that food tasted made me feel like I was in a commercial for Golden Coral or Denny's but with better food. That food should be in the Guinness Book of World Records for the food that will make you loose yourself the most. This food would make Don Sterling love the black people that cooked this food. They should send him a plate. Ok..im done, I gotta get to maps.google.com to figure out the best route to this place. Sheesh!!
(5)
Vida D.

A friend was moving out of town, and we decided to do a tour of her favorite places She took me to Busy Bee, and sad to say I have lived in Atlanta for years and have never been. We went on a Friday afternoon, it wasn't too crowded and apparently even folks driving ferraris like Busy Bee. We took a seat and Ms. Sheila was helping us. We both ordered the fried whiting plate. I ordered mine with a side of okra, and a side of turnip greens. The rolls that come with the food were delicious and I hate corn muffins. The sweet tea-lemonade mix was to die for. I wanted to try the key lime cake, but the summer season told me NO! I have to go back and take the Mr. He is dying to try real soul food not cooked in a relatives kitchen.
(4)
Joe W.

exceptional food better people. Have the fried chicken. Great deserts include banana pudding and sweet potato pie.
(5)
Victoria B.

Amazing!!! It was packed for lunch but well worth the wait! The food is truly made with love and you can tell with every bite! All the sides are AWESOME! You can't go wrong with the fried chicken and my friend said her fish was breaded and cooked to perfection!!!
(5)
D T.

My first day in the south I wanted to try soul food. So I came here. Was not disappointed. The fried chicken was amazing. So was the peace cobbler. If I ever get back to Atlanta I will check this place out.
(5)
Alexandra A.

Pricey (especially considering the look of the place and the location), 16$ for half chicken or 14$ for 2 pieces, both come with 2 sides. Wish they would have more options, like a la carte. I wish I could get half the food, at half the price. I wasn't blown away by the fried chicken. It's good but not amazing. I wonder what quality is the chicken they use, I didn't see any description on the menu (hormone free, antibiotic free ??). Bottom line, a bit overrated, IMO the value doesn't match the money you pay. Our bill, around 40$ for lunch, for 2 people - for fried chicken. Maybe sharing half a chicken is the way to go.
(3)
Brian C.

My best meal in Atlanta to date. Busy Bee is not the prettiest restaurant, but it has a real authentic Southern feel to it (maybe because I'm in an authentic Southern restaurant in the South), and it's backed by the Southern hospitality from the waitresses, too. This is extremely refreshing coming from life in New York City. Had an order of the smothered chicken with a side of mashed potatoes and mac n' cheese. Excuse my foul mouth (must do this for the South), but damn... The smothered chicken was deep fried chicken smothered in gravy perfection, the mashed potatoes were delicious with gravy, and I LOVED the mac n' cheese (and, generally speaking, I don't like mac n' cheese). Washed it down with some sweet tea, in which I never found my glass empty, and I finished off with the cobbler dessert which was awesome. Whenever I travel to ATL, I always hope for an opportunity to make it to Busy Bee. Amazing food!
(5)
Tish N.

The fried chicken was very crispy and well seasoned, but I don't quite see how it's much better or different tasting than all the other fried chicken place in Atl. There wasn't really anything about the taste that made it stand out. The collard greens and okra were really good though, so their sides do stand out. The cornbread muffins tasted dry and plain to me. I like them fluffier and a lil bit sweet. Overall it was a good meal, but I didn't think the fried chicken was worth the price. And it's probably worth your money to get the half chicken rather than two pieces because the price difference isn't that much and you can just to go the pieces you can't finish.
(3)
Tiffany C.

What can I say the Yelp reviews were right, this place did not disappoint! My boyfriend and I visited here this past Friday around 1:30pm, not too crowded, walked right in and got a table. The waitress was sweet but about business lol, I ordered the smothered pork chops, corn bread dressing and sweet potato's. My bf had the fried chicken, collard greens and another side I can't remember, I was too focused on my pork chops lol! Also the waitress didn't bat an eye when my bf request a side of sliced onions and tomatoes with his meal, he's a country boy! The food came out quick and hot and let me tell you it was out of this world good! I enjoyed every bite and am already planning a return trip the next time I'm in Atlanta. If your looking for down home soul food this is the place.
(4)
Ashley W.

I've finally came to the conclusion that I just don't like this place. The food is ok and nothing that makes me want to come back. It's waaaayyyy to busy for what it puts out. I guess different strokes for different folks. But it didn't stroke me or my taste buds. I'll tell everyone to try it and form your own opinion because this place definitely has a following. I'll stick to my beloved Mary Mac's or m own kitchen.
(2)
Cathy P.

Service was excellent and friendly. The fried chicken was hot, crisp and tasty. I had the chitt'lin dinner with potato salad and collards. It's just hard to find good potato salad. It was what my grandma would call mashed potato salad. Good flavor but not much substance in texture. The greens were very good and the chitterlings (chitt'lins) were just ok. A little dry and needing a lot of seasoning. Worth another trip to try a different entree on the menu.
(3)
Keisha D.

Good food. Not set up for a good dine in experience though. Call your order in and pick it up.
(3)
Alex L.

best fried chicken of my life
(5)
Angelique V.

Arrive early! Def order fried chicken, Mac n cheese, collard greens, and broccoli casserole. For dessert, finish with peach cobbler. Don't even consider drinking water. Sweet tea FTW! We laughed at the ppl who dared to order salad. Who does that at a soul food joint? Each bite of cornbread was divine. It comes out warm and you can tell it was made with love and seasoned with soul.
(5)
Mercedes W.

If you have a sweet tooth like myself, try their red velvet cake. One word, DIVINE!!! It's homemade, moist, decent size piece, and contains pecans on the cream cheese icing. I give this place an overall 3 stars because of the inconsistency of food. I've been visiting this place on and off again for about 3 years and the food is not always up to par. And then there is the issue of space. Why must I walk through the restaurant in an attempt to find a table and nearly bump every chair and/or table that I pass?!
(3)
Joiya M.

Good, good home cooking!!! Collards, fried Chicken and Mac and Cheese....ummm mouth watering goodness. I would move in and live under the sink...its so good. You should visit this spot if you are in the city...eat till you can't move. Just look forward to a wait and try to do take-out if possible...they should really invest in a new location.
(4)
Akisha T.

Love love love this place. It's small but the flavor is big. Never had a bad dish in my experience.
(5)
Tatiana S.

The smothered turkey wings had tender, fall-off-the-bone meat. The dressing was well seasoned so you could still taste a hint of cornbread and an appropriate level of moisture (not a fan of dry stuffing). I also ordered yams and collard greens. The greens were tasty and the yams werent bad but they were a little too sweet for me. The meal also comes with cornbread and a little sliver of cranberry sauce. Its like thanksgiving any time of year. A little pricy but worth it for the portion.
(4)
Sara M.

YES. That's really all I have to say about Busy Bee. Well, I suppose I could say more. Delicious fried chicken, among the best in Atlanta. Friendly service. Great sweet tea. It's become a place for my co-worker and me to treat ourselves every once in a while, especially on the occasional Friday, when their fried chicken is the special, available for a few bucks cheaper than the regular entree. As I said, the fried chicken is delicious. Well-seasoned, and I haven't had a dry breast piece yet. As for sides, I've tried the mac & cheese, mashed potatoes, collard greens, and the broccoli cheese casserole. All are good, and if I had to choose favorites, they'd probably be the mac & cheese and mashed potatoes. But I always try to have something green on my plate, so I never get the two together. The fried chicken special also comes with your choice of dinner roll or cornbread. I don't really care for the cornbread -- I found it to be dry, crumbly, and salty. The dinner roll is nothing special taste wise, but comes to you warm and super soft and fluffy. I like the service here, also. We come on the early side, so there is plenty of seating, and a server has always greeted us and instructed us to have a seat wherever we'd like. You pay up front, and the cashier is always good about asking if I'd like a bag for my leftovers. Get there early and parking is easy. The lot is teeny tiny and the larger lot adjacent to it can get tight. There is, however, a huge parking lot across the street where the Publix used to be. One of these days, I will leave enough room in my belly for dessert! Oh yes, one final note: They are closed on Saturday! CLOSED! SATURDAY! If you go there on a Saturday, mistakingly thinking they're closed on Sunday, you will find a dark interior, a locked door, and the guys at the barber shop next door will look at you funny. ...not that I know from personal experience or anything.
(4)
Leticia C.

These people have the best soul food in town. Don't rate them low cause you have to wait to be seated, fed, and pay. It's just the way it is. Aside from that the food is excellent. Oh, don't order the ox tails, they are way over priced.
(4)
M W.

Yes, they do indeed stay busy as bees here. A must go to in "the A." Fried chicken, carrot soufflÃ©, and the oxtails will make you slap yo mama! Love the quaint old school feel. Fun to sit at the counter and people watch. We need a Busy Bee on the north side!
(5)
Sunday's Girl 1.

Search no further for the best fried chicken. Every now and then I have to get a fried chicken fix! My go to used to be Son's in Inman Park but after closing @ 2009 I began my quest for a replacement. Mary Macs and Carver's just didn't make the cut. Yeast rolls, fried okra, beautiful collards, mac and cheese - I even approve of the cornbread dressing which is a hard sell for me considering no one has ever topped my mom's. Busy bee has laid back atmosphere and the service is on point and always friendly.
(5)
Amy P.

My boyfriend and I chose this restaurant because he was in search of the best fried chicken in ATL, and the Busy Bee did not disappoint! He ordered the 2 piece fried chicken with collards, and he loved both, commenting that the chicken was fried fresh, and hadn't been sitting around like at other places. I ordered the choose 3 veggie plate, because I'm a vegetarian, and I loved everything. Being a vegetarian, I really appreciated that next to each "veg" item it was marked if the item was completely vegetarian. I got the carrot soufflÃ© because I had read that it was good in other reviews, the mac and cheese, and fried okra. All were awesome. The carrot soufflÃ© was something I hadn't had before, so I was unsure what to expect: it was very, very sweet (pretty much a dessert) but I really liked it, nonetheless. The mac and cheese was perfect. A lot of times I have to salt my mac and cheese to make the flavor come out, but this was already seasoned perfectly. Lastly, the fried okra was fried to perfection; it was super crispy, and not too greasy. I also ordered the sweet tea, which is totally authentic...it's super sweet! I loved this place, and would definitely come back again when in town.
(5)
Reynold B.

I am from California and I must have my soul food fix every time I visit the South and Busy Bee Cafe is the place I usually visit when in Atlanta. I went there yesterday afternoon for lunch and the food was great as usual and the service is impeccable. Britney was my server and she by far is one of the best servers I have had in the past five years in restaurants and could train many servers on how it is done. I had my usual smothered chicken with collard greens and macaroni and cheese and of course peach cobbler to go. The parking is a little tight and when I go to these restaurants in most major cities that are now charging $25.00 for fried chicken I look at them and say "GET A GRIP". it is only chicken...
(5)
Ryan C.

I was definitely tourist when I was there. The fried chicken, catfish, collards, and corn was simply the best. it looked like a local favorite. trek your way over there and get some sweet tea.
(5)
Michelle S.

The red velvet cake was the best I have ever had!
(5)
Misha T.

This place is obviously a community institution and when I went it was full of folks coming from church, or possibly going to an afternoon session? In any event, I thought my fried chicken was pretty good. Not like blow your mind good but it's always good to see where the locals like to eat. I was just in ATL for a long plane layover and of the places I read about on yelp/chowhound Busy Bee was the most accessible by public transpo and I wasn't disappointed.
(4)
Michelle B.

This is the kind of place I look for in every town I live in...or work in...I've been a local dive hunter for years. I'm almost embarrassed to say that after living here for nearly four years, this was my first visit. I was under orders to have nothing but the fried chicken. I was told it is the best in Atlanta. Not sure about that, since I don't eat fried anything that often, but I will say that the stuff was good. Better than almost everyone else's I've had. So were the green beans and greens (not sure which kind I had, but they were rightous.) I'm told the cream corn is delightful, made from fresh corn daily. I could've made a meal from just the veggie menu. Big kudos to the staff! It was President's Day, so lots of locals were off work. There's a pretty new Walmart across the street that was packed. The place was slammed! Perfect day for the computer to crash, and leave a biz stuck for the day to only take cash. Most of the staff was smiling and friendly, making us all sympathize with the situation. Even with the massive crowd, (hey, when you only have 8-10 tables, 30 people in your door is a mob!), the credit card confusion and the arrival of a local/national celebrity (hint: she has a Cover Girl commercial and wears a wicked hat) everyone was cool, calm and collected, service was quick and food was outstanding! The only reason I didn't give 4 stars? Pork chops are only on Sunday. Can't judge a good Southern place without having a pork chop, can I? It's the only time I eat them!
(3)
Stephie Z.

Chalk another one up to the hype machine. Living in Georgia my whole life I feel I have experienced some pretty good country cooking. My absolute favorite meal growing up was fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and mashed potatoes so let's just say I have tried most places versions of my favorite meal. Here are my ultra-subjective ramblings of my highly evolved and correct (;)) taste buds on the fried chicken, mac-n-cheese and mashed 'tater meal here: *Fried chicken- not browned well, very light in color. Crispy, but in a high school lunchroom way, not a deliciously fried country cooking way. Salty. Moist meat. Not my favorite fried chicken by any means. I liked the Colonnade's version better and that is not saying much. *Mashed potatoes- keep in mind I hate condiments and especially gravy so I went plain- the potatoes tasted like a mix of both real potatoes and the boxed flaky kind. Wasn't a huge fan. *Fried Okra- the typical frozen fried kind, but they were fried well and the taste was pure frozen fried okra. *Macaroni and Cheese- the best of the meal. Only one issue with the mac and cheese, it needed more fresh cheddar on top. While the inside was good I love the topping and it was missing that. I would like to say the service was great and I really dug my server. Oh and the cornbread was weak.
(2)
Sumomo O.

Was there on a Tuesday so got the chicken gizzards over rice. I hesitated because usually gizzards are too chewy and stringy, but the menu said "tender" and the waitress reaffirmed this. Indeed, they were amazingly tender and tasty! I'd like to know how they made them like that. The gravy was light. Fried okra seemed to be from a frozen pre-made bag, but I still enjoyed them. The steamed cabbage was surprisingly good - I reluctantly ordered it in search of vegetables, and I'd definitely order it again. Nice service, too.
(5)
Ken K.

Yelpers...you've got to be kidding. One of my friends invited me to join him for lunch today at Busy Bee. He was surprised that I wasn't familiar with the establishment. He had taken his mother there and really thought the food was something special. Something special? Try Morrison's Cafeteria served by gargantuan waitresses with a pair of Stone Mountains! This place had their walls filled with autographed pictures of rap singers and other entrepreneurs who I guess have little taste. I ordered their famous chicken. Southern fried of course...dried out and stringy. A quarter chicken with two sides for $12.95. Are you kidding? The meal was just OK. The food was tasty and all but served in school cafeteria plates and dishes. It didn't help that the door constantly blew open letting cold drafts into the restaurant and no one cared. Low rent. Low class. An embarrassment to Atlanta.
(1)
Tom R.

The best meat and threes in the Atlanta metro, bar none. The fried chicken is the best outside of Nashville, and the veggies have that real soul food 'pork in everything' thing going on. It's crowded and tight, but the butt-bumping is a part of the charm. And everyone that works there is wonderfully welcoming. I love the Busy Bee!
(5)
Maurice D.

One Word: "GHETTO!" My partner and I walked in on a Monday afternoon and the place was packed. I was standing by the door waiting to be greeted and none of the staff came over or said anything. Then I saw a sign that read: PLEASE BE SEATED. Next to that sign I saw from the Georgia Health Department a grade of 84-B.... OKAY! So as we are walking over to the one available table in the restaurant and I am looking around and noticing that the cleanliness of the place is definitely lacking and notice that the food on people's tables all looks very greasy and unhealthy, then I realize that the odor in the restaurant is not a pleasant aroma that I want to smell while I sit down and eat a meal. Then I noticed that the staff appeared to be sloppy and overweight. Then at the table I saw the ugly, dirty laminated paper menus. So I assume my partner noticed my facial expressions and he asked before we even sat down if I wanted to still eat here and I said NO! We walked right back out! I really do not get all the hype about this place. This is ATLANTA! A spot like this should be some where in Mississippi or Alabama and with a grade of 84-B I am surprised the health department hasn't shut them down yet! I have never seen a restaurant in Atlanta graded that low. I wish I could give NO STARS! WASTE OF TIME!
(1)
Ms. W.

Oh hell yeah! This is the spot! The food was fresh, well seasoned, fattening as all get out, hot,... true southern cooking for you! The place is tiny when you look at the crowds, but dammit, it's worth the wait! I had elbows in my face, butts in my face, but I hunkered down and was swept away. Mouth-gasm at its best! Maybe I just went on a good day, but good it was! The chicken was perfectly crispy and tasty, the mac n cheese was delicious, the yams... I cannot say much more other than this is a place to visit if ever on that side of town. We stumbled on it after asking a random guy at a stop light where to get good southern food and he gave us the directions. Best advice we have received from a stranger about food in a long time! I have yet to try their desserts but plan to next time. I will go back again and again and again!!! I thnk I need to make that happen this weekend!
(5)
Denise B.

This is the best tasting soul food ever beside of corse your moms or grandmoma :) I always recommend to locals and people from out of town. This food tastes exactly how you expect it to taste. GOOD !!! The location may not be ideal for some but I think that getting soul food in "the hood" area of town makes perfect sense lol and I've never felt unsafe. It's not a fancy place, limited parking, only has maybe 10 tables its ALWAYS busy so prepare for a reasonable wait 15-20m beware on Sundays could be 30m+... they could benefit from expansion however I don't want anything to mess up how good the food and the service is. The ladies that work there have been there for years and they are always friendly and courteous which is also a testimate to how they are treated by owners/management. Everyone seems to work as a team. Paschal, Gladys chicken and waffle on cascade Rd , big daddys on cascade Rd, and this is it BBQ and seafood camp creek all fail horribly when it comes to service, wait times, and quality of food for the price. Side note... big daddy cafÃ© on old national is good too.
(5)
Jeffrey L.

The food and service was excellent. I had the smothered pork chops. The location doesn't look appealing from the outside, but the food makes up for it. Don't wait for service; take the first available seat.
(5)
M A.

I don't even know what I can add to all the glowing reviews. The food here was delicious, from the pickled beets to the fried chicken to the banana pudding. Everything was done up truly Southern style and I kind of liked being crammed in with a hoard of hungry patrons in tiny booths. Our server was sassy in all the right ways, making small talk with us and helping guide us toward our choices (that was a hard decision, let me tell you). Definitely looking forward to coming back here again and again. Just read all these reviews and you'll easily see why!
(5)
Gen L.

Soooo good. Really small on the inside, so be prepared to wait. I had the smothered chicken, collards, and cornbread dressing. The gravy on the chicken was excellent (it was that old school, like your great-grandmother made it kinda gravy!), the collards were slightly sweet ( and delicious), and the cornbread dressing was absolutely good. My bf's broccoli-rice casserole was also really good. We'll be back.
(4)
Ziyan C.

With 3 days in Atlanta, I came for some good southern food but didn't blow my mind as it seems to have for everyone else. Gotta say though the service was great. The two women running the whole place were super friendly and made us feel totally welcome even though we were three Asian girls and must've stuck out like a sore thumb there. * Corn bread muffins - I think I just don't like Atlanta style corn bread! I found this to be dry and tasteless. No one at my table even finished a whole muffin (and they're tiny). * Busy Bee's Fried Chicken (Two pieces of chicken marinated for 12 hours, lightly breaded and fried in peanut oil to a crisp golden brown. Moist, juicy and beelicious served with a choice of 2 veggies and corn bread muffin or dinner roll) $11.99 ($9.99 special) - We got three legs to share between us. The breading was good and light, with a nice slight crunch. The chicken was moist but not the best quality I've had. * Pork Chops (Two chops marinated, lightly breaded and fried in peanut oil to a crisp golden brown or smothered in it's own pan gravy and simmered until tender served with a choice of 2 veggies and corn bread muffin or dinner roll) $12.50 - The chops were good. A little dry but the gravy fixed that. * Fresh Collard Greens - I'm never a fan of collard greens but my friend liked this. * Fried Green Tomatoes - These were the best! The breading was light, good slight crisp, just like the chicken. Really well done. * Fresh Creamed Corn - Another great side. Nice & sweet. Though we were wondering.. creamed corn is just innately good, and we couldn't tell the difference between this and the canned version. * Baked Macaroni & Cheese - We all liked this one. * Peach cobbler a la mode - The ice cream = too sweet & artificial tasting. The cobbler = even MORE sweet & artificial! There was lots of crust and that viscous jam-like stuff, mixed in with some fruit. Overdone. Didn't have any but the Broccoli Cheese Casserole looked good.
(3)
Tara M.

I love Busy Bee Cafe because 1) Its home cooked food right around the corner from my house that I don't have to slave in the kitchen over, 2) because EVERYTHING taste great, 3) they have kick-ass desserts and the Uptown (lemonade & sweet tea mix) is reason to come back alone. Things I don't like; 1) Parking... yes there is a parking lot on the side but that is also used by the barbershop (aka folks just hanging out) so if you get there during peak hours either park across the street at the abandoned Publix lot keep your fingers crossed you will find a spot on the street. 2) The place is TINY meaning you will wait guaranteed. 3) Its cramped! I don't know about you but I don't like big momma's butt in my face while I'm eating my collards. Opt for a booth if possible. Luckily I get my food to go piping hot and don't have to hassle with a lot of the negatives including the parking during the warmer months. I would give it 4 stars for personal opinion, but I ddn't think that would be fair : / BTW Thursday is baked turkey wings (monster size) and dressing day... best. day. ever.
(3)
Adrianne R.

My aunt found this place....it's soooo good! I love the down home sweet service too.
(5)
Sherman W.

I stopped by Busy Bee Cafe looking for authentic southern fried chicken, and was not disappointed. Crispy, with most of the oil drained, and just a bit of salt in the batter. I had ordered one piece regular, and the other smothered (with gravy), and afterwards I felt that getting them dry is better since the crispness of the skin along with the juiciness of the meat were the stars of the show. I had creamed corn and collard greens as my sides to go with the fried chicken. The creamed corn was sweet with a bit of an unexpected saltiness to it which made it pretty addictive. The turnip greens were okay, but not very memorable. A few corn bread muffins were served with the meal, and those were moist but didn't have too much taste to them. Even though I was clearly a tourist with a large backpack and clueless gawking, the waitresses made me feel like I was visiting their home. Verdict: definitely worth a revisit next time I'm in Atlanta.
(4)
Alexis S.

Found this place on yelp looking for some good soul food and the reviews didn't lie! The food was delicious!! I had the fried chicken with cream corn and Mac and cheese. If you're in the Atlanta area definitely a must!!
(5)
Danny H.

Best fried chicken in Atlanta. You know how when you eat fried chicken from like Popeyes or Bojangles, you're typically left with a pile of bones and inedible pieces that you have to throw away and hope your dogs don't get into? When I was done eating fried chicken from Busy Bee, there was a whole lot less leftover bones and remains on the plate. Either they're doing something really right, or they're frying things so well and tasty that I'm eating bones, not realizing it, and enjoying it, which means they're still doing something right in this regard as well. Either way, I stand firmly on my claim that this is the best fried chicken in Atlanta. Served fresh, piping hot, and with crispy flavorful skin, good with hot sauce or without, I want more, all the time now. The location is off of MLK kind of on the west end of the city passed some academy or church named after the bad guy from the Mummy movies, and the parking lot is pock marked with pot holes, shattered glass bottles and other undesirable amenities, but it doesn't matter. I'd walk barefoot through the parking lot to get more Busy Bee chicken. The waits are suspect as it is a tiny, cramped location, where the quality of food obviously is capable of canceling out the negative feelings associated with wait times, location, or watching enviously as people there before you got there are relishing and savoring BB's awesome chicken while you have to wait. The collard greens were tangy and juicy and the broccoli and cheddar casserole was fantastic. The corn muffins were a good consistency, and I ate both of them like a jerk while my lunchmates whined about it too bad their loss for being slow and tentative. But the chicken was the best I've ever had in this city, and I want some more, right now. Doesn't matter when you read this, that stands true, I want more Busy Bee chicken, at this very moment.
(5)
Daph N.

The food is absolutely amazing I love their fried chicken my favorite is the carrot souffle Me and my boyfriend drove 9 hours just to have it, it so good. Must have their Arnold Palmer its soooo freaking yummy. Did I mention the carrot Souffle it taste like cake batter. Bbq ribs taste so juicy and smoky. Love it Tomika is awesome at the bar!
(4)
Sheri C.

NOM.Nom.NOM. Been craving soul food, and today was the day I ventured out to finally get some "REAL" soul food... Busy Bee is easy to find; just look for all the cars and the slew of people waiting outside. Inside is small; diner style, and when you walk in the door, the smells of heaven sweep over you .... I had the fried catfish, baked mac n cheese, and their famous candied yams. The catfish - DE.LISH. Yams - Mouth-watering! Undecided about the cornbread muffin. Mac n cheese - great! I'm lactose intolerant, so I am 100% positive I'll pay for this bit later. But I had to try. Definitely worth the wait. You may want to call in your order if you're in a rush - and venture down there about 30-40 mins after you call... I will definitely return.
(4)
Teresa H.

I did some Yelp research before my Atlanta trip looking for the best fried chicken in Atlanta. I chose the Busy Bee due to all the rave reviews. OK, I guess I'm just a Yankee, but I find it hard to believe this was the best Atlanta had to offer. Not that it was bad--the chicken itself was pretty good, but I couldn't eat the mac and cheese (seemed like it was leftover from the previous day). It was just OK for me; certainly if I'm in Atlanta again I won't make another special trip to the Busy Bee.
(3)
Mychael W.

I moved to Atlanta a few years ago and this was one of the first places that I was told I had to try. I tried once on a Saturday and found out they're closed on Saturdays. So here I am 2 years later and I finally went, and I'm kicking myself for taking so long! My wife and I just returned from lunch (I'm so full, it pains me to type)... I couldn't wait though because I wanted this to be fresh on my mind! As soon as we walked in, I knew we were in for a treat. It looks and smells like the little old soul food joints I used to go to when I was younger. My wife and I were both pleased and surprised at the level of service that we received. The restaurant was full, but the servers and people behind the bar were really great. Our server checked in on us frequently, gave excellent suggestions, and we heard all of the other servers doing the same at their tables. I ordered the fried chicken with mac n cheese and fried green tomatoes, and my wife had the fried tilapia with mashed potatoes and fried okra. She also had the sweet tea and I had a lemonade. I was told that I should order the Uptown (aka Arnold Palmer) with them mixed, but we just had them separately. We started out with the delicious cornbread muffins that they bring out and we really enjoyed them. The chicken was fried perfectly with crispy skin, it wasn't greasy at all, and it was very moist. The tilapia was really good, and so were the fried green tomatoes. I don't eat okra, so I just took my wife's word for it that they were good. The only downside to the entire meal was the mac n cheese. It doesn't have a good flavor at all, and it was kind of grainy. I can't tell if it's boxed or if they just didn't melt the cheese properly. I took a couple of bites and set it to the side. I tried to stop myself, but the desserts were calling my name! At the end of the meal, I ordered the banana pudding and I also thought it was pretty good. The only problem is that it tastes like they use banana pudding instead of vanilla pudding (yes, I know that sounds weird when discussing banana pudding, but trust me) when making it, so it was too sweet and had a slightly artificial flavor. I'll definitely be back to Busy Bee though! I've got several dishes I want to try, and lots of dessert too. I'll have to space out my visit though to make sure I don't go up any clothes sizes any time soon...
(4)
D. L.

I'm sorry granny and mom but this place fried chicken is the BEST I done EVER tasted! Also better than roscoes chicken & waffles in my opinion. Service was kinda slow but they WERE busy. Plenty of parking but keep in mind this place is kinda hole in the wall but who cares? I also had potato salad and black eyed peas which were scrumptious!
(5)
Erin W.

I used to love this place. Unfortunately over the years the level of service has declined and the parking lot still has ginormous potholes and dips that have the potential to ruin your car. The seating is very tight and if you're ordering takeout prepare to wait about 20 minutes. If you're interested in giving them a try, do yourself a favor and order takeout before you get there.
(3)
Frank U.

Worth the drive to the outside of Atlanta. Get there early because it lines up out the door by noon. Mac n Cheese is a favorite and of course the Fried Chicken!
(5)
Alexis J.

Absolutely freaking amazing!....Seriously some of the best soul food I have EVER eaten. OMG!...had me shaking my head after the first taste of each different portion of the meal as if it couldn't REALLY taste that good. I had to stop every so often just to text my friends and tell them how phenomenal it was. Now don't expect a five-star experience. This is good food. Period. It's not exactly a greasy spoon, but it sure isn't the Ritz Carlton. It's small, but the "homey" feel is apparent from the second you open the door. Expect long waits, but you may get lucky if you just come by yourself like I did. I was able to just ask to slide onto one of the counter stools after only about 3 mins of waiting. It's pretty basic service, no frills, but it's full of southern hospitality just the same...someone, probably the on-duty Atlanta cop (yes, there is one) will write your name down on a sheet of paper, and when a spot becomes available the cashier will say your name over the loudspeaker so that you can hear it if you are waiting outside and you'll then seat yourself wherever, at whatever table is open for you.This place is always humming, but the food is so good that you won't mind the noise or the wait. I imagine that just about everything on the menu is phenomenal, but on Sundays only the Sunday dinner portion of the menu is available. Not to worry though, plenty of scrumptious things on there as well. I had the smothered pork chops, collard greens, macaroni & chz, and an extra side of candied yams...complete with corn muffins and an iced tea/lemonade mix called an "Uptown". It was great. If you're ever in Atlanta and love home cooked soul food, go to the Busy Bee Cafe. I promise you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Nicholas T.

Lived my whole life of 66 years in NY. I moved to North Georgia last August. We have tried some country shack type places for good southern food. Some were very good, this place is better. The service and the people that work there are so pleasant, they must love who they work for. It's crowded, the wait wasn't so bad, we at eat the counter. My wife and I like that. We felt very comfortable there, I guess that is southern hospitality . That's coming from a New York Italian.
(5)
Esther K.

This place is definitely busy buzzing with customers (see what I did there hurrhurr)! I took my best friend from out of town to eat some Southern cuisine here. It did not disappoint! :) I ordered the ox tails with fried green tomatoes and creamed corn. My best friend got the fried chicken with coleslaw and mashed potatoes and Kungfu, my boyfriend, got one pork chop fried and one smothered with potato salad and mac and cheese. The ox tails were very tender and reminded me of my mom's ox tails (yes, Asians eat a good deal of ox tails as well). I could've used a bit more gravy though (I loooove me some gravy). I loved the fried tomatoes it was above average from any other joints I've had it in. I would order the fried green tomatoes again if I went back any time soon. It was tart and the tomatoes weren't smoothy or too greasy. Creamed corn was a-ok. We teased my best friend a bit asking if she was at KFC because she ordered mashed potatoes with gravy and a side of coleslaw. She said she couldn't think of any other side to go with fried chicken (I would've done green beans and mashed potatoes though). The fried chicken was crispy on the outside and very juicy on the inside. I loved the skin. My best friend fed me all her skin cause she's eating healthier so I consumed and inhaled all the delicious skin. It was so... so... delicious. Not too salty, not too greasy, crispy, and seasoned to perfection. The pork chops were my favorite though. I loved it smothered in gravy, but I am biased. I love myself some gravy. I didn't think it was too salty, but Kungfu thought it was a bit on the salty side. The mac and cheese was a-ok, pasta was done al dente but the bÃ©chamel sauce was a bit lacking. I think I would've liked a nice cheese crust on top. The potato salad was average. The pork chops were done really well though. Juicy, tender, and seasoned well. It wasn't too greasy and they serve you two huge portions of pork chops! We were too full to grab any cobbler (which I regret) but I would definitely go back for pork chops next time. I liked the pork chops better than the fried chicken. I would highly recommend the pork chop (get one smothered and the other fried as our server suggested) with some fried green tomatoes and maybe some collard greens. Definitely a busy place, try to keep the group under four people. It's a small restaurant.
(4)
Attaicus C.

Went there at 3pm on a tuesday it was packed . Had to wait on a seat. Well we know the recession is not hitting this place. Because.. people were still coming in. I had their infamous fried chicken, collards and mac/cheese.. The portions are kind of skimpy on the sides , but the chicken was plentyful.. The food most of all was delicious .. I will go back if i am on that side of town.
(4)
Barton T.

Haven't eaten here since my days at Clark Atlanta University. Went today for lunch for a pleasant surprise-A healthy lunch that actually had some taste to it. I got the baked tilapia with yellow rice and you pick two sides. Got green beans and tried the carrot soufflÃ©. All I can say is I have a new staple must have meal when I come back to the ATL. The carrot soufflÃ© was not too sweet, nice touch of nutmeg and vanilla., and gave the taste of candied yams. The tilapia was flavorful and meaty and most of all, it wasn't heavy on the tummy. I was still able to get 3 miles in on the track. ;-)
(4)
Melanie C.

Hands down, the best and crispiest fried chicken I've ever had. The sides were pretty good. The mac n' cheese was good,but the candied yams were slightly sweet for my taste. Too bad we were only passing through.
(4)
Colleen B.

Colleen: Do you have sweet tea? The Table: ::Looks at Colleen like she has 3 heads:: Friend 1: "You are in GA Colleen, DUH!" Friend 2: "It is a law in GA that you HAVE to serve Sweet Tea" Colleen: NO Sh*t?!?!? ::Grin:: Apparently I am not down with the Soul Food "standards" however, I AM down with Soul Food flavor! When we rolled up to this joint it was a little sketchy and I wasn't expecting such good food form this place. I should have known better being an avid fan of Man vs. Food that some of the best flavors, recipes and dishes come out of random stops all along the USA. Well, this was a random stop that left me with a huge smile and belly to match! This was my 4th time in GA and I sadly had never had fried chicken while here and I felt bad admitting that out loud. The sweet tea question, I had no idea...but I know GA is known for some amazing fried chicken. So of course, I got the Fried Chicken, white meat with mashed potatoes, broccoli casserole and of course a sweet tea. Can we say YUM! I felt like my mom was in the kitchen cooking me my favorites and going to come out and surprise me after. No go though, my mom was not there but the food was as yummy as she used to make it! The potatoes were pretty good but I could have had about 4 more helpings of the broccoli casserole. It was basically broccoli, cheese and rice (yes a baked mound of heaven-ness). Cornbread and rolls came with everything and I had 2 or 3 rolls because they were hot, soft and they had honey butter. Now, the fried chicken was so amazingly crunchy on the outside and the skin was so tasty but the actual meat, blew me away how moist and juicy it was. I wanted to order more and stick it in my purse for a late night snack. WOW! So good. Our waitress was amazingly friendly with a bubble personality which made for a great addition to the visit. She also commended me on my appetite, she obviously has not read my Yelp reviews to see how much food I can throw down =) I will definitely have to hit this place up again next time I am in town as well as search for somewhere here in Orlando that has awesome homemade fried chicken!
(4)
Tim W.

I have loved Busy Bee since my college days at Georgia Tech. The food is just as good as ever! I just would have thought that they would have expanded or moved to a bigger location by now . The fried chicken is amazing but not as good as Gladys and Ron's. I highly recommend the mac and cheese and fried corn as your sides. The last time I went in August and was the week the college kids went back to school. (Morris Brown, Clark Atlanta, Morehouse and Spellmen are right up the street.) Boy was that a mistake! We waited for at least an hour and it was hotter than hell inside the restaurant! It was exactly cooler outside but the food was more than worth in. Beating the crowds at Busy Bee is the same as Gladys and Ron's, go when they first open or in the late afternoon.
(4)
Byron K.

I have been going here since about 1998 when I discovered this spot while in college. I have since moved to the Washington DC area and every time I come home this is the 1st or 2nd stop for me. Either I go straight there or I see my parents first. To be honest I stick with the fried chicken and whatever vegetables I feel like having that day, but EVERYONE I take with me enjoys their food whether they get fried whiting, vegetable plates, baked chicken, etc. I love the sweets. I've had banana pudding, red velvet cake, key lime cake, lemon pound cake, butter pound cake, and they are all good. The key lime cake is a personal favorite. I've had no issues with the service as the waitresses always take good care of me and my party. Most of the waitresses have been there since I started eating here. I love the uptowns (half tea and half lemonade). I love the decor of the restaurant. All celebrities that come there to eat typically leave an autographed picture for the restaurant. When you look upon the wall you see stars from President Obama to Emril....Yes Emril enjoys some soul food apparently. This makes me love the decor even more because its a tiny little spot but has that original feeling from back in the day. It can get pricey, but that is mostly because I stock up on desserts when I am there. I may purchase 6 or 7 desserts for myself and some family members so I can run up a substantial bill with all the sweets. Cake slices have gotten smaller, but many businesses are making changes to adjust to rising prices. I just hope they don't get any smaller or my dessert consumption may double........ 5 Stars all day....erday......
(5)
Sarah O.

Best soul food in Atlanta! The reviews don't lie. I had the fried chicken which was made to order and perfectly juicy. Also had the macaroni and cheese (yum), candied yams (double yam), and collard greens. Definitely enough food for vegeterians as well. Also, there was a line outside when I arrived but when I just walked inside and asked about the wait I was seated immediately.
(4)
Demetria M.

Ok so I was in the ATL for the return of Vick(falcons/Philly game) and this was my first stop after reading all the great reviews. It was mid-day on Friday so we couldn't even get in the door, so we decided to call in our order. I had the fried catfish, fried corn and greens....delish! I will be back on my next trip!
(5)
Anita L.

Great soul food as promised. Made the mistake of coming on a Sunday afternoon (super packed!), but the wait was worth it. The menu offers really great stuff like the fried chicken, smothered chicken, ham hocks. It's kind of in the "ghetto", but please don't let that deter you! It was definitely worth it, and everyone was very welcoming. My favorite were the greens, outstanding. I was a little disappointed with the corn muffins, I felt they were a bit dry.
(4)
Cekecia O.

The food was awesome! Although they could really use a bigger facility
(4)
Tasha G.

The food is fantastic! While visiting Atlanta I have been wanting to try Busy Bee's Cafe. It was delicious! I had the smothered turkey wings, dressing, carrot soufflÃ©, and string beans. Everything was delicious. My spouse had oxtails, broccoli rice cheese casserole, greens and MAC and cheese. Got dessert we had lemon pound cake and red velvet cake.... Scrumptious!
(5)
A C.

We arrived by cab and were a little leery based on the strip mall it is located in but have no fear, this place is where it's at. We walked in at 1pm on a Friday and there was a wait but it went quickly. We were seated and greeted by a friendly waitress who quickly delivered our drinks. At first I wanted to share the fried chicken with my husband and try something else, pulled pork, but it was no longer available so I just got my own. IT WAS FANTASTIC. The sides were okay, we wanted buttered okra but they only had fried, which were tasty. The collard greens were good and the fries were tasty as well. Certainly go back!
(4)
Jin K.

Born and raised in Georgia, I'm a southern gal to the very core. Fried turkey Thanksgivings? Most definitely. Sweet tea? Make that two. Toast or Grits. Grits! Needless to say, I've eaten my fair share of fried, buttery cuisine. I happened upon Busy Bee during a Fried Chicken "Tour" of Atlanta with a group of my friends. The winner of our tour? Busy Bee. This place is awesome. Tucked away on MLK, it's a small hole-in-the-wall place that only a true southerner could appreciate. With plenty of bar seating and cozy booths, this place is best handled with you and no more than 3 other friends. I went during lunch so the place was packed but we didn't have to wait more than 15 minutes to get a table for our group of 7 (had to pull up a table to our booth to accommodate our party; therefore my tip to go in groups of 4 or less). Our server was helpful, patient, and great on refills. The fried chicken was fried to a perfect crispness and seasoned to a most savory blend. I had a sampling of sides but my favorites were the buttered okra and mac & cheese. The peach cobbler at the end was the perfect way to end the meal. Even though I probably gained 10 lbs from this meal, I savored every bite. I need to go back soon!
(4)
Cliff C.

Descent food but nothing really special. Fried chicken was on the dry side and pretty bland to me, and i had dark meat. Mashed potatoes were alright, again nothing special.. i was actually wondering if they were a good quality dry mix...gravy was a bit bland so i will guess it's a mix or prepared one. Greens were OK as well but over cooked and a bit soggy. Mac and cheese about average....corn bread was stone cold. Prices were high in my opinion for an average Georgia "meat and 3" place.
(3)
Colleen C.

buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzin' on fried food! It's good I don't live down here, I'd weigh at least 600 lbs. At least. A fried chicken plate with 2 sides: broccoli cheese casserole (rice), and mac n' cheese. I was really letting my inner fatty out to play today, eh? A nice bubbly, Diet Coke (my theory is since the big Coke plant is down here, it's closer to the source, and tastes better, though this could be a self-fulfilling prophecy), and some hot little corn muffins. DEMOLISHED. Even the waitress was like, "Damn, girl...you did good!" Yes, well thank you. I take pride in my ability to eat quickly, efficiently and completely. Especially when I'm coming off some high-powered migraine meds, and finally ready to eat! Hooray! Service was sweet, food was better than expected, greasy and glorious. Ahhhhhh, now back to eating like a normal human being for a few weeks...sigh.
(4)
Lady N.

Overrated, gets 1 star... The food is not all that great and the parking is atrocious...too cramped and too crowded. The staff is friendly but it's very much been hyped. Saw it on Triple D and fell for the okey doke.For what one plate of food costs, you can get the same items, cook them yourself, have leftovers, and it will taste even better if you are a true southerner. Portions are skimpy and the chicken is nothing to write home about. You can do a better job yourself. Believe me.
(1)
Angelica C.

We walked, sat and ordered. We had oxtail, chitlins, gizzard, cheese grits, fired green tomatoes and mac&cheese. All were super tasty, except the chitlins, the after taste stayed with me ALL DAY... Sweet Tea was excellent too. Free refills. The bill came to be $40 and some change. I recommend this place to anyone who visits Atlanta and wants to try southern soul food.
(5)
Pablo L.

I hate to only give four stars, but I have to. The food in this place was on point. The mac and cheese, bomb! collard greens were good. fried okra was really fresh. Fried chicken was handlin' somethin' fierce. Them shits was good.... Once you get there you'll know its good because it's so hard to get a table. I would recomend calling your order in when you get there and getting it to go. It'll take you about 15-20 minutes to pay for your food because the line has no order. but once you start eating, it'll all be worth it. '
(4)
Monika K.

Bobby was probably the best waiter I've ever had, attentive, friendly, downright awesome! Sweet Tea, Corn Bread, Fried Chicken, Mac n Cheese, Collard Greens. Southern Soul food done right. place was packed on a Sunday afternoon with many families coming in after church, we were lucky to grab the last booth before the major rush. Could go to town on some deliciousness right now!
(4)
Kim F.

All southern food is NOT SOUL FOOD but this is the SPOT! Absolutely delish! This is my 2nd visit and it was consist! Get there early or be prepared to wait! The food brings the masses from all ethnicities, socioeconomic and professional backgrounds! AMEN to SOUL FOOD!
(4)
Peter D.

When we first arrived in Atlanta, we were starving. I started to ask what we should get to eat, and before I could even finish the sentence, my friend was already yelling "FRIED CHICKEN!!" And if you're going to get some fried chicken in Atlanta, Busy Bee seems like the place to go. It's hospitable, timeless, and most importantly, the food is great. (Bonus points for having autographed pictures of Outkast on the wall, among countless other signed photos.) I have no doubt that the waitress would've treated us exactly the same if we had been guests in her home. After we ordered, she came over and asked, "Y'all want some cornbread?" Ma'am, you know I want some cornbread. I ordered my chicken smothered in gravy, with fried green tomatoes and string beans. Even though the string beans left a little to be desired, Busy Bee was exactly what I needed after getting off that plane; the perfect welcome to the South.
(3)
Ivan S.

One good thing about being recently unemployed (Or "Severed" or "terminated" or "laid off because our sales staff couldn't do their damn jobs") is that I can now try places where lunch may require more than an hour's investment. Sometimes this is due to location, sometimes this is due to wait. In the Busy Bee's case, it's the wait. The name "Busy Bee" is definitely apt. It hustles and bustles and there can be a wait when you show. In my case, it was a not-so-bad 20 minutes, but had I been on my lunch hour, it would've required me wolfing down my grub with nary a notice of taste. Not to mention that, despite the handy bench in and outside of the restaurant, it's not exactly what I'd call roomy. Standing line requires more than a few "Excuse me" and "Sorry"'s being uttered as you bump your nearest queuemate. (Un)Fortunately, the only place I needed to be was the Department of Labor down MLK, so I had a chance to savor my food. I ordered the smothered chicken special with collard greens and broccoli and cheese casserole. I was pleased with my order. The chicken had great flavor, though it was a bit salty for my tastes. Now I say this of a bird first fried and then covered in gravy, so really salty should've been expected by this point. The collards weren't overcooked and still had some bite to them. I only wish I'd tasted more meat (either ham, bacon or smoked turkey) to accompany it. The broccoli casserole had just the right amout of broccoli and cheese without one component overpowering the other. This brings me to the sweet tea which I referred to at the time as "a cupful of diabeetus." It's so sweet I saw Willy Wonka enter hand in hand with Strawberry Shortcake astride a caramel unicorn take a swig and say, "Damn, that shit is SWEET." Some in the South may enjoy a tea this sweet. Some in the South also marry their cousins. Were I to return to the Busy Bee, I'd either ask for half sweet/half unsweet or just order a lemonade. Or just mainline an IV bag of simple syrup. Which brings me to the main question: So would I return to The Busy Bee? You bet your sweet ass I would.
(4)
Renata C.

The best southern food everrrrrr. It's a little joint very simple, friendly and warm staff, our waiter Bob was very attentive and the food to die for ... It's a must to try and visit just be careful not to I've eat like I did :) .... Love it
(5)
Sherry W.

3.5 stars. Busy Bee's serves solid soul food in a comfortable, homey setting. The restaurant is located near the AUC, next to a small barber shop. Everyone usually gets the fried chicken here. I tried a combination of their sides. Cornbread -very good, think and dense with the right amount of flavoring. Broccoli and cheese casserole -really good. Cheesy broccolli and rice. Fried Green tomatoes -tangy tomatoes with a thick fried crunchy layer around it. Mac and cheese -very cheesy and substantial. Sweet potatoes -pretty standard, very syrup-y and sweet. I take away 0.5 stars because of the service. I understand it's a hole-in-the-wall in a comfortable setting, but the service just seemed so slow paced. The employees just seemed to take their sweet time. It took a while to pay for our meal and I saw probably 8 people waiting impatiently at the front of the restaurant to be seated when there were obviously about 15 seats that were available.
(4)
Miriam W.

Fried chicken smothered in gravy? Yes, please! Mashed potatoes, broccoli casserole and sweet tea too? Don't mind if I do! Busy Bee is chock-full of Southern charm. If you're craving a seriously Southern soul food meal, look no further. Expect your server to dote on you with cornbread and beverage refills. Students: bring ID to take advantage of their scholastic discounts!
(4)
DJ V.

I expected more, the space is small and cramped. the food tastes like something grandma would make but I expected a little more pizazz. Also, was a little pricier than expected and portions were smaller than expected. The taste and presentation of the food reminds me of pitty pats porch.
(3)
Jennifer S.

Delicious. Particularly good for vegetarians and vegans--they have over 20 vegetable sides and the menu indicates whether or not they have been prepared with meat or butter. Great service, but be prepared to wait.
(4)
Toni V M.

Atlanta Soul Food Tour: The Busy Bee is now the regining champion of the tour! Like rubes, we decided to go on a Sunday. AFTER CHURCH. Like Saturdays at a hair salon, only the die hard go someplace on it's money day! But I'm so glad I ventured on to MLK and squoze myself into the Busy Bee. Leave your bougie at the door, because everyone is packed into the place like sardines, waiting for the people seated at the, maybe 12 or so tables to finish and split. On the advice of a couple who drives directly there each Sunday from Alpharetta, I got the reknowned fried chicken special. The seasoning and juicyness was on point! I had the delicious fresh fried corn, which was sweet & creamy and the candied yams, which were delectably sweet. They were oddly orange though, with no dark brown syrup, so I'm not sure how they managed to be candied, but I don't care. The whole shebang comes with sweet tea for $10. I've got to take the outta towners!
(5)
D L.

Finally went after all this time. Went for lunch. - baked chicken (will def try the fried chicken next time) with collard greens (good) and fried okra - had a choice of white meat or dark meat - tilapia on rice - first bite was good, but had a feeling the creamy sauce would be too rich to finish the entire plate - ribs - tasty, standard - sweet tea - excellent, not too sweet and not too tea Friendly service. Small space. I recommend smaller groups at this establishment.
(3)
Carol S.

This food here is truly delish. Went for lunch before a meeting at a local university & glad I got a seat. The cafe is tiny-- seating perhaps 40 people. I enjoyed the cornbread muffins with honey butter before the delivery of my flaky, cornmeal fried catfish with two sides. Service was prompt with no frills. Lunch ran about $10. I've never sat at a lunch counter that wasn't a bar. Enjoyed that, while reading the framed awards & best of ratings hung on the wall. There are also some tables & booths with signs asking two or more people sit there. Busy Bee is worth the trip. I waddled away with a full belly & a sense of having gone to a regional authentic gem.
(5)
Cheff W.

Food Start from the basics: corn bread-dry, tasteless. I've got much better else where. On Tue menu-Cubed steak, not impressive, with collard green, just blend. Boiled okra, nothing spectacular, just boiled. So it's not fair to rate one day, following week I had the Thur pick, I did not want the Baked Turkey wings so I chose Pork Chops, reasonable ok with cabbages, good and fried green tomatoes, thrown away after few bits. It was so busy, kitchen forgot my gravy on the chops. What happen to the "smother" part? There was a family visiting from FL, I should of listen to what they say "just chose fired chicken, you can't go worng". Workers Very polite, fast to greet, and work fast to get my take out in 10-15 mins wait. Patrons 99% Black crowd, some are local Morehouse, and some are local business, the rest just visitors from all over. Well mixed of professional, students, to local folks. Disappointing. This restaurants that does not live up to the ratings. No, I will not return and probably will save the money for other soul food places in NYC, with same price and better taste.
(2)
Miriam M.

Everything about this place was awesome, right down to the 15 minute wait for seating. The waiters were quick, knew the menu well, very helpful with descriptions, and knowledgeable ingredients used. I was impressed at how delicious the greens were seasoned with turkey meat. I think everyone could find at least a couple things here they could fit into their diet, though I suggest you arrive guilt free. I had the fried chicken (crispy and not greesy), mac n'cheese (cheesy but not saucy), and greens (tender, not mushy or crispy). Awesome, I'm salivating just remembering. The ONE thing I wasn't impressed with were the muffins. It's nice that they're served with butter as a sort of appetizer, however they were a bit dry. I also enjoyed the half/half lemonade tea. The place was packed, non stop busy. Plan on waiting and possibly standing while waiting. I went on a Sunday afternoon, and we were actually seated in less than 15min. Also there seems to be limited parking.
(5)
Heather N.

I've been wanting to go for a long time, but was dragged to Carver's last time I had a craving for meat n 3. I LOVE THE FOOD! Best yummy little cornbread muffins and yeast bread. Tasty chicken, light crispy fish, nice green tomatoes, perfect macncheese, and tea that will keep you up all night. In hindsight, I would have traded my broccoli casserole for sweet potatoes and my corn bread stuffing for black eyed peas. People seemed to love the BC, but it had rice in it, which I didn't love. Otherwise, a perfect dining experience, really. MMMmmmm... (How did they get those pics with nobody sitting at the tables? It was packed when I was there.)
(4)
Veronica F.

Yep, If you love to have some home cooked meals in the Atlanta Ga area then you have find the right place. All the Entrees looks so good on the meal and taste so good too. It's sometimes so hard to decide what I want to eat. I LOVE THAT SWEET TEA!! The home mashed potatoes were so good with my turkey wings along with that tasty gravy.
(4)
Florence Y.

How did I not review this place the last time I came?!?!?! Oh...it was probably the food-coma that sets in after! I brought the fam here on our road trip because I have been dreaming of their smothered chicken since the last time! And they loved it!! (Phew, my parents are impossible to please!) This time around, we had the smothered chicken with candied yams and mac and cheese. I had to refrain from licking my plate...mommy wouldn't approve. :/ Mom and sis got the whiting with fresh collard greens and string beans. Sister loved the fish, mom complained of small bones in the fish. The peach cobbler was a great balance of sweet and tartness. Too little crust for my liking thoght... If you order it, be careful as it comes out hot! Sweet tea was good....not overly sweet! The service is great and homely! I love this Southern hospitality! First time I came...we sat right by the cash register and everyone was in our space/table....and my kind waitress hollered from across the cafe to tell them to "keep your behinds off my customers' table!" :) Today, another waitress who wasn't our waitress asked if it was our first time...(we were the only Asians in there!) :) Honestly, I may just move to ATL for this...or find me a Southern boy who can fatten and smother me with smothered chicken! :) Tip-bits: Tight parking spots in the lot right outside the cafe, go to lot beside. Cafe is on NW MLK Jr Dr, if you cannot find it on your GPS as SW Cafe closes at 7! Policeman on-site during closing time Accepts Visa/Discover/MC
(5)
Gabriel S.

Busy B is the SH*T trust me I am a down south southern girl and LOVE MY GOOD OL soul food not all places and the south SOUL IS GOOD lol but B sholl was busy I had 2 piece fried chicken white, 3 sides Mac n cheese, yams, and greens as well as a home made corn bread they are VERY and I say VERY pricey. U can go shopping for Sunday dinner with what you gonna spend in there but it's worth it. My dinner plate was $15.65. It was $12.99 for 2 meat and 2 sides with a sweet tea drink but $3 and some change for 3rd side. This location is very very small I wouldn't dear eat in there it be super pack SUNDAY is when I went after church I got it to go and had to wait for 20-30min yes they had a waiting list. I expect you to order ahead of time its located right by the college and the hood but they are SUPERIOR busy bee had me on my BOOTY. Lol The only reason they got a 4STAR is the WAIT and PACKING thats how crazy it was
(4)
Leon H.

This place is scary good!!! Reminds me of grandma's home cooking!!! I went with my two sons while visiting Atlanta on business. My kids didn't know what to think when we drove up. The area that the restaurant is located would be a little unsettling for some who may not be familiar with this type of environment, but I felt okay. Hey, I grew up in a neighborhood pretty similar. LOL! :-) As far as the food, the fried chicken is very good as the other people stated. The collards were just right and the mac and cheese were the real deal. None of that mac and cheese from a box. Next time I'm in town, I'm definitely bringing the girlfriend! By the way, parking is a premium as there's a small parking lot and the wait area for a table is extremely small. Still, this place is on my list of soul food spots on the East Coast!
(5)
Jerald G.

Reviews on this place are pretty spot on. Good food, I generally have the fried chicken or get an all veggie plate. A staple in the West End.
(4)
Tramaine W.

I recently came to the realization that the more things I learn to cook well the less I will be able to eat out. It is mostly because I am actually a very good cook so when I go out to eat and order something that I make well I can't help but compare the two and most of the time the restaurant comes out on the bottom. The fried chicken here was not fresh and noticeably so. Get a carton of chicken, toss it and fry it and you will soon learn that most of the chicken you eat out is not fresh and probably has been frozen for a while. I ordered one fried chicken leg since that is what people rave about and I also got baked chicken, mashed potatoes, dressing and Mac and cheese. All of the sides I make better and waaaay better. I actually made all of them for thanksgiving so it's fresh in my mind. I liked the baked chicken more than the fried and I don't particularly see myself going out of my way to come here again.
(2)
R. C.

Food was hot, fresh, and delicious. Great soul food. Staff showed great hospitality. Its a small place but it fits better that way and has a good feel to it. This restaurant is a true gem of the south.
(5)
Thomas W.

Quite good southern food... Always a treat to drop by. Fried chicken here is an ace of spades!
(5)
Scott M.

I can honestly say that I wouldnt be surprised if this place looks exactly like it did during the Freedom marches of the 60's. This place has an "old soul". You walk in and you are surrounded by nostalgia. Simply amazing. The restaurant is unassumingly small, and deserves every bit of the name "Busy Bee". Frankly, every time I have been to this place it is packed to the brim, and always "busy". The food is pretty good, but not so amazing that it warrants me fiending for it. I reserve those feelings for "The Beautiful" in SW Atlanta. You can get your staples on the cheap here. I am big on Greens, Pork Chops & Mac & Cheese...and they supply all of that here, in big, hearty portions. The sweet tea is a lil....well ummm, sweet as hell. Just the way I like it.
(4)
Taryn M.

Overall Recommendation: If you like fried chicken, you should definitely check this place out. Be forewarned that it's not a nice restaurant like the Flying Biscuit or Mary Macs so adjust your expectations for decor and service. My husband and I are not from the South but as we ate our way through Atlanta, the Busy Bee Cafe ranked #1 on both our lists. Pros - BEST FRIED CHICKEN WE'VE EVER HAD...perfectly crispy skin with great flavor. It seriously makes me not very excited to eat fried chicken anytime soon because I know anywhere I go in Boston won't be as good. - Ribs with a nice, smokey taste - Super mac n' cheese made with real cheese - Dang good corn muffins you can munch on before your food arrives. Cons - Very busy so be prepared to wait (and you should because it's worth it) - No air conditioning so in the summer it can get pretty toasty. We were there at the end of June and even with the fans going, it was warm. - Sweet tea is too sweet for me **Note: There's a small parking lot as well as street parking. However if you park on the street, the meters are really expensive...something crazy like $2 an hour.
(5)
Wayne C.

holy cow, the fried chicken was absolutely delicious. one of the best fried chicken joints in the country for sure.
(5)
Renee W.

This was hands down the best soul food of my life. On a long road trip, I was passing through Atlanta needing lunch. I saw the glowing reviews on Yelp, so I searched this place out. It was a little hard to get to and google maps led me astray. I ended up having to call the place and a nice man on the phone gave me better directions, although I had a hard time with the thick Georgian accent. I got the place and it doesn't look like much from the outside. The dozens of parked cars in the gravel lot though should tell you it's popular. I was the only white person in the restaurant, which was an interesting experience, and sat at the bar by myself. The staff were very friendly, but the food is what blew my mind. After a long drive, I think I drank four or five glasses of sweet tea. The ribs were the best BBQ I'll ever have. They were so smokey and tender - a great flavor without having to be dripping in sauce. The meat was great quality. I enjoyed friend green tomatoes and broccoli-cheese casserole. The casserole was okay, but the tomatoes were delicious. The cornbread I scarfed down in like two seconds - amazing. I finished with peach cobbler for dessert, which I thought was too syrupy. Overall though the food was so worth it. If you are within 100 miles of this place, it's worth the trip.
(5)
Renee G.

We drove our daughter to Spelman College last week and discovered Busy Bee ...... Oh my goodness!!!! Now, we're from Chicago, and there is no shortage of good restaurants in Chicago, but I was SO IMPRESSED! The decor is your typical soul food restaurant, it's very small and cramped - nothing fancy, but the food is top notch! The corn muffins were cooked to perfection; the fried catfish was crispy and fresh and the pieces were large; and the mac & cheese .... it was cheesy but not soggy. We wanted to get dessert but we were too full. Needless to say " I'll be back" as often as I can
(4)
Rodney N.

If you are old enough to remember when yo Big Mama made every dish from scratch (or just extremely) lucky, then you need to run, not walk, to Busy Bee's right now. This place is the very definition of "hole in da wall". No better Soul Food in the ATL
(5)
Rhonda M.

This is simply the BEST soul food in Atlanta. A native of Atlanta, I've been going here 20 yrs and have found nothing in this city like it. Every now and then I want to indulge in some good soul food and I will jump through hoops to get to there. I take all out of town guests here and the end result is always is that's some GOOD food! Forget about all the other so-called Soul Food restaurants like Paschal's and The Beautiful. Paschal's hasn't been good since Daddy Paschal passed. It use to be #1 in Atlanta. If you don't want to be disappointed, stop by Busy Bee.
(5)
Alex O.

Like Soul Food? Eat it here. They know what's up. I had fried chicken- it was rad.
(5)
Lena N.

When I told my black friend I wanted to go here, she said she would have to come with me for safety reasons because it is in a sketchy part of town. But after trying the delicious food here, I am doubting the motivations behind her act of kindness. I think she just wanted an excuse to eat some good soul food. The atmosphere? Unpretentious. For a place that gets so much food tourists, it still feels like a neighborhood diner. Their menu has the standard soul food fare and I'm sure everything on it is delicious. But I always got their fried chicken. It has a great batter and was fried to perfection. But I really have to point out how delicious their cornbread was. So good that I had no shame in asking my friend if she was going to eat hers. Overall, Busy Bee serves good old fashioned soul food that my stomach always thanked me for even if my heart did not.
(4)
Emile P.

It's all good. Great southern cooking! It was very busy today so it lived up to its name.
(4)
Rahk G.

Busy bee cafe is a soul food restaurant that sits on a lot of history, and 'SO CALLED' great tasting food. I personally thought the restaurant was OKAY. I ordered a 2-piece chicken dinner(white meat, wing & breast)with Mac & cheese,greens, and a sweet tea. The chicken did have a golden brown look , but was VERY OVER SEASONED! Their Mac and cheese had a white look ( I guess flour??) and TOO MUCH BUTTER!! They OVER SUGARED the greens, and their 'world famous sweet tea' got the award for 'most likely to give a person diabetes'!!!when inside , The front clerk woman my dad and I had that day was VERY RUDE, and VERY GROUCHY. This woman was so GROUCHY,SLOW,and MEAN that my dad decided to order my food over the phone. While still ordering, my dad asked her how long The food will take , and she hung up on him!!!!! After waiting around 10-15 minutes my dad and I decided to go in and see If our food was ready, and this slouch bag of a clerk asked my dad " O YEA YOUR FOOD ISN'T READY...DID YOU ORDER ANYTHING?????" My dad replies yes and she finally checks the database, realizing the food would be ready in 5 minutes. While waiting for the food, my dad and I had to deal with winos asking for money, a depleted urban environment , and with young looking, innocent college kids who had to go through this EVERY SINGLE DAY!!! Finally getting our food, the food was very steamy and hot, but as I described at the beginning of my comment, the food was not that good. I feel more disappointed than anything because this is my third attempt to eat at busy bee cafe, which in the outcome didn't turn out so well. I most likely won't eat at this restaurant again because of the food,service, and environment . If after reading this comment you still decide to eat here, GOOD LUCK!!
(2)
Leeanna L.

I had high hopes for the fried chicken smothered with gravy and yes, they did come out smothered in brown gravy, but they must've been smothered for a quite while because not a spec of crispy skin was to be found--just a slimy somewhat dried out chicken. We're talking dark meat here too. I'm sticking to the fried chicken at Carver's. Still, I give Busy Bee 3 stars for being a good southern staple. Sides were excellent--collards, candied yams, and extra crispy okra.
(3)
Renee B.

Wow JFC...I was craving country food last night so after debating between Glady's, Mary mac's(never tried) and Busy Bee, I decided to brave going to the hood for Busy Bee. I had all 3 menus up on my computer and compared the items on there. Yes, eating iz srs bizness y'all. Last time, i got the oxtails which i decided i do not like so this time, I got smothered chicken with steamed white rice and collard greens for the sides and I asked the lady to add a bread roll too pls. Got there and was able to use my students discount(yay), got some sweet tea and drove away with me wanting to park on the side of the highway to wolf down the food because the aroma flipped my stomach over in a good way. I sipped the sweet tea in the car and honest to God, that is the best sweet tea I have ever had in my life. The amount of sugar in it was enough to give me an "O"...yes, i love sugar. I risked more speeding tickets, got to my destination and ripped open the box to dig into bread, collard greens, chicken and rice as fast as I could open my mouth. I first tried smothered chicken at Gladys and in my mind I was like "Gladys? WTF is that? eff Gladys! This right here is the shiznit!!!!" I couldn't finish the chicken but I sure ate everything else and I plan to consume the rest of it later tonight. Ok so what I've been trying to say is that, the food was awesome. I did good with my choice.
(5)
Mandy H.

I did some research on yelp and decided to give it a try when I was in Atlanta this pass weekend. Their busy bee fried chicken is excellent. The chicken's skin is so thin and with great favorite. When you order white meat chicken the chicken breast are very juicy not like some other places that can be really dry. I love their home make lemonade it's so re-freshing. We got there at 11AM by the time 11:30 the whole restaurant is packed with people dining in and taking out. I also try the ribs, I don't recommending any one to order that. They are not bad, but just the chicken is so good. Compare with the chicken they are not as good. I sure will go back next time if I'm in town :)
(5)
Carol L.

Couldn't leave Atlanta without having some soul food, right!? Fried chicken, mac and cheese, fried green tomatoes, and apple cobbler. MmMmMmm! Keep in mind that I'm not even a soul food fan, and it was delicious! I love that they ask your preference for white or dark meat. I especially recommend the fried green tomatoes! The restaurant is pretty small and a little shabby, but not too bad. The wait is pretty long, and the place is crowded due to popularity. The food is worth it though! It was even totally worth the extra $10 cab ride it took for me to stop by Busy Bee on the way to the airport. It helped end my Atlanta trip with a bang!
(4)
Michael O.

This is what I am talking about! Real Southern food that can be found in any African American household down south! I thought I was at home in this joint! The place is small and jam packed....especially on a Sunday's! They have to have police in there due to its capacity! The food is just like you're grandma made it! I mean Woooooooooooow! I could write all day about it! The best southern restaurant I have had so far! I mean woooow!!!!! Chck it out!!!!! It's worth the ride no matter where you are coming from...cuz I drove fro Acworth to there a couple times!!!!
(5)
Kesha R.

The food is awesome and in the traditional AUC. It is a very small restaurant, but the food doesn't disappoint. My friend swore by their banana pudding. Plus, celebs frequent this place. You never know who you might see while dining here. Last time I was there, sat next to Tommy from Martin (Lawrence).
(4)
Lawrence W.

My wife and I stopped into the Busy Bee was the second stop of our Soul/Southern Food Trifecta (along with Jestine's Kitchen in Charleston and Loveless Cafe in Nashville). Even though all three were very good, Busy Bee was my favorite. I don't eat pork, but thankfully at the Busy Bee, vegetables (e.g., string beans, collard greens) are prepared with smoked turkey instead of ham. Anyone who's ever shared a meal with me knows learning this warmed my heart. We arrive for lunch just minutes after noon on a Monday, and lucky for us there was just one table left. We sat next to a table of gregarious INS employees. In fact, it really seemed that everyone at the Busy Bee was just really happy to be there, ourselves included. Unlike Jestine's in Charleston, cornbread came complimentary with the meal, and satisfied us during our (short) wait for our order. The food was delicious -- well worth navigating our way through downtown Atlanta from our Buckhead hotel. The best macaroni and cheese I had on the road trip. Perfectly flavored yams -- not too sweet, not too bland. I can't recommend it enough!
(5)
Tara H.

Yummmmmmm, BUSY BEEEEEEEE (mocking in Homer Simpson voice) LOVE this place, the history, the food, the people, EVERYTHING. My favorite dish is the baked tilapia, with yellow rice, mac & cheese, and broccoli casserole! yummmmmy O and you can't forget the lemonade! ! ! TRY Busy Bee if you haven't already! GOOD SOUL FOOD~ Lol darn, this place should have been in this weeks yelp newsletter ;) "Yelp Takes on the South!" maybe next time! ;)
(5)
Nay H.

Food is GREAT!!!!! This place was jammed packed. I have never seen anything like it. You could not even get in the door. I got a veggie plate and everything was delicious.
(5)
Roy B.

My daughter the Spelman Diva took me to this Cafe for the first time "She eats there at least once a week". Anyway, I enjoyed my meal of Ribs, collard greens and cornbread. The collard greens and cornbread were some of the best I have found in a restaurant. I will be trying the fried chicken and one of the desserts on my next visit. Parking is tight, wait staff is very friendly and inviting. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for authentic Soul Food.
(4)
Robert M.

A mixed bag of birds at the Busy Bee. I'm back on my fried bird kick again and this was my first stop. The bird: I would say 4 stars for the dark meat and 2 stars for the white meat. The crust was amazing. Thin, flavorful, greaseless. If I ever go back, I am going to ask for a plate of crust for dinner. The dark bird parts were amazing, moist and exactly what I expected. However, the white bird parts were dry. As dry as I would make a fried bird, and you never want me making you a fried bird. Comparing: South City Kitchen's fried bird blows Busy Bee away, and even the Korean fried bird spots up north are better. The sides: Collard Greens were perfect. The fried corn was a bit disappointing, just your standard creamed corn on the sweet side. Fried Okra was well....Fried Okra. It's hard to mess that up and they didn't. It was good. Mash was decent and the cornbread was pretty standard, nothing to write home about but I'll take it. I prolly won't go back since I still have so many places to try for some bird pieces: Son's...Mary Mac...Tues @ Watershed, etc.
(3)
Ven R.

I wanted soul food in Atlanta and I landed at Busy Bee. At the crowded counter I ordered fried chicken (yes I love fried chicken) with collard greens and black eyed peas and tried to beat the summer heat with sweet tea. The lunch diner next to me smiled knowingly as I inhaled my meal. There was no room left in my very happy belly to eat dessert so I took a slice of sweet potato pie and red velvet cake to go. My hotel room had the smell of sweet baked goods that afternoon. On MARTA take Peachtree to 5 Pts. Switch to the East-West line headed east. Get off at Ashby station.
(4)
Randall H.

The fried chicken was INCREDIBLE!! The service was outstanding and everyone was so polite and friendly. Next time in Atlanta I will be back.
(5)
Nissa E.

ok ok ok..as i said in my previous statement, i will give it a chance and i did. however, i faxed over my order and got it to-go and it was ready before i got there. i got the fried chicken with two sides and peach cobbler. I was impressed although i did not look at the prices while i was ordering (downside to ordering when hungry) so i was a little shocked at my total BUT it was worth it and next time i'll make sure to ck out the $$. Way to go busy bee.
(4)
chet s.

Wow!!! Glad we took the drive thru downtown to try this place. Thanks, Yelpers!!! It was crowded during lunch, but the super nice hostess got the table for us real quickly. The fried chicken was super good! Crisp skin, tender meat and I loved that the kitchen gave me 3 pieces instead of 2. One piece looked a tad bit smaller than usual so I guess they tried to make up for this one piece by adding another one. I appreciated that! My daughter-in-law was undecided on whether to get the fried pork chop bare or smothered with gravy. So they gave her a piece of both. The peach cobbler was a bit too sweet for my liking, but I guess that's a personal preference. I have to go back and try the baked tilapia Tara H. raved about. Hey, we have to support these stand-alone businesses, right??
(5)
Ryan C.

I honestly don't think you can get a bad meal at this place. I have been maybe 4 times and it takes me about an hour from Gwinnett to get out there but well worth the wait. Probably the best fried chicken I have ever had.
(5)
S. L.

I'm a native Atlantan and had never been to this place until a couple of Texans suggest I give it a try. I didn't care for it, really. I did try the fried chicken, but I found it to be under-seasoned. As some have already warned, the macaroni and cheese was quite terrible. "Grease city, here I come!" I also had a serving of candied yams, which were uncandied and quite 'yammy' (meaning bitter, chunky, and stringy). Shivers! The tea was okay, but it wasn't sweet enough for me. Maybe they've since improved it. The service is swift, but the place is quite small and cramped; and it was quite packed during my visit. I sat facing the front and had to contend with the "ambiance" of several onlookers that were irritated to have to wait for a table. I had to either stare at my plate, or I had to try to keep my eyes transfixed on my company, because every time I made a furtive glance toward the front... The one-toilet restroom has GOT to make the World Book of Records for the tiniest on the planet! I was so stunned at the size (think phone booth) that I actually forgot WHY I was in there in the first place! Ladies, a couple of helpful hints: Do NOT take your purse to the restroom. There is not enough room for you AND your purse. Go ahead and remove your sweater, jacket, or coat, too, before you head to the back. There is no room to bend, stretch, or turn in there! All in all, I can at least say that I've been to the historic "Busy Bee".
(2)
Angie N.

This place is extremely busy. There is no organization during a lunch rush and when we went to pick up an order, there were people standing all around trying to pay while there was ONE cashier, taking phone orders AND ringing up people. Not sure if this is normal but it was not cool. She looked overwhelmed and did not give the best customer service. Also, the low score on the wall made me leerie but I had my food by then and hoped for the best. I know that sounds gross but oh well. And the counters smelled like old, mildew water. I cannot believe it smelled like that in there. When I did customer service in foods as a teenager or even when you clean your home, your suppose to change out the water. The food was really, really good but I will not go back because of the score, the stinking counter tops and the the lack of help they have. It was not appeasing and I hate to use this word, really ghetto. I live in Atlanta now so I know I have more options with soul food than this. Oh yeah, I did get a little sick from the food!
(2)
Dru J.

I went to "Busy Bee" looking for inspiration for my latest screenplay, "Reparation" . I got that and more. Fried chicken, collards, macaroni and cheese, fried fish and peach cobbler conspired to transport me back to my great-grandmother's house. The daughter of slaves and the first African-American born free in our family, dinners at granny's house were more than meals, they were a legacy. However, a sense of history is not required to enjoy the food at Busy Bee. Showing up is all that's required. My sister's simple eloquence says it far better than I ever could, "Its Sunday after church good".
(5)
Rosalind C.

My friends and I got here around 2:45pm, towards the end of the lunch rush and it was still packed, an EXCELLENT sign for out-of-towners unfamiliar with the best places for local cuisine. We were seated as soon as possible and immediately began plotting our meal. There were so many excellent choices for entrees and sides. The sweet tea was delicious and they started us off with a basket of corn bread muffins, delightful. One friend got the fried chicken with mac-n-cheese and fried okra, she loved it. I got the veggie plate with turnip greens, yams, broccoli rice and cheese casserole, and mac-n-cheese. Three of the four veggies were out of this world, and the yams were average. My other friend got the baked chicken and it was smothered in a white sauce. The meat was falling off the bone and she exclaimed, "this is the best chicken I have ever had in my life!" We're talking 32 years of chicken tasting experience so she's not completely new to this whole eating thing. We talked about Busy Bee for the rest of our vacation and wanted to rearrange our itinerary to go back. It was that good.
(5)
Tashia Z.

Pretty good soul food. I highly recommend the fried fish and sweet tea. The macaroni and cheese is not as good as it could be - too oily. True connoisseurs of soul food will not be overly impressed, but it does the trick when I'm craving home cooking. FYI: 1) Stay away from the banana pudding. I had it a few months ago and got a pretty bad dose of food poisoning. 2) They will not take your credit card if you do not have ID. 3) It's a small restaurant that packs up quickly for lunch, so plan accordingly.
(3)
Victor V.

Have just been here twice during the Centennial Olympic Games. What a treat to go here. Had Chitterlings for the first time here. The Ham Hocks were these monster ones & oooohhhhhh ssssooo tasty :D What makes it even more of a treat to go here is that this is where Morehouse University is located, with a few more notable Afro American Colleges in sweet Auburn. The sweet potato pie was pretty good also. However, the best pulled pork sandwich I ever had to date was during the olympic games. It was down the street cooking from those big steel barrels. The smoke was everywhere, ssssoooo delicious :D The Busy Bee is an institution that is if you love soul food, while in Atlanta -you must come here!!!!!!!
(4)
Deanna J.

Mainly a lunch place, I went here for a Valentine's Day dinner before going to the circus at nearby Phillips Arena. It was greasy, authentic and it's hard to resist something called "Busy Bee's Fried Chicken." Probably the cheapest Valentine's Day dinner we've ever gotten away with. They have a parking lot, so that's not a problem. Sounds like lunch is pretty packed, but during dinner we didn't have any problems getting seated. If you do decide to go for dinner, make sure its an early one, because they close at 7 p.m. I'm not Expert Classification when it comes to soul food, so the fact that chittlins are seasonal (Oct. - March) fascinates me.
(4)
Tracey B.

This place is so good! When I go out with my friends for dinner and we come here I always get the fried chicken with okra and mac and cheese. Like everyone else that's reviewed Busy Bee I think the food is worth the trip. If you're in a rush I'd suggest the fried chicken sandwich with sweet potato fries.
(4)
Kennedy G.

Every Sunday my mom, my grandma and I all go to Busy Bee. Now the food here is heaven in your mouth! Probably not a good choice for someone dieting. The fried chicken is amazing, and probably best in Georgia, the macaroni and cheese is a little above average. I'm not a big fan of old school any way and the cake is always moist. The only thing they need to work on is the building and customer service. The women always yell and are uptight and the place, thanks to the delicious food, is always crowded which pisses me off because the place is so small. Sometimes it gets so hectic they have a police officer in there. I would've given it five stars if the service and atmosphere was better but Busy Bee is always a good choice!
(4)
Michael J.

The wait is terrible, and a little unorganized getting in the door - but the food NEVER disappoints! I've been coming here for years, and the food always delivers - delicious and never canned. The servers are nice, and try to get your food relatively quickly. Sundays are probably the worst, but you can always eventually get a seat in the tiny dining room. I thought the smallness of the place would hurt their business, but, from the looks of the line as I entered the door - people care more about the food than the wait!
(4)
Wallace S.

In a land where soul food restaurants are everywhere, Busy Bee rules them all. The food is greasy, fattening, and utterly delicious- as soul food should be. The sweet tea has enough sugar to make the straw stand up on its own, and the place is the hole in the wall in a rough neighborhood, as it should be (although the neighborhood is quickly becoming gentrified). Everything there is good, but their baked or fried chicken is addictive, and their oxtails are great. The service is relatively slow (another hallmark of a great soul food place) and it does get busy around lunch time. Also, the prices are a little bit high, but that's what happens when your soul food place gets Zagat rated. Since I work close by, I have to resist the urge to eat their weekly (I AM trying to improve my diet), but this has already become my standard take-people-from-out-of-town-to-show-them-what-ÂAtlanta-is-like spot.
(4)
Alex O.

Like Soul Food? Eat it here. They know what's up. I had fried chicken- it was rad.
(5)
Nay H.

Food is GREAT!!!!! This place was jammed packed. I have never seen anything like it. You could not even get in the door. I got a veggie plate and everything was delicious.
(5)
Lena N.

When I told my black friend I wanted to go here, she said she would have to come with me for safety reasons because it is in a sketchy part of town. But after trying the delicious food here, I am doubting the motivations behind her act of kindness. I think she just wanted an excuse to eat some good soul food. The atmosphere? Unpretentious. For a place that gets so much food tourists, it still feels like a neighborhood diner. Their menu has the standard soul food fare and I'm sure everything on it is delicious. But I always got their fried chicken. It has a great batter and was fried to perfection. But I really have to point out how delicious their cornbread was. So good that I had no shame in asking my friend if she was going to eat hers. Overall, Busy Bee serves good old fashioned soul food that my stomach always thanked me for even if my heart did not.
(4)
Emile P.

It's all good. Great southern cooking! It was very busy today so it lived up to its name.
(4)
Rahk G.

Busy bee cafe is a soul food restaurant that sits on a lot of history, and 'SO CALLED' great tasting food. I personally thought the restaurant was OKAY. I ordered a 2-piece chicken dinner(white meat, wing & breast)with Mac & cheese,greens, and a sweet tea. The chicken did have a golden brown look , but was VERY OVER SEASONED! Their Mac and cheese had a white look ( I guess flour??) and TOO MUCH BUTTER!! They OVER SUGARED the greens, and their 'world famous sweet tea' got the award for 'most likely to give a person diabetes'!!!when inside , The front clerk woman my dad and I had that day was VERY RUDE, and VERY GROUCHY. This woman was so GROUCHY,SLOW,and MEAN that my dad decided to order my food over the phone. While still ordering, my dad asked her how long The food will take , and she hung up on him!!!!! After waiting around 10-15 minutes my dad and I decided to go in and see If our food was ready, and this slouch bag of a clerk asked my dad " O YEA YOUR FOOD ISN'T READY...DID YOU ORDER ANYTHING?????" My dad replies yes and she finally checks the database, realizing the food would be ready in 5 minutes. While waiting for the food, my dad and I had to deal with winos asking for money, a depleted urban environment , and with young looking, innocent college kids who had to go through this EVERY SINGLE DAY!!! Finally getting our food, the food was very steamy and hot, but as I described at the beginning of my comment, the food was not that good. I feel more disappointed than anything because this is my third attempt to eat at busy bee cafe, which in the outcome didn't turn out so well. I most likely won't eat at this restaurant again because of the food,service, and environment . If after reading this comment you still decide to eat here, GOOD LUCK!!
(2)
Tashia Z.

Pretty good soul food. I highly recommend the fried fish and sweet tea. The macaroni and cheese is not as good as it could be - too oily. True connoisseurs of soul food will not be overly impressed, but it does the trick when I'm craving home cooking. FYI: 1) Stay away from the banana pudding. I had it a few months ago and got a pretty bad dose of food poisoning. 2) They will not take your credit card if you do not have ID. 3) It's a small restaurant that packs up quickly for lunch, so plan accordingly.
(3)
Renee B.

Wow JFC...I was craving country food last night so after debating between Glady's, Mary mac's(never tried) and Busy Bee, I decided to brave going to the hood for Busy Bee. I had all 3 menus up on my computer and compared the items on there. Yes, eating iz srs bizness y'all. Last time, i got the oxtails which i decided i do not like so this time, I got smothered chicken with steamed white rice and collard greens for the sides and I asked the lady to add a bread roll too pls. Got there and was able to use my students discount(yay), got some sweet tea and drove away with me wanting to park on the side of the highway to wolf down the food because the aroma flipped my stomach over in a good way. I sipped the sweet tea in the car and honest to God, that is the best sweet tea I have ever had in my life. The amount of sugar in it was enough to give me an "O"...yes, i love sugar. I risked more speeding tickets, got to my destination and ripped open the box to dig into bread, collard greens, chicken and rice as fast as I could open my mouth. I first tried smothered chicken at Gladys and in my mind I was like "Gladys? WTF is that? eff Gladys! This right here is the shiznit!!!!" I couldn't finish the chicken but I sure ate everything else and I plan to consume the rest of it later tonight. Ok so what I've been trying to say is that, the food was awesome. I did good with my choice.
(5)
Mandy H.

I did some research on yelp and decided to give it a try when I was in Atlanta this pass weekend. Their busy bee fried chicken is excellent. The chicken's skin is so thin and with great favorite. When you order white meat chicken the chicken breast are very juicy not like some other places that can be really dry. I love their home make lemonade it's so re-freshing. We got there at 11AM by the time 11:30 the whole restaurant is packed with people dining in and taking out. I also try the ribs, I don't recommending any one to order that. They are not bad, but just the chicken is so good. Compare with the chicken they are not as good. I sure will go back next time if I'm in town :)
(5)
Roy B.

My daughter the Spelman Diva took me to this Cafe for the first time "She eats there at least once a week". Anyway, I enjoyed my meal of Ribs, collard greens and cornbread. The collard greens and cornbread were some of the best I have found in a restaurant. I will be trying the fried chicken and one of the desserts on my next visit. Parking is tight, wait staff is very friendly and inviting. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for authentic Soul Food.
(4)
Lori F.

THE place to get soul food in Atlanta. Chitlins, giblets, ham hocks and neck bones, fried chicken, smothered chicken, pork chops and meatloaf. Veggies include broccoli and cheese, lima beans, pinto beans, mac and cheese, green beans, and more. Sorry vegetarians - pretty much everything here is cooked with meat - even the vegetables! I love their fried chicken, and their cornbread muffins are delicious. Don't forget to try their awesome desserts: red velvet cake or banana pudding. The only complaint about the Bee is that it's so popular and so small, so it's always busy. It gets a little warm in there, too, with all those hungry people.
(4)
Alexa G.

Apparently the left over fried chicken was so good even my cats ate pieces of it up!! And I definitely have to agree with all the previous reviewers, get the fried chicken! Going to eat here is like going to go eat at your favorite Auntie's house ( minus getting hit up for change on the way in and out of the restaurant.) I learned that homeless people who are supposedly starving would rather have a dollar, than my leftovers I tried to offer him. Hmph! I suppose he was on some sort of "liquid diet". Anyhow, back to the food which was amazing. The day that we were there they were packed for lunch, and I swear they gave my skinny Caucasian boyfriend the largest piece of chicken I had ever seen- It's kinda like your grandmother saying "here eat more/ you need more meat on your bones!" Which I found hilarious! We were served some table wine of the south (sweet tea), cornbread, Baked mac and cheese, collard greens (which he ate up before I could even taste!), and yams. All of which were delish! You can get orders to go, and they even give a 10% discount to students!
(4)
Justin H.

This place is ok at best. Had the smothered chicken and it was good but the portion was kinda small. Had the greens and mac and cheese and both of those were half assed. I dont really understand how a soul food spot can have greens that taste like they came strait out of the can but i guess other people like it so whatever. Im giving this place three stars only because Jeezy names this spot in a rap song. Yeeeeeeaaah.
(3)
John K.

Busy Bee has it all when it comes to soul food, but be prepared to have to squeeze to get into this place. The line is usually out the door, with just a few chairs to wait in. So if its extremely hot or cold that day, be prepared to be crowded as the line to pay starts where the line to sit starts. They also take phone-in orders so the cashier ladies can take a while at moving people along. Thankfully, the food is more than worth the hassle. The sweet tea is usually extra sweet and everything from mac-n-cheese to fried chicken to fried fish is done up right. The specials of the day are usually a meat and two sides for $7.99. The most expensive dish here is the ox-tails at $14.50 (who orders this anyways?). The waitstaff are usally extra courteous which is impressive considering the crowds that come through here. If you're in the neighborhood, you definitely need to stop bye. A bit of advice to anyone that hasn't ordered a rib or a fried chicken sandwich before, they're not really sandwiches! They're just ribs or fried chicken on the bone with two slices of bread as a side item. To me, one should be able to bite all the way through a sandwich without eating around parts of it. Just my two cents.
(4)
Adrienne T.

When I was in grad school at Clark Atlanta, I used to love to eat here. No pretention- just good ol', down home soul food. This is not the place to go if you're doing Weight Watchers or trying to be health conscious- it's just gooooood eatin'! Don't forget your dessert-a slice of Red Velvet Cake, and a glass of REAL Southern SWEEEET tea with your meal!
(5)
Wallace S.

In a land where soul food restaurants are everywhere, Busy Bee rules them all. The food is greasy, fattening, and utterly delicious- as soul food should be. The sweet tea has enough sugar to make the straw stand up on its own, and the place is the hole in the wall in a rough neighborhood, as it should be (although the neighborhood is quickly becoming gentrified). Everything there is good, but their baked or fried chicken is addictive, and their oxtails are great. The service is relatively slow (another hallmark of a great soul food place) and it does get busy around lunch time. Also, the prices are a little bit high, but that's what happens when your soul food place gets Zagat rated. Since I work close by, I have to resist the urge to eat their weekly (I AM trying to improve my diet), but this has already become my standard take-people-from-out-of-town-to-show-them-what-ÂAtlanta-is-like spot.
(4)
Alden W.

Why did they kidnap my Great -Grand-Mother and chain her to the stove in that place. The lord only knows that when I would come down to Atlanta as a child from Chicago to visit family and to be a po black share cropper. My only reward for all my hard work and bitching, would be my Great-Grandmothers table. She served up Love, Wisdom and SOUL FOOD also if my bitching was to much she could serve an awesome back hand or switch. This place is not pretty, nor is it in the best of hoods "yet". But it has great charm and the best of what you would expect from Classic Southern / Soul Food. This is the place that I take out of towners "national and inter-national" and all have thoughts of their Grand parents. Order every thing on the menu and share, drink half and half "half sweet tea and half lemon-aid" and tell the large lady at the cash register "she and her family own the place, always has" Tell her to free my GREAT-GRANDMOTHER from her kitchen, I'll pay!
(5)
Latoya S.

Overrated! The plaza is run down and Dirty and the food in my opinion is Just, OK. The food portions as well as the establishment is very small and seating is limited. I might return again (Only if I'm in the area), food is not worth a special trip..
(3)
Nissa E.

ok ok ok..as i said in my previous statement, i will give it a chance and i did. however, i faxed over my order and got it to-go and it was ready before i got there. i got the fried chicken with two sides and peach cobbler. I was impressed although i did not look at the prices while i was ordering (downside to ordering when hungry) so i was a little shocked at my total BUT it was worth it and next time i'll make sure to ck out the $$. Way to go busy bee.
(4)
chet s.

Wow!!! Glad we took the drive thru downtown to try this place. Thanks, Yelpers!!! It was crowded during lunch, but the super nice hostess got the table for us real quickly. The fried chicken was super good! Crisp skin, tender meat and I loved that the kitchen gave me 3 pieces instead of 2. One piece looked a tad bit smaller than usual so I guess they tried to make up for this one piece by adding another one. I appreciated that! My daughter-in-law was undecided on whether to get the fried pork chop bare or smothered with gravy. So they gave her a piece of both. The peach cobbler was a bit too sweet for my liking, but I guess that's a personal preference. I have to go back and try the baked tilapia Tara H. raved about. Hey, we have to support these stand-alone businesses, right??
(5)
Michelle P.

i hope this does not come out racist, as its not meant to be. But when i go eat soul food in the south i want to be a minority at the restaurant. I'm sorry, but thats just how it works. And thats exactly how it was at Busy Bee. The place was absolutely packed and all of this pointed directly to the fact that this was the perfect place to get fried chicken (I guess i should give Jeff W. props for choosing it,huh?) We waited about 20 minutes and were seated and served drinks very promptly. Since we were in the south, of course i ordered the fried chicken special. Within what seemed like seconds we were served sweet tea as part of our special. Well i learned i dont like sweet tea... weird but i dont. However i gave it a shot and passed it on jeff. So then came the basket of bread and cornbread. Well the bread was soft and warm and perfectly complimented by honey butter. And the cornbread was also warm and the perfect balance of sweetness and cornness. Also perfect with the honey butter. As soon as we were done, we got our meals. I opted for the the white meat which was a wing and big old chicken bosom. And of course i got the mashed potatoes which reminded me exactly of how my mom would make them. I really wanted the fried corn, but they were out so i settled for the broccoli caserole, which again tasted like it came right out of my mom's kitchen. Awesome. We got additional sides of fried green tomatoes and fried okra which were good... but its hard to mess up something that is fried. As for the chicken... it was not too greasy, perfectly crispy and had great flavor. It really tasted like they had put a lot of work into making the flavor great. While maybe not as cost effective, it was way better than hitching post (my only other fried chicken experience). I didn't feel greasy at all Of course we had to try the peach cobbler for dessert (we were in Georgia!) which was great. More nutmeg than i normally have, but still good. Everyone was friendly and the food was great. Exactly what i would expect out of a southern food restaurant!
(4)
K. A. R.

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes! I was in Atlanta visiting and friend, wanted to try authentic soul food (I was a newbie), so my friend and her husband brought me here. None of us had set foot in this place before, but were were greeted and treated like long-time customers. Even other patrons said hi to us. Such a friendly place. Because of our newbie status, we asked the waitress to order a decent selection of what she would chose to introduce folks to soul food. Great yabba kazaam we were glad we did that! We gorged ourselves on giblets, ham hocks, collard greens, pinto beans, chitlins, and mac-n-cheese and washed everything down with sweet tea. Everything was so delicious that even after I was full I just... wanted... to... get... one... more... bite... in. Ah! Heaven! Since we literally had no room for desert, we got some cobbler to go and ate it the next morning for breakfast. Yum, yum, yum! This was nearly three years ago folks, and I *still* remember that meal. My friend and I talk about whenever she tries to entice me back to Atlanta for a visit. "If you come, Kelly, we can go to Busy Bee..."
(5)
Shawanda M.

me & my out of town guests frolic off to Busy Bee for a real "southern" lunch. so good. Smothered chicken, mash potatoes, mac & cheese, cornbread. Not even dinner time yet. the sweet tea = sugar coma. Jackie our waitress was sweet...cannot wait to go back and eat more.
(4)
Victor V.

Have just been here twice during the Centennial Olympic Games. What a treat to go here. Had Chitterlings for the first time here. The Ham Hocks were these monster ones & oooohhhhhh ssssooo tasty :D What makes it even more of a treat to go here is that this is where Morehouse University is located, with a few more notable Afro American Colleges in sweet Auburn. The sweet potato pie was pretty good also. However, the best pulled pork sandwich I ever had to date was during the olympic games. It was down the street cooking from those big steel barrels. The smoke was everywhere, ssssoooo delicious :D The Busy Bee is an institution that is if you love soul food, while in Atlanta -you must come here!!!!!!!
(4)
Deanna J.

Mainly a lunch place, I went here for a Valentine's Day dinner before going to the circus at nearby Phillips Arena. It was greasy, authentic and it's hard to resist something called "Busy Bee's Fried Chicken." Probably the cheapest Valentine's Day dinner we've ever gotten away with. They have a parking lot, so that's not a problem. Sounds like lunch is pretty packed, but during dinner we didn't have any problems getting seated. If you do decide to go for dinner, make sure its an early one, because they close at 7 p.m. I'm not Expert Classification when it comes to soul food, so the fact that chittlins are seasonal (Oct. - March) fascinates me.
(4)
Tracey B.

This place is so good! When I go out with my friends for dinner and we come here I always get the fried chicken with okra and mac and cheese. Like everyone else that's reviewed Busy Bee I think the food is worth the trip. If you're in a rush I'd suggest the fried chicken sandwich with sweet potato fries.
(4)
Kennedy G.

Every Sunday my mom, my grandma and I all go to Busy Bee. Now the food here is heaven in your mouth! Probably not a good choice for someone dieting. The fried chicken is amazing, and probably best in Georgia, the macaroni and cheese is a little above average. I'm not a big fan of old school any way and the cake is always moist. The only thing they need to work on is the building and customer service. The women always yell and are uptight and the place, thanks to the delicious food, is always crowded which pisses me off because the place is so small. Sometimes it gets so hectic they have a police officer in there. I would've given it five stars if the service and atmosphere was better but Busy Bee is always a good choice!
(4)
Michael J.

The wait is terrible, and a little unorganized getting in the door - but the food NEVER disappoints! I've been coming here for years, and the food always delivers - delicious and never canned. The servers are nice, and try to get your food relatively quickly. Sundays are probably the worst, but you can always eventually get a seat in the tiny dining room. I thought the smallness of the place would hurt their business, but, from the looks of the line as I entered the door - people care more about the food than the wait!
(4)
Ryan C.

I honestly don't think you can get a bad meal at this place. I have been maybe 4 times and it takes me about an hour from Gwinnett to get out there but well worth the wait. Probably the best fried chicken I have ever had.
(5)
S. L.

I'm a native Atlantan and had never been to this place until a couple of Texans suggest I give it a try. I didn't care for it, really. I did try the fried chicken, but I found it to be under-seasoned. As some have already warned, the macaroni and cheese was quite terrible. "Grease city, here I come!" I also had a serving of candied yams, which were uncandied and quite 'yammy' (meaning bitter, chunky, and stringy). Shivers! The tea was okay, but it wasn't sweet enough for me. Maybe they've since improved it. The service is swift, but the place is quite small and cramped; and it was quite packed during my visit. I sat facing the front and had to contend with the "ambiance" of several onlookers that were irritated to have to wait for a table. I had to either stare at my plate, or I had to try to keep my eyes transfixed on my company, because every time I made a furtive glance toward the front... The one-toilet restroom has GOT to make the World Book of Records for the tiniest on the planet! I was so stunned at the size (think phone booth) that I actually forgot WHY I was in there in the first place! Ladies, a couple of helpful hints: Do NOT take your purse to the restroom. There is not enough room for you AND your purse. Go ahead and remove your sweater, jacket, or coat, too, before you head to the back. There is no room to bend, stretch, or turn in there! All in all, I can at least say that I've been to the historic "Busy Bee".
(2)
Angie N.

This place is extremely busy. There is no organization during a lunch rush and when we went to pick up an order, there were people standing all around trying to pay while there was ONE cashier, taking phone orders AND ringing up people. Not sure if this is normal but it was not cool. She looked overwhelmed and did not give the best customer service. Also, the low score on the wall made me leerie but I had my food by then and hoped for the best. I know that sounds gross but oh well. And the counters smelled like old, mildew water. I cannot believe it smelled like that in there. When I did customer service in foods as a teenager or even when you clean your home, your suppose to change out the water. The food was really, really good but I will not go back because of the score, the stinking counter tops and the the lack of help they have. It was not appeasing and I hate to use this word, really ghetto. I live in Atlanta now so I know I have more options with soul food than this. Oh yeah, I did get a little sick from the food!
(2)
Dru J.

I went to "Busy Bee" looking for inspiration for my latest screenplay, "Reparation" . I got that and more. Fried chicken, collards, macaroni and cheese, fried fish and peach cobbler conspired to transport me back to my great-grandmother's house. The daughter of slaves and the first African-American born free in our family, dinners at granny's house were more than meals, they were a legacy. However, a sense of history is not required to enjoy the food at Busy Bee. Showing up is all that's required. My sister's simple eloquence says it far better than I ever could, "Its Sunday after church good".
(5)
Shaun M.

Food was great!!!
(4)
Rosalind C.

My friends and I got here around 2:45pm, towards the end of the lunch rush and it was still packed, an EXCELLENT sign for out-of-towners unfamiliar with the best places for local cuisine. We were seated as soon as possible and immediately began plotting our meal. There were so many excellent choices for entrees and sides. The sweet tea was delicious and they started us off with a basket of corn bread muffins, delightful. One friend got the fried chicken with mac-n-cheese and fried okra, she loved it. I got the veggie plate with turnip greens, yams, broccoli rice and cheese casserole, and mac-n-cheese. Three of the four veggies were out of this world, and the yams were average. My other friend got the baked chicken and it was smothered in a white sauce. The meat was falling off the bone and she exclaimed, "this is the best chicken I have ever had in my life!" We're talking 32 years of chicken tasting experience so she's not completely new to this whole eating thing. We talked about Busy Bee for the rest of our vacation and wanted to rearrange our itinerary to go back. It was that good.
(5)
Tara H.

Yummmmmmm, BUSY BEEEEEEEE (mocking in Homer Simpson voice) LOVE this place, the history, the food, the people, EVERYTHING. My favorite dish is the baked tilapia, with yellow rice, mac & cheese, and broccoli casserole! yummmmmy O and you can't forget the lemonade! ! ! TRY Busy Bee if you haven't already! GOOD SOUL FOOD~ Lol darn, this place should have been in this weeks yelp newsletter ;) "Yelp Takes on the South!" maybe next time! ;)
(5)
Robert M.

A mixed bag of birds at the Busy Bee. I'm back on my fried bird kick again and this was my first stop. The bird: I would say 4 stars for the dark meat and 2 stars for the white meat. The crust was amazing. Thin, flavorful, greaseless. If I ever go back, I am going to ask for a plate of crust for dinner. The dark bird parts were amazing, moist and exactly what I expected. However, the white bird parts were dry. As dry as I would make a fried bird, and you never want me making you a fried bird. Comparing: South City Kitchen's fried bird blows Busy Bee away, and even the Korean fried bird spots up north are better. The sides: Collard Greens were perfect. The fried corn was a bit disappointing, just your standard creamed corn on the sweet side. Fried Okra was well....Fried Okra. It's hard to mess that up and they didn't. It was good. Mash was decent and the cornbread was pretty standard, nothing to write home about but I'll take it. I prolly won't go back since I still have so many places to try for some bird pieces: Son's...Mary Mac...Tues @ Watershed, etc.
(3)
Ven R.

I wanted soul food in Atlanta and I landed at Busy Bee. At the crowded counter I ordered fried chicken (yes I love fried chicken) with collard greens and black eyed peas and tried to beat the summer heat with sweet tea. The lunch diner next to me smiled knowingly as I inhaled my meal. There was no room left in my very happy belly to eat dessert so I took a slice of sweet potato pie and red velvet cake to go. My hotel room had the smell of sweet baked goods that afternoon. On MARTA take Peachtree to 5 Pts. Switch to the East-West line headed east. Get off at Ashby station.
(4)
Randall H.

The fried chicken was INCREDIBLE!! The service was outstanding and everyone was so polite and friendly. Next time in Atlanta I will be back.
(5)
Pamela M.

Busy Bee's is "whatcha see is whatcha get"...LOL.... Its REAL ya'll, now I am late with my review but I have dined there numerous times ...I do believe our Mama'nem are cookin in the background ...LOL...cause thats the feel of this tiny spot, but I still digs it a lot. Sometimes those waitresses can be kinda fussy ...it is what it is...and its sho'nuff good eatin. None of that reserved seating crap, and you will be sitting close to someone/anyone so don't trip, just dine! Parking can sometimes be challenging too but you will find a spot. One of the best if not THE best "soul food" joint in Atl.... don't get it twisted thinking its gonna be southern quisine, there is a difference...you gotta know whatcha know...its soul food !
(4)
Lynette F.

Went here today with the crew from work. All but one of us ordered the fried chicken. One guy ordered the fried tilapia. Sides ordered included fried greeen tomatoes, candied yams, and collard greens. The candied yams were so good and that fried chicken was perfect! The greens had a decent flavor. I'm glad I brought my Texas Pete with me because they sure didn't have any. The cornbread muffins had a good texture and flavor. I wish I had room for dessert because that red velvet cake was calling my name. Maybe next time. I enjoyed the food greatly and so did my lunch mates. This will definitely be a go to spot when friends and family come to visit from out of town.
(4)
Yeme T.

I love me some busy bee! Some of the best soul food it the city! The mac and cheese and the yams are on point, the baked tilapia over rice is scrumptious. Yes the wait is long but the food is cooked to order and this place is really popular so that is to be expected. The sides are a bit too small for my liking but id take quality over quantity any day. If you go on a Sunday the wait will be long. You are going to be in the midst of the after church crowd. Expect longer service times on Sundays. Awesome food, great service.... come here for some tasty AUTHENTIC soul food. I like my soul food to taste like someones down home aunty or grandma cooked and Busy Bee food is just that.
(4)
Kesha R.

The food is awesome and in the traditional AUC. It is a very small restaurant, but the food doesn't disappoint. My friend swore by their banana pudding. Plus, celebs frequent this place. You never know who you might see while dining here. Last time I was there, sat next to Tommy from Martin (Lawrence).
(4)
Kevin Z.

Very consitent Soul Food. One of the best in Atlanta for the food itself. Good old southern sass from the staff makes this an authentic experience. For the true foodies, the chitlins are the bomb. If that makes you cringe, then you probably think Cracker Barrel has good fried chicken. This is down home food, so pull up a glass of sweet tea, keep the hot sauce nearby, and clean your fingers before you eat, because you will want to lick them.
(5)
Lawrence W.

My wife and I stopped into the Busy Bee was the second stop of our Soul/Southern Food Trifecta (along with Jestine's Kitchen in Charleston and Loveless Cafe in Nashville). Even though all three were very good, Busy Bee was my favorite. I don't eat pork, but thankfully at the Busy Bee, vegetables (e.g., string beans, collard greens) are prepared with smoked turkey instead of ham. Anyone who's ever shared a meal with me knows learning this warmed my heart. We arrive for lunch just minutes after noon on a Monday, and lucky for us there was just one table left. We sat next to a table of gregarious INS employees. In fact, it really seemed that everyone at the Busy Bee was just really happy to be there, ourselves included. Unlike Jestine's in Charleston, cornbread came complimentary with the meal, and satisfied us during our (short) wait for our order. The food was delicious -- well worth navigating our way through downtown Atlanta from our Buckhead hotel. The best macaroni and cheese I had on the road trip. Perfectly flavored yams -- not too sweet, not too bland. I can't recommend it enough!
(5)
diamond s.

Busy Bee Cafe is just delicious... The meatloaf on Mondays is so melt in your mouth good. I think I have tried everything besides the liver and onions on the menu. It tastes like grandma is in the back cooking. The sides are always good but I feel like they can spare a liitle more in that department ( we are spending in upwards of $10 a plate). The actual store is small and you will have a line but it is so worth the wait. The people are nice and welcome you. Just make sure you have your ID if you are paying with a CC...
(4)
Kathleen M.

When some out of towners were looking for a spot for solid fried chicken, I knew this was the place. Located right around the corner from Clark Atlanta University, Busy Bee is known for no frills soul food. We were quickly greeted and perused the menu: I didn't get far beyond the fried chicken. 2 large pieces (white, dark, or both!) plus 2 sides for $9.99. Options for sides included fried green tomatoes, mashed potatoes, broccoli and cheese casserole, fried okra, fried corn, string beans, collard greens, and the like. Just about everything you'd expect from any reputable soul food spot. I ordered 2 pieces of white chicken with fried green tomatoes and string beans. The chicken was great: very moist with crispy skin, no need for any additional sauce/topping, in my opinion. The fried green tomatoes were pretty good but the string beans were kind of nasty. Super salty and mushy and just not good at all. Service is typical fantastic Southern charm and the price is right. Definitely worth a stop.
(4)
Jefferson L.

Authentic soul food served by authentic soul-servers in an authentic soul neighborhood. Friendly to outsiders. Don't be afraid to come on down! P.S. The ribs are great.
(5)
Sharondia P.

The best soul food restaurant in the A-T-L! If you want soul food like Momma made, this is the place. I love the entire menu!!! Have yourself an uptown and pick an entree, any entree... I guarantee you'll love it. Don't forget to save room for dessert :) Oh, this is another one of those places you'll need to get to at opening, if you don't want to stand in a long line. Enjoy!!!
(5)
Shica B.

I enjoy Busy Bee enormously! One of my happy places... Much to what it seems like in all of the postings that are here, there are menu options available that do not consist of fried chicken. There is fried and grilled fish. There is also baked chicken. If you enjoy it, there is even an option during the winter months to get chitterlings (yes, I spelled it correctly for those who are not familiar). Just to let someone know about those other menu options! Just as everyone else has said, the buttery biscuits are dreamy. The half & half here is not half unsweet and half sweet tea... it is half sweet tea and half lemonade. The red velvet or key lime cakes are fantastic. I don't eat bananas, but I have some co-workers who always place an order and love it whenever we go. The area is a little sketchy. When parking (especially when you are not racially reflective of the surrounding community), I suggest parking in the lot across the street at the bank. They have cameras on that parking area and are more likely to come back to your belongings being contained within your vehicle. Do not plan to come here with your 10 best foodie buds. The most that you are going to be able to seat together is going to be 4. Period. There is no waiting it out to get a larger table, thats the best you're gonna get. If you ask for more, you'll get a blank stare. All in all, the most that can be seated in this place at a time is about 30-40. The police officer who takes orders is awesome - don't you wish that the folks who hang out in places would help a little more? That probably ensures that he has fewer altercations in the line - folks have their orders in, so they aren't argumentative!
(5)
Jay C.

On a business trip to Atlanta, Ga I wanted to experience some good old southern cooking, therefore one of my friends volunteered to take me to one of atlanta's best kept sercerts or so he thought. He said that this place had great "soul food". Walking into Busy Bee Cafe I saw many pictures of celebrities, athletes and politicians who have eaten here. It's a very small restaurant, in a not so great location in Atlanta. The particular day that I went, there was a line hanging outside of the door. The wait was approx 30 mins to be seated, being the fact that this place was disorganized, They did not bother to seat patrons by first come first serve. I ordered the catfish with two side dishes, Mac & cheese and greens. The catfish was by far the best dish that I enjoyed at the Busy Bee Cafe! It was fried to perfection with ther perfect blend of seasonings. Again, I really enjoyed the catfish, yams and greens even though the greens were a bit cold. I did not care for the Mac & cheese, so don't bother ordering it because it was as simple as you can imagine. Overall, I thought the food here is decent and wouldn't mind coming back again for fish if I'm ever in the area.
(3)
Joe L.

4, maybe a 3.5 So i went by myself after i worked out, and let me tell you, going by yourself is def preferable to going with a group, i just bypassed the line in front of the restaurant in seconds. I ordered the ox tail with broccoli casserole and mashed potatoes. Id say the sides were average. the broccoli casserole was unique but not something id get again. it was cheesy, thick and had kinda sour tinge to it ( i think). the mashed potatoes were creamy, with a tasty gravy, but i mean, Ive had better. Wasnt very chuncky and didnt have skins in it. BUT the dinner roll was OMG GOOD. sweet, moist, didnt even need to use butter on it. *tip* try tearing off a piece and dipping it in the gravy, you get the sweet and savory taste all at once. AWESOME. and the ox tails? a bit expensive BUT OMGGGGG i dont think ive had oxtails this good since i lived at home like 3 years ago. it was fall off the bone good, slightly fatty like other reviewers have said, but hey its an oxtail wat the heck are u expecting. I was expecting to order the beef short rib tho and was disappointed they didnt have it. So anyway back to the oxtail. flavorful, juicy, and def a pretty bog portion, i do wish they served it over a bigger bed of rice. but the rice was def a great compliment to the saltiness and creaminess of the gravy. I got a peach cobbler for dessert. after eating it, it hought about how i would rate it. to me, its one of the best I've had. not overly sweet, and not overly reduced. it wasnt super thick like how other places make it, but thats ok, wish they gave me more crust tho, the crust was that good. so good food, a bit expensive but worth it. 4 stars, maybe edging toward a 3.5, ill hit up mary macs and carvers southern kitchen and then i can make a good judgement
(4)
Jeff W.

I needed some soul food while I was in GA. After researching, I decided on Busy Bee and was very happy with the decision. In DC, Soul Food is this grand novelty item and people flock there and get excited to feel like they're part of some cutting edge cuisine. Well, it's not fancy, but it is good. At Busy Bee I just felt like this is how soul food is supposed to taste, and that this is just what life is like down here and what people eat. Fried stuff galore, decent prices, but would've liked a larger order of chicken. The chicken was well seasoned and had a light coating on the outside. Not as crispy as others I've had, but the chicken was moist and flavorful Not to take away from the chicken, but I really loved the cornbread muffins and the warm, soft and buttery dinner rolls. Everything just felt so homey here. The atmosphere was so friendly and I felt like I was just over a friend's house. It was absolutely packed with a line out the door but they crank the food out and keep things moving. I'm sure there are other comparable places out there, but I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Busy Bee and wouldn't hesitate in returning.
(4)
Leeanna L.

I had high hopes for the fried chicken smothered with gravy and yes, they did come out smothered in brown gravy, but they must've been smothered for a quite while because not a spec of crispy skin was to be found--just a slimy somewhat dried out chicken. We're talking dark meat here too. I'm sticking to the fried chicken at Carver's. Still, I give Busy Bee 3 stars for being a good southern staple. Sides were excellent--collards, candied yams, and extra crispy okra.
(3)
T I.

I can truly say this is what is considered a SOUL FOOD JOINT. There are a list of qualifications to meet to be considered a JOINT: 1. The capacity should be less than 50 people 2. The line must be out the door jam packed 3. The staff must appear to be MEAN MEAN near cafeteria lady mugging at you, but will serve you with the warmest hospitality within her/him and your name is hearby baby or sweetie. 4. The staff never changes. 5. All employees take vacation at the same time. Closing the establishment for one week. Leaving you saying WTH!!! who does this. 6. Varies cakes that would never think could be possibly created must be served at the checkout counter. (Key Lime Pound Cake in Grinch Green) 7. The temperature inside no matter what the season will always be 89 and above. Now on the food and service--- The food is without a doubt some down south put your food in it so damn good. I usually order the ox tails, but they have these daily specials that just scream your name. No need to look for salt/pepper this food is seasoned Perfectly. This place I can not speak enough on. I love it, its worth the wait and the sweat you will encounter from it being so small and crowded. You may meet a new friend simply because you will sit that close to the next party.
(4)
Precious P.

This place isn't worth a visit. I've had home cooked meals in people's houses that were better than this place. My first issue, how does 3 chicken legs w/3 sides come to $19 at 12Noon??? Like really! If their food was delicious I don't believe in putting a price on it but for a lunch consisting of small childlike portions, the food wasn't worth the $. I ordered fried chicken with mac&cheese,collard greens,and candy yams. When my order came out I knew something was wrong when I wasn't shown my food before it was being placed in the bag. So I went out to the car and immediately I saw the mac sitting in a pool like amount of oil. Where did these ppl learn to cook?? I have simple rules if you can't cut it with the mac and fried nothing else is worth trying. I simply walked back into the restaurant and asked them to change my mac because it's running. The waitress did it w/no problem. So I got rice w/gravy instead. So I when back to the car and started to sample the food. The collard greens sucked, I don't if it's because they used turkey instead of pork but they were blan. The rice w/gravy was decent and so were the yams. The chicken looked good at sight but once you bit into it, any decent cook could tell the chicken wasn't cleaned properly. The cornbread wasn't edible. Honestly GA isn't know for the best country food but I would have believed the food was going to be decent. Popeyes and KFC would have been a better choice and for half the price which would have included a drink.
(1)
Mark K.

The food at this restaurant is damn good for what it is. Its very unpretentious soul food, with flavor flavor flavor. I went with a couple of friends and so I was able to try more than my meat and 2 veg. So Here are all the things I sampled: Fried Okra - pretty hard to screw up, very tasty. Oxtails - Delicious, simply effin delicious. Its rare to get oxtail outside of a Caribbean establishment and I have never had oxtails with whatever grave it is they use here...All I know is I started eating them with a fork and ended with me fingers messy. Fried Catfish - It was very tasty, but I'm not sure how hard it is to mess catfish up. Buttered Okra - Very tasty, if you like that sort of thing. The few times I've seen this dish, the okra look over teamed and unappetizing; not so at Busy Bee...defintely worth the try. Candied Yams - Just try them. The portions for the food were very reasonable (neither excessive nor stingy) and I walked out of there without the food coma I typically associate with soul food. If you want some really good soul food this is the place for you. I'd almost be tempted to give this place 4.5 stars if it wasnt for the wait. I dont know if they chose the name of this place because of how busy it gets, but be prepared to wait if you want to sit down. Even though I felt very safe, its worth noting that they had a police man seating people and the restaurant location is not in the best neighborhood. I'll definitely be going back to sample other menu items. FYI - The beef short ribs are no longer being served, even if it says they are on the menu. 10/11 update - The fried pork chops are on point! 11/10 update - Smothered pork chops. These are fried pork chops smothered in some kinda smotherin' sauce. Lets just say they are even better smothered!
(4)
Carol L.

Couldn't leave Atlanta without having some soul food, right!? Fried chicken, mac and cheese, fried green tomatoes, and apple cobbler. MmMmMmm! Keep in mind that I'm not even a soul food fan, and it was delicious! I love that they ask your preference for white or dark meat. I especially recommend the fried green tomatoes! The restaurant is pretty small and a little shabby, but not too bad. The wait is pretty long, and the place is crowded due to popularity. The food is worth it though! It was even totally worth the extra $10 cab ride it took for me to stop by Busy Bee on the way to the airport. It helped end my Atlanta trip with a bang!
(4)
Michael O.

This is what I am talking about! Real Southern food that can be found in any African American household down south! I thought I was at home in this joint! The place is small and jam packed....especially on a Sunday's! They have to have police in there due to its capacity! The food is just like you're grandma made it! I mean Woooooooooooow! I could write all day about it! The best southern restaurant I have had so far! I mean woooow!!!!! Chck it out!!!!! It's worth the ride no matter where you are coming from...cuz I drove fro Acworth to there a couple times!!!!
(5)
Veronica F.

Yep, If you love to have some home cooked meals in the Atlanta Ga area then you have find the right place. All the Entrees looks so good on the meal and taste so good too. It's sometimes so hard to decide what I want to eat. I LOVE THAT SWEET TEA!! The home mashed potatoes were so good with my turkey wings along with that tasty gravy.
(4)
Candy W.

Went for lunch with two friends and we ordered; Entrees - Fried chickens = Tasty! I love, love, it. Well seasoned, huge, and juicy. - Turkey wings (Thursday special) = Smothered wings in gravy with cranberry sauce......now, that's the Thanksgiving spirit! Sides - Collard greens = A bit too sweet for my liking but very good. - Mac & cheese = Kind of greasy. - Fried green tomatoes = THE BEST!! Crispy & tangy....full of flavor. - Steamed cabbage = My friend said it was excellent :-) Came hungry, left happy. ..................................................Â............................... Something to know beforehand: 1) They won't take your credit/debit card unless you show them ID. 2) 10% discount with a student ID. 3) It's a small restaurant with a limited parking space. It can be packed during the lunchtime.
(4)
Tonya B.

Excellent food and kind service! Expect a bit of a wait for fresh prepared food. I had the fried chicken, collard greens, man 'n cheese, dressing, and fried green tomatoes.
(5)
Michelle S.

The red velvet cake was the best I have ever had!
(5)
Sheri C.

NOM.Nom.NOM. Been craving soul food, and today was the day I ventured out to finally get some "REAL" soul food... Busy Bee is easy to find; just look for all the cars and the slew of people waiting outside. Inside is small; diner style, and when you walk in the door, the smells of heaven sweep over you .... I had the fried catfish, baked mac n cheese, and their famous candied yams. The catfish - DE.LISH. Yams - Mouth-watering! Undecided about the cornbread muffin. Mac n cheese - great! I'm lactose intolerant, so I am 100% positive I'll pay for this bit later. But I had to try. Definitely worth the wait. You may want to call in your order if you're in a rush - and venture down there about 30-40 mins after you call... I will definitely return.
(4)
Teresa H.

I did some Yelp research before my Atlanta trip looking for the best fried chicken in Atlanta. I chose the Busy Bee due to all the rave reviews. OK, I guess I'm just a Yankee, but I find it hard to believe this was the best Atlanta had to offer. Not that it was bad--the chicken itself was pretty good, but I couldn't eat the mac and cheese (seemed like it was leftover from the previous day). It was just OK for me; certainly if I'm in Atlanta again I won't make another special trip to the Busy Bee.
(3)
Mychael W.

I moved to Atlanta a few years ago and this was one of the first places that I was told I had to try. I tried once on a Saturday and found out they're closed on Saturdays. So here I am 2 years later and I finally went, and I'm kicking myself for taking so long! My wife and I just returned from lunch (I'm so full, it pains me to type)... I couldn't wait though because I wanted this to be fresh on my mind! As soon as we walked in, I knew we were in for a treat. It looks and smells like the little old soul food joints I used to go to when I was younger. My wife and I were both pleased and surprised at the level of service that we received. The restaurant was full, but the servers and people behind the bar were really great. Our server checked in on us frequently, gave excellent suggestions, and we heard all of the other servers doing the same at their tables. I ordered the fried chicken with mac n cheese and fried green tomatoes, and my wife had the fried tilapia with mashed potatoes and fried okra. She also had the sweet tea and I had a lemonade. I was told that I should order the Uptown (aka Arnold Palmer) with them mixed, but we just had them separately. We started out with the delicious cornbread muffins that they bring out and we really enjoyed them. The chicken was fried perfectly with crispy skin, it wasn't greasy at all, and it was very moist. The tilapia was really good, and so were the fried green tomatoes. I don't eat okra, so I just took my wife's word for it that they were good. The only downside to the entire meal was the mac n cheese. It doesn't have a good flavor at all, and it was kind of grainy. I can't tell if it's boxed or if they just didn't melt the cheese properly. I took a couple of bites and set it to the side. I tried to stop myself, but the desserts were calling my name! At the end of the meal, I ordered the banana pudding and I also thought it was pretty good. The only problem is that it tastes like they use banana pudding instead of vanilla pudding (yes, I know that sounds weird when discussing banana pudding, but trust me) when making it, so it was too sweet and had a slightly artificial flavor. I'll definitely be back to Busy Bee though! I've got several dishes I want to try, and lots of dessert too. I'll have to space out my visit though to make sure I don't go up any clothes sizes any time soon...
(4)
D. L.

I'm sorry granny and mom but this place fried chicken is the BEST I done EVER tasted! Also better than roscoes chicken & waffles in my opinion. Service was kinda slow but they WERE busy. Plenty of parking but keep in mind this place is kinda hole in the wall but who cares? I also had potato salad and black eyed peas which were scrumptious!
(5)
Erin W.

I used to love this place. Unfortunately over the years the level of service has declined and the parking lot still has ginormous potholes and dips that have the potential to ruin your car. The seating is very tight and if you're ordering takeout prepare to wait about 20 minutes. If you're interested in giving them a try, do yourself a favor and order takeout before you get there.
(3)
Rodney N.

If you are old enough to remember when yo Big Mama made every dish from scratch (or just extremely) lucky, then you need to run, not walk, to Busy Bee's right now. This place is the very definition of "hole in da wall". No better Soul Food in the ATL
(5)
Rhonda M.

This is simply the BEST soul food in Atlanta. A native of Atlanta, I've been going here 20 yrs and have found nothing in this city like it. Every now and then I want to indulge in some good soul food and I will jump through hoops to get to there. I take all out of town guests here and the end result is always is that's some GOOD food! Forget about all the other so-called Soul Food restaurants like Paschal's and The Beautiful. Paschal's hasn't been good since Daddy Paschal passed. It use to be #1 in Atlanta. If you don't want to be disappointed, stop by Busy Bee.
(5)
Thomas W.

Quite good southern food... Always a treat to drop by. Fried chicken here is an ace of spades!
(5)
Scott M.

I can honestly say that I wouldnt be surprised if this place looks exactly like it did during the Freedom marches of the 60's. This place has an "old soul". You walk in and you are surrounded by nostalgia. Simply amazing. The restaurant is unassumingly small, and deserves every bit of the name "Busy Bee". Frankly, every time I have been to this place it is packed to the brim, and always "busy". The food is pretty good, but not so amazing that it warrants me fiending for it. I reserve those feelings for "The Beautiful" in SW Atlanta. You can get your staples on the cheap here. I am big on Greens, Pork Chops & Mac & Cheese...and they supply all of that here, in big, hearty portions. The sweet tea is a lil....well ummm, sweet as hell. Just the way I like it.
(4)
Taryn M.

Overall Recommendation: If you like fried chicken, you should definitely check this place out. Be forewarned that it's not a nice restaurant like the Flying Biscuit or Mary Macs so adjust your expectations for decor and service. My husband and I are not from the South but as we ate our way through Atlanta, the Busy Bee Cafe ranked #1 on both our lists. Pros - BEST FRIED CHICKEN WE'VE EVER HAD...perfectly crispy skin with great flavor. It seriously makes me not very excited to eat fried chicken anytime soon because I know anywhere I go in Boston won't be as good. - Ribs with a nice, smokey taste - Super mac n' cheese made with real cheese - Dang good corn muffins you can munch on before your food arrives. Cons - Very busy so be prepared to wait (and you should because it's worth it) - No air conditioning so in the summer it can get pretty toasty. We were there at the end of June and even with the fans going, it was warm. - Sweet tea is too sweet for me **Note: There's a small parking lot as well as street parking. However if you park on the street, the meters are really expensive...something crazy like $2 an hour.
(5)
Wayne C.

holy cow, the fried chicken was absolutely delicious. one of the best fried chicken joints in the country for sure.
(5)
Tasha G.

The food is fantastic! While visiting Atlanta I have been wanting to try Busy Bee's Cafe. It was delicious! I had the smothered turkey wings, dressing, carrot soufflÃ©, and string beans. Everything was delicious. My spouse had oxtails, broccoli rice cheese casserole, greens and MAC and cheese. Got dessert we had lemon pound cake and red velvet cake.... Scrumptious!
(5)
Renee W.

This was hands down the best soul food of my life. On a long road trip, I was passing through Atlanta needing lunch. I saw the glowing reviews on Yelp, so I searched this place out. It was a little hard to get to and google maps led me astray. I ended up having to call the place and a nice man on the phone gave me better directions, although I had a hard time with the thick Georgian accent. I got the place and it doesn't look like much from the outside. The dozens of parked cars in the gravel lot though should tell you it's popular. I was the only white person in the restaurant, which was an interesting experience, and sat at the bar by myself. The staff were very friendly, but the food is what blew my mind. After a long drive, I think I drank four or five glasses of sweet tea. The ribs were the best BBQ I'll ever have. They were so smokey and tender - a great flavor without having to be dripping in sauce. The meat was great quality. I enjoyed friend green tomatoes and broccoli-cheese casserole. The casserole was okay, but the tomatoes were delicious. The cornbread I scarfed down in like two seconds - amazing. I finished with peach cobbler for dessert, which I thought was too syrupy. Overall though the food was so worth it. If you are within 100 miles of this place, it's worth the trip.
(5)
Renee G.

We drove our daughter to Spelman College last week and discovered Busy Bee ...... Oh my goodness!!!! Now, we're from Chicago, and there is no shortage of good restaurants in Chicago, but I was SO IMPRESSED! The decor is your typical soul food restaurant, it's very small and cramped - nothing fancy, but the food is top notch! The corn muffins were cooked to perfection; the fried catfish was crispy and fresh and the pieces were large; and the mac & cheese .... it was cheesy but not soggy. We wanted to get dessert but we were too full. Needless to say " I'll be back" as often as I can
(4)
Leon H.

This place is scary good!!! Reminds me of grandma's home cooking!!! I went with my two sons while visiting Atlanta on business. My kids didn't know what to think when we drove up. The area that the restaurant is located would be a little unsettling for some who may not be familiar with this type of environment, but I felt okay. Hey, I grew up in a neighborhood pretty similar. LOL! :-) As far as the food, the fried chicken is very good as the other people stated. The collards were just right and the mac and cheese were the real deal. None of that mac and cheese from a box. Next time I'm in town, I'm definitely bringing the girlfriend! By the way, parking is a premium as there's a small parking lot and the wait area for a table is extremely small. Still, this place is on my list of soul food spots on the East Coast!
(5)
Jerald G.

Reviews on this place are pretty spot on. Good food, I generally have the fried chicken or get an all veggie plate. A staple in the West End.
(4)
Cekecia O.

The food was awesome! Although they could really use a bigger facility
(4)
Tramaine W.

I recently came to the realization that the more things I learn to cook well the less I will be able to eat out. It is mostly because I am actually a very good cook so when I go out to eat and order something that I make well I can't help but compare the two and most of the time the restaurant comes out on the bottom. The fried chicken here was not fresh and noticeably so. Get a carton of chicken, toss it and fry it and you will soon learn that most of the chicken you eat out is not fresh and probably has been frozen for a while. I ordered one fried chicken leg since that is what people rave about and I also got baked chicken, mashed potatoes, dressing and Mac and cheese. All of the sides I make better and waaaay better. I actually made all of them for thanksgiving so it's fresh in my mind. I liked the baked chicken more than the fried and I don't particularly see myself going out of my way to come here again.
(2)
R. C.

Food was hot, fresh, and delicious. Great soul food. Staff showed great hospitality. Its a small place but it fits better that way and has a good feel to it. This restaurant is a true gem of the south.
(5)
D L.

Finally went after all this time. Went for lunch. - baked chicken (will def try the fried chicken next time) with collard greens (good) and fried okra - had a choice of white meat or dark meat - tilapia on rice - first bite was good, but had a feeling the creamy sauce would be too rich to finish the entire plate - ribs - tasty, standard - sweet tea - excellent, not too sweet and not too tea Friendly service. Small space. I recommend smaller groups at this establishment.
(3)
Cheff W.

Food Start from the basics: corn bread-dry, tasteless. I've got much better else where. On Tue menu-Cubed steak, not impressive, with collard green, just blend. Boiled okra, nothing spectacular, just boiled. So it's not fair to rate one day, following week I had the Thur pick, I did not want the Baked Turkey wings so I chose Pork Chops, reasonable ok with cabbages, good and fried green tomatoes, thrown away after few bits. It was so busy, kitchen forgot my gravy on the chops. What happen to the "smother" part? There was a family visiting from FL, I should of listen to what they say "just chose fired chicken, you can't go worng". Workers Very polite, fast to greet, and work fast to get my take out in 10-15 mins wait. Patrons 99% Black crowd, some are local Morehouse, and some are local business, the rest just visitors from all over. Well mixed of professional, students, to local folks. Disappointing. This restaurants that does not live up to the ratings. No, I will not return and probably will save the money for other soul food places in NYC, with same price and better taste.
(2)
A C.

We arrived by cab and were a little leery based on the strip mall it is located in but have no fear, this place is where it's at. We walked in at 1pm on a Friday and there was a wait but it went quickly. We were seated and greeted by a friendly waitress who quickly delivered our drinks. At first I wanted to share the fried chicken with my husband and try something else, pulled pork, but it was no longer available so I just got my own. IT WAS FANTASTIC. The sides were okay, we wanted buttered okra but they only had fried, which were tasty. The collard greens were good and the fries were tasty as well. Certainly go back!
(4)
Miriam M.

Everything about this place was awesome, right down to the 15 minute wait for seating. The waiters were quick, knew the menu well, very helpful with descriptions, and knowledgeable ingredients used. I was impressed at how delicious the greens were seasoned with turkey meat. I think everyone could find at least a couple things here they could fit into their diet, though I suggest you arrive guilt free. I had the fried chicken (crispy and not greesy), mac n'cheese (cheesy but not saucy), and greens (tender, not mushy or crispy). Awesome, I'm salivating just remembering. The ONE thing I wasn't impressed with were the muffins. It's nice that they're served with butter as a sort of appetizer, however they were a bit dry. I also enjoyed the half/half lemonade tea. The place was packed, non stop busy. Plan on waiting and possibly standing while waiting. I went on a Sunday afternoon, and we were actually seated in less than 15min. Also there seems to be limited parking.
(5)
Heather N.

I've been wanting to go for a long time, but was dragged to Carver's last time I had a craving for meat n 3. I LOVE THE FOOD! Best yummy little cornbread muffins and yeast bread. Tasty chicken, light crispy fish, nice green tomatoes, perfect macncheese, and tea that will keep you up all night. In hindsight, I would have traded my broccoli casserole for sweet potatoes and my corn bread stuffing for black eyed peas. People seemed to love the BC, but it had rice in it, which I didn't love. Otherwise, a perfect dining experience, really. MMMmmmm... (How did they get those pics with nobody sitting at the tables? It was packed when I was there.)
(4)
Florence Y.

How did I not review this place the last time I came?!?!?! Oh...it was probably the food-coma that sets in after! I brought the fam here on our road trip because I have been dreaming of their smothered chicken since the last time! And they loved it!! (Phew, my parents are impossible to please!) This time around, we had the smothered chicken with candied yams and mac and cheese. I had to refrain from licking my plate...mommy wouldn't approve. :/ Mom and sis got the whiting with fresh collard greens and string beans. Sister loved the fish, mom complained of small bones in the fish. The peach cobbler was a great balance of sweet and tartness. Too little crust for my liking thoght... If you order it, be careful as it comes out hot! Sweet tea was good....not overly sweet! The service is great and homely! I love this Southern hospitality! First time I came...we sat right by the cash register and everyone was in our space/table....and my kind waitress hollered from across the cafe to tell them to "keep your behinds off my customers' table!" :) Today, another waitress who wasn't our waitress asked if it was our first time...(we were the only Asians in there!) :) Honestly, I may just move to ATL for this...or find me a Southern boy who can fatten and smother me with smothered chicken! :) Tip-bits: Tight parking spots in the lot right outside the cafe, go to lot beside. Cafe is on NW MLK Jr Dr, if you cannot find it on your GPS as SW Cafe closes at 7! Policeman on-site during closing time Accepts Visa/Discover/MC
(5)
Gabriel S.

Busy B is the SH*T trust me I am a down south southern girl and LOVE MY GOOD OL soul food not all places and the south SOUL IS GOOD lol but B sholl was busy I had 2 piece fried chicken white, 3 sides Mac n cheese, yams, and greens as well as a home made corn bread they are VERY and I say VERY pricey. U can go shopping for Sunday dinner with what you gonna spend in there but it's worth it. My dinner plate was $15.65. It was $12.99 for 2 meat and 2 sides with a sweet tea drink but $3 and some change for 3rd side. This location is very very small I wouldn't dear eat in there it be super pack SUNDAY is when I went after church I got it to go and had to wait for 20-30min yes they had a waiting list. I expect you to order ahead of time its located right by the college and the hood but they are SUPERIOR busy bee had me on my BOOTY. Lol The only reason they got a 4STAR is the WAIT and PACKING thats how crazy it was
(4)
Kim F.

All southern food is NOT SOUL FOOD but this is the SPOT! Absolutely delish! This is my 2nd visit and it was consist! Get there early or be prepared to wait! The food brings the masses from all ethnicities, socioeconomic and professional backgrounds! AMEN to SOUL FOOD!
(4)
Peter D.

When we first arrived in Atlanta, we were starving. I started to ask what we should get to eat, and before I could even finish the sentence, my friend was already yelling "FRIED CHICKEN!!" And if you're going to get some fried chicken in Atlanta, Busy Bee seems like the place to go. It's hospitable, timeless, and most importantly, the food is great. (Bonus points for having autographed pictures of Outkast on the wall, among countless other signed photos.) I have no doubt that the waitress would've treated us exactly the same if we had been guests in her home. After we ordered, she came over and asked, "Y'all want some cornbread?" Ma'am, you know I want some cornbread. I ordered my chicken smothered in gravy, with fried green tomatoes and string beans. Even though the string beans left a little to be desired, Busy Bee was exactly what I needed after getting off that plane; the perfect welcome to the South.
(3)
Miriam W.

Fried chicken smothered in gravy? Yes, please! Mashed potatoes, broccoli casserole and sweet tea too? Don't mind if I do! Busy Bee is chock-full of Southern charm. If you're craving a seriously Southern soul food meal, look no further. Expect your server to dote on you with cornbread and beverage refills. Students: bring ID to take advantage of their scholastic discounts!
(4)
DJ V.

I expected more, the space is small and cramped. the food tastes like something grandma would make but I expected a little more pizazz. Also, was a little pricier than expected and portions were smaller than expected. The taste and presentation of the food reminds me of pitty pats porch.
(3)
Jennifer S.

Delicious. Particularly good for vegetarians and vegans--they have over 20 vegetable sides and the menu indicates whether or not they have been prepared with meat or butter. Great service, but be prepared to wait.
(4)
Toni V M.

Atlanta Soul Food Tour: The Busy Bee is now the regining champion of the tour! Like rubes, we decided to go on a Sunday. AFTER CHURCH. Like Saturdays at a hair salon, only the die hard go someplace on it's money day! But I'm so glad I ventured on to MLK and squoze myself into the Busy Bee. Leave your bougie at the door, because everyone is packed into the place like sardines, waiting for the people seated at the, maybe 12 or so tables to finish and split. On the advice of a couple who drives directly there each Sunday from Alpharetta, I got the reknowned fried chicken special. The seasoning and juicyness was on point! I had the delicious fresh fried corn, which was sweet & creamy and the candied yams, which were delectably sweet. They were oddly orange though, with no dark brown syrup, so I'm not sure how they managed to be candied, but I don't care. The whole shebang comes with sweet tea for $10. I've got to take the outta towners!
(5)
Angelica C.

We walked, sat and ordered. We had oxtail, chitlins, gizzard, cheese grits, fired green tomatoes and mac&cheese. All were super tasty, except the chitlins, the after taste stayed with me ALL DAY... Sweet Tea was excellent too. Free refills. The bill came to be $40 and some change. I recommend this place to anyone who visits Atlanta and wants to try southern soul food.
(5)
Pablo L.

I hate to only give four stars, but I have to. The food in this place was on point. The mac and cheese, bomb! collard greens were good. fried okra was really fresh. Fried chicken was handlin' somethin' fierce. Them shits was good.... Once you get there you'll know its good because it's so hard to get a table. I would recomend calling your order in when you get there and getting it to go. It'll take you about 15-20 minutes to pay for your food because the line has no order. but once you start eating, it'll all be worth it. '
(4)
Monika K.

Bobby was probably the best waiter I've ever had, attentive, friendly, downright awesome! Sweet Tea, Corn Bread, Fried Chicken, Mac n Cheese, Collard Greens. Southern Soul food done right. place was packed on a Sunday afternoon with many families coming in after church, we were lucky to grab the last booth before the major rush. Could go to town on some deliciousness right now!
(4)
Anita L.

Great soul food as promised. Made the mistake of coming on a Sunday afternoon (super packed!), but the wait was worth it. The menu offers really great stuff like the fried chicken, smothered chicken, ham hocks. It's kind of in the "ghetto", but please don't let that deter you! It was definitely worth it, and everyone was very welcoming. My favorite were the greens, outstanding. I was a little disappointed with the corn muffins, I felt they were a bit dry.
(4)
Ivan S.

One good thing about being recently unemployed (Or "Severed" or "terminated" or "laid off because our sales staff couldn't do their damn jobs") is that I can now try places where lunch may require more than an hour's investment. Sometimes this is due to location, sometimes this is due to wait. In the Busy Bee's case, it's the wait. The name "Busy Bee" is definitely apt. It hustles and bustles and there can be a wait when you show. In my case, it was a not-so-bad 20 minutes, but had I been on my lunch hour, it would've required me wolfing down my grub with nary a notice of taste. Not to mention that, despite the handy bench in and outside of the restaurant, it's not exactly what I'd call roomy. Standing line requires more than a few "Excuse me" and "Sorry"'s being uttered as you bump your nearest queuemate. (Un)Fortunately, the only place I needed to be was the Department of Labor down MLK, so I had a chance to savor my food. I ordered the smothered chicken special with collard greens and broccoli and cheese casserole. I was pleased with my order. The chicken had great flavor, though it was a bit salty for my tastes. Now I say this of a bird first fried and then covered in gravy, so really salty should've been expected by this point. The collards weren't overcooked and still had some bite to them. I only wish I'd tasted more meat (either ham, bacon or smoked turkey) to accompany it. The broccoli casserole had just the right amout of broccoli and cheese without one component overpowering the other. This brings me to the sweet tea which I referred to at the time as "a cupful of diabeetus." It's so sweet I saw Willy Wonka enter hand in hand with Strawberry Shortcake astride a caramel unicorn take a swig and say, "Damn, that shit is SWEET." Some in the South may enjoy a tea this sweet. Some in the South also marry their cousins. Were I to return to the Busy Bee, I'd either ask for half sweet/half unsweet or just order a lemonade. Or just mainline an IV bag of simple syrup. Which brings me to the main question: So would I return to The Busy Bee? You bet your sweet ass I would.
(4)
Renata C.

The best southern food everrrrrr. It's a little joint very simple, friendly and warm staff, our waiter Bob was very attentive and the food to die for ... It's a must to try and visit just be careful not to I've eat like I did :) .... Love it
(5)
Sherry W.

3.5 stars. Busy Bee's serves solid soul food in a comfortable, homey setting. The restaurant is located near the AUC, next to a small barber shop. Everyone usually gets the fried chicken here. I tried a combination of their sides. Cornbread -very good, think and dense with the right amount of flavoring. Broccoli and cheese casserole -really good. Cheesy broccolli and rice. Fried Green tomatoes -tangy tomatoes with a thick fried crunchy layer around it. Mac and cheese -very cheesy and substantial. Sweet potatoes -pretty standard, very syrup-y and sweet. I take away 0.5 stars because of the service. I understand it's a hole-in-the-wall in a comfortable setting, but the service just seemed so slow paced. The employees just seemed to take their sweet time. It took a while to pay for our meal and I saw probably 8 people waiting impatiently at the front of the restaurant to be seated when there were obviously about 15 seats that were available.
(4)
Jin K.

Born and raised in Georgia, I'm a southern gal to the very core. Fried turkey Thanksgivings? Most definitely. Sweet tea? Make that two. Toast or Grits. Grits! Needless to say, I've eaten my fair share of fried, buttery cuisine. I happened upon Busy Bee during a Fried Chicken "Tour" of Atlanta with a group of my friends. The winner of our tour? Busy Bee. This place is awesome. Tucked away on MLK, it's a small hole-in-the-wall place that only a true southerner could appreciate. With plenty of bar seating and cozy booths, this place is best handled with you and no more than 3 other friends. I went during lunch so the place was packed but we didn't have to wait more than 15 minutes to get a table for our group of 7 (had to pull up a table to our booth to accommodate our party; therefore my tip to go in groups of 4 or less). Our server was helpful, patient, and great on refills. The fried chicken was fried to a perfect crispness and seasoned to a most savory blend. I had a sampling of sides but my favorites were the buttered okra and mac & cheese. The peach cobbler at the end was the perfect way to end the meal. Even though I probably gained 10 lbs from this meal, I savored every bite. I need to go back soon!
(4)
Cliff C.

Descent food but nothing really special. Fried chicken was on the dry side and pretty bland to me, and i had dark meat. Mashed potatoes were alright, again nothing special.. i was actually wondering if they were a good quality dry mix...gravy was a bit bland so i will guess it's a mix or prepared one. Greens were OK as well but over cooked and a bit soggy. Mac and cheese about average....corn bread was stone cold. Prices were high in my opinion for an average Georgia "meat and 3" place.
(3)
Colleen C.

buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzin' on fried food! It's good I don't live down here, I'd weigh at least 600 lbs. At least. A fried chicken plate with 2 sides: broccoli cheese casserole (rice), and mac n' cheese. I was really letting my inner fatty out to play today, eh? A nice bubbly, Diet Coke (my theory is since the big Coke plant is down here, it's closer to the source, and tastes better, though this could be a self-fulfilling prophecy), and some hot little corn muffins. DEMOLISHED. Even the waitress was like, "Damn, girl...you did good!" Yes, well thank you. I take pride in my ability to eat quickly, efficiently and completely. Especially when I'm coming off some high-powered migraine meds, and finally ready to eat! Hooray! Service was sweet, food was better than expected, greasy and glorious. Ahhhhhh, now back to eating like a normal human being for a few weeks...sigh.
(4)
Lady N.

Overrated, gets 1 star... The food is not all that great and the parking is atrocious...too cramped and too crowded. The staff is friendly but it's very much been hyped. Saw it on Triple D and fell for the okey doke.For what one plate of food costs, you can get the same items, cook them yourself, have leftovers, and it will taste even better if you are a true southerner. Portions are skimpy and the chicken is nothing to write home about. You can do a better job yourself. Believe me.
(1)
Melanie C.

Hands down, the best and crispiest fried chicken I've ever had. The sides were pretty good. The mac n' cheese was good,but the candied yams were slightly sweet for my taste. Too bad we were only passing through.
(4)
Colleen B.

Colleen: Do you have sweet tea? The Table: ::Looks at Colleen like she has 3 heads:: Friend 1: "You are in GA Colleen, DUH!" Friend 2: "It is a law in GA that you HAVE to serve Sweet Tea" Colleen: NO Sh*t?!?!? ::Grin:: Apparently I am not down with the Soul Food "standards" however, I AM down with Soul Food flavor! When we rolled up to this joint it was a little sketchy and I wasn't expecting such good food form this place. I should have known better being an avid fan of Man vs. Food that some of the best flavors, recipes and dishes come out of random stops all along the USA. Well, this was a random stop that left me with a huge smile and belly to match! This was my 4th time in GA and I sadly had never had fried chicken while here and I felt bad admitting that out loud. The sweet tea question, I had no idea...but I know GA is known for some amazing fried chicken. So of course, I got the Fried Chicken, white meat with mashed potatoes, broccoli casserole and of course a sweet tea. Can we say YUM! I felt like my mom was in the kitchen cooking me my favorites and going to come out and surprise me after. No go though, my mom was not there but the food was as yummy as she used to make it! The potatoes were pretty good but I could have had about 4 more helpings of the broccoli casserole. It was basically broccoli, cheese and rice (yes a baked mound of heaven-ness). Cornbread and rolls came with everything and I had 2 or 3 rolls because they were hot, soft and they had honey butter. Now, the fried chicken was so amazingly crunchy on the outside and the skin was so tasty but the actual meat, blew me away how moist and juicy it was. I wanted to order more and stick it in my purse for a late night snack. WOW! So good. Our waitress was amazingly friendly with a bubble personality which made for a great addition to the visit. She also commended me on my appetite, she obviously has not read my Yelp reviews to see how much food I can throw down =) I will definitely have to hit this place up again next time I am in town as well as search for somewhere here in Orlando that has awesome homemade fried chicken!
(4)
Tim W.

I have loved Busy Bee since my college days at Georgia Tech. The food is just as good as ever! I just would have thought that they would have expanded or moved to a bigger location by now . The fried chicken is amazing but not as good as Gladys and Ron's. I highly recommend the mac and cheese and fried corn as your sides. The last time I went in August and was the week the college kids went back to school. (Morris Brown, Clark Atlanta, Morehouse and Spellmen are right up the street.) Boy was that a mistake! We waited for at least an hour and it was hotter than hell inside the restaurant! It was exactly cooler outside but the food was more than worth in. Beating the crowds at Busy Bee is the same as Gladys and Ron's, go when they first open or in the late afternoon.
(4)
Byron K.

I have been going here since about 1998 when I discovered this spot while in college. I have since moved to the Washington DC area and every time I come home this is the 1st or 2nd stop for me. Either I go straight there or I see my parents first. To be honest I stick with the fried chicken and whatever vegetables I feel like having that day, but EVERYONE I take with me enjoys their food whether they get fried whiting, vegetable plates, baked chicken, etc. I love the sweets. I've had banana pudding, red velvet cake, key lime cake, lemon pound cake, butter pound cake, and they are all good. The key lime cake is a personal favorite. I've had no issues with the service as the waitresses always take good care of me and my party. Most of the waitresses have been there since I started eating here. I love the uptowns (half tea and half lemonade). I love the decor of the restaurant. All celebrities that come there to eat typically leave an autographed picture for the restaurant. When you look upon the wall you see stars from President Obama to Emril....Yes Emril enjoys some soul food apparently. This makes me love the decor even more because its a tiny little spot but has that original feeling from back in the day. It can get pricey, but that is mostly because I stock up on desserts when I am there. I may purchase 6 or 7 desserts for myself and some family members so I can run up a substantial bill with all the sweets. Cake slices have gotten smaller, but many businesses are making changes to adjust to rising prices. I just hope they don't get any smaller or my dessert consumption may double........ 5 Stars all day....erday......
(5)
Sarah O.

Best soul food in Atlanta! The reviews don't lie. I had the fried chicken which was made to order and perfectly juicy. Also had the macaroni and cheese (yum), candied yams (double yam), and collard greens. Definitely enough food for vegeterians as well. Also, there was a line outside when I arrived but when I just walked inside and asked about the wait I was seated immediately.
(4)
Demetria M.

Ok so I was in the ATL for the return of Vick(falcons/Philly game) and this was my first stop after reading all the great reviews. It was mid-day on Friday so we couldn't even get in the door, so we decided to call in our order. I had the fried catfish, fried corn and greens....delish! I will be back on my next trip!
(5)
Frank U.

Worth the drive to the outside of Atlanta. Get there early because it lines up out the door by noon. Mac n Cheese is a favorite and of course the Fried Chicken!
(5)
J L.

They don't have food like this in California. When I took a bite of the fried chicken....I was grinnin'...ear to ear. I don't usually smile that much when it comes to food. You guys are lucky down in Atlanta. Don't take it for granted.
(5)
Alexis J.

Absolutely freaking amazing!....Seriously some of the best soul food I have EVER eaten. OMG!...had me shaking my head after the first taste of each different portion of the meal as if it couldn't REALLY taste that good. I had to stop every so often just to text my friends and tell them how phenomenal it was. Now don't expect a five-star experience. This is good food. Period. It's not exactly a greasy spoon, but it sure isn't the Ritz Carlton. It's small, but the "homey" feel is apparent from the second you open the door. Expect long waits, but you may get lucky if you just come by yourself like I did. I was able to just ask to slide onto one of the counter stools after only about 3 mins of waiting. It's pretty basic service, no frills, but it's full of southern hospitality just the same...someone, probably the on-duty Atlanta cop (yes, there is one) will write your name down on a sheet of paper, and when a spot becomes available the cashier will say your name over the loudspeaker so that you can hear it if you are waiting outside and you'll then seat yourself wherever, at whatever table is open for you.This place is always humming, but the food is so good that you won't mind the noise or the wait. I imagine that just about everything on the menu is phenomenal, but on Sundays only the Sunday dinner portion of the menu is available. Not to worry though, plenty of scrumptious things on there as well. I had the smothered pork chops, collard greens, macaroni & chz, and an extra side of candied yams...complete with corn muffins and an iced tea/lemonade mix called an "Uptown". It was great. If you're ever in Atlanta and love home cooked soul food, go to the Busy Bee Cafe. I promise you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Nicholas T.

Lived my whole life of 66 years in NY. I moved to North Georgia last August. We have tried some country shack type places for good southern food. Some were very good, this place is better. The service and the people that work there are so pleasant, they must love who they work for. It's crowded, the wait wasn't so bad, we at eat the counter. My wife and I like that. We felt very comfortable there, I guess that is southern hospitality . That's coming from a New York Italian.
(5)
Tina M.

This is hands down the best fried chicken I have ever had. The restaurant is small but always packed so be prepared to wait, but i can't stress enough... it is worth the wait. The chicken was tender, flavorful, crunchy coating that wasn't too thick and let the taste of the chicken shine through. The greens were good and the mac n cheese was homemade and delicious. I wish I could have access to this chicken for the rest of my life, it's just that good.
(5)
Esther K.

This place is definitely busy buzzing with customers (see what I did there hurrhurr)! I took my best friend from out of town to eat some Southern cuisine here. It did not disappoint! :) I ordered the ox tails with fried green tomatoes and creamed corn. My best friend got the fried chicken with coleslaw and mashed potatoes and Kungfu, my boyfriend, got one pork chop fried and one smothered with potato salad and mac and cheese. The ox tails were very tender and reminded me of my mom's ox tails (yes, Asians eat a good deal of ox tails as well). I could've used a bit more gravy though (I loooove me some gravy). I loved the fried tomatoes it was above average from any other joints I've had it in. I would order the fried green tomatoes again if I went back any time soon. It was tart and the tomatoes weren't smoothy or too greasy. Creamed corn was a-ok. We teased my best friend a bit asking if she was at KFC because she ordered mashed potatoes with gravy and a side of coleslaw. She said she couldn't think of any other side to go with fried chicken (I would've done green beans and mashed potatoes though). The fried chicken was crispy on the outside and very juicy on the inside. I loved the skin. My best friend fed me all her skin cause she's eating healthier so I consumed and inhaled all the delicious skin. It was so... so... delicious. Not too salty, not too greasy, crispy, and seasoned to perfection. The pork chops were my favorite though. I loved it smothered in gravy, but I am biased. I love myself some gravy. I didn't think it was too salty, but Kungfu thought it was a bit on the salty side. The mac and cheese was a-ok, pasta was done al dente but the bÃ©chamel sauce was a bit lacking. I think I would've liked a nice cheese crust on top. The potato salad was average. The pork chops were done really well though. Juicy, tender, and seasoned well. It wasn't too greasy and they serve you two huge portions of pork chops! We were too full to grab any cobbler (which I regret) but I would definitely go back for pork chops next time. I liked the pork chops better than the fried chicken. I would highly recommend the pork chop (get one smothered and the other fried as our server suggested) with some fried green tomatoes and maybe some collard greens. Definitely a busy place, try to keep the group under four people. It's a small restaurant.
(4)
Attaicus C.

Went there at 3pm on a tuesday it was packed . Had to wait on a seat. Well we know the recession is not hitting this place. Because.. people were still coming in. I had their infamous fried chicken, collards and mac/cheese.. The portions are kind of skimpy on the sides , but the chicken was plentyful.. The food most of all was delicious .. I will go back if i am on that side of town.
(4)
Barton T.

Haven't eaten here since my days at Clark Atlanta University. Went today for lunch for a pleasant surprise-A healthy lunch that actually had some taste to it. I got the baked tilapia with yellow rice and you pick two sides. Got green beans and tried the carrot soufflÃ©. All I can say is I have a new staple must have meal when I come back to the ATL. The carrot soufflÃ© was not too sweet, nice touch of nutmeg and vanilla., and gave the taste of candied yams. The tilapia was flavorful and meaty and most of all, it wasn't heavy on the tummy. I was still able to get 3 miles in on the track. ;-)
(4)
Shanel E.

I visited Atlanta in February with my bf and really wanted to try out some "real" soul food. We went here for lunch, shared the ox tail special with cheddar brocolli casserole and buttered okra, we finished the whole thing. We also got the sweet tea, of course, which was very good. For dessert I wanted a slice of red velvet cake... which I ended up eating for breakfast the next day (I was on vacation its ok!), and it was very good as well, moist like it should be and frosting not too sweet. Just to note - I probably would not go there by myself, even during the day, the walk from the subway stop to the restaurant (about 4 or 5 blocks) was pretty interesting. The place is fairly small, also a lot of people will be there waiting for their takeout when you think they might just be waiting for a table. Basically you gotta just keep a look out and wait until a table frees up and take it... there is no waiting list. I think this is a good place to go if you are looking to try out some of the more authentic soul food... whether some people say its not really soul food or not, you can get a good idea of what it's like.
(4)
Chuck E.

I eat here for lunch and think it's the best soul / comfort food place around. The main point of difference is all of the vegetables are fresh, never out of a can, and they are cooked with bits of ham for flavoring. Too many "comfort" food restaurants open a can of beans, heat them up, and then serve them. The service is always friendly and outstanding. My favorite entree is the fried pork chops. The original family still plays a major role in the business, versus a place like Mary Mac's, which has changed owners so many times, there is no resemblance to the original restaurant. I you go by yourself, you'll usually be able to find a seat at the counter. If you're going with others, and want to eat at a table, better get there by 11:30; or you'll be waiting.
(5)
anthony s.

Good Soulfood for a decent price! Good Location for Lunch or dinner. The cafe is small but it feels like home! I always get the fried chicken w/ mash potatoes and macaroni and cheese. It is a delight everytime I pull in. Great Location for the AUC and even better for people who like good food regardless of the location! Thanks for servicing me and my colleagues during my stay in the AUC.
(4)
Drew M.

I went to Busy Bee for lunch. The service was very friendly and the atmosphere is consistent of what I would expect for a soul food place. I ordered the fried chicken and it is very tasty. It is marinated first and breaded just right. The fried okra was the best I'd had in a long time. The baby lima beans were also very good. The corn muffins have a great flavor - just a touch of sweetness and fantastic with butter. Definitely a good experience.
(4)
Stephanie H.

Man, this place is so on point!! Fried chicken at it's finest...candied yams that are sweet to the core, black-eyed peas over white rice with cornbread on the side..the buttered yeast rolls with honey spread...collard greens... peach cobbler with extra crust for desert...and bottomless sweet tea and lemonade!!!! This place is heaven!!!!!!! I would be here when I couldn't get home for the holidays for a good, traditional, southern meal. You'll enjoy it just the same!
(5)
Keith H.

"All Abuzz about Busy Bee!" It's a rainy Sunday afternoon, it's lunch time, called my dining guest, decided to venture outside my natural/organic cuisine comfort zone and fill my stomach with some Soul Food from Busy Bee. I've lived in the ATL for over 15 years and I've never been to this Soul food institution, so being the foodie that I am, I had to try it and share my experience. As we arrive, there's a long waiting line, that didn't matter, we were seated in about 20 minutes. Our waiter, delightful, excellent customer service, and well informed about the restaurant and menu. I was amazed that the restaurant has been around since 1947. The cafÃ© is nestled between 2 other businesses on MLK, so drive slowly so you won't miss it. My dining guest and I both started our meal with sweet tea blended with freshly squeezed lemonade, just the right sweetness. All the meals are served with corn muffins or yeast bread(we tried both)...delicious! The food service is fast and friendly, our food arrived less than 10 minutes. While I ordered the baked Tilapia over a bed of rice, with a side order of candied yams and collard greens(cooked with turkey), my dining guest had the "Beelicious" Fried Chicken which is marinated for 12 hours, lightly breaded, cooked in peanut oil, moist, juicy, crispy.....(of course, I had to try it, so I removed the skin, and devoured it, as JJ( 70's tv show "Good Times") would say it was "Dyn-o-mite! LOL), for his side order, turnip greens and candied yams. Now, I can't forget, dessert, my dining guest and I shared the Keylime Cake and Peach Cobbler, both simply divine. I see what the Buzz is all about, finger lickin' good, deliciously seasoned and cooked Soul Food, prepared with Tender Loving Care, the way my grandmother did. The restaurant has a diner style counter with red leather stools, and red leather booths that line the walls. The walls are filled with local, national celebrities, and their Best of Atlanta "Soul Food" plaques. If you are in a hurry, no time to eat in, don't worry, you can get take out. This is a great place to take out of town guest, just be aware of the long wait and the best part, it's very economical. The cafÃ© has a great atmosphere, very diverse, families, students, and urban trendsetters. There's something on the menu for everyone, even vegetarians. I've had my Soul Food Fill for awhile, now it's back to "Organica" food deluxe.
(4)
Sha A.

Ahhh... Busy Bee...Where shall I start?!.... one of my best friends and I made frequent visits to Busy Bee while we were in college. I loved the baked chicken and dressing and the fried chicken. Overall, I enjoyed every visit to this establishment! One of both of our favorites were the fresh, out of the oven, hot buttered corn muffins... they would just melt in your mouth!
(4)
Kara G.

Is it wrong for me to say that this place was just okay? I had never been to Busy Bee...I know right and I work in the AUC so it's just like right there. The times that I tried to go previously were so packed you couldn't get in the door. Well my coworker and I went at like 11:30 am one Friday and got in right away. I had the smothered chicken, greens and broccoli and rice casserole. Busy Bee is so small it doesn't make any sense. I kept getting bumped (we were sitting at one of the center tables). The greens were fair, the casserole was good but the broccoli had been like pureed it was still good though, the chicken was good, but not fantastic. I don't know if this place is worth all the trouble. I also had the sweet tea which was for sure too sweet, I expected that though and I had the peach cobbler which was good, but honestly can't hold a candle to Spelman College's Wednesday Peach Cobbler in the cafeteria. The service was fine, but I felt claustrophobic here, I am sure I will be back though.
(3)
Kyle R.

Another decent "Sunday Dinner" spot. I had the ribs (fatty, don't recommend them). Fried Chicken was awesome! I'm sorry some people have said that it was "dry" ... must have been an off day because this chicken was great. The veggies were all good and the cornbread is decent. The red velvet cake is some of the best I've ever had. Save room.
(4)
Chen W.

two words - yummy chicken
(5)
Ken L.

forget mary mac's, this is the real place to get good soul food that is off the hook... it might not look good from the outside and it only houses about 30 people inside, but if you dont come early the wait is horrible. and did i mention it is not even located at the best part of town? thanks yelp for helping me to find this diamond in the rough. this soul food joint dishes up the best southern cooking that is hard to beat. the cornbread muffins served with honeyed butter sets up the mood to throw your diet out of your mind. the busybee fried chicken is a must, and you have an option of white meat or dark meat. i paired mine with mashed potatoes and mac n cheese, both items are a delight. these people know what they are doing. service is fast and its always crowded with families, collage kids and people from all walks of life... even celebrities as told by pics on all the walls. furthermore, i noticed buzybee is keeping up with times by changing to the more efficient florescent bulbs, which is greener to the environment. yay! how do i feel today? BLEEEEEEESSED!!
(5)
Kitty D.

I love it so bad!!! I have only been to Atlanta twice and that is the same amount of times I have been to Busy Bee Cafe! It is amazing! I recommend the fried chicken instead of the smothered, why mess up a good thing? The sweet tea is always great. And the sides are amazing! My favorites are the mac and cheese and the greens! I can't wait to go again! They are always busy...it is called Busy Bee! But but don't worry the servers are used to a crowd in the small cafe and they see you. Just be patient because it is worth the wait!
(5)
John A.

imma give you guys a real review about busy bees...ive lived in atlanta all my life so i am what you would consider a soul food critic...ok here goes 15 to 20 years ago this was 1 of atl's best soul food spots...the service/establishment/parking was the same but the food has definitly gotten worst! i remember 10 years ago as i was walking to my car i noticed the large empty vegetable cans in the trash can parking lot and was turned off so i hesitated to return....its been 10 years later and i didnt miss a thing....very dissappointed-smh ok heres how it went: i walked in and saw the same girl at the counter and in the kitchen from 10 years ago, the place was semi packed but still no elbow room so i sat at the counter because it was clear (amazingly but it was closing time) the waitress must have bumped into me 10 times i started to feel she was doing it purposely or she was just use to it i guess. ok now the food review: i ordered the smothered chicken with mac& cheese and rice with grave to be safe plus they was higher than usual, or i probly would have tried the market price ox tails-come on really? but i guess you can blame the economy on that. the corn bread was ok , the usual -cornmeal and water, the chicken was omg danm them wings was huge! i wasnt use to that so of course they was half done not tasty but the breast was just ok, rice was ok, mac was ok, so the $13 price tag plus $2 server tip , plus $1 cashier tip wasnt worth my time and didnt satisfy my appetite either. its safe to say i will never go back to busy bees ever again (r.i.p) ill just spend my $16 bucks at mary macs because its average soul food but at least ill be more comfortable eating my meal.
(1)
Carol S.

This food here is truly delish. Went for lunch before a meeting at a local university & glad I got a seat. The cafe is tiny-- seating perhaps 40 people. I enjoyed the cornbread muffins with honey butter before the delivery of my flaky, cornmeal fried catfish with two sides. Service was prompt with no frills. Lunch ran about $10. I've never sat at a lunch counter that wasn't a bar. Enjoyed that, while reading the framed awards & best of ratings hung on the wall. There are also some tables & booths with signs asking two or more people sit there. Busy Bee is worth the trip. I waddled away with a full belly & a sense of having gone to a regional authentic gem.
(5)
Blissful G.

I adore this place. Since moving to Castleberry, it has become my go-to spot when I do not want to cook. Food travels well so I suggest getting it go because the wait can be maddening. The counter is another option if you are dining solo.
(4)
Jimmy L.

We were in Atlanta for a work related trip, and made a stop here for lunch. The place is located in not the best part of town, in fact, I was a bit intimidated walking up to the restaurant. Inside, the atmosphere was friendly and very welcoming, almost felt like I was a regular. They severed the best fried chicken I have ever tasted. The corn bread was crispy on the outside, soft inside, probably the best corn bread I've eaten, Got collard greens and corn for sides, excellent. Got the sweet potato pie to go, it was as good as it gets. You'll never find soul food this good in the west ...maybe that's why its called southern food...Its only this good when you're in the South.
(5)
Daph N.

The food is absolutely amazing I love their fried chicken my favorite is the carrot souffle Me and my boyfriend drove 9 hours just to have it, it so good. Must have their Arnold Palmer its soooo freaking yummy. Did I mention the carrot Souffle it taste like cake batter. Bbq ribs taste so juicy and smoky. Love it Tomika is awesome at the bar!
(4)
Denise B.

This is the best tasting soul food ever beside of corse your moms or grandmoma :) I always recommend to locals and people from out of town. This food tastes exactly how you expect it to taste. GOOD !!! The location may not be ideal for some but I think that getting soul food in "the hood" area of town makes perfect sense lol and I've never felt unsafe. It's not a fancy place, limited parking, only has maybe 10 tables its ALWAYS busy so prepare for a reasonable wait 15-20m beware on Sundays could be 30m+... they could benefit from expansion however I don't want anything to mess up how good the food and the service is. The ladies that work there have been there for years and they are always friendly and courteous which is also a testimate to how they are treated by owners/management. Everyone seems to work as a team. Paschal, Gladys chicken and waffle on cascade Rd , big daddys on cascade Rd, and this is it BBQ and seafood camp creek all fail horribly when it comes to service, wait times, and quality of food for the price. Side note... big daddy cafÃ© on old national is good too.
(5)
Jeffrey L.

The food and service was excellent. I had the smothered pork chops. The location doesn't look appealing from the outside, but the food makes up for it. Don't wait for service; take the first available seat.
(5)
Ziyan C.

With 3 days in Atlanta, I came for some good southern food but didn't blow my mind as it seems to have for everyone else. Gotta say though the service was great. The two women running the whole place were super friendly and made us feel totally welcome even though we were three Asian girls and must've stuck out like a sore thumb there. * Corn bread muffins - I think I just don't like Atlanta style corn bread! I found this to be dry and tasteless. No one at my table even finished a whole muffin (and they're tiny). * Busy Bee's Fried Chicken (Two pieces of chicken marinated for 12 hours, lightly breaded and fried in peanut oil to a crisp golden brown. Moist, juicy and beelicious served with a choice of 2 veggies and corn bread muffin or dinner roll) $11.99 ($9.99 special) - We got three legs to share between us. The breading was good and light, with a nice slight crunch. The chicken was moist but not the best quality I've had. * Pork Chops (Two chops marinated, lightly breaded and fried in peanut oil to a crisp golden brown or smothered in it's own pan gravy and simmered until tender served with a choice of 2 veggies and corn bread muffin or dinner roll) $12.50 - The chops were good. A little dry but the gravy fixed that. * Fresh Collard Greens - I'm never a fan of collard greens but my friend liked this. * Fried Green Tomatoes - These were the best! The breading was light, good slight crisp, just like the chicken. Really well done. * Fresh Creamed Corn - Another great side. Nice & sweet. Though we were wondering.. creamed corn is just innately good, and we couldn't tell the difference between this and the canned version. * Baked Macaroni & Cheese - We all liked this one. * Peach cobbler a la mode - The ice cream = too sweet & artificial tasting. The cobbler = even MORE sweet & artificial! There was lots of crust and that viscous jam-like stuff, mixed in with some fruit. Overdone. Didn't have any but the Broccoli Cheese Casserole looked good.
(3)
Tara M.

I love Busy Bee Cafe because 1) Its home cooked food right around the corner from my house that I don't have to slave in the kitchen over, 2) because EVERYTHING taste great, 3) they have kick-ass desserts and the Uptown (lemonade & sweet tea mix) is reason to come back alone. Things I don't like; 1) Parking... yes there is a parking lot on the side but that is also used by the barbershop (aka folks just hanging out) so if you get there during peak hours either park across the street at the abandoned Publix lot keep your fingers crossed you will find a spot on the street. 2) The place is TINY meaning you will wait guaranteed. 3) Its cramped! I don't know about you but I don't like big momma's butt in my face while I'm eating my collards. Opt for a booth if possible. Luckily I get my food to go piping hot and don't have to hassle with a lot of the negatives including the parking during the warmer months. I would give it 4 stars for personal opinion, but I ddn't think that would be fair : / BTW Thursday is baked turkey wings (monster size) and dressing day... best. day. ever.
(3)
Stephie Z.

Chalk another one up to the hype machine. Living in Georgia my whole life I feel I have experienced some pretty good country cooking. My absolute favorite meal growing up was fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and mashed potatoes so let's just say I have tried most places versions of my favorite meal. Here are my ultra-subjective ramblings of my highly evolved and correct (;)) taste buds on the fried chicken, mac-n-cheese and mashed 'tater meal here: *Fried chicken- not browned well, very light in color. Crispy, but in a high school lunchroom way, not a deliciously fried country cooking way. Salty. Moist meat. Not my favorite fried chicken by any means. I liked the Colonnade's version better and that is not saying much. *Mashed potatoes- keep in mind I hate condiments and especially gravy so I went plain- the potatoes tasted like a mix of both real potatoes and the boxed flaky kind. Wasn't a huge fan. *Fried Okra- the typical frozen fried kind, but they were fried well and the taste was pure frozen fried okra. *Macaroni and Cheese- the best of the meal. Only one issue with the mac and cheese, it needed more fresh cheddar on top. While the inside was good I love the topping and it was missing that. I would like to say the service was great and I really dug my server. Oh and the cornbread was weak.
(2)
Sumomo O.

Was there on a Tuesday so got the chicken gizzards over rice. I hesitated because usually gizzards are too chewy and stringy, but the menu said "tender" and the waitress reaffirmed this. Indeed, they were amazingly tender and tasty! I'd like to know how they made them like that. The gravy was light. Fried okra seemed to be from a frozen pre-made bag, but I still enjoyed them. The steamed cabbage was surprisingly good - I reluctantly ordered it in search of vegetables, and I'd definitely order it again. Nice service, too.
(5)
Ken K.

Yelpers...you've got to be kidding. One of my friends invited me to join him for lunch today at Busy Bee. He was surprised that I wasn't familiar with the establishment. He had taken his mother there and really thought the food was something special. Something special? Try Morrison's Cafeteria served by gargantuan waitresses with a pair of Stone Mountains! This place had their walls filled with autographed pictures of rap singers and other entrepreneurs who I guess have little taste. I ordered their famous chicken. Southern fried of course...dried out and stringy. A quarter chicken with two sides for $12.95. Are you kidding? The meal was just OK. The food was tasty and all but served in school cafeteria plates and dishes. It didn't help that the door constantly blew open letting cold drafts into the restaurant and no one cared. Low rent. Low class. An embarrassment to Atlanta.
(1)
Tom R.

The best meat and threes in the Atlanta metro, bar none. The fried chicken is the best outside of Nashville, and the veggies have that real soul food 'pork in everything' thing going on. It's crowded and tight, but the butt-bumping is a part of the charm. And everyone that works there is wonderfully welcoming. I love the Busy Bee!
(5)
Maurice D.

One Word: "GHETTO!" My partner and I walked in on a Monday afternoon and the place was packed. I was standing by the door waiting to be greeted and none of the staff came over or said anything. Then I saw a sign that read: PLEASE BE SEATED. Next to that sign I saw from the Georgia Health Department a grade of 84-B.... OKAY! So as we are walking over to the one available table in the restaurant and I am looking around and noticing that the cleanliness of the place is definitely lacking and notice that the food on people's tables all looks very greasy and unhealthy, then I realize that the odor in the restaurant is not a pleasant aroma that I want to smell while I sit down and eat a meal. Then I noticed that the staff appeared to be sloppy and overweight. Then at the table I saw the ugly, dirty laminated paper menus. So I assume my partner noticed my facial expressions and he asked before we even sat down if I wanted to still eat here and I said NO! We walked right back out! I really do not get all the hype about this place. This is ATLANTA! A spot like this should be some where in Mississippi or Alabama and with a grade of 84-B I am surprised the health department hasn't shut them down yet! I have never seen a restaurant in Atlanta graded that low. I wish I could give NO STARS! WASTE OF TIME!
(1)
Ms. W.

Oh hell yeah! This is the spot! The food was fresh, well seasoned, fattening as all get out, hot,... true southern cooking for you! The place is tiny when you look at the crowds, but dammit, it's worth the wait! I had elbows in my face, butts in my face, but I hunkered down and was swept away. Mouth-gasm at its best! Maybe I just went on a good day, but good it was! The chicken was perfectly crispy and tasty, the mac n cheese was delicious, the yams... I cannot say much more other than this is a place to visit if ever on that side of town. We stumbled on it after asking a random guy at a stop light where to get good southern food and he gave us the directions. Best advice we have received from a stranger about food in a long time! I have yet to try their desserts but plan to next time. I will go back again and again and again!!! I thnk I need to make that happen this weekend!
(5)
Sunday's Girl 1.

Search no further for the best fried chicken. Every now and then I have to get a fried chicken fix! My go to used to be Son's in Inman Park but after closing @ 2009 I began my quest for a replacement. Mary Macs and Carver's just didn't make the cut. Yeast rolls, fried okra, beautiful collards, mac and cheese - I even approve of the cornbread dressing which is a hard sell for me considering no one has ever topped my mom's. Busy bee has laid back atmosphere and the service is on point and always friendly.
(5)
Keisha D.

Good food. Not set up for a good dine in experience though. Call your order in and pick it up.
(3)
Alex L.

best fried chicken of my life
(5)
Angelique V.

Arrive early! Def order fried chicken, Mac n cheese, collard greens, and broccoli casserole. For dessert, finish with peach cobbler. Don't even consider drinking water. Sweet tea FTW! We laughed at the ppl who dared to order salad. Who does that at a soul food joint? Each bite of cornbread was divine. It comes out warm and you can tell it was made with love and seasoned with soul.
(5)
Amy P.

My boyfriend and I chose this restaurant because he was in search of the best fried chicken in ATL, and the Busy Bee did not disappoint! He ordered the 2 piece fried chicken with collards, and he loved both, commenting that the chicken was fried fresh, and hadn't been sitting around like at other places. I ordered the choose 3 veggie plate, because I'm a vegetarian, and I loved everything. Being a vegetarian, I really appreciated that next to each "veg" item it was marked if the item was completely vegetarian. I got the carrot soufflÃ© because I had read that it was good in other reviews, the mac and cheese, and fried okra. All were awesome. The carrot soufflÃ© was something I hadn't had before, so I was unsure what to expect: it was very, very sweet (pretty much a dessert) but I really liked it, nonetheless. The mac and cheese was perfect. A lot of times I have to salt my mac and cheese to make the flavor come out, but this was already seasoned perfectly. Lastly, the fried okra was fried to perfection; it was super crispy, and not too greasy. I also ordered the sweet tea, which is totally authentic...it's super sweet! I loved this place, and would definitely come back again when in town.
(5)
Reynold B.

I am from California and I must have my soul food fix every time I visit the South and Busy Bee Cafe is the place I usually visit when in Atlanta. I went there yesterday afternoon for lunch and the food was great as usual and the service is impeccable. Britney was my server and she by far is one of the best servers I have had in the past five years in restaurants and could train many servers on how it is done. I had my usual smothered chicken with collard greens and macaroni and cheese and of course peach cobbler to go. The parking is a little tight and when I go to these restaurants in most major cities that are now charging $25.00 for fried chicken I look at them and say "GET A GRIP". it is only chicken...
(5)
Ryan C.

I was definitely tourist when I was there. The fried chicken, catfish, collards, and corn was simply the best. it looked like a local favorite. trek your way over there and get some sweet tea.
(5)
Misha T.

This place is obviously a community institution and when I went it was full of folks coming from church, or possibly going to an afternoon session? In any event, I thought my fried chicken was pretty good. Not like blow your mind good but it's always good to see where the locals like to eat. I was just in ATL for a long plane layover and of the places I read about on yelp/chowhound Busy Bee was the most accessible by public transpo and I wasn't disappointed.
(4)
Michelle B.

This is the kind of place I look for in every town I live in...or work in...I've been a local dive hunter for years. I'm almost embarrassed to say that after living here for nearly four years, this was my first visit. I was under orders to have nothing but the fried chicken. I was told it is the best in Atlanta. Not sure about that, since I don't eat fried anything that often, but I will say that the stuff was good. Better than almost everyone else's I've had. So were the green beans and greens (not sure which kind I had, but they were rightous.) I'm told the cream corn is delightful, made from fresh corn daily. I could've made a meal from just the veggie menu. Big kudos to the staff! It was President's Day, so lots of locals were off work. There's a pretty new Walmart across the street that was packed. The place was slammed! Perfect day for the computer to crash, and leave a biz stuck for the day to only take cash. Most of the staff was smiling and friendly, making us all sympathize with the situation. Even with the massive crowd, (hey, when you only have 8-10 tables, 30 people in your door is a mob!), the credit card confusion and the arrival of a local/national celebrity (hint: she has a Cover Girl commercial and wears a wicked hat) everyone was cool, calm and collected, service was quick and food was outstanding! The only reason I didn't give 4 stars? Pork chops are only on Sunday. Can't judge a good Southern place without having a pork chop, can I? It's the only time I eat them!
(3)
Joiya M.

Good, good home cooking!!! Collards, fried Chicken and Mac and Cheese....ummm mouth watering goodness. I would move in and live under the sink...its so good. You should visit this spot if you are in the city...eat till you can't move. Just look forward to a wait and try to do take-out if possible...they should really invest in a new location.
(4)
Akisha T.

Love love love this place. It's small but the flavor is big. Never had a bad dish in my experience.
(5)
Tatiana S.

The smothered turkey wings had tender, fall-off-the-bone meat. The dressing was well seasoned so you could still taste a hint of cornbread and an appropriate level of moisture (not a fan of dry stuffing). I also ordered yams and collard greens. The greens were tasty and the yams werent bad but they were a little too sweet for me. The meal also comes with cornbread and a little sliver of cranberry sauce. Its like thanksgiving any time of year. A little pricy but worth it for the portion.
(4)
Mercedes W.

If you have a sweet tooth like myself, try their red velvet cake. One word, DIVINE!!! It's homemade, moist, decent size piece, and contains pecans on the cream cheese icing. I give this place an overall 3 stars because of the inconsistency of food. I've been visiting this place on and off again for about 3 years and the food is not always up to par. And then there is the issue of space. Why must I walk through the restaurant in an attempt to find a table and nearly bump every chair and/or table that I pass?!
(3)
Sara M.

YES. That's really all I have to say about Busy Bee. Well, I suppose I could say more. Delicious fried chicken, among the best in Atlanta. Friendly service. Great sweet tea. It's become a place for my co-worker and me to treat ourselves every once in a while, especially on the occasional Friday, when their fried chicken is the special, available for a few bucks cheaper than the regular entree. As I said, the fried chicken is delicious. Well-seasoned, and I haven't had a dry breast piece yet. As for sides, I've tried the mac & cheese, mashed potatoes, collard greens, and the broccoli cheese casserole. All are good, and if I had to choose favorites, they'd probably be the mac & cheese and mashed potatoes. But I always try to have something green on my plate, so I never get the two together. The fried chicken special also comes with your choice of dinner roll or cornbread. I don't really care for the cornbread -- I found it to be dry, crumbly, and salty. The dinner roll is nothing special taste wise, but comes to you warm and super soft and fluffy. I like the service here, also. We come on the early side, so there is plenty of seating, and a server has always greeted us and instructed us to have a seat wherever we'd like. You pay up front, and the cashier is always good about asking if I'd like a bag for my leftovers. Get there early and parking is easy. The lot is teeny tiny and the larger lot adjacent to it can get tight. There is, however, a huge parking lot across the street where the Publix used to be. One of these days, I will leave enough room in my belly for dessert! Oh yes, one final note: They are closed on Saturday! CLOSED! SATURDAY! If you go there on a Saturday, mistakingly thinking they're closed on Sunday, you will find a dark interior, a locked door, and the guys at the barber shop next door will look at you funny. ...not that I know from personal experience or anything.
(4)
Leticia C.

These people have the best soul food in town. Don't rate them low cause you have to wait to be seated, fed, and pay. It's just the way it is. Aside from that the food is excellent. Oh, don't order the ox tails, they are way over priced.
(4)
M W.

Yes, they do indeed stay busy as bees here. A must go to in "the A." Fried chicken, carrot soufflÃ©, and the oxtails will make you slap yo mama! Love the quaint old school feel. Fun to sit at the counter and people watch. We need a Busy Bee on the north side!
(5)
Ashley W.

I've finally came to the conclusion that I just don't like this place. The food is ok and nothing that makes me want to come back. It's waaaayyyy to busy for what it puts out. I guess different strokes for different folks. But it didn't stroke me or my taste buds. I'll tell everyone to try it and form your own opinion because this place definitely has a following. I'll stick to my beloved Mary Mac's or m own kitchen.
(2)
Cathy P.

Service was excellent and friendly. The fried chicken was hot, crisp and tasty. I had the chitt'lin dinner with potato salad and collards. It's just hard to find good potato salad. It was what my grandma would call mashed potato salad. Good flavor but not much substance in texture. The greens were very good and the chitterlings (chitt'lins) were just ok. A little dry and needing a lot of seasoning. Worth another trip to try a different entree on the menu.
(3)
Heather S.

A friend and I have been on a quest to find the best fried chicken in Atlanta. Our most recent journey brought us here. Chicken was great. It was perfectly cooked with just the right amount of seasoning. Sides were good. I had mac and cheese and fried green tomatoes, but next time will probably opt for something else. The space is small and if you go on a Sunday, go when they open. We got there and got seated with no issue, but it got packed really quickly. Service was great and price seemed about average. So far, I think they are winning the battle of the chicken.
(4)
Rahnesha K.

The place is very limited in space (especially on Sunday at 11am when I went) and the wait time was a tad lengthy.....and it was 100% worth it! This was first time in Atlanta, and last day there so I didn't hold back. I had the fried chicken, greens, mac n cheese, potato salad. My boyfriend had catfish (and I stole some of that too.....don't you dare judge me!). Flavorful and delicious! I also had the peach cobbler, bf had the key lime cake but I was too absorbed in the cobbler to try the cake - he had only good things to say about it.
(5)
Michael G.

If you want some Outstanding Fried Chicken this is the place. While visiting Atlanta my wife and I jumped off the Marta and we were not disappointed. Small local place but the staff were all friendly and we even struck up a conversation with a local that had been going to Busy Bee's for 25 years. Make sure to get the mac and cheese as a side! Authentic local spot!!
(5)
Vida D.

A friend was moving out of town, and we decided to do a tour of her favorite places She took me to Busy Bee, and sad to say I have lived in Atlanta for years and have never been. We went on a Friday afternoon, it wasn't too crowded and apparently even folks driving ferraris like Busy Bee. We took a seat and Ms. Sheila was helping us. We both ordered the fried whiting plate. I ordered mine with a side of okra, and a side of turnip greens. The rolls that come with the food were delicious and I hate corn muffins. The sweet tea-lemonade mix was to die for. I wanted to try the key lime cake, but the summer season told me NO! I have to go back and take the Mr. He is dying to try real soul food not cooked in a relatives kitchen.
(4)
Joe W.

exceptional food better people. Have the fried chicken. Great deserts include banana pudding and sweet potato pie.
(5)
Dorothy P.

Came here on a really busy Sunday (probably the busiest day to come), parking was hard, line was long...but once we sat down (sitting at the bar is more fun) it was all worth it! Atl magazine voted this joint as having the best fried chicken so I wanted to taste for myself...it didn't disappoint! I recommend getting what I got if this is ur first visit here like mine: fried chicken, collard greens, Mac n cheese, black eyes peas and wash it down w the uptown (half lemonade half sweet tea). The corn muffins they give at the start r amazing.This place makes me so proud to be from the south!
(5)
Tamar S.

My visit to Busy Bee made me forget about my all time fave, Paschals and made me think even less of the overrated Mary Macs. I ordered the cubed steak, mac and cheese and rice and gravy and if I hadn't been on a date I would've licked my plate. The only thing I can really complain about is when we asked a server for the wifi password her reply was very snippy and smartass. She wasn't our server and I won't identify her because maybe she was having a bad day, but I work in customer service and know firsthand that it's not what you say, but how you say it. Our server was great, though, but u do have to point out a few blips in the service. We were a party of 3 and one person's food took so long to come out that the sever expressed concern. It would have been better if all 3 were bought at once. The other issue was when paying with a credit card and giving the card at the table the customer is asked for ID. I assume it's for a reason but that is NOT normal protocol as restaurants. But the food, which is the primary reason we were there, was the BEST.
(4)
Tiya R.

Rita and I went to Busy Bee Cafe. She's from MO and knew about this place. I can't believe no one has suggested this place to me before...I can't believe I haven't heard of it already. This is the best food I ever tasted in my entire life ever on this earth in this universe. I had smothered chicken and broccoli casserole and lima beans and i wanted to slap everybody in that place. I want to marry every cook in that place. I would drink that gravy like it was red kool-aid. AND the sweet tea is the best in the world, 2nd to my grandma's sweet tea. That food made me feel like i was being unfaithful to every other good morsel of food i had eaten in the past. That food was so good i really got mad at everyone i knew in Atlanta for about 47 seconds, because none of you people had taken me there before. The building is so small. That food was so good i was glad the building was so small, because that meant not so many people would be able to fit in there....when i wanted more food. That food was so damn good that I tasted the first bite and immediately began to plan my escape route from work to Busy Bee Cafe for my lunch breaks. That food was so good, all i wanted to do after i was done eating was to crawl up in my bed in the fetal position and put my thumb in my mouth like a 3 year old kid that just got bathed tucked in by his 67 year old aunt that smells like moth balls. That food was so good it could be used in a ransom situation. That food could will somebody off of the top of a building giving them hope to continue life instead of jumping off of the edge. The way that food tasted made me feel like I was in a commercial for Golden Coral or Denny's but with better food. That food should be in the Guinness Book of World Records for the food that will make you loose yourself the most. This food would make Don Sterling love the black people that cooked this food. They should send him a plate. Ok..im done, I gotta get to maps.google.com to figure out the best route to this place. Sheesh!!
(5)
JAmie k.

I love this place... this is as close to home cooked food as you can get. I find myself wanting to go several times a week!! It's definitely at the top of my list for soul food restaurants. And I love that they they don't close early because it's close to closing time.
(5)
Rebecca O.

Growing up in the south, fried chicken and southern food are my favorite. The sides here are great! I had the mac n cheese and candied yams. The mac n cheese was tasty, and some of the better restaurant mac n cheese I've had. The candied yams were sweet but also citrus-y (likely made with orange juice). They weren't overpoweringly sweet, like you find with many yam and sweet potato dishes. The fried chicken is good, and not overcooked. However, I wish there was a little more seasoning to it. Although tasty, it was just missing something that would've made it spectacular. Overall, one of the better southern restaurants in the city. If you want a true southern food experience, this is it!
(4)
Barb G.

This is the place to go for fried chicken/soul food. The place is really small...just about 10 tables and counter seating. My husband got there around 1:00 and the place was packed. With that being said we were greeted with a friendly hello by everyone who works there. So I ordered the 2 piece chicken dinner...you get to pick what chicken you want and 2 sides. The chicken is CRISPY and tender...my mouth starts to water thinking about it...the mac and cheese is delicious and the broccoli cheese casserole was tasty. I was stuffed but couldn't resist the temptation to order the peach cobbler...OMG it was amazing - every last bite of it! If you want a taste of the south Busy Bee is the place to go.
(4)
Melissa L.

We came here looking for chitlins, but were disappointed to find out it's the off season. But it looks like my weekend in Atlanta has turned out to be the Great Fried Chicken Escape because that's all I've been having. No complaints about the chicken, they are well-known for that. The candied yams are equally amazing. Be prepared for some chaos if it is your first time. The crowd hovering by the entrance are for takeout only, or waiting to close their check. You will have to ask every person if front of you if they are dining in, then jostle your way forward to catch the server's attention. It is a waiting game from here on. You wait to be seated and you wait for your food. But it isn't a bad experience. It is busy but the servers remain friendly, they check on you and follow up on promises to check on your food. The food lives up to the reputation.
(4)
Dave L.

awesome fried chicken and sides, great experience here down in Georgia. Foods great, people are great, and the sweet tea is definitely sweet! =)
(5)
Alex C.

Everyone says get the fried chicken. Well, if you're going with a bunch of people all getting the friend chicken, I'd say get the fried catfish! In my opinion the catfish was better seasoned and better cooked than the chicken. In fact, the white meat that my friends got was a little stringy (overcooked/dry), the dark meat was okay, though still lacking in seasoning. In terms of sides, the sweet potatoes are the variety that is made with OJ, so expect some citrus flavor. The mashed potatoes aren't quite salty enough, even with gravy. However, the fried green potatoes are huge and good, as is the broccoli and cheese casserole.
(4)
Japhet L.

The food is good, but it is nothing to write home about. The sides are better than the main dishes.
(3)
Exnovia M.

Visiting from Maryland and the food was awesome.. We waited awhile for a table, however, the food was worth the wait.. Definitely recommend for anyone looking for some southern soul food..
(4)
q c.

Waited over 45min and being from Cali I expected more from this place. Sides were very bland. Ribs were not the best. However the peach cobbler was very good.
(2)
Alan A.

In Atlanta for a convention. I heard this place is good, so I caught a lyft over for dinner. The place was full, but myself and 4 other people from the convention were the only white people there. :) They apparently have won awards for the best fried chicken in Atlanta. Ordered the 2 pieces of fried chicken, broccoli casserole, and collard greens. The chicken was OK. It had a lot of flavor to it, but one piece was drier than the other. It did have a good crust. The collard greens had a good flavor to them. Collards if not cooked right can be slimy, but these were not. I never got the broccoli casserole, because they told *me* they were out, but then after I ordered Mac and Cheese as a replacement, they put it in a to go order for someone else. Turns out they weren't out after all. Anyway, the Mac and Cheese was good. Not spectacular, but good. Very rich and cheesy. What brings this place up one star is the peach cobbler. OH, My, God!!! The dough they use for the cobbler was delicate, the peaches were delicious, and the sauce was amazing!!! The dessert was the best part of the meal!! Overall, an up and down experience saved by a great dessert. t.
(4)
Viviana M.

We were on our way to FL and were looking for some good southern cooking on our way. We found Busy Bee through Yelp and it was amazing! The wait wasnt long at all the staff was super friendly. It is a bit pricy but totally worth it. We ordered the mac n cheese, greens, fried green tomatoes, candied yams, and basket of corn bread; oh and a peach cobbler to go. All delicious, all amazing. Please give this place your business!
(5)
Missy W.

The food was Delicious!! Only only complaint is that the Monday Special which was meatloaf was done by 4:30pm. So I was unable to get 2 dinners for myself and my guest. If the restaurant closes at 7pm, why not have enough to cover the dinner diner's.
(4)
Deborah H.

Good solid down south cooking. Good service, endless iced tea, outstanding fired okra and good smothered pork chops. Some of the vegetables were average and under seasoned. Lots of vibe and local color. I would return when back in Atlanta. Near downtown w parking.
(3)
Vanessa M.

Busy bee was my go to place for food. But over the years the food and the service has declined. The food can get a bit pricey
(3)
Nekiba M.

I usually order the fried chicken but decided the fried pork chop. Best decision to go for the fried pork chop. It's up there with their chicken if not better. Great now I have make a decision when I come here, which to lean to the chicken or pork chop. Decisions, decisions.
(4)
William F.

I hadn't been to Busy Bee since college, the prices are higher but the food is still savory. The space is small so if u are clostraphobic - get your food to go. The mac n cheese is hands down the best i have ever had. It was soft and cheesey. The fried chicken is delicious and so is the okra. The sweet tea was good but next time ill pass on the fresh lemonade. Busy Bee is the perfect spot for southern cuisine.
(5)
Shon B.

Busy Bees has always been my to-go spot for the best smothered fried chicken. They have so many side options that its hard to chose a favorite, but I absolutely love the candied yams and mac & cheese. Oh and don't forget to try the desserts!
(5)
Crystal H.

Great food. The fried catfish was everything. The service was great. There was quite a few people dining in when we arrived, but the wait wasn't too bad. This is my 4th time eating here and they have still been a great satisfaction. Highly recommend!!
(5)
Howard A.

About 4 years ago i ate here for lunch while visiting ATL on business. I ate Mac & Cheese, Yams and Fried Chicken. About 45 minutes later I was in a meeting and had to leave early to return to hotel..... I Got a SEVERE CASE OF FOOD POISONING. I was on the toilet 2X/hour, for the next 4 hours. I had an event that night and had to leave it twice to use bathroom. NEVER AGAIN. EVERYTHING GOOD TO YOU, IS NOT GOOD FOR YOU. CAN'T TRUST THEM.
(1)
Chloe S.

I have been here twice and I LOVED it both times. The first time I was here, I brought my mom. She even mentioned then that although she has to add salt to all restaurant food, the food here was all perfectly seasoned and salted! Fried green tomatoes, mac and cheese, candied yams, and fried chicken I have all tried and they are wonderful! Not to mention perfectly sweetened tea.. yum yum yum.. hoping to return soon!
(5)
Ayesha N.

An ode to Busy Bee Cafe: Threatened by storm clouds along the way, I found relief in your jumbo fan and celebrity adorned walls. Your "Uptown" was as sweet as our waitress, Jackie. Tangy and crisped to perfection, Your fried green tomatoes lingered on my taste buds. Surpassed in delight only by your tender and tantalizing, Perfectly seasoned collard greens. I will savor the experience of your Southern authenticity For many moons. Oh, and that fried chicken was the effin' BOMB.
(4)
Jason B.

Hella good. I had oxtails and my girl had smothered chicken. Everything was good all of the sides included. A bit pricey but worth the experience. Sweet tea was good. Lemonade hella sweet. Bannana pudding was full of hella waffers and delicious. I got it to go and murdered it when i got back to the hotel
(4)
Britney R.

Everything about this place, YES. We ordered half the menu and EVERY SINGLE THING we ordered was delicious. And it's so reasonably priced. I will be back here every time I come to Atlanta!
(5)
Ms.Leading 1.

Busy Bees has always been Authentic (to me) no sugar in the FOOD desserts yes This time I ordered Ribs Mac&cheese yams banana puddin (xtra cookies) collards and an Arnold Palmer.... Customer Service Great Establishment was clean Satisfied on every level.
(5)
Steven C.

Supposedly an ATL tradition since '47. I think they could do better. Sure the small restaurant interior oozes historic atmosphere, ignoring the fact a Walmart was built right across the street. Service was warm & cheerful, but the food came out super fast that it felt like they had most of the food prepared already in the back & just reheated. Tried the following: Fried Chicken (2pc) - Crispy flaky skin, but tended to lack flavor. Chicken itself was dry too even though it was split between dark & white meat. Maybe I just don't get it or Southern fried chicken is really average. I mean it's hardly a grade above fast food chicken, I'd rather have Korean style chicken instead. Smothered Chicken - This was okay. The gravy giving the fried chicken a lot more flavor, although a tad bit salty. Fried Catfish - Highlight of the meal, seasoned well. I would of much preferred something like this on the fried chicken on retrospect. Stewed Oxtails - Tender, but not to the point where it was fall off the bone. White rice it was served with was a bit mushy but the oxtails alone were alright. And a whole bunch of sides, the only stand out would be the carrot souffle & collared greens, everything else including the mac n cheese, blackeye peas, and candied yams were not very good. Cornbread itself wasn't even flaky, it was rather hard and dry. I don't understand the love for this place. This was also the restaurant that I started feeling underwhelmed by ATL's food scene.
(2)
Keith B.

Meat & Three for Me Busy Bee CafÃ© has been around for a while and has garnered several awards and mentions in various lists as some of the best fried chicken in the country. They don't lie. We went for lunch and it was busy, but we were able to score a table pretty quickly. The place is really a large diner with a counter and stools and several tables and booths. Service was quick and friendly. Typical of southern restaurants, there were lots of vegetables on the menu. I had a half fried chicken with 2 sides and my lunch partner had a 4-vegetable plate. We shared everything. The chicken was delicious. So often fried chicken is greasy but this was not. The coating was the perfect amount of crunchy without being overly-battered. Highlights in the sides were the collard greens and the fried green tomatoes. Also good were the fried okra, mashed potato, creamed carrot and baked beans. It all comes with very nice cornbread. For dessert we had an excellent peach cobbler. Normally that is way too sweet for my taste, but this had wonderful fruit punch without all the normal added sugar. I would definitely return for more of that wonderful food.
(5)
D J.

I've been here a couple of times and the food is good. My Complaint is the lack of adequate seat space for dine in and also parking. And if you take food to go they charge you .39 for the to go container i guess. which i think is wrong. It should be added into the price of the plate. Not leaving customers feeling like they are being nickel and dimed.
(3)
George G.

I'd have to day the place has some of the best fried chicken in Atlanta. However, if you aren't willing to wait in a long line, this isn't the place for you. Also, some of the worker bees there can be pretty rude when it gets busy which is a big time turn off for me. Honestly, I'd rather go to Mary Mac's and get similar food and service with a smile.
(3)
Miguel A.

Fried chicken was fresh and flavorful. Fried green tomatoes were excellent with or without hot sauce. Mac and cheese was a little greasy for my taste. The yams looked better when I peeked at other tables. Didn't try the fried pork chop but it looked awesome also. If you go, expect it to be crowded and a whole lot of culture attitude. Great little hidden gem other than a highly advertised famous person.
(4)
Michelle L.

This is as authentic as southern soul food gets in Atlanta, Georgia. The key part is the "soul" component, which sets this downtown treasure apart from your more gentile offerings, like Mary Mac's or the Colonnade. Time your arrival for right before Church lets out (seriously folks, timing is EVERYTHING) and still be prepared to wait for one of the cramped tables or booths. Make it an afternoon event, because it takes a while to fry chicken, okra and green tomatoes up this golden delicious. Or to boil down collards in pork fat salted water. Or bake sweet potatoes into a sweet serenade of earthy flavors. Bring friends, order a lot of sides, share, clean your plates - this ain't for gym day or guilt day. And for the love of everything - save room for the banana pudding!
(4)
Crystal H.

Me and two friends ate here yesterday after looking at the reviews. The food was excellent!! We ordered the fried chicken and pork chops. All the sides were homemade and the candied yams, green beans, and cornbread dressing are fantastic! We ordered so much we had enough leftovers to feed three. We ordered almost every side item. Our server Sheila was great and very attentive even though the place was packed. Oh an try the sweet tea! I will definitely come back the next time I'm in Atlanta. I may go back before I leave! Great place and the prices are reasonable!
(5)
Jamie S.

This place has the best soul food in Atlanta BY FAR so don't be fooled by the hype around other restaurants like Mary Mac's Tea Room or Colonnade. I would assume those places get more press because of their location, but dont be deterred because this place is definitely worth the drive. I visited Busy Bees on a Friday afternoon and was promptly seated. Everyone who worked there was super friendly (it was truly southern hospitality) For my meal, I tried the smothered chicken (opted for white meat) along with a side of rice, collards, and yams. Everything was super tasty and cooked to perfection...including the corn muffins which were some of the best I've had. And my food came out within minutes!!! Overall it was a pleasant experience and would recommend the restaurant to anyone looking for down home cooking/real food with a soulful essence in Atlanta. This was one of the few meals I had in Atlanta that actually comforted me and made me feel like I was in the south. Way to go Busy Bees!!! This is a must try type of place in Atlanta!!!
(5)
Savannah M.

Wow! What can I say about this place? It was amazing. Hands down the best "soul food" I have ever had. I had fried chicken, collard greens, and baked macaroni. All were delicious. It is a small place but with a homey atmosphere. Love the music and photos on the wall as well. I was definitely impressed and glad we came here.
(5)
Ryan L.

My favorite soul place in Atlanta. It's probably the classiest for soul style southern in town, and many famous ATL people have come through here. Their prices are higher than the soul food cafeterias like 285 Soul and K&K, but the quality and sit-down service more than make up for that. Basically the soul version of Mary Mac's. Come here for ATL's best fried chicken, and their turkey wings, green tomatoes, and mac n cheese are decadent. This place gets busy (hence the name), and there's usually a wait. Don't forget they aren't open for dinner, and not on Saturdays.
(5)
Karim K.

It took 45 minutes to get our food AFTER sitting down. The food was very average for soul food. Had thee fried chicken and catfish. The black eyed peas and yams were lacking in flavor, I've had much better elsewhere. This place is ranked high but not worth the wait! There was no organization and the servers were too busy gossiping to pay attention to guests. You must be assertive to get service!!
(1)
Fabian W.

There's something great about a restaurant where everything you pick is fantastic. The wait on the other hand, just plain sucks. But call in orders are an option.
(5)
Kimberly W.

I used Busy Bee Cafe for the first time today. Wow! was pleasantly surprised by the awesome food and the EXCELLENT service. I highly recommend this restaurant!
(5)
John S.

Ok. This is the BEST. The best soul food I've eaten thus far in Georgia, We had fried Chicken, Turkey wings smothered in Gravy (a Thursday special), Fried Okra, Fried Green Tomatoes, Green beans, Collard greens and peach cobbler. The Thursday special of Turkey wings has stuffing and cranberry, too. - EXCELLENT. The Fried green tomatoes were the best I'd had ANYWHERE. The fried okra was standard fried okra. Green beans very good as were the collard greens. The peach cobbler was the BEST I'd had anywhere by a long shot. The Fried chicken was EXCELLENT. This place is IT!!
(5)
AC O.

This was the best souls food I have had in Atlanta in the five years that I lives here. I was fortunate enough to strategic convince my family to order a diverse array of food so that we could sample multiple items. And everything - I mean everything - was outstanding. Thank you Busy Bee!!!
(5)
Leslie W.

In a word...delicious. I had fried chicken, collard greens, mac & cheese, and peach cobbler. I enjoyed every bite. The restaurant is a little tiny, especially when full. The service is great, but you may have to wait a while if you go during a busy time, like noon.
(5)
Dennie C.

I was visiting family and friends in Atlanta not too long ago and had asked for some suggestions for Southern food. Everyone enthusiastically recommended Busy Bee as the spot for authentic Southern food - especially since they found out someone sent us to Chicken N Waffles and wanted to set us right with real Southern eating. They were absolutely right, we ordered a few dishes and everything was delicious , indulgent and priced perfectly for every day dining. I do have to say though that if you're not used to eating Southern food then brace yourself because part of what makes it so delicious is they don't hold back so if butter, salt and even lard can take a dish to that other level then it's going there. I remember after both times that I ate here sitting outside in my car having a coffee trying to get my system going again because I was in a food coma like I went in heavy on Thanksgiving dinner. Seriously though their food is delicious so if you're in the area do yourself a favor and check it out. Maybe schedule in a nap or something afterwards, hehe.
(4)
Deborah S.

We were very satisfied with the service and the Food, I think if they expanded the place it might loose something, I had the ribs with sides, potato salad, candied yams, Mac n cheese, string beans and cornbread. Dessert ( Butter Pound Cake ). And Peach Cobbler ( Wonderful ).
(4)
Garrett O.

First time experience. Had heard about it a couple of times but since I was around I decided to give it a try! This place was PACKED! A little enclosed but the atmosphere of the place is that of one big family! We were seated within the first 5 minutes (if you are alone you can choose to eat at the bar too). The lady who served us was very kind in answering all of my questions. They change up their menu everyday. I was hoping for the meat loaf or liver and onions but they only serve it Monday and Friday. So I settled with the ribs. OMFGGD I could not tell you how delicious they were. Every bone fell off the meat! Whatever sauce it was I couldn't get enough of it! Each plate comes with two sides and I decided to get the fried green tomatoes and fried okra. It literally took less than the 5 minutes it took us to get seated to get our food after placing our order. I was very happy. A plus was that this lady came in and I saw two people ask her if she had been helped. These people were very professional. For desert I tried the key like cake. Yes cake xD It was okay but next time I will try something different. My manager got the banana pudding and wow! It was huge. A big portion that looked absolutely amazing with every bite she took. Price wise with both of our meals it was $40 but all things aside with the speed of service and taste/texture of the food it was well worth it and I will be here again. The only draw back is the seating.
(4)
Stacy M.

The food was good except the turnips had too much salt ! The food was overly pricey for the small postions ,one scope of dressing served.I was disappointed paying that type for such small dinner.
(3)
Tom M.

We went to Busy Bee based on all the hype around their fried chicken. It is one of my life's quests to find the best fried chicken, obsessed since childhood. Well...our experience wasn't as good as the other reviews would have indicated. The chicken didn't have much flavor and was so over cooked it was dry. Coating was crispy but it needed seasoning. The sides were equally lackluster. Fried Green Tomtoes were adequate, mac and cheese kinda 'eh', potato salad (quite good), and the rice with gravy was also 'eh'. But the real sad thing was the chicken. One piece came out cold (bad) the other piping hot (yea!) but it was clear it hadn't been seasoned very well and the meat dry from over cooking. Considering the list of places that has really good consistent fired chicken: South City, JCT, even Mary Macs this fell short. My quest continues...
(2)
Deidre A.

I moved to Atlanta 2 months ago and I was looking for a good SoulFood restaurant and seen Busy Bee's on my favorite television show that was showcasing restaurants in Atlanta, Andrew Zimmerman's "Bizzare Food" and I knew I had to check it out and OMGeeeeeeee! It is worth the drive thru Atlanta traffic! I had to takeout, but the service was still excellent. Of course had the fried chicken. Everything I ordered was soooo good. I recommend this to everyone living or visiting the "A"!
(5)
Ling X.

Sign in the window states they were voted best fried chicken in Atlanta. I can agree. Solid choice to take visitors for some great soul food but expect a wait because the place is small. They do take out orders though.
(4)
Spechal A.

I love coming here. The food is always great. The area is sketchy, and parking is tight if you park in the lot. Inside, it's very tight, and it's always a 15-20 minute wait to be seated... But it's worth the wait. Our waitress ms. Jackie is super nice. She was very attentive to us. The smothered pork chops is amazing. The fixin's are great, especially the collard greens and Mac N cheese.
(5)
Edward B.

Dearest Busy Bee, I live in Phoenix and was raised in Michigan. My momma and grandma could cook some greens, God rest their souls. But on the afternoon of May 1, 2015 in Atlanta Georgia I had a bowl of turnip greens that took me back to all those Sunday afternoons. The texture, the saltiness, the flavor was the best that I have had. Busy Bee Thank you!
(5)
v p.

I ordered 4 pieces of fried chicken, that is half a chicken. It was so good, I finished it all. I am a 130lb petite girl by the way. I got an Uptown to drink, it was very refreshing, it wasn't too sweet. Service was great! :) Next time I am in Atlanta, I will return.
(5)
Fee A.

Busy Bees Busy Bees oh Busy Bees.... Where do I begin? Okay, so I was a virgin to Busy Bees, but today I decided to become a grown woman. I read previous reviews and decided to go around 3ish, which is when the traffic should have lighten up. I actually called ahead to place an order to go (.45Â¢ charge for to-go orders). I ordered the smothered pork chop dinner with mac&cheese, black-eyed peas, rice and gravy and a roll. For desert I got a slice of key-lime cake and and uptown to drink. Overall the food was okay. The pork chops were barely covered in gravy, the rice and black-eyed peas needed a little salt, but the macaroni and cheese was the bomb. For that very reason, I'll be back to try their chicken because it's the most talked about item from here. Key lime pie was dope and sweet baby Jesus, the uptown hits the spot. I will be back to self indulge in other items. I most definitely will be back to try the neck bones and greens (country girl in the house).
(4)
Jeanette B.

We saw they were voted #1 place in Atlanta to get fried chicken! Food didn't disappoint. Very small inside though and completely packed. Their credit card machine wasn't working but there's a Suntrust right across the street. Staff was friendly and worked well to keep tables moving! Word of advise though only come if you have time to wait.
(4)
Oneshia H.

I visit this place every time I come to Atlanta and it typically never disappoints. However, during my last visit, we waited excessively (over 30 minutes) to pick up our call-in order. I ordered the smothered pork chops, which were rather bland. I was very surprised. Despite my recent experience, I still think Busy Bee is a solid eatery. Plus, supporting the black business is an absolute MUST. I'll be back Busy Bee. :)
(3)
Wayne W.

Love this place! Every time I come back it just grows on me more. One thing you have to accept is that this place is always packed! If you're trying to phone in an order you can forget it! LOL The telephone lines are always busy as if they were running a telethon! Haha the neighborhood really loves this place and the down south home cooking aroma that fills the air as you walk through the door squeezing through crowds of "folks". This is a true gem. It would be good to have a designated driver because the food will leave you craving your sleep number and a pillow!
(4)
Manpreet S.

I had there chicken with fried green tomatoes, macaroni & cheese and fried okra. The food was not anything special. I believe this place is a tourist trap and overhyped. I've had Mary macs chicken and it is 10x better than busy bees. The chicken at Popeye's tastes similar to busy bees. There is a reason why Mary Max has over 1000 reviews on yelp and this place only has about 250. So if you're visiting Atlanta like I am and want to try the best soul food in Atlanta go to Mary Mac's tea room. Also the waiting time for busy bees is ridiculous and the food is not worth waiting for 45 minutes. Overall the food is overpriced & overhyped.
(2)
Deborah C.

BEST soul food I ever had.
(5)
David R.

I recently visited Busy Bee Cafe for this first time. I have heard about it and driven by it many times. There are a few parking spaces in front of the restaurant and a car park adjacent to it. I arrived in time to get a space as someone was leaving. This restaurant is smaller than I conceived and it was near full occupancy when I arrived however, I was able to get a seat at the bar within a few minutes of arriving. I ordered fried chicken, lima beans and fried okra. nThe fried chicken was good and flavorful. It is apparent that it was marinated as the flavor could be tasted in the meat and not just the breading. The sides and the corn muffins were good also. The red velvet and Key Lime cake slices looked good, but I opted for banana pudding. It was good and tasted like a homemade banana pudding I have tasted before.
(4)
Lanae T.

Yes Lawd. Come through with the banging soul food! We ordered mac n cheese, collard greens and fried chicken. Everything tasted great. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because it's a bit tight and crowded. Other than that, I loved it
(4)
Nicky H.

The fried catfish, lemonade and cornbread were delicious. My folks loved the fried chicken, fried green tomatoes, yams and sweet tea. Sheila (our waitress) was a sweetheart and made us feel right at home.
(4)
Nate C.

Well if you don't know now you know! This is not only an ATLien landmark- it's a great place to get back to your southern palate!! The food amazing. Check in with them and ask them what the specials available. The staff, beautifully amazing! Sheila is my favorite. You will find that all people in our near the AUC can recommend this place to friends or family. Lots of celebrities will stick there head in the door and become mesmerized by two soul food scents streaming out of the kitchen. This is not hype, this place is the Real!
(5)
Brian M.

This is where MLK went, if it was good enough for him, it's good enough for me. Love the history on the walls and the environment. It may be uncomfortable and hectic with the tight quarters and long lines, but that adds to the experience. The fried chicken is the star and very good. It has a nice bite to it that I haven't really found elsewhere in ATL. This is my favorite chicken in ATL. If I remember the yams were a bit of a surprise from my last trip.
(5)
Christina D.

I was so underwhelmed by the taste of this soul food. Nothing popped, no party in my mouth, just plain ole southern favs. Nothing to really write home about here. When you are making common dishes, you have to put your signature on it - something to seperate yours from the slew of others, I just didn't get anything momentous or savory with this food. The cake and mac n cheese is where those two stars magically appeared from, I'd only visit again for one of the two.
(2)
Annie A.

Came here on a recommendation from a local. He asked how we liked Wife Savers in Augusta, then laughed and said that was not REAL southern food, like real real southern food like his grandma used to make it. He recommended this place instead. We got there and discovered that this was not a well-kept secret. Throughout the 1 hr wait for our to-go order, people kept coming in. It did not stop! Everyone was really nice, though. They recommended that we should have called in to pick up. That looks like the fastest way. So please save yourself some time and do that. We ordered the chicken, Mac n cheese, mashed potatoes, pork ribs, collared greens, and candied yams all for around 36 bucks. It was more than plenty for only 2 people. The chicken skin was delicious. So bad yet so good! And the candied yams, oooooo baby I need more of that in my life! The pork ribs were dry though, and the Mac n cheese and mash potatoes weren't anything to write home about...it's just not their specialty. Tried the collared greens and no matter how much of it I have, I don't think ill ever like it. Just personal taste. Overall, if you can get your food quickly (again, call ahead!!!) then it's definitely worth the trip--especially for the chicken. Don't forget to ask for hot sauce! We forgot to ask, but that would have made the chicken perfect!
(4)
Ashley T.

Of course you can have southern comfort food at just about 9 million places in Atlanta but if you want southern comfort food that touches the soul...get to Busy Bee. Stopped in on a Friday afternoon and of course there were 1700 people there but we were seated very promptly. The space is super small but hey this place has been around for decades and definitely has that old school charm about it. The right at home vibe kinda made you feel like you stepped into your grandparents home. Our waitress, Tawanna, was awesome. She handled our big party very well and never missed a beat. She was sooo friendly and helpful. Most of us had the fries chicken special for $11.99 that came with two side and corn bread or a roll. The fries chicken was hot and crispy and scrumptious. The Mac and cheese was made with love and the green beans were seasoned with happiness. The sweet tea was soooo worth it. I left full and happy!
(5)
Harry H.

Definitely our favorite Fried chicken in ATL*, and we drew a lot of attention as the only white people in the joint. Sadly they were out of the creamed corn, but the other sides and the peach cobbler and banana pudding were excellent finales. *famous fried chicken in batches using pressure fryers per United Tastes of America
(5)
Jasmine D.

The food is absolutely terrific!!!! Seasoned to perfection!!!! The food was worth the wait!!! I would definitely return.
(5)
DynamicDuo H.

Good ole fashion soul food. Small spot with great food. Down home atmosphere with fast service with a smile. I ordered the aides platter with Mac and cheese yams and collards. All delicious. Mom order the fried chicken and it was amazing. Ummm so good. Can't wait to go back
(4)
Unique C.

I saw this place on the travel channel or maybe it was the cooking network for Atlanta's best fried chicken. I went today and it was really great, the space is very tight but other than that I don't have any complaints. The chicken was crunchy yet light and their stuffing -- some people call it dressing, was really good. Only thing I would say is that their side orders are a bit small for the price. 2 sides come with each meal but anything additional is 4.50 and they are literally like a spoonful of whatever you get, the candied yams are great as well, I would just either like more for what I paid for or a lesser price for a comparable amount. The service was pretty quick given the crowd and the waitress was pleasant and responsive. Will go again!
(4)
Timil E.

Yes the seating is tight and the wait can be long, but it's worth every minute. The food is great! The chicken is crisp and not greasy. My husband loves the ribs. The deserts are also good.
(5)
Tiff H.

I have tried to eat at Busy Bee Cafe literally three times already. 1. Closed Easter Sunday 2. Completely full with a 1.5 hour wait 5 minutes after opening on a Sunday afternoon. And I was hoping the third time would be a charm, but it was still far from easy and just super busy. Traffic in Atlanta doesn't allow for those living OTP to get downtown easily. With an hour drive just to get to Buford Hwy so I could take local all the way down and 45 minutes to go... Closing time was upon us (7PM?? Who eats dinner that early, EVER?) so we got our friend who was working out of midtown to pick up fried chicken for us to-go. She ordered us 6 fried chicken dinners, with two sides each. I ended up choosing the mashed potatoes and creamed corn as my two sides and it came with some corn bread. The fried chicken came with two pieces of dark meat, per my request. The total was about $14 for the meal. I vaguely remembered another famous fried chicken venue that offers FOUR piece fried chicken with two sides for the same price... Ahem, Mary Mac's. As we dug in to our food, I noticed the dark meat was a little dry and the skin not super crispy. I know it was mostly due to the fact that the chicken was sitting in a steamy styrofoam casket of death. The mashed potatoes were ok, but tasted like they came from a box. The cornbread was SUPER dry and crumbled at a single touch. It was so chalky in my mouth, I couldn't finish the small piece of bread. The creamed corn wasn't bad (really, the only saving grace), but it wasn't mind blowing, either. And through all the complaints we had, I knew I couldn't base Busy Bee's review off of a single take-out experience. However, until Busy Bee Cafe can prove to me in person how great they REALLY are, I can't give them a 4 or 5 star for the "Best Fried Chicken in Atlanta" that they claim to have.
(2)
Anjail L.

I went to Busy Bees to get my fix of Southern soul food while in Atlanta, GA for a weekend. I went on a Sunday afternoon and the cafe was very crowded and we had about a 10-15 minute wait. I am never discouraged when I see long lines because that means the restaurant is doing something the people love! The wait was well worth it once we were seated, ordered I food and ate. I had the Busy Bees Fried Chicken, which was tender juicy and crunchy, along with their macaroni and cheese and dressing. I would definitely come back to Busy Bees. I enjoyed the Southern hospitality. Instagram : @_thefoodloversparadise_
(5)
Victoria B.

Amazing!!! It was packed for lunch but well worth the wait! The food is truly made with love and you can tell with every bite! All the sides are AWESOME! You can't go wrong with the fried chicken and my friend said her fish was breaded and cooked to perfection!!!
(5)
D T.

My first day in the south I wanted to try soul food. So I came here. Was not disappointed. The fried chicken was amazing. So was the peace cobbler. If I ever get back to Atlanta I will check this place out.
(5)
Alexandra A.

Pricey (especially considering the look of the place and the location), 16$ for half chicken or 14$ for 2 pieces, both come with 2 sides. Wish they would have more options, like a la carte. I wish I could get half the food, at half the price. I wasn't blown away by the fried chicken. It's good but not amazing. I wonder what quality is the chicken they use, I didn't see any description on the menu (hormone free, antibiotic free ??). Bottom line, a bit overrated, IMO the value doesn't match the money you pay. Our bill, around 40$ for lunch, for 2 people - for fried chicken. Maybe sharing half a chicken is the way to go.
(3)
Brian C.

My best meal in Atlanta to date. Busy Bee is not the prettiest restaurant, but it has a real authentic Southern feel to it (maybe because I'm in an authentic Southern restaurant in the South), and it's backed by the Southern hospitality from the waitresses, too. This is extremely refreshing coming from life in New York City. Had an order of the smothered chicken with a side of mashed potatoes and mac n' cheese. Excuse my foul mouth (must do this for the South), but damn... The smothered chicken was deep fried chicken smothered in gravy perfection, the mashed potatoes were delicious with gravy, and I LOVED the mac n' cheese (and, generally speaking, I don't like mac n' cheese). Washed it down with some sweet tea, in which I never found my glass empty, and I finished off with the cobbler dessert which was awesome. Whenever I travel to ATL, I always hope for an opportunity to make it to Busy Bee. Amazing food!
(5)
Tish N.

The fried chicken was very crispy and well seasoned, but I don't quite see how it's much better or different tasting than all the other fried chicken place in Atl. There wasn't really anything about the taste that made it stand out. The collard greens and okra were really good though, so their sides do stand out. The cornbread muffins tasted dry and plain to me. I like them fluffier and a lil bit sweet. Overall it was a good meal, but I didn't think the fried chicken was worth the price. And it's probably worth your money to get the half chicken rather than two pieces because the price difference isn't that much and you can just to go the pieces you can't finish.
(3)
Tiffany C.

What can I say the Yelp reviews were right, this place did not disappoint! My boyfriend and I visited here this past Friday around 1:30pm, not too crowded, walked right in and got a table. The waitress was sweet but about business lol, I ordered the smothered pork chops, corn bread dressing and sweet potato's. My bf had the fried chicken, collard greens and another side I can't remember, I was too focused on my pork chops lol! Also the waitress didn't bat an eye when my bf request a side of sliced onions and tomatoes with his meal, he's a country boy! The food came out quick and hot and let me tell you it was out of this world good! I enjoyed every bite and am already planning a return trip the next time I'm in Atlanta. If your looking for down home soul food this is the place.
(4)
Adrianne R.

My aunt found this place....it's soooo good! I love the down home sweet service too.
(5)
Sherman W.

I stopped by Busy Bee Cafe looking for authentic southern fried chicken, and was not disappointed. Crispy, with most of the oil drained, and just a bit of salt in the batter. I had ordered one piece regular, and the other smothered (with gravy), and afterwards I felt that getting them dry is better since the crispness of the skin along with the juiciness of the meat were the stars of the show. I had creamed corn and collard greens as my sides to go with the fried chicken. The creamed corn was sweet with a bit of an unexpected saltiness to it which made it pretty addictive. The turnip greens were okay, but not very memorable. A few corn bread muffins were served with the meal, and those were moist but didn't have too much taste to them. Even though I was clearly a tourist with a large backpack and clueless gawking, the waitresses made me feel like I was visiting their home. Verdict: definitely worth a revisit next time I'm in Atlanta.
(4)
Alexis S.

Found this place on yelp looking for some good soul food and the reviews didn't lie! The food was delicious!! I had the fried chicken with cream corn and Mac and cheese. If you're in the Atlanta area definitely a must!!
(5)
M A.

I don't even know what I can add to all the glowing reviews. The food here was delicious, from the pickled beets to the fried chicken to the banana pudding. Everything was done up truly Southern style and I kind of liked being crammed in with a hoard of hungry patrons in tiny booths. Our server was sassy in all the right ways, making small talk with us and helping guide us toward our choices (that was a hard decision, let me tell you). Definitely looking forward to coming back here again and again. Just read all these reviews and you'll easily see why!
(5)
Gen L.

Soooo good. Really small on the inside, so be prepared to wait. I had the smothered chicken, collards, and cornbread dressing. The gravy on the chicken was excellent (it was that old school, like your great-grandmother made it kinda gravy!), the collards were slightly sweet ( and delicious), and the cornbread dressing was absolutely good. My bf's broccoli-rice casserole was also really good. We'll be back.
(4)
Danny H.

Best fried chicken in Atlanta. You know how when you eat fried chicken from like Popeyes or Bojangles, you're typically left with a pile of bones and inedible pieces that you have to throw away and hope your dogs don't get into? When I was done eating fried chicken from Busy Bee, there was a whole lot less leftover bones and remains on the plate. Either they're doing something really right, or they're frying things so well and tasty that I'm eating bones, not realizing it, and enjoying it, which means they're still doing something right in this regard as well. Either way, I stand firmly on my claim that this is the best fried chicken in Atlanta. Served fresh, piping hot, and with crispy flavorful skin, good with hot sauce or without, I want more, all the time now. The location is off of MLK kind of on the west end of the city passed some academy or church named after the bad guy from the Mummy movies, and the parking lot is pock marked with pot holes, shattered glass bottles and other undesirable amenities, but it doesn't matter. I'd walk barefoot through the parking lot to get more Busy Bee chicken. The waits are suspect as it is a tiny, cramped location, where the quality of food obviously is capable of canceling out the negative feelings associated with wait times, location, or watching enviously as people there before you got there are relishing and savoring BB's awesome chicken while you have to wait. The collard greens were tangy and juicy and the broccoli and cheddar casserole was fantastic. The corn muffins were a good consistency, and I ate both of them like a jerk while my lunchmates whined about it too bad their loss for being slow and tentative. But the chicken was the best I've ever had in this city, and I want some more, right now. Doesn't matter when you read this, that stands true, I want more Busy Bee chicken, at this very moment.
(5)

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Address : 810 Martin Luther King Jr Dr
Atlanta, GA, 30314
Phone (404) 525-9212
Website https://www.thebusybeecafe.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:00 am - 7:00pm
Mon : 11:00 am - 7:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

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Busy Bee Cafe

810 Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Atlanta, GA, 30314

Busy Bee Cafe Menu

Salads

Southern Favorites

This & That

Garden Fresh Veggies

Veggie Plate

Sandwiches

Desserts

Healthy Meal suggestions for Busy Bee Cafe

Salads

Southern Favorites

This & That

Garden Fresh Veggies

Veggie Plate

Sandwiches

Desserts

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Ken L.

Kitty D.

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