For certain travelers, cuisine is the main attraction when visiting a new city, state, or country. If you haven’t explored Atlanta, Georgia before, there’s an abundance of incredible dining choices that make the journey worthwhile. Consider, for instance, the
The world’s biggest drive-in diner, featuring delicious chili dogs, is known as The Varsity.
However, if you’re looking for something truly genuine and acclaimed, Busy Bee Cafe should definitely be near the top of your list.
Although the café garnered attention recently by claiming the James Beard Award in 2022, it has stood as an Atlanta icon since its inception in 1947. Some might even say that theBusy Bee holds just as significant a place inAtlanta’shistoryandtheCivilRightsmovementasfigureslikeDr.MartinLutherKingJr., who was known to dineatthisestablishment.
Even if historical significance and legendary status do not appeal to you, the cuisine at the Busy Bee stands out as exceptional, particularly for fans of classic soul food. Whether you’re craving chicken and waffles or relishing some crispy fried catfish with sweet candied yams, every meal here underscores why this place remains so popular. Secure your apron and get ready to savor the delights of the Busy Bee Café.
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A Quick Look at the Bustling Bee Café in Atlanta
It’s appropriate that the Busy Bee Café is located next to Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. When the café first opened its doors in 1947, African American-owned enterprises could only operate along two specific streets within the city limits. The cafe’s prosperity brought together civil rights advocates such as Dr. King, who was known for his fondness for their ham hocks, say eyewitnesses. Throughout the years, the Busy Bee has welcomed an array of famous visitors including rapper Ludacris and Senator Bernie Sanders. Its walls display numerous photographs of notable individuals who have dined at this establishment over the decades.
Busy Bee was established by a self-made culinary enthusiast called Lucy Jackson. Driven by her love for cooking, she played an instrumental role in making the eatery popular until she sold it during the 1970s. The subsequent proprietors faced challenges maintaining the original authenticity of the Busy Bee’s offerings; however, this situation transformed after the Gates clan acquired it in 1981. Starting from 1987, Tracey Gates took over as the chief chef and since then has contributed significantly to elevating Busy Bee to even higher standards.
Thanks to Gates’ culinary skills, the Bee has garnered numerous awards and recognitions throughout the years. One of the most distinguished was receiving the James Beard America’s Classics Award; it marked the first time an establishment in Atlanta earned such recognition. Furthermore, in both 2023 and 2024, Michelin bestowed upon Busy Bee the Bib Gourmand Award. Additionally,Busy Beewas also honored with induction into the Atlanta Hospitality Hall of Fame back in 2023.
Include The Busy Bee Café In Your Upcoming Atlanta Getaway
Since theBusy Bee Cafe is conveniently situated, it’s roughly a 20-minute drive from the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport. If your stay inAtlanta isn’tjustfora day,you’ll find numerous hotels closeby, particularlyasyouheaddeeperintothe city center.Therearen’tmanyoptionsimmediatelyadjacenttotherestaurant,buteverythingisonlyashortdriveaway.
The Busy Bee Café tends to be quite bustling during the daytime, so it’s best to schedule your visits accordingly. Their standout dishes, highly praised by many, include their crispy fried chicken and succulent catfish; thus, if this is your inaugural trip, consider trying one—or both—of these favorites. Every side dish they serve is equally delightful, such as collard greens, sweet potato fries, creamy carrot soufflé, crunchy fried okra, and classic macaroni and cheese among others. Adding to its appeal, the café features daily special offers. Consequently, your choice of when to dine here could grant you access to exclusive menu options typically unavailable on regular days.
After you’re done, you can explore other famous attractions in Atlanta. Firstly,
you can check out the biggest aquarium in America
, and then jump over to the World of Coca-Cola. Although
WCC is considered one of Atlanta’s least appealing attractions for tourists.
It provides a special opportunity to delve into the brand’s heritage and taste numerous distinct flavors from various countries worldwide.
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