For some travelers, food is the primary reason to visit a new city, state, or country. If you’ve never been to Atlanta, Georgia, there are tons of spectacular food options that are well worth a trip. For example, there’s the world’s largest drive-in diner with mouthwatering chili dogs, The Varsity. However, if you want something a bit more authentic and award-winning, Busy Bee Cafe should be at the top of your list.
While the cafe has made headlines recently for winning the James Beard Award in 2022, it has been an Atlanta landmark since its opening in 1947. In fact, one could argue that the Busy Bee is as integral to Atlanta’s history and the Civil Rights movement as luminaries like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (who ate at the cafe).
But even if history and an iconic status aren’t interesting, the food at the Busy Bee is sublime, especially if you love traditional soul food. From chicken and waffles to fried catfish and candied yams, each dish is a testament to the restaurant’s staying power. Put on a bib and let’s dig into the Busy Bee Cafe.
A brief overview of the Busy Bee Cafe in Atlanta
It’s fitting that the Busy Bee Cafe sits alongside Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. When the restaurant opened in 1947, black-owned businesses were only allowed to exist on two streets in the city. The Bee’s success drew in Civil Rights activists like King, who particularly enjoyed the ham hocks, according to witnesses. Over time, Busy Bee has attracted all kinds of celebrities, from rapper Ludacris to Senator Bernie Sanders. The walls are also covered with photos of the various luminaries who have eaten there…