Busy Bee Cafe, Atlanta, Georgia

For more than 75 years, Busy Bee Cafe has stood as a pillar of Atlanta’s culinary and cultural heritage. Founded in 1947 by Lucy Jackson, a trailblazing Black woman entrepreneur, this cozy, no-frills café has served generations of locals, leaders, and luminaries—including civil rights icons like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and present-day presidents. Today, under Black ownership and stewardship, Busy Bee continues to honor its legacy with every plate of crispy fried chicken, smothered pork chops, and slow-cooked greens. A James Beard Award America’s Classics winner, Busy Bee isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a living piece of Black Southern history.

Highlights & Offerings

• Located in Atlanta, Georgia near the HBCU district and downtown
• Operating since 1947, continuously Black-owned and operated
• James Beard Foundation “America’s Classics” Award recipient
• Soul food staples: fried chicken, oxtails, catfish, candied yams, mac & cheese
• Famous homemade cornbread and peach cobbler
• Casual, welcoming dining room with vintage character
• Takeout and delivery available
• Frequented by civil rights leaders, celebrities, and politicians
• A must-visit food destination for tourists and locals alike

Why Dine at Busy Bee Cafe
To eat at Busy Bee Cafe is to taste a rich, soulful slice of Atlanta’s Black history. Every dish tells a story—of resilience, of flavor passed down through generations, and of a community fed with care and pride. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong fan, the experience is always heartfelt and deeply satisfying. From crispy golden fried chicken to melt-in-your-mouth banana pudding, Busy Bee delivers Southern comfort with authenticity and soul, making it a must-visit stop on any culinary tour of the South.

Enhance your visit to Busy Bee Cafe to Atlanta Georgia by staying at a nearby Black-owned hotel or bed & breakfast. Discover top-rated accommodations that celebrate Black excellence and hospitality at BlackHotelGuide.com.