Everyone says, “Try Busy Bee while in Atlanta” so I did. The location is quaint, everyone was waiting outside because you order, pay and pick up from the exterior of the restaurant. I entered and was immediately shouted at by a lady with a short hair cut to “Go outside.” I politely responded, “ I ordered online, I’m just here to pick up.” Remember this was my first time visiting so I don’t know their protocol. I was again met with, “ I said go outside, pick up is outside.” I then said, “I was told to ask for Sheila and that my order would be ready, so can I pay?” I was then met with, “What’s your name, I’ll tell her now go outside.” This particular lady was rude, rude! I didn’t mind waiting if I had known their system and she could’ve had a much better tone & professionalism. Her delivery was rude to EVERYONE. At least I know it wasn’t just me, but still unacceptable for the customer/food service industry. I finally got my order from Ms. Sheila who was super sweet and so was another lady who worked there, but that first server was atrocious. In any event, my order was right and the food was very tasty, not too salty and the peach cobbler was just like grandma used to make.

Went near closing time, and the restaurant was kind enough to take orders. The owner is very friendly and enthusiastic, wish they offered dine in option but even after taking all the goods home, it still tasted fresh, and crispy where it should be. 🐠 baked fish: the baked fish is layered with some sort of sauce, it compliments so well with the fish in which the original fish flavor standout but the sauce adds more moisture to it. The fish is well baked and tender. 🍞 Sides: as a veggie lover, I recommend the carrot soufflé, steamed cabbage, and collard greens

Busy Bee has always been a favorite of my friends and I when we wanted a good Sunday dinner however things have changed. I ordered the fried shrimp dinner. The fried shrimp was tasty however the mac and cheese was very wet and runny tonight, not the baked macaroni and cheese that I’m used to and you would expect at a staple in the Black Southern food restaurants in Atlanta. Additionally, I ordered an additional side of potato salad that was $6.50. It was filled less than half of the container and was soupy. The recipe has definitely been altered. I ate the food feeling unsatisfied and wanting my money back. The prices have gone up but the food has gotten worse. Overall, after spending $30 it wasn’t worth it. Not to mention waiting 2 hours for a pickup meal.

This place is extremely unprofessional! They make you stand outside in the cold for your order and you cannot walk in to speak to a worker. You have to wait for them to come out and try to show them your receipt or order at the table. They don’t make your food order even if you order online in advance. I placed my order at 217pm and didn’t get my order until 257pm. They ignored my order and I politely asked them to check on my order. The staff is very rude and the service lacks. You cannot wait in your car you will have to stand outside the restaurant at the table. The food portion is terrible for $22.00 and does not taste good. I waited long time for nothing. I could of avoided this restaurant for a Sunday lunch.

I was hoping for a sit-down restaurant but I wasn't disappointed in a customer service. Upon arriving I was greeted and explained how to place a order. From that point on I was only addressed by my first name and what could only be explained as a family home cooked come right in Honey vibe. From start to finish the transaction was amazing. All the patrons that arrived to the restaurant knew the owner by first and last name and it felt like she was embedded into a community as a mother of the community. I wish I had a chance to take a picture of the food because all of it is a long gone. The food was both flavorful and plentiful for portions. 10 out of 10 if I ever vacation here again I'm giving them another chance because their food was amazing.

It’s time to say goodbye to busy bees, I placed an order for pickup when I started eating I noticed the dressing was very gummy it tasted like it wasn’t cooked long enough. I called & spoke with the manager she said let her taste the dressing when she came back to the phone she said it taste good. I told her, mama this dressing is not done she said I’m going to taste it again, she still said the dressing was cooked. She told me to text her a picture of the food and the receipt then said I’ll give you an extra side if you decide to come back in the future. The prices are now over priced. This plate was $16 plus .50 cents for hot sauce & this is how my plate look

Visited on a Saturday afternoon, completely unaware the dinning room was closed. We had to order in the parking lot & our food was brought to us. I've heard so many great things I was very excited to try the food. Service was efficient & and they brought our items to our car. The food was just okay, a tad salty. We had the fried whiting meal with greens, mac & cheese, baked beans, side of yams & cobbler for dessert.

Let me just say the service here was outstanding! The best customer service I’ve had since I’ve visit Atlanta. The food was delicious! Everything was seasoned just right! Unfortunately you couldn’t sit down and eat inside so I ordered food to go. Decided to eat on the benches outside due to taking an Uber and wanting to have the food hot and fresh! The collar greens were perfect and the mac and cheese was so creamy and cheesy! The waitress pulled a table up to where I was so I could eat outside and even brought extra napkins and constantly was asking if I needed anything. I highly recommend this business especially if you’re looking for some good southern food and great customer service!! I will definitely return if I visit Atlanta again.

This place has great food I will not deny. The reason for the low rating is because of the extremely high prices. I love soul food and I don't mind paying for it but the prices here are very unreasonable. I can't imagine how 2 meals and 2 desserts come to over $70. Maybe it's just me, but in the picture I can't see it. All we had was 1 daily special and a pork chop plate with a side of banana pudding and cobbler for over $70 I can't see it. Again the food was great but for me the price is a deal breaker.

I believed the hype but for the price aht aht. I eat good and I spend good but this wasn't any different from Mrs. Winner's or a Walmart plate. The chicken was fresh and the food was decent. Not $20 decent like $12 decent. Anywho now I know. Unorganized due to Covid-19 I assume.

Well... It is good.. Nothing negative to say about the taste. These smothered pork chops hitting! The gravy on the chops and rice is good, and the pork chop it self is really good. I ordered collard greens, but I guess they ran out and gave me these yams instead.. I've had better yams, and I sure you will agree. The mac and cheese is good also. This place stays busy. Order online because you can't go inside, and it takes about 45mins to an hour for your food to be ready. I would get my order in before 5:30. They obviously will be so busy that they will run out of food, and the kitchen will be so swamped that they will stop taking orders. You see them prices!lol I'm definitely coming back again! Friendly staff.

First line of business. If you're going to serve rice, make sure you cook it thoroughly. The rice was hard, and they had the nerve to add mashed potato gravy on the rice. The macaroni is just salty and has a weird after taste. The chicken and waffles were as basic as could be. Chicken had no seasoning, and it was just ok. Mashed potato had no seasoning, and they should have put the gravy on the mashed potatoes instead of the rice. The stuffing was ok. It not raving well. The corn bread was dry salty and had no flavor. For me to hear so many good things about this place. Someone actually referred me to this place, and I am highly disappointed. For what i spent in this place, i am not happy. But, I would give this place one more chance just because I believe that everyone has a bad day.

As a person touring the city, I ordered dinner at this place as it was recommended by someone( many people I asked the place aboutwouldsay its great). I noticed everyone I saw take their meals were so happy, meaning the place is a big deal. Unfortunately, the place nolonger has a dine in option(Yet on their website they show dine in space). To the extent that in person orders are collected from outside the place. The person serving you will inform you what is available without you looking at the menu. After that, you are handed your order, and u leave. Maybe because of high expectations, I wasn't much impressed with my order(Paid 23 bucks for 2 pieces of fried chicken, brown rice, and mashed potatoes. But I felt nothing special, even my meal felt so dry, no gravy or softener)

I guess with Greatness comes Comfort. Covid-19 changed everything at The Busy Bee est 1947 This Soulfood Restaurant is a part of Atlanta Legacy. I’ve coming since 1997 and today I threw the towel in It’s the third Luke Warm Thursday Special I ate because it’s that good but for a restaurant at the level on Success there’s No Room for small errors. Lukewarm Turkey 🦃 legs Dressin and 🥬 Greens. They too comfortable in their Success! I’ll be back if the restaurant opens to the public I’ll make “ The Beautiful “ My New Busy! Salute!

All I can say is I am so disappointed. The food was so terrible tonight, I don't think I will ever order there again. Speechless, hungry and out of $70.

Historic eatery as a meeting place of civil rights leaders. Great food and nicely decorated. Currently take out only due to staff shortages. Absolutely worth the wait. Operators and employees are so wonderfully nice and accommodating. Looking forward to eating every menu item offered. Check out the t-shirts and other merch. Would be nice if there were some picnic tables nearby. Eating on the trunk of the car adds to the experience.

This establishment is off in the hood. The best soul food I have had since being here in Georgia. I moved here in 1997. I wish I had known about them earlier. No knock against the others, but Busy Bee Cafe is everything! The portion size, as you can see, is enough for two. So, I ate this again the next day. Lawd have mercy! The food was better the next day! The food is cooked and seasoned to perfection. I got collard, turnips, fried okra, carrot souffle, and banana pudding. Now, l wasn't too sure about the banana pudding 🤔. Everybody that sells it shouldn't. So I inquired about it. The server gave a humble biased answer, "it's good." Mmh in my head...ion know. There was a man sitting on the bench waiting on his order chimed in, "awe nah that banana pudding it's good nah, if you don't like it, I'll pay for it myself." So I'm thinking in my head...he is a regular, if I dont like it, the man who offered to pay ain't gon pay for it, because he is gonna be gone so I'll have to taste it before I leave🤔 and I ordered it. I couldn't rank the atmosphere honestly because I didn't go in. I scanned the QR code and placed n paid for my order outside. It was a little chilly outside, so I went back to my car to wait for my food. The lady who took my order was very sweet and kind. She didn't mind doing the act of service - offered and brought my order to the car. A 10 plus. This place was super busy, clean, and clearly a staple in the community. A perfect location! Right on the strip. The key to cutting your wait time down is to place your order ahead, and if you are 20 minutes away, you can then pick up your order and go. Check them out and you will not be disappointed. Now don't be in a hurry, go for the food. It is off the chain! Oh, and I tasted the banana pudding before I left. Peace be still! Nailed it!

As an Asian, I have eaten many different type of fried chicken... and the fried chicken here was one the best Ive had so farrrrrrrrrrrr and the staffs were hilarious and kind I ate here in 2019

The food was KILLER. My husband got the half fried chicken with dressing and broccoli rice casserole, while I got the smothered fried chicken with macaroni & cheese and greens. Honestly, probably the best restaurant macaroni & cheese I’ve ever had. Ever. The greens were delicious too. The smothered chicken was out of this world, and the regular fried chicken was phenomenal as well. Be aware that you’ll definitely wait for food here, and it WILL be expensive, but in my opinion it’s absolutely worth it.

This is my first time. I was told it was a buffet style restaurant where you walk in view the food and place you order. Not true. No one is allowed inside. When I walked up there was a line of door dasher and uber eats waiting along with a large online order. I placed my oxtail plate over mash with collards and Mac. The oxtails could have cooked a bit longer, the mash and collards were not seasoned and I can't rate the mac because it was so unappealing I chose to discard it. The hostess was nice and thanking everyone for their patience for the long wait. I can say I tried it but I wouldn't return. Wait time was a hour and 10 minutes and had they allowed me to look at the food I probably would have chose something else.

I placed my order online and was quoted a pick up time. I had to wait 1 hour after my quoted pickup time for 3 plates of food. The food was a 1 out of 5 stars. Definitely, not worth 1 hour wait time. The baked beans were mushy, overcooked and looked like dog food. The fried chicken was ok. The baked fish was under seasoned and the bed of rice it came on was completely flavorless. This place was good years ago but has completely fallen off. Most items come from a can and aren’t made using fresh ingredients. Pick up only. They make you wait outside in the cold 🥶 No customers are allowed to enter the cafe any longer. Workers were rude and lack luster when I expressed the extended wait time. There’s no consideration for safety or comfort of customers. If you aren’t from Atlanta, please be aware that this isn’t the safest neighborhood******. Wouldn’t recommend.

Easily some of the best home made style fried chicken I’ve had in my life from some of the sweetest folks on the planet. Mad at myself for not taking better photos, ooops, sorry Google! Ordered take out and chicken was still crispy and juicy. Took it home, hours away, chicken was still crispy, juicy and flavorful. So yeah, no complaints. Classic southern flavor. But for def on the expensive side. As for sides, they all were hitting, but particularly the Mac & Cheese and Yams hit perfect.

Maybe they had an off day for 2 visits. Peach Cobbler was good! Rest of the food was horrible. If you were blessed to eat there in the 80s, 90s, early 2k, you KNOW it was CONSISTENT 10/10! Now they coasting off legacy; the name. I know it’s not going to taste like it did years ago but I hoped it would still be the same principles of fresh from scratch food. Cooking the food maybe different, because no two cooks are alike, but if some of the same methods were used maybe it would still be good, just different. Chicken fried too soft. Yams were either frozen or canned. Mac lacked flavor & quality. Greens weren’t fresh cut. Just overall disappointment. Wish they still honored tradition of fresh from scratch. Not bagged. Not canned. Not boxed. Not frozen. Fresh. Pick, cut and wash the greens. Peel the yams. Make a custard for the pudding. Make up the flour for the chicken and let the grease get HOT to fry it to temp and texture. Traditional Soul food was from scratch, not can/box/pack. Respectfully.

I overheard Busy Bee Cafe had the best fried chicken in Atlanta— So you know i had to try it… It right next to the AUC so i could easily walk to it. As of right now they are only doing Take-Out orders from online or over the phone so make sure you place the order before you head over there. It is a little bit of a wait. About 45 minutes to an hour. It was a little bit chaotic trying to pick up the order as everyone stands outside the restaurant and the employees run in and out trying to get the orders out. Not everything can be perfect… I got the 1/2 Fried Chicken meal with mac and cheese and fries!! The fried chicken is very very good. Not too greasy and amazingly crispy. Next time I order food I’ll get the chicken and waffles because this fried chicken would pair perfectly with that. The mac and cheese was really good too— unfortunately my fries got soggy on my way back so i would recommend getting a different side if you’re doing take-out. Over all i really enjoyed this lunch and would definitely recommend trying Busy Bee Cafe!

Excellent soul food. The fried shrimp dinner is an absolute must. The breading is savory and full of flavor. The mac and cheese was very much like home and so were the greens. We also got the fried chicken which was great. Shrimp was a fan favorite for sure. To top it all off we got the key lime cake and it did not disappoint. Definitely worth the wait if you want the comfort of soul food.

Came here today for the first time, and won’t be back again. Over hyped. For one, the food took like 45 mins. Have to order ahead or wait outside while. No indoor seating. Maybe they’re still taking COVID precautions. All for us to get it and realize the mashed potatoes aren’t from scratch. $80 for 3 plates and a sweet tea, for instant potatoes. Lastly my Mac and cheese had hair in it, so my plate ended shortly after it started. But the sweet tea was good, and she remade it for us because she said she didn’t like the way it tasted.

I always make my way back! Last trip to Atlanta was 4 days, I went twice. The service is still amazing. The wait time was decent and expected when you order food that is freshly fried. The staff is always so friendly and welcoming. They’ve created a welcoming atmosphere that I enjoy. The lemonade is the best I’ve ever had. Much love to the recent Michelin award!

Don’t believe the hype… long wait (over an hour) for mediocre food at a high price. Best thing about the meal was the strawberry lemonade. Fried chicken was decent but pretty bland. The “baked” Mac n cheese seemed like stove top as it was runny. The cornbread was bland, dry and hard to swallow. Sweet potatoes were mushy like baby food. I will say the banana pudding is pretty good as well as the strawberry lemonade. However, as much hype as this place gets, I was fairly disappointed eating here during my visit to Atlanta .

Even though the dining room was closed, we decided to sit on the curb and eat! So glad we made this choice. We had fried shrimp, okra, macaroni and cheese, baked beans, peach cobbler, and sweet tea. Amazing food. Just the right seasoning and the best cobbler we’ve had in Atlanta.

Ordered Uber eats as this was highly recommended, fried chicken was still crispy when it arrived and still juicy! Flavour was good too. Wasn’t a fan of the cornbread muffin, it was nice and crumbly but a little bit dry. Would order again, definitely see why people call it the best fried Chicken in town

My family came for lunch and the line was wrapped around the corner. We waited patiently to order because we were ready to eat. When i finally ordered this was I got. Baked chicken, Cornbread dressing, Mac cheese with Stringbeans. Every bite was good, the meat was tender and the veggies was seasoned to taste. I recommend this place if you got time to wait. It’s worth every penny.

Not much to say. Just really really amazing friend chicken. Perfect skin, crunch, flavor, juicyness. Banana Pudding and Cobbler are amazing too. Sides are delicious just know they don't give huge portions of sides in their combos.

Busy Bee never disappoints!! PRO TIP: Order ahead!!!! You should NOT have to wait in line. They have two ways to order on your phone that are fast & reliable and give you an estimate for pickup time 🙏🏾✨ Breakfast, brunch, or dinner the food here is always well seasoned, in great proportions and delicious. Pictured below is their “Turkey Dinner” which will make you wonder if you even need Thanksgiving dinner with your fam 😂🥲 Highly recommended & yummy.

Hands down THE BEST FOOD I HAVE PLACED IN MY MOTUH. (<----that means PERIOD) Sooooooo... myself and my daughter decided to partake on this adventure. I have 2 close friends (Ashley and Jay) who eat here EVERY Sunday. Thay have adapted this tradition since they have been together❤ (never miss a Sunday) We ordered shrimp and catfish 😋😜😀😉😁 and the fried chicken (best in the world...I haven't tasted all the chicken in the world but I can bet my bottom dollar on it that this is the best!!!) the sides we ordered: Carrot suffle fried oakra macaroni and cheese x2 mashed potatoes and gravy and candy yams...couldn't just decide on 2. Total was $85 with tip... I had to give 5 stars based on taste...cust ser 3 wait time negative 10...they definitely have to come up with a better system than what they have been doing. Maybe calling ppl whn thr order is ready or hiring a hostess...or maybe urging ppl to order online and giving a realistic wait time. I asked server if the time online was correct (51 min) she said no

Today was my first time ever at the "Bee", and I'm a native Atl. I've tried MaryMacs, This is it, Smoke Jacks. Jim n Nicks and Paschals. They're nice as well however, the "Bee" has the best collard greens, Mac n cheese, yams, banana pudding. I will be back later this week to try the other menu items. I saw different ethnicities ordering this evening as well which is beautiful. Little pricey but hell I spend in other areas. Busy Bee is delicious!

There was no dine in when I went, but the food was delicious and reasonably priced. I got the baked turkey wings with dressing, Mac & cheese, and collards for $16. The Mac was ok, but everything else was far superior. Delicious

Food was delicious but customer service was not the best. Someone recommended the restaurant to me and all of the good things that was said about the restaurant in my opinion wasn't true due to customer service. Wait time for two basic meals was over an hour wait. Second meal was smothered pork chops, rice and gravy, mac & cheese, and cornbread.

Currently, take out ONLY! Recommend by Uber driver, Roy. Read mixed reviews but hesitantly tried.Great choice! Oxtails, collard greens, and Mac n cheese were DELICIOUS and customer service was on point. Definitely, highly recommend.

Take out only! Should be advertised as that. Long wait, about an hour for 2 meals. They don’t let you come inside so just a bunch of people standing around outside. We came from out of town and this place was recommended to us by a local. Food was ok, fried chicken and waffles, mac and cheese was good, candied yams very sweet and dry. Lemonade was great! Not the greatest experience overall

Mac & Cheese could use some work. If you're not a celeb, girlfriends with the host or owner, the service will be nonexistent. Many Black restaurants treat the place like a nightclub so it's no surprise. I tasted the catfish, shrimp, chicken and cake. All of the food was fantastic except the Mac and cheese. The mac and cheese was lumpy and gritty, had a weird taste to it. The pasta was mushy.... A "soul food" restaurant can't have disgusting Mac and cheese. They have the nerve to have a "no refund" policy 🙄

Loved the food 😋 was told it was the best in city great service friendly staff fast. Downside take only I wasn't thinking that I was looking to sit down.

They were taking orders outside when I got here, just as a fyi. I got the half chicken plate with mac n cheese, mashed potatoes with gravy and the strawberry lemonade. Let me tell you!!!! That chicken was absolute fire, perfectly cooked. The mac n cheese was a a bit overcooked and the mashed potatoes were ok. Im actually on a cross country drive, but if I end up in the area again, I would definitely stop by again.

No dine in service at the moment. The fried chicken smothered in gravy over rice and the Mac and cheese is delicious. The staff is really helpful and friendly too

The food was okay. I definitely expected more with all the people that talk so highly of the restaurant. I got the catfish dinner and personally did not like the catfish at all. If you like fish lightly battered, you would like it. I prefer crispy. My husband got the fried chicken and it was good, just nothing special. I've had better soul food options. Sides were okay. Cornbread was very dry and under seasoned.

You can't eat or go inside of this restaurant. The service was good and the food was good. However, the prices are very high especially for the amount of food that I received. I had chicken dark meat, mac and cheese, and greens. My hubby had the same thing with white meat and my daughter had the fish plate with the same sides our meal was almost $80.

I visited this restaurant at the request of a good friend who enjoyed their food. Upon my trip to Atlanta, I went with a buddy of mine who is a long time resident of the area and we enjoyed the chicken wings, waffles and other items. Everything was delicious. I will definitely visit again when I come back to Atlanta. A must hot spot. 😊

This is a follow-up from the previous post. The manager did come out to the vehicle to apologize and explained what was going on. We were comped a few items which helped soothe the inconvenience. The food here is good but be prepared to wait. I've waited each time I've visited this restaurant (and I come from out of town). Give yourself an hour from the time they say your order will be ready. It will be ready an hour from then. Do that and your experience will be enjoyable.

LOVE this place. My pork chops were fried to perfection and my yams & collard greens were so good too. And please don’t get me started on their red velvet cake. It’s honestly better than Cheesecake Factory! The wait for my food wasn’t long at all and the hostess was so sweet. Worth every penny🤌🏽

Fried chicken. Dressing. Mac and cheese. Cornbread. Collard greens. Peach cobbler. Fried chicken was super moist, and not at all greasy. Dressing was okay. Mac and cheese was okay. Collard greens were good. Light and a good balance for the fried chicken. Peach cobbler was very good too! Even if peach cobbler was not my thing, it was very enjoyable. The dessert portions are huge and I wish they were sold in smaller portions. It is take out only. But there is a small table outside with a bench and people don’t mind if you sit there and eat. I don’t mind the cold so it was fine for me. But I know others would find it too cold at least in January.