This Georgia Fried Chicken Joint Is So Beloved, People Drive Hours For A Bucket
I’ve eaten barbecue all across the South—from Tennessee’s pulled pork temples to Texas’s brisket shrines—but nothing prepared me for that first bite of ribs at Southern Soul Barbeque on St. Simons Island.
Housed in a lovingly restored mid-century gas station, this legendary joint doesn’t just serve food—it serves nostalgia, community, and joy, all slow-smoked to perfection.
The air outside hums with hickory smoke and chatter, the neon glow cutting through the golden coastal sunset. Locals warned me those ribs would ruin me for life, and they were right. One bite, and I realized Southern Soul isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a revelation.
A Soul-Food Landmark With Serious Street Cred
Busy Bee Café sits at 810 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW in Atlanta’s Vine City, and trust me, you can’t miss the vintage brick façade that practically hums with history. Walking up feels like stepping onto hallowed ground—this place has fed generations, from neighborhood regulars to celebrities passing through.
The building itself tells stories: weathered bricks, hand-painted signs, and that unmistakable aroma of frying chicken that drifts down the block. Locals call it a landmark, and they’re not exaggerating.
Since 1947, Busy Bee has anchored this community, surviving decades of change while serving the same soul-stirring comfort food. It’s more than a restaurant; it’s Atlanta heritage on a plate, and every visit feels like coming home.
Open Daily and Ready for Your Takeout Adventure
Good news: Busy Bee is alive, thriving, and frying up magic every single day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Right now they’re running takeout-only service, which honestly works perfectly when you’re planning a fried-chicken road trip.
You can call ahead at 404-525-9212 or order straight from their official website for pickup or delivery. No guesswork, no surprises—just hot, crispy chicken waiting when you arrive.
The takeout model keeps the line moving and the quality consistent, so you’re not stuck waiting forever. Order online before you hit the road, swing by to grab your stash, and you’ll be back on the highway with a box of golden treasure before you know it.
Awards, Accolades, and a Pilgrimage Worth Making
Since 1947, Busy Bee has collected more praise than most restaurants see in a lifetime—including a coveted James Beard America’s Classics award that basically crowns it royalty in the fried-chicken kingdom. Every food guide, local magazine, and national critic seems to agree: this place is worth the detour.
Out-of-towners routinely make multi-hour drives just to taste what the hype is about, and they leave believers. The buzz is so strong that Busy Bee announced a second location coming to Atlantic Station in 2026.
That kind of expansion doesn’t happen by accident. When people willingly sit in traffic for your chicken, you know you’ve earned every bit of that legendary status.
The Fried Chicken That Launched a Thousand Road Trips
Forget the word “bucket”—Busy Bee serves up half-chicken dinners, two-piece plates, and wings that hit with the same soul-shaking impact. The menu boldly declares it “Atlanta’s BEST Fried Chicken,” and one bite proves they’re not bluffing.
That crust shatters like glass, releasing steam and the kind of juicy, perfectly seasoned meat that makes you close your eyes and sigh. It’s Southern frying at its absolute peak: simple, classic, unforgettable.
Critics rave, regulars guard their favorite orders like secrets, and first-timers instantly understand why folks drive hours for this. The chicken travels beautifully in a to-go box, so your car will smell like heaven all the way home.
Sides and Mains That Complete the Feast
Sure, the chicken steals the spotlight, but sleeping on the sides would be a rookie mistake. Collard greens, mac and cheese, candied yams, and fried okra round out your plate with flavors that feel like a warm hug from your favorite aunt.
Busy Bee also keeps regulars loyal with staples like pork chops, fried catfish, and fall-off-the-bone oxtails. Each dish carries that same careful seasoning and soul-food authenticity that made the chicken famous.
And don’t even think about skipping the peach cobbler—it’s the sweet, fruity exclamation point your meal deserves. Every bite reminds you why Southern cooking remains undefeated in the comfort-food arena.
Generous Portions That Justify the Journey
Recent delivery menus price the two-piece fried chicken around twenty-five dollars and the half-chicken near twenty-eight to twenty-nine bucks, with wings and other plates hovering in that same range. At first glance you might blink, but then the food arrives and suddenly it all makes sense.
Portions are hefty—like, “you’ll definitely have leftovers” hefty. Most folks walk out clutching enough chicken to fuel a second meal, maybe even a third if you’re strategic.
When you factor in the quality, the history, and the sheer volume of food, the price feels fair. Plus, leftovers mean you get to relive the magic tomorrow, which honestly might be the best part of the whole experience.
Timing Your Visit Like a Fried-Chicken Pro
Crowds swarm Busy Bee at lunch and early dinner, so if you’re chasing a quieter experience, aim for mid-afternoon when the rush dies down. Since everything’s takeout-only now, ordering online before you arrive will shave precious minutes off your wait and keep you from standing around hangry.
Grab a curbside spot, collect your haul, and you’re golden. If you’re road-tripping specifically for that legendary “bucket,” plan a picnic at a nearby park—just bring extra napkins because things will get deliciously messy.
Pro tip: call ahead if you’re traveling from far away to confirm they’re stocked and ready. Nothing stings worse than driving hours only to find they’ve sold out for the day.