Catalyzes the formation of anthraniloyl-CoA, which is the priming step for entry into the Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS) biosynthetic pathway. Also active on a variety of aromatic substrates, including benzoate and chloro and fluoro derivatives of anthranilate. anthranilate + ATP + CoA = AMP + anthraniloyl-CoA + diphosphate Optimum pH is 8.5. Monomer. Mutants show no detectable levels of 2,4-dihydroxyquinoline (DHQ) or other quinolines. Belongs to the ATP-dependent AMP-binding enzyme family.