The Varsity
Fast food restaurant · Atlanta
61 North Avenue NW, Atlanta, GA 30308
Highlights
Iconic drive-in known for chili dogs & Frosted Orange shakes
Iconic drive-in known for chili dogs & Frosted Orange shakes
"What’ll ya have? The Varsity is the largest drive-in fast food restaurant in the world and one of Midtown’s most famous landmarks. Originally named "The Yellow Jacket,” the restaurant was established in 1928 and catered heavily to Georgia Tech students. Guests enjoyed chili dogs and onion rings delivered straight to their cars by waitstaff on roller skates. As the business grew, the name changed to “The Varsity” to accommodate other college campuses and the restaurant moved to its current location on Spring Street and North Avenue, where it now seats up to 800. There are six other branches across metro Atlanta, but the original remains right here in Midtown – and guests can still enjoy curbside service (sans the roller skates)." - Son&Sons
"You’ve heard jokes about the Varsity’s menu of frail burgers and sad-looking hot dogs. But for the Downtown fast food landmark to thrive since the 1920s, they gotta be doing something right. And from where we’re standing, that thing is keeping a nostalgic vibe alive through paper hat-donning servers shouting orders as if the cook’s wearing noise-canceling headphones. Though the aforementioned burgers aren’t terrible, we only recommend the fresh-cut fries, fried apple pie, and Frosted Orange shake." - demarco williams, juli horsford, nina reeder
"You’ve heard jokes about the Varsity’s menu of frail burgers and sad-looking hot dogs. But for the Downtown fast food landmark to thrive since the 1920s, they gotta be doing something right. And from where we’re standing, that thing is keeping a nostalgic vibe alive through paper hat-donning servers shouting orders as if the cook’s wearing noise-canceling headphones. Though the aforementioned burgers aren’t terrible, we only recommend the fresh-cut fries, fried apple pie, and Frosted Orange shake." - demarco williams, juli horsford, nina reeder
"An Atlanta institution known for its chili dogs and frosted orange, perfect for game days." - Michael He
"An Atlanta hot dog list would not be complete without this iconic fast food restaurant in Midtown. You’re welcomed with the iconic greeting, “What’ll ya have?” at the counter. Founded in 1928, the classic turns 96 in 2024. Grab a classic chili slaw dog, and don’t forget to pair it with a frosted orange." - Eater Staff
