The Varsity
Fast food restaurant · Atlanta
61 North Avenue NW, Atlanta, GA 30308
Highlights
Since 1928, The Varsity has been Atlanta’s iconic drive-in landmark serving up classic chili dogs, crispy fries, and that legendary frosted orange shake.
Since 1928, The Varsity has been Atlanta’s iconic drive-in landmark serving up classic chili dogs, crispy fries, and that legendary frosted orange shake.
"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
"The Varsity is arguably Atlanta’s biggest restaurant tourist attraction. It still offers the most famous hot dog in the city, too. And, some locals are willing to brave the crowds for it, even on the weekends. Opened in 1928, the restaurant has served just about everyone. That includes a few presidents, like Jimmy Carter, George H. Bush, and Barack Obama, as well as movie stars such as Clark Gable and business tycoons like Warren Buffett. When the car hop asks, “What’ll ya have”, the answer is a chili dog with a frosted orange." - Beth McKibben
"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
"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
