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The Varsity

61 North Ave., Atlanta, GA - (404) 881-1706
Hot dogs are the house specialty at the world's largest drive in. They are modest-size tube steaks served in steamy-soft buns, begging to be dolled up with condiments. The prime adornment is chili, a finely pulverized brew that perfectly complements either dog or burger.
85% Approval Rating (109 votes)

Scorecard

4 - Overall: One of the Best - Worth a Trip
Overall: One of the Best - Worth a Trip
Frosted Orange
Chili Dog
Peach Pie
French Fries
French Fries
Hamburger
Onion rings

Highlighted Reviews

rating
Michael Stern - Photos (9)
Roadfood.com Editor
"Anyone who loves all-American food and has spent any time in Atlanta knows about the Varsity Drive-In … and most people have their own personal stories about wonderful meals and good times they’ve had there. These extravagant tales tend to relate to the fact that The ..."   [Read More]
rating
Walter Clark
November 03, 2011
"Being a Native Atlantan (by the grace of God) I have had many thousands of Varsity hot dogs, cheese steaks, glorified steaks, orange drinks, fries, and "rangs" (onion rings to you newcomers). Back in the day, I recall there being only one line to order hot dogs, ..."   [Read More]
rating
Ken Dobson
July 28, 2011
"I grew up 50 miles north of Atlanta in the pre-interstate highway era. Every time we went into the city (about twice a year) I begged to go to the Varsity. My order never varied: "one all-the-way dog walkin', rings, and a small FO." Back in the day, the Varsity ..."   [Read More]
rating
Joe Kirkpatrick
January 28, 2008
"Given the opportunity to revisit the "V" for the first time since the mid-seventies, I walked four blocks from my hotel room one evening last week when I was up in the area on business. While "The Varsity" once was a major draw to the Georgia Tech. area, I have to ..."   [Read More]
rating
Michael Ellis
November 17, 2007
"Being a native Atlantan, I grew up first knowing the "mothership" Varsity on Spring Street at North Avenue. There are the busy times when you will be asked to step aside if you do not have your order perched on the tip of your tongue. As a youngster, my order was ..."   [Read More]

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Map & Web Site

61 North Ave., Atlanta, GA
(404) 881-1706

http://www.thevarsity.com

Hours & Policies

Seasons:Open Year Round
Meals Served:Breakfast, Lunch
Operational Hours:Always Call Ahead!
Credit Cards Accepted:No
Alcohol Served:No
Outdoor Seating:Yes
Reservations Accepted:No
Delivery Available:No
Takeout Counters:Yes
A beautiful food pyramid, including pork (hot dog), beef (chili sauce), grain (bun), spice (mustard), vegetable (onion rings), and fruit (fried peach pie).
"A beautiful food pyramid, including pork (hot dog), beef (chili sauce), grain (bun), spice (mustard), vegetable (onion rings), and fruit (fried peach pie)."
Michael Stern





The Varsity's signature dish: a chili dog with a yellow streak.
"The Varsity's signature dish: a chili dog with a yellow streak."
Michael Stern


Once the peach pie is pulled apart, it gets pretty messy. Be sure to grab extra napkins when you carry your tray to a table.
"Once the peach pie is pulled apart, it gets pretty messy. Be sure to grab extra napkins when you carry your tray to a table."
Michael Stern


Thousands of peach pies are fried and served daily at the Varsity. Despite the mass production, they are Roadfood par excellence.
"Thousands of peach pies are fried and served daily at the Varsity. Despite the mass production, they are Roadfood par excellence. "
Michael Stern


The Varsity's crunchy onion rings are neatly arranged in the boat from big to small.
"The Varsity's crunchy onion rings are neatly arranged in the boat from big to small."
Cliff Strutz


Can you hear these rings crunch? No matter what else is on your tray at the Varsity, this tidy cluster needs to be there.
"Can you hear these rings crunch? No matter what else is on your tray at the Varsity, this tidy cluster needs to be there."
Michael Stern


Frosted Orange technically is a beverage, but it is thick enough to demand a spoon.
"Frosted Orange technically is a beverage, but it is thick enough to demand a spoon."
Michael Stern


Fried pies are popular throughout the South and the Varsity's peach version is especially good.
"Fried pies are popular throughout the South and the Varsity's peach version is especially good."
Cliff Strutz


The Varsity menu
"The Varsity menu"
Michael Stern


When we walked in to The Varsity, most of the ordering stations were open, so we approached the young lady who called out ''What'll you have, what'll you have'' the loudest.
"When we walked in to The Varsity, most of the ordering stations were open, so we approached the young lady who called out ''What'll you have, what'll you have'' the loudest."
Cliff Strutz


A rare sight: the Varsity counter without a crowd. This picture was taken in the morning, 30 seconds after opening.
"A rare sight: the Varsity counter without a crowd. This picture was taken in the morning, 30 seconds after opening."
Michael Stern


The drive-in area of the Varsity glows at night with neon and the giant red 'V' is easily visible from the nearby interstate.
"The drive-in area of the Varsity glows at night with neon and the giant red 'V' is easily visible from the nearby interstate."
Cliff Strutz


Exterior of Varsity, August 2007.
"Exterior of Varsity, August 2007."
Elaine Anderson


The world's largest drive-in.
"The world's largest drive-in."
Michael Stern



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