Is The Varsity in Atlanta Still Open? What to Know Before You Go
If you’re wondering “Is The Varsity in Atlanta still open?” the short answer is: yes, the main Varsity in Atlanta is still open as of the latest available information. However, not all Varsity locations are operating, and some longtime Atlantans remember a few that have closed.
If you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or are planning a nostalgic stop, here’s how The Varsity works right now and what to know before you drive up and shout, “What’ll ya have?”
Is The Varsity in Atlanta Still Open?
The original Varsity location near Downtown Atlanta is still in business and serving chili dogs, Frosted Oranges, onion rings, and everything else people expect from this historic drive-in.
The flagship restaurant is located at:
This is the large, historic location by Georgia Tech and the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85). It’s the one most people mean when they ask if “The Varsity in Atlanta” is still open.
Because hours can change over time (especially around holidays, game days, or special events), it’s always a good idea to:
- Call ahead ☎️
- Check posted hours before making a long trip
- Be prepared for crowds around lunch, dinner, and Georgia Tech home games
Quick Snapshot: The Varsity’s Atlanta Status
| Question | Answer (Atlanta-focused) |
|---|---|
| Is the main Varsity in Atlanta still open? | Yes, the main North Avenue location is open. |
| Is it the original, historic drive-in? | Yes, this is the well-known flagship near Georgia Tech. |
| Is it dine-in, takeout, and drive-in style? | Typically indoor seating + counter service; drive-in areas may vary by operation and time. |
| Do all Varsity locations around Atlanta still exist? | No. Some suburban locations have closed over the years. |
| Best time to avoid heavy crowds? | Late afternoon or off-peak weekdays (not on game days). |
A Local Landmark: Where The Varsity Fits Into Atlanta Life
For many Atlantans, The Varsity is more than a hot dog stand—it’s a local landmark:
- Game day stop for Georgia Tech fans heading to Bobby Dodd Stadium
- Classic road-trip break for people driving through the city
- “First time in Atlanta” destination for visitors who want a taste of local history
If you live in the metro area, you’ve probably either eaten there, driven by it on the Connector, or heard the phrase “What’ll ya have?” at least once.
What to Expect When You Visit the Main Atlanta Varsity
Even if you’ve never been, the experience is fairly predictable and very Atlanta.
Atmosphere
- Busy, loud, and fast-paced, especially during lunch, dinner, and on college football weekends
- A mix of locals, students, tourists, and downtown workers
- Bright signage, order counters, and a large dining area inside
If you’re bringing kids or visitors, it can be a fun way to show off something that feels uniquely Atlanta.
Ordering Style
The Varsity is known for moving the line quickly. You’ll usually:
- Walk up to the counter
- Hear employees call out, “What’ll ya have?”
- Order at the register, then wait for your tray
It helps to know what you want before you reach the front of the line, especially during busy times.
Classic Menu Items
Menu details can change, but people commonly go for:
- Chili dogs
- Chili burgers
- Onion rings and fries
- Frosted Orange (FO) drinks
- Peach pies, fried pies, or ice cream treats
If you’re visiting from out of town, many locals suggest at least trying a chili dog + onion rings + FO once, just for the full Varsity experience.
Getting There: Location Tips for Atlanta Visitors and Locals
Because The Varsity sits in a high-traffic part of Atlanta, planning your route helps.
By Car
The main Varsity is just off the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) near the North Avenue exit.
Things to keep in mind:
- Traffic on I‑75/85 through Downtown can be heavy at rush hour and before/after big events.
- There is on-site parking, but it can fill up during peak times and game days.
- If you’re new to Atlanta driving, watch for quick turns and fast-moving lanes around that exit.
By MARTA
If you want to avoid parking and downtown traffic:
- Take MARTA Rail (Red or Gold Line)
- Get off at North Avenue Station
- Walk west a few blocks toward North Avenue and Spring Street / Techwood Drive
This is often easier during large events, when parking near The Varsity can be crowded or more complicated.
Are Other Varsity Locations Still Around Atlanta?
Over the years, The Varsity has opened and closed a number of metro Atlanta locations. Some are still operating, while others are not.
Because secondary locations and drive-thru-only outposts can change more frequently than the flagship, Atlantans usually:
- Treat the North Avenue Varsity as “the” Varsity, especially for the full historic experience.
- Double-check other locations’ status and hours before driving out, since suburban spots are more likely to change over time.
If you lived in Atlanta for a while, you might remember some Varsity locations that closed. This is a big reason people ask if the main Atlanta Varsity is still open—they’ve seen or heard about other spots shutting down and want reassurance about the original.
When Is The Varsity Busiest in Atlanta?
For anyone trying to time their visit, here are common patterns locals notice:
Typically Busier
- Weekday lunch (office workers, students, and tourists)
- Friday and Saturday evenings
- Georgia Tech home game days and some major city events
On game days, expect:
- Heavier traffic on the Connector
- More crowds inside and around the parking lot
- Longer lines at the counter
Typically Less Crowded
- Mid-afternoon on weekdays (between lunch and dinner)
- Later evenings on non-game weekdays
If you’re bringing someone who doesn’t like big crowds, these off-peak times usually make the visit smoother.
Tips If You’re Visiting From Out of Town
If you’re not from Atlanta but want to see why locals talk about The Varsity, these pointers help you fit in:
- Know the lingo:
- “What’ll ya have?” = “What do you want to order?”
- “FO” = Frosted Orange drink
- Have your order ready: The line moves quickly, and employees are used to fast responses.
- Plan around downtown traffic: Build in extra time if you’re coming from Buckhead, the airport, or the suburbs during rush hour.
- Combine it with other downtown stops: People often pair The Varsity with trips to Georgia Tech, Midtown, Centennial Olympic Park, or the Georgia Aquarium.
If You Live in Atlanta: Is The Varsity Still Worth a Stop?
For longtime residents, The Varsity can be:
- A nostalgic spot you show your kids or visiting family
- A quick comfort-food stop if you’re already near Downtown or Georgia Tech
- A tradition before or after a game, concert, or event in the city
Some locals go regularly; others only stop by once in a while. Either way, the key point is that the main Atlanta Varsity is still part of the city’s everyday landscape and still operating.
How to Double-Check Before You Go
Because restaurant details can change over time, Atlanta residents and visitors often confirm a few things before they head out:
- ✅ Hours of operation for the North Avenue location
- ✅ Parking situation on big game or event days
- ✅ Any special closures or holiday hours
A quick phone call to (404) 881-1706 or a same-day search for updated hours can save you from surprises, especially if you’re driving in from the suburbs or from out of state.
Bottom line:
Yes, The Varsity in Atlanta is still open, and the flagship North Avenue location remains a working, lively piece of Atlanta history. If you want the classic “What’ll ya have?” experience, the main Atlanta spot by Georgia Tech is still the place to go.
