The Varsity in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you search for “Varsity Atlanta”, you’re almost always talking about The Varsity, the iconic fast-food drive-in and walk-up restaurant in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. For locals, it’s a nostalgic staple; for visitors, it’s often on the must-try list.

This guide walks you through what The Varsity is, how to visit, what to order, how parking works, and practical tips so you know exactly what to expect in Atlanta.

What Is The Varsity in Atlanta?

The Varsity is a historic fast-food restaurant best known for:

• Hot dogs, chili dogs, fried pies, burgers, and onion rings
• Its famous “What’ll ya have?” greeting
• A huge, multi-level layout with counter service and drive-in spaces
• Longstanding ties to Georgia Tech, downtown events, and Atlanta sports

The flagship location is:

It sits near the intersection of North Avenue and Spring Street, right off the connector (I‑75/I‑85), and just across from Georgia Tech.

Where The Varsity Fits Into Atlanta Life

For someone who lives in Atlanta or visits regularly, The Varsity tends to fall into a few common categories:

• Pre- or post-game stop for Georgia Tech football, Hawks, United, or Falcons games
• Quick, nostalgic meal when you’re downtown or driving through
• First-time tourist check-box: a “you’ve got to try it at least once” experience
• Late-lunch or early-dinner option for students and downtown workers

If you’re planning your time in Atlanta, think of The Varsity as a casual, fast, old-school drive-in, not a sit-down fine dining spot.

Getting There: Directions, MARTA, and Driving

By Car

The downtown Varsity is right off the Downtown Connector (I‑75/I‑85):

• From I‑75/I‑85, take Exit 249D (North Avenue).
• Turn onto North Avenue NW and The Varsity is just a short distance from the ramp, on the corner.

Because it’s a high-traffic area, especially on game days and during rush hour, allow extra time to get through the connector and navigate nearby lights.

By MARTA

For visitors without a car, MARTA is often the easiest way:

• North Avenue Station (Red/Gold lines)
  • Walk west on North Avenue for several blocks. The Varsity will be on your left.
  • It’s a straightforward walk in a busy area near Georgia Tech.

If you’re staying downtown (around Peachtree Center, Five Points, or Midtown), a quick MARTA ride followed by a short walk usually gets you there faster than fighting traffic and parking.

Parking and Drive-In Service

Parking Options

The downtown Varsity typically offers:

• On-site parking lot
• Spaces marked for drive-in or carhop-style service
• Additional surface parking around the building

Consider:

• 🏈 Game days (especially Georgia Tech home games) can make parking tight. Arrive early or expect a wait.
• 🚗 Turnover is fast, since many people grab food and go, so spaces usually open regularly outside of peak events.

If you’re unfamiliar with downtown Atlanta traffic patterns, using a navigation app to approach from less congested streets can reduce stress.

How the Drive-In Works

The Varsity still has an old-school drive-in service:

1. You park in a designated drive-in spot.
2. A server may come out to take your order at the car (depending on current operations and time of day), or you’ll use posted instructions.
3. Food is brought to your vehicle, and you eat in your car or take it to go.

This style is more common during busier hours. Many Atlantans prefer going inside to order at the counter for the full, lively experience.

What to Expect Inside: Atmosphere and Layout

Inside the downtown Varsity, you’ll find:

• Multiple ordering counters with a brisk, energetic pace
• Bright lighting, lots of orange and white signage, and menu boards
• Large dining areas with rows of tables and booths
• A no-frills, classic fast-food feel, more about history than décor

The staff often call out “What’ll ya have? What’ll ya have?”, which is part of the charm. Lines can move quickly, but the noise level can be high during busy times.

If you’re with kids or someone sensitive to crowds, you may prefer non-peak hours (mid-afternoon, or earlier weekday lunch).

Varsity Atlanta Menu Basics: Classic Items to Know

While menus can change over time, some core Varsity staples are widely recognized in Atlanta:

Signature Items

• Chili Dog – Hot dog topped with chili; one of the most-ordered items.
• Naked Dog – A plain hot dog without chili.
• Hamburgers & Cheeseburgers – Classic burgers, often ordered as combos.
• Onion Rings – Noted for being thin and crispy.
• French Fries – Standard side, often ordered with burgers or dogs.
• Fried Pies – Fruit-filled pies (like peach or apple), deep-fried for a sweet, Southern-style dessert.

Drinks and Local Favorites

• F.O. (Frosted Orange) – A sweet, orange-flavored creamy drink that many locals call a must-try.
• PC – A shorthand on the menu often associated with their own version of a slushy-style drink or beverage (ask at the counter if you’re unsure).
• Standard sodas, tea, and shakes.

Portions are generally fast-food sized, and pricing falls in a typical range for a historic, high-traffic location near downtown.

Ordering Like a Local: Phrases and Tips

One of the fun parts of visiting The Varsity in Atlanta is learning the lingo at the counter.

When you walk up, you’ll likely hear:

• “What’ll ya have?” – Your cue to order quickly and clearly.

Common ordering tips:

• Know your main item before stepping up (chili dog vs. naked dog, burger vs. cheeseburger).
• If you want the Frosted Orange, you can say “one F.O.” along with your meal.
• Decide your side (fries or onion rings; some people split both in a group).
• If you’re unsure, it’s fine to ask a quick question, but long deliberations can back up the line.

To keep it simple, you might say something like:

• “Chili dog, onion rings, and an F.O.”
• “Cheeseburger combo with fries and a Coke.”

Atlanta locals often appreciate that The Varsity still feels fast-paced and informal, so going with the flow helps you fit right in.

When Is the Best Time to Visit The Varsity?

Timing your visit can make a big difference, especially if you’re:

• Traveling with kids
• On a tight schedule
• Sensitive to crowds or noise

Here’s a general guide:

If you’re coming from out of town and want to avoid the most intense crowds, a mid-afternoon visit on a non-game weekday is often the most relaxed option.

Varsity and Georgia Tech: Game Day Culture

If you’re going to a Georgia Tech football game at Bobby Dodd Stadium, The Varsity is practically part of the experience:

• Many fans stop by before kickoff for a quick meal.
• You’ll see a lot of Tech gear and hear game talk in line.
• On foot, The Varsity is a short walk from the stadium and Tech campus.

On these days, expect:

• Longer lines at the counter
• Tighter parking
• A louder, festive atmosphere

If you want a calmer visit, avoid home game Saturdays during the couple of hours before and after the game.

Family, Groups, and Tourists: Practical Tips

For Families with Kids

• Order at the counter, then sit: It’s easier to manage kids if one adult orders while another finds seating.
• The menu is very kid-friendly (hot dogs, burgers, fries), but options are more traditional fast food than health-focused.
• Restrooms and seating are usually sufficient, but may be busy at peak times.

For Large Groups

• Try to stagger arrival if possible, rather than all lining up at once.
• It can help to plan orders in advance (for example, everyone choosing between 2–3 standard meal types) to speed things up.
• Weekday mid-afternoons often work best for school groups or tour groups.

For First-Time Tourists

• Decide if you want the drive-in experience or prefer to go inside and see the full scene.
• Many visitors like to take a quick photo outside with the signage, so allow an extra few minutes before or after eating.
• Consider pairing your visit with other nearby stops like Georgia Tech’s campus, Midtown, or downtown attractions.

Nearby Atlanta Spots to Combine With Your Visit

If you’re planning a short outing or a half-day around your Varsity stop, here are nearby Atlanta areas and landmarks:

• Georgia Tech Campus – Directly across North Avenue; nice for a short stroll.
• Midtown Atlanta – Just up the road, with parks, restaurants, museums, and cultural venues.
• Centennial Olympic Park Area – A bit farther south but still accessible: home to several major downtown attractions.
• Fox Theatre (on Peachtree Street) – Historic theater not far from North Avenue MARTA.

Using The Varsity as a meal anchor in your day makes sense if you’re exploring Midtown, downtown, or Georgia Tech.

Accessibility and General Considerations

The Varsity’s downtown location is designed to handle high volumes of people, but there are a few practical points to keep in mind:

• Entrances and seating: The main areas are typically accessible, but if you or someone in your group uses a wheelchair or mobility aid, it can help to have one person go in first and identify the most convenient entrance and seating area.
• Noise: During peak times, expect loud conversations, kitchen noise, and frequent announcements at the counter.
• Dietary preferences: The core menu centers on fried foods, hot dogs, burgers, and sweet drinks. If you have specific dietary restrictions, it’s often best to ask about ingredients at the counter before ordering.

If you want calmer conditions and an easier time finding accessible space, avoid peak lunch and game times.

Is The Varsity Worth a Stop in Atlanta?

For many Atlanta residents and frequent visitors, The Varsity is:

• A nostalgic, uniquely “Atlanta” place to grab a quick bite
• Less about gourmet food and more about history, atmosphere, and tradition
• A convenient option when you’re already in or near downtown or Georgia Tech

If you’re visiting Atlanta, planning to see Georgia Tech, catching a downtown event, or just want to experience a classic local institution, a stop at The Varsity on North Avenue fits naturally into your day.

Whether you’re driving through Atlanta, riding MARTA into the city, or exploring Midtown on foot, knowing what The Varsity is, how to get there, and how to order ensures you can walk up to the counter confidently when you hear:

“What’ll ya have?”