The Varsity in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you live in Atlanta—or you’re just passing through—The Varsity is one of those places people ask if you’ve tried yet. It’s more than a fast-food stop; it’s an Atlanta institution known for chili dogs, fried pies, and a very specific kind of old-school Southern diner energy.

This guide breaks down what to expect at The Varsity, how it fits into Atlanta’s Southern and soul food scene, what to order, and practical details like locations, parking, and tips for visiting.

What Is The Varsity, Exactly?

The Varsity is a classic Atlanta drive-in and counter-service restaurant famous for:

• Chili dogs and burgers
• Onion rings and fries
• Frosted Orange (FO) shakes and other old-school drinks
• A loud, fast-paced “What’ll ya have?” ordering style

While it’s technically a fast-food restaurant, many locals think of it as a kind of comfort food landmark that overlaps with Southern and soul food traditions: hearty, fried, saucy, and nostalgic.

Where to Find The Varsity in Atlanta

The most well-known location is the massive original restaurant near Midtown and Downtown. There are also other locations in the metro area, but if you’re looking for the classic Atlanta experience, you’ll probably want the main one.

Main Atlanta Location

The Varsity – Downtown/Midtown Atlanta

• Address: 61 North Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Near: Georgia Tech campus, North Avenue MARTA Station, I-85/75 connector
• Parking: Large surface lot; can get crowded during games and events

From this location, you can see the Atlanta skyline and walk to parts of Midtown, Georgia Tech, and nearby attractions.

What Kind of Food Does The Varsity Serve?

The Varsity’s menu leans heavily into classic Southern-style fast food with a few items that feel especially “Atlanta.”

Core Menu Highlights

Hot Dogs & Chili Dogs

• Plain hot dog
• Chili dog (with The Varsity’s signature chili)
• Options to add cheese, onions, and slaw

Burgers

• Standard burgers and cheeseburgers
• Chili burgers
• Simple toppings: mustard, ketchup, onion, pickle, cheese

Sides

• Onion rings (a signature item—thick, crunchy, and greasy in the way many people expect from an old-school spot)
• French fries
• Fried pies (often fruit-filled, handheld)

Drinks & Desserts

• Frosted Orange (FO): a creamsicle-style frozen drink that many locals treat as a must-try
• Shakes and soft drinks
• Ice cream treats depending on the day and location

The food style is fried, salty, and rich—definitely in the “treat” category, not an everyday health food stop.

How The Varsity Fits Into Atlanta’s Southern & Soul Food Scene

Atlanta’s Southern and soul food scene includes everything from meat-and-three cafeterias to upscale interpretations of classic dishes. The Varsity isn’t a meat-and-three or a traditional soul food restaurant, but it shares several traits people associate with Southern comfort food:

• Longtime local tradition: Families often pass down stories of going there after games, graduations, or downtown trips.
• Comfort-focused menu: Chili, fried sides, sweet drinks, and pies are very much in the Southern comfort lane.
• Community and ritual: Going there before a Georgia Tech game or after visiting Downtown is part of the rhythm of city life for many residents.

If you’re exploring Atlanta’s food culture, The Varsity sits at the intersection of historic fast food and Southern comfort—less about soul food classics like collard greens or fried chicken, more about chili dogs, rings, and nostalgia.

How to Order at The Varsity (So You Don’t Feel Lost)

One of the most memorable parts of The Varsity is the ordering style. Employees often call out:

The line moves quickly, and they expect you to be ready. To make it easier, learn a few common terms:

Common Lingo You’ll Hear

Here’s a simple cheat sheet to help you order with confidence:

You don’t have to use the lingo, but knowing what FO means is helpful if you want to try The Varsity’s signature drink.

What Locals Usually Recommend You Try

If you’re visiting for the first time or taking out-of-town guests, these items are often mentioned as “must-try” classics:

• 🌭 Chili dog (with or without cheese and onions)
• 🍔 Chili cheeseburger
• 🧅 Onion rings (very rich; people either swear by them or prefer the fries)
• 🥤 Frosted Orange (FO)
• 🥧 Fried pie if you want something sweet

A common first-timer combo looks something like:

• 1 chili dog or burger
• 1 side (rings or fries)
• 1 FO

If you’re visiting with kids, the straightforward burgers, fries, and shakes are usually safe bets.

Atmosphere: What It’s Like Inside

The Varsity’s main Atlanta location is large, busy, and a bit chaotic during peak hours. Expect:

• Bright lights and a cafeteria-style layout
• Multiple ordering counters
• A mix of locals, Georgia Tech students, downtown workers, and tourists
• Lines that move quickly, especially around lunch, dinner, and game days

It feels more like an old-school cafeteria and diner than a modern fast-casual restaurant. If you’re used to quiet or upscale dining, this will feel loud and fast-paced—but that’s a big part of its character.

When It’s Busiest (and How to Time Your Visit)

If you’re trying to decide when to go, consider:

• Game days: When Georgia Tech is playing at home, The Varsity can be packed before and after the game.
• Weekday lunch rush: Office workers and students crowd the counters.
• Evenings and weekends: Steady traffic, especially when there are events at nearby venues.

If you prefer a calmer experience:

• Aim for mid-afternoon or late evening on non-game days.
• Be prepared for lines during major Atlanta events or conventions.

Getting There: Driving, Parking, and MARTA

By Car

The main Varsity location is just off the Downtown Connector (I-75/85) near North Avenue. Many Atlanta residents drive there, especially from neighborhoods like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, West Midtown, or Virginia-Highland.

• Parking: The large on-site lot is a key advantage, but it can be busy.
• Traffic: Expect congestion during rush hours and big events.

By MARTA

If you prefer not to drive:

• MARTA Rail:
  • Get off at North Avenue Station (Red/Gold Line).
  • The Varsity is a short walk from the station, heading west toward North Ave and Spring St.

Using MARTA can be especially helpful on game days when parking and traffic are more intense.

Is The Varsity Kid-Friendly and Group-Friendly?

Yes, The Varsity is generally kid-friendly and often used for:

• Family outings
• School or youth group stops
• Large friend groups before games or events

Reasons it works well for groups:

• Large dining areas with plenty of seating
• A simple, familiar menu (burgers, hot dogs, fries, shakes)
• Quick service once you reach the counter

If you’re taking a large group, just know:

• It’s order-at-the-counter, not table service.
• It can be noisy and crowded, so plan to arrive together and then find seating as a group.

Price Range and Payment Basics

The Varsity is typically seen as budget-friendly compared with sit-down Southern or soul food restaurants in Atlanta. It’s framed more like a classic fast-food spot.

You can usually expect:

• Modestly priced dogs, burgers, and sides
• Combo-style meals when you add drinks and fries or rings
• Standard local taxes and typical fast-food pricing

Most modern payment methods are commonly accepted (such as cards), but if you want to be extra prepared, bringing a backup payment method can be helpful, especially during very busy times.

Dietary and Preference Considerations

The Varsity is built around meat, chili, fried foods, and dairy-based drinks. If you or someone in your group has specific preferences or restrictions, keep these general points in mind:

• Vegetarian options are limited (you may find fries, rings, some desserts, and possibly a grilled cheese depending on current offerings).
• Vegan options are very limited.
• Gluten-sensitive diners will find it challenging due to buns, breading, and cross-contact in a classic fry kitchen.

If you have serious dietary restrictions or allergies, many Atlantans treat The Varsity as more of a nostalgic stop for those who can comfortably eat standard fast food, and choose other restaurants for specialized diets.

How The Varsity Compares to Other Atlanta Comfort Food Spots

If you’re trying to understand where The Varsity fits relative to other Southern and soul food choices in Atlanta:

• It’s faster and more casual than sit-down soul food restaurants that serve fried chicken, collards, mac and cheese, and cornbread.
• It leans into a specific chili-dog-and-burger niche instead of a broad Southern menu.
• It carries strong Atlanta identity—many locals associate it with growing up in the city, Georgia Tech, and downtown trips.

If you’re building an Atlanta food itinerary, many people pair a visit to The Varsity with:

• A walk around Georgia Tech’s campus
• Visits to Downtown or Midtown attractions
• A sports event, concert, or convention nearby

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Visit

To make your visit smoother and a bit more fun:

• ✅ Decide what you want before you reach the counter. The line moves fast, and the staff will call for your order right away.
• ✅ Try at least one “classic” item. For many people, that’s a chili dog, onion rings, and an FO.
• ✅ Plan your timing. Avoid peak pre-game and lunch crowds if you want a lower-key experience.
• ✅ Use MARTA or rideshare if you’re already in the city center and want to skip traffic and parking.
• ✅ Treat it as a cultural stop, not fine dining. Think of The Varsity as a slice of Atlanta history with a side of chili and fried food.

Whether you’re a longtime Atlantan revisiting an old favorite or a first-time visitor trying to understand what “What’ll ya have?” is all about, The Varsity offers a uniquely Atlanta take on Southern-style fast comfort food that many people want to experience at least once.