The Varsity Drive-In in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

Few places feel more “Atlanta” than The Varsity, the iconic drive-in just off the Downtown Connector. Whether you’re a local introducing friends to a true ATL classic or a visitor looking for a uniquely Atlanta attraction, The Varsity is less of a simple meal stop and more of a retro experience that’s deeply woven into the city’s culture.

Where Is The Varsity and Why Is It Famous?

The most famous Varsity location is the original Atlanta drive-in, located at:

The Varsity – Downtown Atlanta
61 North Avenue NW
Atlanta, GA 30308
Phone: (404) 881-1706

It sits right next to Georgia Tech and just off I-75/85 (the Downtown Connector), making it easy to spot thanks to its huge sign and sprawling parking lot.

The Varsity is known for:

• Being one of the world’s largest drive-in restaurants
• Its signature greeting: “What’ll ya have?” shouted by counter staff
• Classic Atlanta fast food, especially chili dogs, onion rings, and frosted orange drinks
• A long history of serving Georgia Tech fans, students, commuters, and families since the 1920s

For many Atlantans, The Varsity is a rite of passage—you go at least once, usually before or after a game, concert, downtown event, or campus visit.

Is The Varsity a Drive-In or Just a Restaurant?

The Downtown Atlanta Varsity combines:

• Drive-in service – You can pull into marked spaces and have food brought to your car.
• Counter service – Walk in, line up, and order at one of the long counters inside.
• Large dining areas – Multiple rooms with plenty of tables and views of the kitchen and parking lot.

If you want the classic drive-in feel, try to go during traditional meal times when car service is more active. For a faster experience, especially before an event, many locals prefer going inside and ordering at the counter.

What to Order at The Varsity in Atlanta

The Varsity’s menu is simple, old-school, and very Atlanta comfort food–focused. Some favorites locals often recommend:

Signature Items

• Chili Dog – A hot dog topped with Varsity chili; this is one of the most iconic orders.
• Naked Dog – A plain hot dog if you want to customize your own toppings.
• Onion Rings – Crispy, thick, and one of the most talked-about sides.
• French Fries – Classic crinkle-cut style.
• F.O. (Frosted Orange) – A creamy, orange-flavored frozen drink that feels like a cross between a milkshake and a slush.
• Varsity Orange or Varsity Red – House soft drinks in distinctive flavors.
• Burgers – Simple, no-frills burgers with classic toppings.

Local Ordering Lingo

Part of the fun is the Varsity slang. You’ll hear and see terms like:

• “What’ll ya have?” – How staff greet you when it’s your turn to order.
• “Heavyweight” – Extra chili.
• “Strings” – Fries.
• “Rings” – Onion rings.

You don’t need to memorize the lingo, but listening for it is part of the experience—and staff are used to first-timers, so you can just order in plain language.

Atmosphere: What It’s Like Inside The Varsity

Stepping into The Varsity feels like stepping back in time.

You can expect:

• Bright, busy counters with staff calling out orders quickly.
• A mix of locals, tourists, students, and game-day crowds.
• Walls often showing Atlanta and Georgia Tech memorabilia.
• A very casual, high-energy, no-frills environment.

If you go before a Georgia Tech football game or a big downtown event, it can be packed with fans in team colors. Off-peak hours feel more relaxed, with families and small groups.

Best Times to Visit The Varsity in Atlanta

To plan your visit around Atlanta traffic and crowds, timing matters.

When It’s Busiest

• Before and after Georgia Tech home games
• Weekday lunch (especially with downtown workers and students)
• Nights when there are events nearby, like at State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or the Fox Theatre

During these times you’ll get the livelier, full-energy Varsity experience, but also:

• Longer lines at the counter
• Parking that can be more competitive
• More noise, especially in the main dining areas

When It’s Calmer

• Mid-afternoon on weekdays
• Later evening on non-game nights
• Many non-event weekends

These times work well if you:

• Are visiting with younger kids and want it less hectic
• Prefer shorter lines and easier parking
• Want to take your time looking around and taking photos

Parking, Access, and Getting There

Because this is Atlanta, getting in and out smoothly makes a difference.

Driving and Parking

• The Varsity is right off North Avenue and Spring Street near I-75/85.
• There is on-site parking in the large lot right in front and around the building.
• On busy game or event days, expect the lot to fill quickly and allow time to circle or wait for a spot.

Many locals:

• Use The Varsity as a meeting point before carpooling to other parts of downtown.
• Stop in when already in the area for Georgia Tech, Midtown, or Downtown errands and appointments.

MARTA and Transit

If you’d rather avoid Atlanta traffic:

• The nearest MARTA rail station is North Avenue Station (Red/Gold lines).
• From North Avenue Station, it’s roughly a short walk west to reach The Varsity on North Avenue.

This can be a convenient option if you’re staying downtown or in Midtown and want to combine MARTA + walking for an easy outing.

Is The Varsity Good for Kids and Families?

For families living in or visiting Atlanta, The Varsity often becomes a memorable kid-friendly stop.

Things parents and caregivers may appreciate:

• Simple, familiar food – Hot dogs, burgers, fries, and shakes are usually easy wins for kids.
• Plenty of seating – Large indoor dining areas work well for bigger families or groups.
• Entertaining environment – Watching the busy kitchen, hearing order calls, and seeing cars come and go keeps kids engaged.

A few tips:

• ⚠️ Noise level can be high during peak times, which may be overwhelming for some children.
• Consider off-peak hours for a calmer experience.
• If you have a stroller, the wide spaces help, but it’s still easier when crowds are lighter.

How The Varsity Fits into an Atlanta Itinerary

The Varsity’s location makes it easy to combine with nearby attractions, especially around Midtown and Downtown.

You might pair a visit with:

• Georgia Tech campus – Walk around Tech Green or visit the campus bookstore.
• Center for Civil and Human Rights – A major museum a short drive away downtown.
• World of Coca‑Cola – Another classic Atlanta stop, also nearby.
• Georgia Aquarium – Within a short drive, often part of the same downtown area loop.
• Piedmont Park – If you’re spending the day in Midtown, you can swing by The Varsity for lunch or dinner.

For game days:

• Many fans stop at The Varsity before walking to Bobby Dodd Stadium for a Georgia Tech football game.
• Others go after the game to refuel and recap.

Tips for Locals vs. Visitors

If You Live in Atlanta

• Use The Varsity as a meet-up spot before downtown shows, sports, or festivals.
• Try visiting at different times of year—game day vs. normal weekday—just to see how the energy changes.
• It can be a fun place to introduce out-of-town guests to a uniquely Atlanta tradition.

If You’re Visiting Atlanta

• Treat The Varsity as both a meal and a local attraction.
• Plan how you’re getting in and out—especially if you’re also going to the aquarium, museums, or events the same day.
• If you don’t drive, check how close your hotel is to the North Avenue MARTA Station for an easier trip.

Quick Reference: The Varsity at a Glance

When The Varsity Makes Sense as a “Must-Do” in Atlanta

The Varsity is especially worth a stop if you:

• Want a classic, old-school Atlanta experience
• Are attending a Georgia Tech game or downtown event
• Are putting together a “greatest hits” Atlanta itinerary (Coke, Aquarium, Tech, Midtown)
• Enjoy nostalgic drive-in spots, local traditions, and simple, fast comfort food

For many people in Atlanta, The Varsity is less about gourmet dining and more about history, atmosphere, and shared memories. If you’re trying to understand what locals mean when they talk about “old Atlanta,” a meal at The Varsity’s drive-in is one of the fastest ways to see it for yourself.