(404) 261-5200

61 North Ave.
Atlanta, GA 30308 33.7714 -84.3892

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Neighborhoods: Midtown, Northeast, Northeast

THEVARSITY.COM

Years in business

Established in 1928

Hours:

Mon 10am-11:30pm

Tue 10am-11:30pm

Wed 10am-11:30pm

Thu 10am-11:30pm

Fri 10am-12:30am

Sat 10am-12:30am

Sun 10am-11:30pm

Price:

$

Last updated 5.06.12

Category:

Restaurants, Catering

Payment Methods:

Cash

Restaurant Special Features:

Local Favorite, Family-Friendly Dining, Late Night Dining, Lunch Spot, Group Dining, Cheap Eats

General Info:

Open 7 Days

Cuisine:

Hamburgers, Traditional American, Hot Dogs, Fast Food

Other Locations:

What People Are Saying About The Varsity

Featured Review

Jonathan Baker

Contributor

In Short – Lodged on the corner of North and Spring, "the V" is Atlanta's drive-in tradition, with colorful car hops and game-day grub. Chili dogs, rings and fries are good .... as in greasy-good, so don’t even think about ordering something light. They have a cool language only they use (FO--frosted orange, bag o rags--chips) and a clientele that has no boundaries. So grab a dog, sit in the CNN room between a preacher and a prostitute, and embrace everything right about Atlanta's legendary bad-for-you food stand.

Editor's Tips

Know Before You Go:
Study the menu before getting in line--the Varsity has its own menu shorthand. A "naked dog" is a Varsity signature hot dog without chili; a "bag of rags" is a bag of potato chips and an "FO" is an orange-flavored, slushy milk shake.
The Extras:
For a true nostalgic experience give the curbside service a shot, one of the few places that still does it, American Graffiti-style.
Parking:
Those wanting to dine inside can easily find a space in the V's massive parking deck.
ambiance
84.61999893188477% positive
  1. The decor is bright lights, big diner and the counter staff was trained by the "soup-natzi" (the censorship natzi's wouldn't allow the word spelled correctly!
  2. The ambiance is awesome.
  3. enjoyed the atmosphere.
  4. The varsity has been one of my favorites for many years the chili dogs onion rings and frosted orange are at the top of my list of favorites, the Varsity is one of my favorite places to eat,always crowded and noisy but in a good way, it's always fun.
  5. It was fun and the food was good.
  6. Good location, but Oily, and slightly over-priced, comparing it to the other places in the area.
  7. The atmosphere is great and every tourist needs to stop in!
  8. It has a great atmosphere and something should be said for all of the loyal customers who return to reminisce, but the food is terrible.
  9. The orginal location on North Ave is still the best of them all.
  10. It is packed before Falcons games and Braves game and is also the late night spot of choice for those Braves stragglers that had too much fun the Bud Zone at the game!
  11. Great hotdogs and fun place to eat before a move.
  12. Great atmosphere, terrible food
  13. The parking is awful, the lines are long, and the employees are rude, impatient, and dirty.
dessert
83.33000183105469% positive
  1. The chocolate milkshake didn't taste very good and didn't settle well.
  2. The slaw dog is great and I like the cold chocolate milk.
  3. That's without considering the awesome dessert counter and free hats (both of which will keep the kids happy for the car ride home).
  4. The onion rings are awesome, and save room for a peach fried pie.
  5. Love the fried peach and apple pie.
  6. I've been eating at the Varsity for over 50 years now and my standard order for that entire time has been a Chilii dog, Chili Cheese Burger with pimento chees, an order of the world's best onion rings and two PCS (chocolate nilk on shaved ice).
food quality
76.39999866485596% positive
  1. At each visit the food was consistently awful.
  2. The food is great and the prices are better.
  3. This is a great fast food place to indulge and the peoples reviews below must have had different expectations of this place.
  4. The french fries and onion rings are awesome.
  5. It's a wonderful throwback to an era when people didn't order salads instead of burgers or raisins instead of french fries.
  6. Seriously, though, this place has great hot dogs and onion rings.
  7. Look, I don't know many people that would claim that the Varsity is any paragon of culinary achievement, but when you're in the mood for some good old grease-laden junk food in an enviroment with character, it's hard to beat the Varsity.
  8. Great quick and cheap food.
  9. It was fun and the food was good.
  10. The Varsity is a staple of Atlanta with it's greasy food, hot chili dogs, crispy onion rings, and much more to fill you up!
  11. personally would not recommend the burger unless you like bland, kid's meal-sized burgers.
  12. Bland taste, cold fries, and melted ice in the soda.
  13. The fries weren't the best, they were soft and greasy.
  14. The burgers are full of filler and much smaller than the burgers you get at other places.
  15. good food, ATL style.
  16. the food is bad and service is the same.
  17. Great Place and good food
  18. I've been eating at the Varsity for over 50 years now and my standard order for that entire time has been a Chilii dog, Chili Cheese Burger with pimento chees, an order of the world's best onion rings and two PCS (chocolate nilk on shaved ice).
  19. Its not just the greasy fries, onion rings, fried pies and amazing Frosted Oranges.
  20. do hope Atlanta natives enjoy this type of food.
  21. Personally, I don't go here because I never had any attachment to it, hate the food and have "been there, done that.
  22. The onion rings are good a.
  23. also the food is soo good their chicken sandwiche.
  24. It's definitely not something you want to eat every day if you plan on living past he age of 40, but it is definitely great fast food.
  25. The Varsity's are definitely NOT the best burgers in town.
  26. Not only does The Varsity have the best burger in Atlanta it has the best burger in the south.
  27. The wings are good, the serv.
  28. Do yourself a favor, skip this Atlanta "landmark" and go to Five Guys where $6 gets you great service, perfectly cooked freshcut fries and a juicy 1/2 lb burger.
  29. they have the most flavorful homestyled food.
  30. They have the best fast food in Atlanta.
  31. If you enjoy hotdogs that have been sitting under a heatlamp for hours and greasy fries.
  32. The food is great but without the proper medication (Pink stuff, tums) it can ruin an activity.
  33. Horrible food
  34. The onion rings were good, but very greasy.
  35. Didn't like the fries.
  36. The food at The Varisty is great.
  37. Though greasy, the onion rings are the best!
  38. The onion rings are awesome, and save room for a peach fried pie.
  39. It must be native Atlantans who think this food is good, because those of us who are not natives usually think it is some of the worse stuff we have ever eaten.
  40. good food
  41. The varsity has been one of my favorites for many years the chili dogs onion rings and frosted orange are at the top of my list of favorites, the Varsity is one of my favorite places to eat,always crowded and noisy but in a good way, it's always fun.
  42. Now, if you want some good burgers, I suggest this rather small joint in the Smyrna-Vinings area called U.S. Cafe located on S. Cobb Dr. or Durango's located in downtown Atlanta on Peachtree St. ...but definitely NOT The Varsity!
  43. The order was served fast, but cold food doesn't take much time!
  44. I'm a huge fan of french fries.
  45. Great atmosphere, terrible food
  46. it is a good, quick place for food.
  47. The food is pretty good for fast food, but you must be able to withstand ALOT of grease.
  48. most unique and delicious experience.
  49. The Varsity is a true Atlanta staple for fast greasy food when you are in the mood for it.
  50. Very Best Hot dogs and Hamburgers, also homemade ONION Rings are delicious and at a convenient price!
  51. and the burger, well, I hate to say, I prefer Mc'D, and I never eat there.
  52. Wonderful, affordable food.
  53. Loved the Onions rings very fresh cut.
  54. The decor is bright lights, big diner and the counter staff was trained by the "soup-natzi" (the censorship natzi's wouldn't allow the word spelled correctly!
  55. My onion rings stayed warm for a few seconds after I got them.
  56. The fresh rolls make the hot dogs!
  57. The onion rings were great.
  58. One doesn't go to the varsity for the great food.
  59. From the hamburgers, french fries and onion rings to the ever messy slaw dogs, Varsity is a dream come true for those looking for some old fashioned nostalgia.
  60. It has a great atmosphere and something should be said for all of the loyal customers who return to reminisce, but the food is terrible.
  61. It's got great atmoshere and food.
  62. The best onion rings I've ever had
  63. Yes, McDonald's and Checkers have good french fries, for a fast-food place that is, but the Varsity is by FAR the best.
  64. The fries are great, have always been great, and the service can't be beat!
  65. It's fast food at it's best.
  66. The V is a great place to get a tasty, FAST meal.
  67. You can enjoy your meal on the go or enjoy the ambia.
  68. Then I found myself stuck eating cold onion rings.
  69. I'd much rather go to Wendy's and spend only $.99 for a good burger than eat here.
  70. The service is very nice and you don't have to wait on your food forever.
  71. You may have great memories of this place from your college days, but the burgers are tasteless, the fries not much better.
  72. Not the best burger in town, but I have enjoyed them for 30 years.
  73. The onion rings were good.
  74. It is a landmark, the food is pretty good and it reminds you of the days long gone.
  75. The food is Wonderful.
  76. Skip the awful fries and save yourself some pain.
  77. certainly not for the great food or service.
  78. personally didn't like the varsity because of its food.
  79. have going to the Varsity for years it does have the best burger and the greasiest food in town.
  80. The portions are generous and the meal is always fresh.
  81. Not only was the food nasty, the customer service was just as bad and the prices were too high for what you're given.
  82. love hotdogs with everything and have also been known to scarf down more than a few fast food burgers.
  83. Every meal should come with the number for a good internist.
  84. It has the best hotdogs and onion rings in town!
  85. will say, the food at the Varsity is very unique and not like anywhere else!
  86. This was a highly hyped restaraunt we looked forward to visiting but when we did the food was cold & greasy, & the restaraunt was NASTY!
  87. Don't look for anything special here except great chilli dogs and onion rings.
  88. Nasty burgers, rude people behind the line, not to mention the fellow customers.
  89. know this might sound crazy but The Varsity has the best Egg Salad sandwich in town.
overall
96.66999816894531% positive
  1. The Varsity is a great place to visit.
  2. You may have great memories of this place from your college days, but the burgers are tasteless, the fries not much better.
  3. Yes, McDonald's and Checkers have good french fries, for a fast-food place that is, but the Varsity is by FAR the best.
  4. The Varsity is a great place to chill out for lunch on a hectic day.
  5. it is a good, quick place for food.
  6. The Varsity is a great place to eat, almost any time.
  7. The V is a great place to get a tasty, FAST meal.
  8. My favorite restaurant.
  9. This is a great fast food place to indulge and the peoples reviews below must have had different expectations of this place.
  10. This is my favorite restaurant in whole world.
  11. The varisty is such great place to visit while in Atlanta!
  12. With its upbeat and loud employees, The Varsity is a great place to go before any sports game in Atlanta!
  13. Plus you it's one of the best place's to people watch.
  14. This is a great place for kids.
  15. great old fashion place
return potential
50.0% positive
  1. It has a great atmosphere and something should be said for all of the loyal customers who return to reminisce, but the food is terrible.
service
75.0% positive
  1. Not only was the food nasty, the customer service was just as bad and the prices were too high for what you're given.
  2. The parking is awful, the lines are long, and the employees are rude, impatient, and dirty.
  3. Great and fast customer service.
  4. watching the servers is very entertaining
  5. don't know why people like it so much.
  6. Do yourself a favor, skip this Atlanta "landmark" and go to Five Guys where $6 gets you great service, perfectly cooked freshcut fries and a juicy 1/2 lb burger.
  7. Plus you it's one of the best place's to people watch.
  8. The staff was less than friendly and it had a high school cafeteria feel to it.
  9. They have very, very nice people there to serve yoU!
  10. Look, I don't know many people that would claim that the Varsity is any paragon of culinary achievement, but when you're in the mood for some good old grease-laden junk food in an enviroment with character, it's hard to beat the Varsity.
  11. It's a wonderful throwback to an era when people didn't order salads instead of burgers or raisins instead of french fries.
  12. certainly not for the great food or service.
  13. With its upbeat and loud employees, The Varsity is a great place to go before any sports game in Atlanta!
  14. The service is very nice and you don't have to wait on your food forever.
  15. Why do people like this place?
  16. mean come on people, for what it is, Varsity is EXCELLENT.
  17. The service is lightning-fast, and they serve the best hot dogs ever.
  18. The decor is bright lights, big diner and the counter staff was trained by the "soup-natzi" (the censorship natzi's wouldn't allow the word spelled correctly!
  19. the food is bad and service is the same.
  20. Nasty burgers, rude people behind the line, not to mention the fellow customers.
  21. The fries are great, have always been great, and the service can't be beat!
  22. We KNOW the staff is rude.
value
59.089999198913574% positive
  1. Not only was the food nasty, the customer service was just as bad and the prices were too high for what you're given.
  2. The portions are generous and the meal is always fresh.
  3. Lunch for 2 is expensive!
  4. By being in Atlanta this place is always full but just being apart of the experience is worth the wait in line.
  5. Yes, the onions are great, but that doesn't make great cheap eats.
  6. The food is great and the prices are better.
  7. I'm a huge fan of french fries.
  8. Very Best Hot dogs and Hamburgers, also homemade ONION Rings are delicious and at a convenient price!
  9. Wonderful, affordable food.
  10. Great quick and cheap food.
  11. Kinda expensive for a hot dog.
wait time
75.0% positive
  1. Great quick and cheap food.
  2. it is a good, quick place for food.
  3. The parking is awful, the lines are long, and the employees are rude, impatient, and dirty.
  4. It is a landmark, the food is pretty good and it reminds you of the days long gone.
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

05/01/12

Who doesn't love the Varsity

by MadMax1234

Who doesn't love the varsity. Always a home run every time I go here. Love the food, the feel of the place, everything

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

01/21/12

ramu

by Josph John

To quote my girlfriend when we sat down: "Ew. Let's leave."

I admit at first, I was worried too. It smelled like Chinese food in this place - yes, Chinese food. The waitresses were eating their lunch at the front of the restaurant when we walked in. Without standing up, one of them smiled and pointed to a table at the back.

The restaurant was empty, despite a handmade sign that said: "Line moves quickly!" Perhaps we mistimed our meal, showing up for breakfast at noon. Either way, the menu offers mostly breakfast foods including omelets, bacon, pancakes, and my favorite: eggs benedict.

I ordered the California eggs benedict and my girlfriend got the Crab eggs benedict. Within ten minutes our waitress delivered our meal. We were happily surprised. The plate was nicely made up. My eggs benedict had large, fresh slices of avocado and fresh grilled turkey. My girlfriend's eggs benedict had heaps of real crab meat, topped with capers.

The hollandaise sauce was buttery and rich and the eggs perfectly cooked. We noticed that my plate was garnished with a lemon wedge while my girlfriend's came with an orange slice. It was a small detail, but showed that they actually care about how they present their dishes here.

We repeatedly noted how tasty the food was, and how wrong we were to prejudge the experience.

Having said this, the place would probably have netted a higher score had the ambiance been nicer. Still, who am I - a tourist - to waltz into a place that is clearly liked by the locals and ask that place to change? If you are a tourist like me, you should be happy that a place like this exists at all. Two blocks from the Prescott Hotel on Post St. sits a great little place for breakfast.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

07/24/11

A must visit!!!

by JessF0

OK Here's the REAL deal about the Varsity!

The food probably won't fill you up. The burgers are very thin, the hot dogs are small, etc. The fries are often soggy & cold. But for some reason, it just tastes good. Don't go in expecting a meaty, juice burger.. go in expecting greasy, McDonald's-esque meal and you'll be satisfied.

The atmosphere is wonderful. If you come to Atlanta, you have to visit! I've been going to the Varsity for years & years (raised here in Atlanta), and I love it. Especially before a sporting event!

Frosted Orange is a MUST HAVE. They are amazing!

The food is all very affordable. For two people, we eat for $15.

4 Star Rating: Recommended

03/28/11

An Atlanta tradition

by LS1240SX

Nobody goes here for the vegan menu. Nobody goes here because they are trying to watch what they eat. They go here for a couple of greasy chili dogs and onion rings. And this place delivers it in spades.

1 Star Rating: Poor

01/05/11

Varsity I do not think So!

by Archhist

You cannot be serious? I have frequented the varsity on occasion as hoping that the quality of the product would improve like better quality Dogs.

I suppose if you live in a closet, listen to city search ad hype. and have never visited Chicago or NY, or Even Liverpool NY (best dogs) You would not know what a great dog is. i guess one pays for the show.

The Details on The Varsity

Place Categories:

  • great greasy food
  • best onion rings
  • great quick place
  • love varsity
  • terrible food
  • best hotdogs
  • best hot dogs
  • best lb burger
  • not recommend burgers
  • like people
  • great customer service
  • great atmosphere
  • enjoy fast meal
  • best french fries
  • great memories
  • best fast food
  • cold fries
  • love kids
  • good orginal location
  • favorite restaurant
  • cold hot dogs
  • worst slaw dogs
  • enjoy hamburger
  • always full place
  • big counter staff
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