Varsity
(404) 881-1706
61 North Ave NW
Atlanta,
GA
30308
33.7714
-84.3892
Neighborhoods: Northeast, Midtown, Northeast
What People Are Saying About Varsity
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In Short
Visible from the interstate thanks to a mighty red "V," the Varsity sells a combination of Joe College rah-rah and soda-fountain romance. Flashy neon signage sets up the stainless steel, curving glass-brick walls and bright, noisy counter that's longer than a football field. Top it off with carhop service and a punchy counter staff. It's more of an Atlanta treasure than Scarlett O'Hara. The Varsity predates fast food and has its own specialized vocabulary. It's the kind of place where the food is better because you ate it back in the day. Greasy, fun favorites include the chili-cheese steak (a diminutive hamburger with chili and American or pimiento cheese), crispy batter-fried onion rings and a defiantly messy slaw dog. Wash it all down with the locally renowned FO, or frosted orange, and finish with a fried apple pie.
User Reviews
yamwatiyam
May 14, 2009
The burgers are full of filler and much smaller than the burgers you get at other places. My onion rings stayed warm for a few seconds after I got them. Then I found myself stuck eating cold onion rings. Maybe tradition is not the only important factor, Varsity! Get some decent quality ingredients and serve them up hot!
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nuke44
February 25, 2009
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). A couple of people here (urbanprincess and gross come to mind) have been to a varsity that I've never experienced.
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urbanprincess
January 21, 2009
Okay, so I had been tempted to try the food at the Varsity ever since I heard about it through word of mouth after moving to the Atlanta area last year. Boy, was I disappointed!! First of all the establishment looks like an outdated high school cafeteria. The staff appeared to be mostly teenagers who were grouped up behind the registers looking as though they had something better to do. I ordered a cheeseburger and onion rings, not knowing that the cheeseburger only comes with the patty, cheese and a bun. After realizing this, I took my receipt and burger back to the register thinking that they had left off the condiments and toppings and that's when a girl behind the counter told me that that was how they came. The onion rings were good, but very greasy. I personally would not recommend the burger unless you like bland, kid's meal-sized burgers. Most likely I will not be returning to this so-called Atlanta "landmark."
read full reviewThe Details on Varsity
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.
Category:
Payment Methods:
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Family-Friendly Dining, Late Night Dining, Lunch Spot, Group Dining, Cheap Eats
