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The Varsity

3 star rating
based on 197 reviews

Category: Fast Food  [Edit]

Neighborhood: Midtown
61 North Ave NW
Atlanta, GA 30308
(404) 881-1706
Nearest Transit:

Civic Center (North-South, Northeast-South, East-West, Proctor Creek)

Hours:

Mon-Sun. 6:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Parking:
Private Lot
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Price Range:
$
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Good for:
Lunch, Dinner, Late Night
Alcohol:
None

197 reviews for The Varsity

Review Highlights   

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"And don't forget to top it all off with a Frosted Orange." (in 40 reviews)
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"They are HUGE and flaky, melt-in-your-mouth onion rings." (in 75 reviews)
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"so, if you're going for the full What'll ya have." (in 20 reviews)
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Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of David K.

Elite '09

263

453

David K.

Atlanta, GA

4 star rating
12/2/2009 1 photo

Oh, The Varsity... What's there to say that hasn't already been said? Let me start by explaining that you don't come here for the food. Well, maybe the Frosted Orange... and if you're in the mood for homemade fries.  You come here for the experience... and most importantly, to hear someone bark "What'll ya have?"

I can here last night to watch the Atlanta mayoral election results with Mary Norwood.  It had been a few years since I was here last and I'm happy to report that nothing has changed. Actually, I take that back. The men's bathroom had new waterless urinals. That's probably one of the only things that has been updated in the 81 years since The Varsity opened. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing, but regardless it's fun to celebrate Atlanta here.

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Photo of ueber frau p.

 

11

128

ueber frau p.

Fayetteville, PA

4 star rating
11/13/2009

Can we get two ratings here?  I'd love to break the rating down for you and say that for "regional flavor" The Varsity should get a five.  We were told that it's a "must see" place while you are in Atlanta.  I will admit that the yelling of "What'll ya have"?, constantly, was a little unnerving.  But the atmosphere and the drive-in is definitely something that is worth seeing.  It takes you back in time for sure.  Was it the first drive-in?  I'd like to know.  It's really big and it was really busy.

The food would get a three and while I agree that it had its share of grease, wasn't that bad and wasn't that expensive.  I saw the fried apple pie, but couldn't bring myself to taste it.  I did have the fresh peach ice cream for dessert and it was quite good.

You must stop if you are here in Atlanta.  But be forwarned vegetarians... there is nothing, nada, zero, here for you to try.

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Photo of mike c.

 

4

13

mike c.

Arlington, VA

3 star rating
11/7/2009

Do you want to eat soggy hot dogs that taste decent but look terrible?

Do you want to be able to turn your Frosted Orange completely upside-down without anything falling out of the cup?

Are you looking regret your latest dining decision about 8 hours from now?

Then The Varsity may be the place for you!

This place is an Atlanta institution, you've got to come here just to say you did.  Just like Gino's East in Chicago and Ben's Chili Bowl in D.C., this place's reputation is legendary.  The food is not great.  In fact, it may not even be good.  Most of the people I was with thought it was gross, actually.  I thought it was ok, for a fast food joint.  It's safe to say that this place would be entirely not worth it if you do not care at all about history and "character."

I will say it's the first time I've ever eaten at a fast food place and had a waitress clear my table for me.  She even instructed me to "drop it like it's hot."  I'm not sure what I was supposed to drop.  Certainly nothing I was holding was hot.  Was she worried I would burn myself?  Coupled with her semi-toothless smile, this really capped off the experience.

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Photo of Angela d.

Elite '09

17

99

Angela d.

Worcester, MA

2 star rating
11/25/2009

Ok, my friends had visited Atlanta before and told me i HAD to come to the Varsity, so I did.  It was very quaint with their waitresses yelling "What'll ya have?" at me.  I ordered a cheeseburger and fries and I was disappointed.  Seriously, they're just like McDonalds burgers and fries, except they didn't even have any condiments on the burger.  It was just bun, meat, cheese, bun.  Lame.  At least, at McDonald's they give you a pickle.  The fries were soggy and flavorless.  Good thing it wasn't expensive.  It came out to around $3something.  But I could have gotten a double cheeseburger and much better fries at MD's for $2.  Lose.

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Photo of Charles M.

Elite '09

7

65

Charles M.

Alpharetta, GA

5 star rating
11/7/2009

The largest drive-in, and if I'm not mistaken, maybe the first ever.

This place has been frequented by Presidents on their visit to Atlanta and they even have their own jargon.

This is a great place to bring out-of-towners or to go before/after a sporting event downtown.

The food is filling and the price is low.

So, "What'll ya have?"

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Photo of Adam R.

Elite '09

79

161

Adam R.

Atlanta, GA

2 star rating
9/28/2009

Growing up in Marietta, my family never came downtown much. On the special occasion we did, many times we would stop at The Varsity to experience some rich Atlanta tradition. I was just a kid and ate it then. My mom just liked looking around the building I think.

When I started college, several of us from my high school decided we needed to go try this place out since most of us had not been since we were kids. I think there was a line for the bathroom that night. If there was ever a place that reminded me of The Simpsons episode where Homer tries to steal Willie's retirement grease this is it. Grease, grease, and more grease. More grease than on a geeky teen's face. I think The Varsity must have paid off the FDA back in the Hoover administration to never inspect it because there is no way this place could be remotely healthy in any way.

Yes I have had the food. The burgers are thin and greasy, The dogs are thin and greasy, and the fries are greasy and greasy. I love burgers and fries but these are just not that good. I do love the FO (frosted orange), and yes you have to order it like that or they will look at you like you are an idiot. In the last six years or so I have only gone to get the FO here but it is always busy. I think they do well on merchandise sales too.

I have never understood the drive in part. I guess it is just a hold over from the old days. No way is it faster than going inside.

I remember coming back in the early 2000s when plasma televisions were still in the $10,000 range and they had several of them above the counter showing the history of The Varsity. They are always busy and have to be pulling in some cash. I hope they got a long term deal on their property taxes.

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Photo of Han L.

 

13

27

Han L.

Gainesville, FL

2 star rating
10/27/2009

Well, you've heard it before, the Varsity is a great place to go FOR THE EXPERIENCE. Travel through time by stopping by and stepping into the Varsity. The food? Greasy and not that yummy. Also, it's kind of expensive for what it is.

Overall, come on by ! for the experience and make sure you grab a hat. Don't expect anything spectacular from the food, my fries were soggy from the grease.

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Photo of Jonathan P.

 

0

9

Jonathan P.

Pico Rivera, CA

1 star rating
9/29/2009

So last month my friends and i took a trip to Atlanta for a music Festival. We decided we had to try Varsity since we heard so much about it. We took the Marta to it and going in you feel the buzz from the crowd. I knew it was big but wow it was big...and thats where the honey moon ended

I go up to order with a huge smile on my face waiting to hear it.....
and then the lady behind the counter with the most monotone dead voice says "What'll have"....thats it? alright whatever, i thought. Maybe it was just that one worker so i went on to order.
I got my order rushed to my seat and took a bite and i kid you not the first thing that came to my head was. What the F**K! It was the biggest disappointed i have ever had. This food was so generic and it tastes mass produced.

Varsity is just a bigger  Wienerschnitzel!  there is nothing special about the food! its very bland and if i ever go back to Atlanta i will never go back to Varsity

By the time we left the place we were so mad
we nicknamed Varsity . We started calling it VarSHITTY!

if u want a good meal and your at Varsity just leave the place! go across the street to Goodfellas. That where we ate later in the night

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Photo of Lauren B.

 

0

3

Lauren B.

Atlanta, GA

4 star rating
11/27/2009

This place is my favorite fast food restaurant, because of its speedy service and delicious menu items. The orange slushy drinks will just knock your socks off. Not to mention, it's kind of neat the way they offer drive up service. A one of a kind place and one that I'll never forget.

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Photo of Deb B.

Elite '09

31

105

Deb B.

Atlanta, GA

4 star rating
10/2/2009

I grew up eating the Varsity since I can remember.  I grew up in Athens and there's a Varsity there that opened in 1932. Remember  the nostalgia behind it all.  

The downtown Varsity is the Worlds Largest Drive-In.  They cook over two miles of hot dogs, a ton of onions, 2500 pounds of potatoes, 5000 fried pies and 300 gallons of chili are made from scratch daily. (per the site).

It is an establishment. The dogs are great and the frosted orange will take you back to your childhood.  Don't forget the fried pies.

IT IS FAST FOOD.  Do not forget this.  If you think you're going to get the same service as in the 60's and what really made the Varsity a legend, remember that society in itself is not he same.  We do not live in a "Pleasantville" world.

The food and the entire experience of the Varsity downtown and in Athens is something everyone should try at least once!

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Photo of Jennifer C.

Elite '09

147

431

Jennifer C.

Dallas, TX

4 star rating
8/27/2009

Note: This review is ONLY for dessert!

We stopped here for dessert today. I got a peach fried pie and a frosted orange. Yum! The peach fried pie was tasty and smelled amazing.

The frosted orange was definitely my favorite though. This is sure to be one of those things I can't get where I live and will miss and have to go to when I visit the city. It tastes just like a push up ice cream from when I was a kid, but you can drink it through the straw. Try it so you can be addicted too :)

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Photo of J T.

 

13

67

J T.

Indianapolis, IN

3 star rating
7/17/2009 2 photos

What'll ya have...What'll ya have???  I'll have The Varsity thank you!

This is the shout from behind the counter at The Varsity smack in the middle of downtown Atlanta.  I've visited here about half a dozen times.  Its huge, has hot dogs, hamburgs, fries, ice cream - drive up or dine in.  The Varsity is an institution in Atlanta.

I ordered two cony dogs with cheese and bacon, fries and a drink - even the guy behind the counter was a little wowed by the boldness of the fat-content request.

The total bill was $10.10.  I gave him a $20 and he asked if I had a dime - I said no and he said what do you have? "Lint" I replied.  He said just keep it and I offered him a buck as a tip - he refused.  I offered again and he just said no thank you but please come back - I will. A dime gets my attention.  A dollar gets my allegiance forever.

The reason to come here is not for the food - its fine.  The reason to come here is because they've been serving this food in this way in this place for over 80 years.  There is a vibe - people take pictures - there's togetherness and belonging just by being there with other like-minded people long enough to eat a burger and fries.  And by like-minded I mean a respect for tradition and the past and those who worked and work hard to make it the kind of place that people want to come back to - let alone give back a dime in today's economy and refuse a dollar tip - I'm in.

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Photo of Bill K.

 

3

17

Bill K.

Alpharetta, GA

5 star rating
8/6/2009

Everyone says you have to be from Atlanta to enjoy the food at the Varsity. WRONG!
I love it! Onion Rings, Hot Dogs, Fries, Hamburgers and that Frosted Orange. WOW!
Look, it is not health food so if you trying to drop a few pounds it is not for you.
But I have to tell you, I could eat there every day. Of course I might die at the age of 48.
I think everyone that was raised in Atlanta enjoys the Varsity and I can see why.

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Photo of David G.

Elite '09

3

73

David G.

Atlanta, GA

2 star rating
7/1/2009

I'm not an Atlanta native, and ever since I moved here people have asked if I've been to the Varsity yet.  I finally gave in, and was totally underwhelmed.

Alright, I'll admit I'm impressed by the sheer size of the place.  When the whole place is full, I'm sure it's a sight to behold.  I got a chili dog, slaw dog, and chili burger with onion rings - if you're going to clog your arteries, might as well do it right.

THIS is what people are raving about?  Seriously?  I'll admit I'm not much of a hot dog fan, but these things were pretty pathetic.  If I would have closed my eyes, I could have convinced myself there was no hot dog under the slaw/chili.  The burger was just kind of meh.  At least I could taste that there was meat in it, not that the meat had any particular taste TO it.  The onion rings were basically the best part of the meal, which is pretty sad.  Some people have told me that I didn't get the "full experience" because I didn't get a Frosted Orange.  I really doubt it could have salvaged the rest of the meal.

The food deserves one star, but I'll bump it to two simply because I was impressed at how CLEAN the place was.  The largest fast food joint I've ever been in, serving incredibly greasy food with kids running amok, and it didn't seem dirty at all.

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Photo of Mike A.

 

9

35

Mike A.

West Covina, CA

3 star rating
8/17/2009 2 photos

What can i say that hasnt been said already? Everyone knows The Varsity and this was yet another MUST try for me. I ended up eating here twice while i was out in Atlanta. Not because it was so good but because i needed to try my dog a few ways before i wrote my review. The first time i went classic and i ordered a #1 with onion rings and a side of chili. I had some big expectations for this place since everyone ive asked would say how great this place was. I thought one of my coworkers was going to start tearing up when i mentioned this place. He said he had being going to The varsity for over 30 years and was known to knock back quite a few dogs in his day. HAHA. Anyway back to the food. All i can say is i was a little disappointed. I was excepting a lot more flavor from the chili but it was just OK. The onion rings were really good and i left a bit confused wanting to come back again.

A few days pass and im thinking The Varsity AGAIN. This time im going get it the way i thought would make the flavors pop (i also wanted to try a burger). This time i get a #2 with frys a side of cheese, onions, and a Orange Frost. This time there was a little more flavor having the cheese on the dog but it still was just ok at best. The burger was pretty much in the same boat as the dog. Just OK. They frys seemed like that had been sitting for a while like crappy In and Out frys lol. The best part was the Orange frost. MmMmm that was the best part of my meal. I was totally not expecting that to be so damn good! It was like drinking a creamsicle!

Now I know the varsity has LOTS of history but the food was just OK not a place i would be jumping for joy to eat at again. If you like the Chili from the Varsity try Tommys Burgers if your ever in LA. Tommy's chili blows this chili out of the water!

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Photo of Eb O.

 

8

19

Eb O.

Atlanta, GA

1 star rating
7/25/2009

This food is simply disgusting. Fries that are wrinkled because of being old, and sogged in grease. Burgers that look microwaved and pruny compared to the bun. Tasteless grease filled nastiness. They don't even have malt beverages lik ethe old school diners . Disgustinggggggggggggggg WTF

Why is it still even open? How? Who the heck keeps this place in business. Pure nastiness. I did it as a tourist to ATL. NEVER AGAIN.

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Photo of Molly R.

 

3

50

Molly R.

Chicago, IL

1 star rating
7/7/2009

Don't yell at me! I know you have like 5 things on the menu, but I still need at least 30 seconds to decide. Ok. I made up my mind. I guess I'll have a hot dog. And fries. Moving on, so you can screech at the masses of people in ill-fitting shorts that stand behind me. I guess I ended up at this "legendary" joint because everyone claims it's a "must".

"You're going to Atlanta? Oh, you GOTTA stop by VARSITY!".

Now I have to ask: "why"? Why does someone have to stop by this place?

The atmosphere was annoying. Food was extremely average, and that's being very generous.  Why this place is so famous is seriously beyond me. Probably because there is a never-ending stream of out of towners like myself that have seen this on the 9 million Food Network shows it's been on and mindlessly show up.

Have any of you ever been to Chicago? It's the red meat capital of the world. There's a place there called Portillo's that will put this place to shame. As I sat eating my lackluster Varsity meal, it's all I could think about.

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Photo of Sarah E.

Elite '09

36

257

Sarah E.

Atlanta, GA

1 star rating
6/27/2009

How is it possible to make food this greasy?  

I'm only giving The Varsity one star because (a) Yelp doesn't allow us to give zero stars and (b) the fact that their plain hot dog is called a "Naked Dog" was really amusing to me when I was a kid.  Even when I was little, their food wasn't tolerable to me.  

I always hear people say things like, "The food is gross but the Frosted Orange is good."  Only I think it tastes kinda like really cold baby aspirin.  And one time my friend found a fly in hers.

In conclusion, there is no reason that anyone should ever eat here.  EVER.

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Photo of Mark P.

Elite '09

4

128

Mark P.

Washington, DC

2 star rating
7/29/2009

For me, one star is when you get a roach in your soup. So take that as a measuring stick for my two star rating. The fries were limp, the burger was smashed and tiny.

This place does have a certain faded nostalgia as the self-proclaimed world's largest drive-in, and was the restaurant that had the court case that brought an end to segregation in restaurants. Gets some nostalgia points for those.

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Photo of Rachel W.

 

2

13

Rachel W.

Denver, CO

4 star rating
8/11/2009

My favorite place to get some food in Midtown!!

My favorite meal is 2 slaw dogs and some onion rings! My family has been going to The Varsity for as long as I can remember, so it may hold some nostalgia for me, and that's why I love it so much, but it's great food and they are always speedy, even if there are hundreds of people.

I can't speak to their burgers or chicken, because I always get hot dogs!

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Photo of London A.

 

0

17

London A.

Washington, DC

2 star rating
8/11/2009

O-v-e-r-r-a-t-e-d! On a recent trip to Atlanta, I had The Varsity highlighted as one of THE places I had to visit and I could not have been more disappointed!

The hot dogs had absolutely zero taste and the fries were average at best. This place reminded of similar greasy spoons like The Original in Pittsburgh or Ben's Chili Bowl in DC, but those two are a world better than The Varsity.

The Varsity does have a few things going for it, though - plenty of seating, on-site parking, and quick service. If I were to do it all over again, I would just go in to peek around the famed joint and maybe get ice cream or dessert, but skip the "real" food.

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Photo of Brass C.

 

0

10

Brass C.

Atlanta, GA

3 star rating
7/7/2009

Alright.  I have to say it.  I love Hot Dogs, I love Onion Rings.  I like (notice not love) The Varsity.  

It's an Atlanta tradition to eat at The Varsity.  I think that's what makes it a like for me.  The hot dogs are tasty SOMETIMES.  I've found far too often that you get good dogs and bad dogs (sauce isn't hitting it, etc).  The one saving grace on a consistent basis is the onion rings.  I have yet to think anything other than good thoughts about these suckers.  

I recommend The Varsity to people that have never been.  I avoid giving my opinion outloud as it seems to be such a touchy subject much the same as politics.  

I must say - The Coke tastes the same here as any other place that serves Coca-Cola in fountain form!  It's the environment that makes you morons think that it tastes better here.  

Overall?  A decent place for a hot dog, fries/rings, beverage and some not so friendly (wait, that's the theme!) waitstaff.

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Photo of Michelle A.

Elite '09

34

166

Michelle A.

Atlanta, GA

1 star rating
7/24/2009

I was scared of this spot as a child. After all, on a school trip nearly all the kids wound up with food poisoning. I managed to avoid it by getting strep throat the day of the field trip. Needless to say, I was happier with my mom's home cooking that day versus the salmonella burger.

Years later, I decided to face my fears and went back - though not entirely by choice, to be fair. The food was mediocre to say the least. Flat burger, flimsy fries... the only good part was that beautiful orange cream shake they offer.

It's an Atlanta institution, so most people say you should go. If you want to, give it a shot. It probably won't kill you, but you might leave the city with a few extra passengers in your stomach. If nothing else, you can say you tried one of the Southern food groups - grease!

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Photo of Laura N.

Elite '09

83

124

Laura N.

Atlanta, GA

1 star rating
8/10/2009

I had high expectations for this place but it's probably one of the most overrated restaurants in Atlanta.  The Varsity serves hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, and onion rings - all dripping with loads of grease.  I normally like hamburgers and hot dogs a lot, but I felt like I was going to have a heart attack every time I ate here (only twice because I decided to give it a second chance).  The portions are not even big.  It amazes me that this place is even an Atlanta landmark!

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Photo of David R.

 

1

5

David R.

Loganville, GA

1 star rating
7/21/2009

Yes yes, I know, historical, Atlanta, blah blah.. but come on.. YUK!  and greasy.. artery clog in wax paper!  Oh.. did I mention YUK?

I tried to add additional tips, but the "Good For" options did not include food poisoning, vomiting, or diarrhea!  :)

And, lastly, did I mention.. YUK?  YUKKA!

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Photo of Ivan S.

Elite '09

167

404

Ivan S.

Atlanta, GA

3 star rating
3/6/2009

Whadalya have?!

The answer is, always, a chilidog, onion rings, a fried peach pie, and a frosted orange. It ain't that hard, folks. Their menu isn't that big. Nevertheless, it's common to greet "Whadalya have?!" with "Uh....uh.....huh?"

"Whadalya have?!"

"Uh, I'm thinking......well, maybe....."

"Whadalya have?!"

"Please.....for the love of God, I don't know! The thinking part in my head is hurting!"

"Whadalya have?!"

"Please don't yell at me." (Sob!)

The venerable Varsity, target of much love and much derision. Honestly, I don't know how much of both it deserves. It does earn some respect just for being a constant in ever-changing Atlanta. It's grown some, added a little bit of technology here and there, but for the most part, it's remained refreshingly old-school. Some might call it "predictable," but I think most of those people expect too much for too little. It's a drive-in, people. They serve chili dogs.

But then how ARE the chili dogs?  Aye, and that's the rub. They're not very good, even by chili dog standards. OK, they're not Checker's quality (which, to me, is the culinary equivalent of getting a thousand paper cuts on the head of your penis), but I've had much better chili dogs in my day. They're still better than the hamburgers, so I still stick with them.  Comparatively their onion rings, greasy though they may be, score much higher in my book. And the frosted orange (the original Orange Julius before Julius found it) truly deserves its place in Atlanta lore as does any fried pie.

Really, though, to most the food is secondary to the experience--the experience of being an original old-school Atlanta institution filled with hustle, bustle and aged engineers re-experiencing their days of youth. Seen through the prism of nostalgia, The Varsity comports itself well. Taken as a restaurant in and of itself, not so much.  To me, that's the crux of the polarized opinions surrounding the Varsity. I understand both views and that's why I sit solidly at 2.5 stars. For the sake of Yelp and sentimentality (even though I never attended GA Tech), I'll round up to 3 stars.

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Photo of Paul S.

Elite '09

24

71

Paul S.

Atlanta, GA

3 star rating
4/29/2009

Classic Atlanta. This is like the Big Chicken in my eyes.  Nobody can really explain it, it's just there and accepted.  Even on a Tuesday afternoon with nothing going on there are 30 people in line when I come in just to get decent food. It's not about the food though. Come and have the greasy Onion Rings and the small burgers... don't forget your Orange drink to go with your Chili Dog!

You can't deny that the Varsity is on a whole other level from any other restaurant in Atlanta. What level that maybe, I don't know, but I love it. Nothing has changed. After not being there for what seems like forever, I still knew where to find the ESPN room. I sat in the high school chairs that have the desk attached, enjoyed my greased up cuisine and took it all in...

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Photo of Nina W.

Elite '09

10

55

Nina W.

Galveston, TX

2 star rating
6/2/2009

It's been many many years since I've been to the Varsity, but I didn't have Yelp then either...  I appreciate the history and tradition behind this place, the fact that it has lasted through the years and is still a well known spot in the city.  However....  ew.  

I wasn't impressed when I was a kid, wasn't impressed when I was 18-ish, and  would never consider stopping here again if I were in Atlanta.  I guess one of the main draws to this place is the fact that you can get chili slopped on just about anything, but me personally I just like a plain hamburger.  Ketchup and mustard only.  So seeing as I only got meat and bread, I was actually able to taste what was not great quality food.  If I"m gonna eat fast food hamburgers, I would go to Wendy's or Burger King over the Varsity, no question.  Fries are unremarkable.  Actually, what is remarkable is that I have such vivid memories of this oh-so-gross meal more than 10 years later.  

Just about the only recommendation I can make is to go, get a milkshake, and enjoy the bustling atmosphere, the hard-working burger flippers, the "what'll ya haves," and then leave and eat someplace else.

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Photo of Sarah H.

Elite '09

10

72

Sarah H.

Atlanta, GA

2 star rating
6/5/2009

Out of concern for your arteries, I implore you to stay away from here.  After I ate here, I could feel my body rejecting the food, not in literal way, but I knew things were not settling.  And that's when I wondered, "what's really in those hot dogs?  And how is it possible the hot dog is THAT greasy?"

Yes, it is cool that this place has a lot of history, and I totally appreciate that.  In fact, I'd say it might be a good place to go-- once.  I haven't been back since and I don't plan on it-- for the sake of my health.

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Photo of Peter M.

Elite '09

178

400

Peter M.

Gainesville, FL

3 star rating
6/9/2009

I would say the best part about The Varsity is just going for the experience.

It is loud and crowded and the people behind the counter are yelling for you to order, so stand back until you know what you want.

The food is just ok, but it sure comes out fast.  If you are in Atlanta you have to check it out at least once.

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40

Tim W.

Pittsburgh, PA

5 star rating
9/14/2009 1 photo

Whatta ya have?! Whatta ya have?! Everything Damn It! Now quite yelling at me!

The Varsity is so good. We went twice while in Atlanta. My daughter and I both had the bacon double cheeseburger. The burgers are really good and really small! I had fries and she had onion rings. The fries are so good it doesn't make sense! My wife had a chili slaw hot dog and onion rings. Oh and the fried peach pies are to die for! If only I had some ice cream to put on top! I could eat there once a day no problem!

What is in Atlanta Coke? That stuff is addictive as hell!

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11

Evan T.

New York, NY

5 star rating
9/15/2009

Very amused by all the negative embellished reviews with tales of food poisoning and more.  In the world of old school roadside america, this place is King.  They are two different unique experiences in one.  They are a very large drive in with old school car hops, and they are a great example of early american fast food.  I prefer the inside.   It's a completely over the top experience.  You will be overwhelmed and confused.  Step back, decide on what you will have and wait, and wait.

Of course the food's not good, but its amazing.  It's fast food.  

I think I finally figured out the perfect things to order now on my second visit.   As a yankee who recently discovered the slaw dog, I got a plain slaw dog and a chili slaw dog.  The slaw is fresh, tasty and crunchy.  The chili is a salty meat only concoction, like northwestern NY chili sauce but with more spice.   These totally hit the spot for me.  My dining partner got a chili burger which if you like grilled, smushed down thin burgers will hit the spot, similar to Hayes Hamburgers in Kansas City, but bigger.  If the line wasn't so long, I would have gotten one of those myself.  The onion rings are either perfection, or super oily perfection.  On this occasion it was the latter, but it still did the trick.  
Top it off with a fried peach pie and a frosted orange, which tastes like a creamsicle.    You won't be hungry for hours.   Salty, greasy deliciousness.

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Elite '09

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Roshanda P.

Ellenwood, GA

4 star rating
3/26/2009

Not all will love this place but if your looking for something greasy this is the spot for you. Being from Atlanta I have been eating here forever, I always have 2 chili dogs fries and you have to try the "FROSTY ORANGE" its the best thing!!!!!

I do have to say that over the years the taste has changed I was more impressed with it back in the day tho

So what'll ya have?

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Elite '09

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148

Joseph L.

Salisbury, NC

1 star rating
5/31/2009

I have heard all about this place the lengh of time its been there the history and so on. So A recent visit we just happened to be staying right next door we walked over and ate.
The food is terrible .... nasty no quality and they slop in down I had a chili dog and most of the chilli was not on the dog . The wife had a plain dog with onions ketchup and onion rings very greasy .
If your going there to say that you have been then go and say you have but, plan going somewhere else for food.
Like I said we were right next door and honestly it looked like a drug dealers parking lot . I told the wife to stay in the room and I would just walk over and bring some back to give them another try. When I saw what was going on I did not go and ordered room service
There are many other places that have alot better dogs so its your stomach

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Elite '09

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158

Justin P.

Coral Springs, FL

3 star rating
8/31/2009

This place is an Atlanta institution (and I mean institution in the good way, not the going insane way).  Anyway, as far as the actual food is concerned, it only merits three stars, but really, everyone should eat at this place at least once.  They don't serve the best burgers ever, or the best fries ever or the best hotdogs ever either, but they do serve tasty, greasy, 1950's-style fast food in a fun environment.  For me, going once was probably enough, but if you haven't been there yet, you should check it out.

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Nicole C.

Indianapolis, IN

4 star rating
4/9/2009 1 photo

Gotta say that life boils down to the expectations you enter with b/c I went in expecting little from The Varsity, but still had it on my to-do list for a recent trip to Atlanta if only for the touristy experience.  Most likely b/c of that, I really enjoyed it.  

The dogs are really small, but I dug the consistency of the coney sauce...it was tasty with a grainy texture that was pretty interesting. The onion rings were salty and good and the diet coke was cokey. I mean, really, no one could walk in there expecting gourmet food but it's happy, greasy diner food with history.

The history alone should take you there and you could spend a half hour just reading the news clippings on the wall or checking out the nostalgic drawings of local haunts.

I was disappointed b/c we walked in to a nearly empty Varsity and didn't get the chaotic experience I've seen...so, if you're going for the full What'll ya have? flavor, be sure to visit during a football weekend.

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Chelly A.

Mableton, GA

1 star rating
8/4/2009

That place is just horrible! I have given it numerous chances as I usually take people that visit from out of town. No longer! Don;t believe the hype about this place I beg of you!! If only the food looked as good as the pic on the menu. If only the people behind the register actually listened to what you were ordering without talking over you to hurry and get you through the line. If the tables with not sticky with lord know what. If the burger was more than half the size of the bun! This place is gross. My own mother went back to the cashier to get her money back for some fries that were so underdone they were as white as Nicole Kidman. The best thing about this place, and the only reason they got 1 star, is the free lil hats they give out!

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Elite '09

333

177

Derek B.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
12/21/2008

"What'll ya have? What'll ya have? What'll ya have?"

What'll I have? I'll have two Heavy Weights, a paper hat, one Glorified Steak, Sideways, Strings, A Bag of Rags and be sure to Ring One/Squirt One.

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Elite '09

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191

Kelly H.

Atlanta, GA

3 star rating
8/21/2009

Its cool. The Varsity is just one of the places you must go to if you're in atlanta. Even though the food isn't amazing its just a landmark that makes you an "official tourist". I would suggest getting a chili dog, onion rings, and a frosted orange. I love the frosted orange. It reminds me of a big stick stick. Don't ask me why i guess because they're both orange. Definitely not the best food in the world, but indeed edible.

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Elite '09

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901

Kathleen M.

Atlanta, GA

4 star rating
12/12/2008

How does one even begin to review The Varsity? It is the definition of "Atlanta institution" and if you're my houseguest, you aren't getting out of the city without stopping in.

The frosted orange takes me back to my childhood more than any other flavor I can think of. Not that we came here that often, just that the almost sickly sweet taste is something that I think only children can really truly enjoy (although trust me, I still order them!). The onion rings are the way to go, always.

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