The Varsity is as much an Atlanta staple as The Braves, Coca-Cola and Ted Turner. The Varsity is an old school simple burger joint. The food comes out fast, and the food is what you would expect from a drive-in style burger joint from yesteryear. The original location is near Georgia Tech and is huge. It has a retro feel without feeling old. I got a bacon double cheeseburger with fresh cut fries. The food was good and beyond cheap. The have chili dogs, onion rings and shakes as well. Cool place, good food but nothing that will amaze you. read more

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The Varsity is clearly an Atlanta institution, and I'm glad I experienced it once. There's a ton of history here, and honestly, I hope they never strip away what makes the place feel like The Varsity. The look, the signage, the old-school feel, all of that is part of the charm. That said, the entire restaurant feels like it is overdue for a refresh. Not a redesign. Just a cleaner, more polished version of what is already there. Keep the character, keep the history, keep the nostalgia. Just make it feel cleaner and a little more cared for. The food itself was pretty underwhelming. Nothing was especially BAD, but very little was memorable either. For a place with this much history and reputation, I expected more. I'm glad I checked the box. I guess I understand why people come here, and I understand why it matters to Atlanta. For me, though, this was a once-and-done experience. Glad I went. No real desire to go back. read more

After my first visit 30 years ago, we decided to stop by again to relive the moment. Instead, what we found was disappointing. It was shocking how much the quality of the food and service had declined. Shrinkflation was real. The only thing that remained the same was the historic atmosphere, and if that is all that this generation relies on to carry this icon into the future, I believe your prospects are limited. Frank Gordy and his operating philosophy, which he stated clearly when receiving the Atlanta Salesman of the Year Award in 1979, was built around quality and fairness: "I built my business around quality and fairness. We never change the quality or the taste of Varsity food; our food must be the same every day. And we greet our customers with courtesy and serve them quickly. We let them know we appreciate their business. So there's no secret to our success. Anyone will be successful if they build their business around quality and fairness." CAN THE MANAGEMENT SAY THAT HIS VISION IS STILL IN PLACE TODAY????? Based on my experience on Saturday, I can tell you that your team has only lost the original philosophy; they have lost their way, plain and simple, and are headed for a major failure. It will be a sad day when I read about the doors closing on this icon. read more

It is the biggest 'diner' I have been too. We were here for the experience. It appeared clean and secured. We saw the officer sitting in an area across from the counter. It was busy. The staff acts like would rather be anywhere else but there, as if you placing an order is an inconvenience for them. I would have been surprised if I saw even one smile while we were there. FOOD: The slaw on the slaw dog was my favorite thing. The dog itself was the smallest dog ever and pretty sure it was boiled or nuked. The burger was fine, nothing special, but better than McDonalds. We ordered onions for the burger. They gave us chopped onions on the side in a wrapper. Catsup and mustard are in packets. Chicken nuggets are varying sizes. They appeared to be deep fried, but were very soft. There was no crunch with the breading. This was the same for the onion rings. They were limp and I would guess the grease is very, very old. Old grease and sitting under a heater lamp would explain the lack luster with the apple pie and peach pie. The peach pie almost taste like sweet potato because it sat for too long. We have experienced it and have no reason to go back. read more

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It was my first time visiting the Varsity in a long time. My father and I ordered chili dogs while my mother and my brother order hamburgers. The food was good and there is a nice atmosphere inside. There was a lot of people since it was lunchtime. Overall, if you are in the area stop by at the Varsity you won't regret it. 4/5. read more

Acceptable diner experience. Service is really slow. Food was good at acceptable pricing for quality. Plenty of free parking. Cool throwback diner seating area. Not a destination but decent option in area. read more

Had their chili cheeseburger and fries which were delicious, but so fun to see the history in pictures of the place. Place was super busy but lines moved quickly and food served up quickly and hot. So many celebrities pictures who'd visited the place! read more

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I started my last Yelp review in 2016 of the famed Varsity in Atlanta by saying "What can you say about an Atlanta institution that has been in business for more than nine decades?" The answer now, as then, is "What'll ya have?"? Of course you have to get a couple of hot dogs with chili and cole slaw, with a side of fresh chopped onions and some mustard to add to the heart burn. Some onion rings, and a Frosted Orange (ust get one, it's big enough to share with your spouse or sweetheart.) The Varsity claims to be the largest drive-in in the country, if not the world. Maybe it is. It covers two city blocks, seats 800 inside and has space for hundreds of cars. It now has eight locations around Georgia, some of them spic 'n span new, but my heart will always be on North Street in Atlanta, where the restaurant had its start in 1928. Some things have changed. Prices are up. The people that take your order seem a little more patient. And no longer are there special lines for women (and the Athens location, now closed} doesn't have to 'splain anymore why women aren't allowed inside. read more

As hyped up as this place is, I expected it to be exceptional. Unfortunately, long lines, terrible food, and rather rude staff completely ruined the experience. When you have to wait that long, you'd expect fresh food, especially the fries, but they were overly greasy, overcooked, and unpleasant. The hamburger was greasy, and the chili tasted like it came straight from a can. I would not go back and would not recommend this place to anyone. read more

The Varsity - Burgers Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

Awful. Imagine the embodied energy needed to raise a cow, only for it to end up as a chili burger at The Varsity. Mom cow mooing: "Look what they did to my boy." The fries were decent. You'll need to add some salt, but they're not bad. The rest of the food was awful. AWFUL. The frozen orange tastes like medicine. The chili dog was overcooked. And the chili hamburger is an abomination that should not exist. Think a combination of a crappy hamburger and the worst sloppy joe you've ever had. I just assume this place has to be trading off a nostalgia. The service was slow to the point of indifferent. Many of the tables are dirty. But, it's huge enough that you'll probably be able to find a clean table. What'll ya have? How about some syrup of ipecac. read more

The Varsity - The chili burger, chili dog, and fry combo. - Burgers Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

Wow! I've been in Atlanta 15 years and never stepped foot inside this staple for the city - embarrassing! lol None the less, with this being my first time, it bought back diner like child hood memories. Think of milkshakes, hamburgers, and hotdogs! Good ole American food. My and babe went and got the chilli dog and naked dog meals along with a chilli burger. We selected both the fries and the onion rings. He devoured my fries and the onion rings were delish! I thoroughly enjoyed the retro vibe and am looking forward to going again. read more

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I had to make an apology to my friend group for dragging them here on a local friend's recommendation. I get it, it's an Atlanta staple and perhaps an iconic spot in terms of its ATL history, and I can respect that. But I also got to keep it real, this was one of the worst fast food experiences I've had. It's a classic old school diner vibe with the options of various hotdogs, burgers and milkshakes on the menu. And I do like its retro charm. But the food? Rough. We tried a little bit of everything and my whole group agreed it was the worst meal of the trip. Personally, I didn't hate it quite as much as they did, but let's just say I'd pick a Costco hot dog over whatever that hot dog was. The onion rings were greasy in a bad way, the burger was forgettable, and overall it reminded me of the mystery meats from my 5th grade cafeteria days... definitely not a compliment. The ordering process and pickup is very efficient. There's plenty of tables despite the restaurant being fairly busy for a weekend. It wasn't very clean though, plenty of trash and dirty/sticky floors. I'm glad I got to try it and see the history to check it off the list, but the food was not worth it. (just checkout all the 1 star reviews of this place if you want an interesting read) read more

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The Varsity is what it is. A legend for cheap food and if you want to know, "what ya'll have?" It's definitely a hot dog and burger. The food isn't the best but the legend behind it is great and you can't beat the prices! read more

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My father in law grew up in Athens, Ga and a staple of his youth was The Varsity. This joint holds a piece of his heart. We landed in Atlanta this late afternoon so of course my father in law suggested The Varsity for dinner. We didn't say no. The last time we ate at the Varsity, it was a complete different set up. It was a sister location that was off the interstate. We ordered at the window and we sat outside. My father in law said it's not the vibe isn't the same as the original joint. And it's true. Coming to the downtown location is so different from the first Variety we ate at. They were busy today. They had quite a few registers open and there were multiple guests at each. A young man helped us today. He was nice. Wasn't the fastest employee but slowly but surely he got our order taken care of. While our order was being finalized, I didn't realize how big this place is! There's so many different rooms to eat at. I love all the different art piece in each room. And as big as this place was, every room was clean! For dinner I got the chili burger and chili dog combo. I grabbed onion rings and a orange creamsicle drink. My husband got the same with fries and a pc. My chili burger and chili dig were good. They weren't the biggest hot dog or hamburger patty but it got the job done. The orange creamsicle was good! It was rich she creamy. The onion rings were really salty for some reason. The fries were tasty! And for some strange reason, chocolate milk and chewy ice is such a winning combination! Peach pie is a must! Beware of first bite cause that peach filling is like hot lava. Each bite of that pie is so good! It was cool to come here and check out my father in law's past. I loved seeing all the different rooms and art work in each one of them. The food was good for a burger joint. This will probably be one of the only times I will be here so I'm happy I got to experience it. read more

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I saw The Varsity on a food show years ago and it's been on my list ever since. Was in Atlanta for parents weekend and was beyond excited to realize I was only a block away. It's such a cool, iconic spot. From the outside it looks like it might seat 50 to 100 people, but inside, it's vast with room after room of places to sit, looks like it could easily sit 400 people, cool wall decor that is a throwback to early college days, TVs everywhere and a cool "old school" vibe. It's the perfect spot for pregame or late night happiness. You order at the counter from a pretty basic menu of mostly burgers and dogs and fries and onion rings with lots of soda choices. There had to be at least 12 lines going at one time, each cashier with their own special "attitude" of almost being exasperated to work there, a little unfriendly, but yet in an endearing kind of way. Be sure to grab your free, paper "the varsity" retro hat and wear it with pride. We ordered a couple burgers, chili dogs, fries, onion rings, and sodas. They were all better than expected. This is no high-end, five diamond, bougie, fluffy food joint, this is beyond fantastic, greasy burgers, cheesy chili dogs, incredible hand cut fries, and mounds of greasy, delicious onion rings. Exactly what you'd want from a mid afternoon, pregame, "feels like the backyard" grill session. The burger and dog buns are soft and steamy, chewy and delicious. The cheese is literally craft American slices, torn into strips and thrown on a chili dog, where the dog is firm, meaty heaven, with a massive scoop of smooth, rich, chili, and perfect "kid reminiscent" torn slices of craft American cheese, straight out of the cellophane wrapper. The burger patties are perfectly beefy and delicious, smashed down with nothing but a soft, chewy, steamy, buttered, and grilled bun slopped on a paper plate that brings back a million memories of perfect backyard grilling. Go refill your soda as many times as you'd like and hang out at a table or wooden booth in the comfy, minimalist atmosphere, surrounded by televisions on different channels in each room. I loved this experience, the atmosphere is perfect, the food is outstanding, the service was all that it needed to be, and the prices aren't bad for all that you get, could not have asked for much more. Would I go back? Absolutely! I wish this place was closer, I'd be there at least once per week. Check out the attached photos for a good feel of the joint. read more

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The food was unbearable. Very bland in taste The chocolate shake was okay and the fries could use some salt.. still not great read more

The Varsity - The food was unbearable. Very bland in taste The chocolate shake was okay and the fries could use some salt.. still not great - Burgers Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

Cool vibe and great service, terrible food. Burger tasted greasy and just soft, barely cooked burger. The fries are under salted, floppy, and just terrible. Apple pie wasn't bad but you mostly come for how iconic the restaurant is. Probably tastes great at 1am drunk out of your mind but nobody searching for good food should come here. read more

The Varsity - Chili Burger, Fried Apple Pie, Fries - Burgers Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

The VARSITY is a "happening place!!" It's got a very popular vibe the second you walk in. It's like going back in time to an old diner. All I could hear was Chelsey, the manager at the register, LOUDLY saying the phrase, " WHAT'LL YOU HAVE, WHAT'LL YOU HAVE?" During the time we were there, she must have said that phrase well over 100 times!! She alone was worth the price of admission!! She's like the caller at the Circus, auction, or Square Dance!! We had 2 chili cheese dogs with raw onions and 2 slaw dogs. Unfortunately, the chili dogs were a disappointment. The sweetness of the slaw helped to make the dog very tasty. Come here for the atmosphere, not the food. It's not a bargain either. read more

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When in Atlanta... gotta stop here. It was my 1st time here and the food is pretty much wheat I expected. The service was pleasant and quick. I did ask for onions on my dogs and didn't get them. I ordered the 2 hot dog special and a steak bacon triple cheese burger. I even ordered the apple pie for dessert The hot dogs were pretty good and the burger was your typical burger. I was a bit disappointed in the apple pie. When I saw fried apple pie, I was thinking 1980's Colton lava hot crisp McDonald's apple pie.... this was not. Oh well, I got to experience the Varsity! read more

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A go-to if you are in Atlanta. Very nostalgic and the food is good to boot. Service was very good as well. Staff seems to enjoy working at The Varsity. read more

I went to the location right off of Jimmy Cater Blvd. I ordered 2 chili dogs with slaw. The slaw has changed for the worse. It was much more course and it didn't have the same flavor as before. I know it's a minor thing but it's what makes the dog. Its going to be a long time before I go back. It's ashame since I grew up on them. read more

If you're like me who grew up watching travel shows and content you probably have seen a segment or two about this place. It was cool to see this place I've seen on tv not too far from where I live. When asked about it, all my local friends, Atlanta born and raised, all said the same thing, "Don't waste your time." Well after years of living here I folded and curiosity got the best of me. I should've listened. If your employees are trained to be rude, which I assume they are because the box the food comes in has their abrupt phrase "what'll ya have?", your food better be great! It's not. It's borderline cafeteria food. I ordered a few things: a burger, a cheese dog, chicken nuggets, an orange drink and fries, but they gave me onion rings instead. Out of all of that, the burger was tolerable and the orange drink was good but it was nothing memorable. The hot dog was abysmal and the chicken nuggets were laughable. I'm not sure how this is a landmark worthy of travel content. read more

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Trash tier food with trash tier service. If you want rampant diarrehea or to trick a tourist into getting it then this is the spot for you. "It's an Atlanta icon!" -Why? Because your grandad said so? "The prices couldn't be beat back when I was a kid!" -Newsflash, the 80's were 46 years ago. "Best onion rings ever!" -Burnt to **** and dripping with grease. Mmm. Go elsewhere, a place built on nostalgia will inevitably fall into obscurity. There's no reason quality has to stay this way and their refusal to improve upon quality and price is a sign of the times. Time to let go. read more

I've been to the location in Norcross a few years ago. They call that location The Jr Varsity. It was so long ago I had to familiar myself with the grub. I got a #1 2'chilli dogs with onion rings and a orange soda I should have gotten ice water because when I eat something sweet I never like drinking something sweet. I also got #2 a chilli cheese dog and burger with rings just because. I also got a apple and peach pie omg delicious! The food is delicious to me long time eating a chilli dog or burger at all the rings hit. I tasted my drink like maybe 2 to 4 times. The drink is good but don't be like me and get pies to much sweets at one time for me. I didn't save it for later though because I know me. I visited 8-22-2025. read more

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Fun old school diner with lots of charm! I've passed this place and its other locations countless times over the years and have always said one day I'd have to make it in. Last week, it finally happened! I was working on a TV show that was filming down the road from here, so when we wrapped early, my coworkers came up with the idea to stop by for lunch. We entered the bustling building to a counter stretched as far as the eye could see! Being from Orlando originally, it reminded me a lot of the restaurant setups at theme parks. The ordering process is interesting! You place your order and instead of waiting at your table or standing aside for your number to be called, you just wait at the register and they move quickly to get you your items in real time. I ordered a chili cheese dog with onions (the associate said they couldn't put them on the hotdog, but could give them to me on the side--I'm guessing this is what helps them be speedy), and a side of french fries. Although the restaurant was very busy, we were able to find a table in the windowed tunnel dining area (I'm not sure what to call it exactly). It was cool. The food itself is okay! My chili cheese dog wasn't the greatest I've ever had, but it was still enjoyable. The fries reminded me a bit of the ones at Five Guys, but needed some more salt to compete with theirs. I enjoyed my friend's onion rings more--those were pretty great! Nicely breaded and fried! I also tried a sip of his FO (frozen orange milkshake) which tasted nostalgic and refreshing. Next time, I want to try the cheeseburger (my other friend got one and hers looked really good!). I look forward to coming back! read more

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Such a cool spot. Great greasy classics in a unique restaurant that I've heard is quite the party spot after local games. Service was friendly! We tried the frozen orange and it was yummy! Onion rings are delicious!! read more

The Varsity - My kids with hats on - Burgers Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

I had the opportunity to stop by this iconic spot for a late lunch. Unfortunately, someone incorrectly posted online that they had vegan/vegetarian options. Unfortunately, that is not the case. In fact, even their onion rings and french fries are fried in beef oil . So unfortunately, I got all the way there only to not be able to have anything at all to eat . I will say, however, that the staff was extremely welcoming and helpful. I spoke to a woman from Toga Africa who was extremely kind and felt so bad that she was trying to figure out what she could make for me that I could eat. Because of her wonderful, warm reception and great customer service I ended up purchasing a small beverage . Sell the stars are because of the great experience! read more

This institution has been around for decades. For many years I have been meaning to try it. I finally got around to it on my last trip to Atlanta. I loved the building, it is like going back in time. The food and service were nothing special. The food was so very basic but maybe it is that way by design. It just did not do it for me but you should try it out even if just once. read more

We stopped by during a road trip through because it was an iconic spot, per some of the locals. We only ordered french fries and a peach pie, which were both good. The inside was "classic burger" vibes, and everything appeared clean. Service was prompt and friendly. read more

The Varsity - Burgers Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

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I was greeted with a warm welcome and although there was a wait, it wasn't long before someone invited me to the counter. The place was clean, and people were going around and cleaning up throughout the time that I was there. There are multiple sitting areas which is perfect for large or small groups. Food was ok. Onion rings were extremely greasy. Chili cheese burger was good. Chili, cheese and slaw dog was ok. Sweet tea was extremely sweet. read more

The Varsity - Burgers Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

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Decided to try the Varsity in Gwinnett. Absolutely no one there so we were attended to immediately. The staff seemed indifferent and surely lacked any customer service skills. Once we got our food we sat outside. The fries were grease soaked and un appetizing. Needless to say, after hearing so much about this iconic establishment, the reality was quite disappointing read more

The Varsity - Burgers Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

My husband and I finally made it to the iconic Varsity for a quick dinner! We went on an off time for an early dinner on a Tuesday, and it was super low key. While we know we've had better burgers and dogs, we didn't leave disappointed. Everything was tasty, and I especially liked the chili cheese fries. My husband described the burger as being better than a regular McDonald's burger but not as good as a quarter pounder. The place was clean and I would keep it in mind for a quick and easy meal again while in midtown ATL. read more

The Varsity - Chili Cheese Dog, chili cheese French Frie, Glorified, Naked Dog (plain), frosted orange - Burgers Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

The absolute worst dining experience ever! How have you been in business since 1928? Had a similar experience several years ago at the Athens location before it closed - thought it was a one off. Wrong. This time was beyond ridiculous. The cashier, Alexis, clearly hates her job and white people even more. I walked up, said hello to her and she didn't bother to look at me, greet me, nothing. Just asked what we wanted. Tried to ask questions abd she was completely dismissive and barely audible. Then, this star employee thought it was a good idea to give me one of our burgers completely smashed. As in picked up and smashed it in her hand smashed. Are you freaking kidding me? Try again. Didn't faze her when I said I'd like a burger that wasn't smashed. No apology, nothing. Pretty much tossed the new burger at me. You need to tuck your tude, you miserable hag. This is an accepted culture with this establishment and management clearly does not care. I will never waste my money here again. Train your employees to have basic manners and provide customer service. The only thing iconic about this place is pathetic service. read more

An Atlanta institution. Fun and kitschy with tons of inside seating. You order at the counter, get your food and then take it wherever you want to sit. While the food wasn't anything exceptional, it was good and what I expected. Prices were reasonable too. read more

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This place is nostalgic, but serves food grade plastic at a very high rate. I love the many registers and the areas to sit for the food was the nastiest thing I've ever had. The burger was microwaved. read more

Had to holler through the window twice to get some one to take my order. After about two minutes someone came over and took my order. Then had to wait 10 minutes to get my ham burger and I think it irritated the manager that I complained. My hamburger looked as if someone had sat on it the buns on both sides we literally about 3/16" thick. Manager stated he was short handed. Ben eating at Varsity frequently since about 1956 , this is the absolute worst service and food preparation l have ever experienced. I am very, very, disappointed in the Varsity!!!!! read more

The vintage and retro aesthetic is fun. Guess what happens when you come at lunchtime? It's filled to the brim with people everywhere and there's no structure to the lines of waiting to put in your food order. A Georgia local recommended I get the chili dog, onion rings and a Frosted Orange. The onion rings were good but way too greasy, the chili dog was somewhere between meh and good. The Frosted Orange was really good. It's basically just a creamsicle shake! read more

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I first visited the Varsity over 50 years ago. In those days the energy and constant prodding by "What'll Ya Have?" was almost overwhelming, but the food was worth it. And once you learned what to order where, you appreciated the efficiency. My last visit was lacking that energy, the separate order lines, is now cashless, had eliminated the school desks and does not include chili dogs coming down a visible conveyer belt! But it is still an experience and an experience in a good way! The food was hot, tasty and the same quality I was expecting. I love the food at the Varsity and when compared to present day fast food options, it is really a good value. I will always visit whenever I have the opportunity! read more

Heading home from business trip and received recommendation for Varsity. Simple, tasty burgers and crispy rings... hit the spot. Walk up counter quickly took order and had meal ready on tray. Dining area dated but staff keeps it clean. Decent view of the city as well. read more

The Varsity - Double (no cheese) combo...includes rings (or fries) and drink. - Burgers Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

Service was great and the historical Varsity hasn't changed. But the food....it definitely has changed. I used to love coming here but very underwhelmed the last time I visited. It was like a giant corporation took over and everything tasted generic. Sad. read more