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    The Varsity

    3.0 (2.5k reviews)
    InexpensiveBurgers, Hot Dogs, Fast Food
    Closed 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

    The Varsity Photos

    Business Info

    THE VARSITY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed

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    Reviews With Photos

    Brittney C.

    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.

    William L.

    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)

    Janell M.

    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!

    The famous Varsity
    Dani S.

    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.

    Mmmmm, bottomless soda!
    Steve A.

    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.

    Onion Rings, Chicken Nuggets (5 Piece), Cheese Burger, Cheese Dog
    Stephen M.

    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.

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

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

    Chili Burger, Fried Apple Pie, Fries
    Jake N.

    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.

    Our lunch split between us.
    Wellington J.

    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.

    Tommy B.

    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!

    The Varsity
    Ahmad W.

    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.

    Interior
    Kyja W.

    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!

    My kids with hats on
    Kristen S.

    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!!

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    6 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Nostalgia was great, the food mediocre. Service was great, and ambiance was like you were at an old sub station which was pretty cool

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    2 years ago

    The food is not good at all. After all these years you would think they would revamp the menu and the food products they use.

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    8 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Absolutely love this place. Have been going since the 1960's; family since it opened. My go-to is a chili cheese dog, onion rings and a PC.

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    Page 6 of 64

    The Varsity Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Varsity

    Is there outside servuce?

    There is drive thru, and inside dine in or to go. I didn't see any outdoor seating.

    Does the Varsity deliver?

    You can use other sources i.e. Grub Hub etc.

    I tried to see full menu, & it came up that it couldn’t connect with the page. Is there a problem? Did guy fiery come to this place?

    Everyone has been to the Varsity. Largest drive in in the world. Get a chili dog, onion rings a frosted orange and a fried pie. French fries are great too. Or a slaw dawg or a pimento cheese dog. When they take your order they ask "What'll ya have?"… Read more

    Are the dogs grilled, boiled, Or both?

    Boiled

    View All 5 Questions

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    Shake Shack Old Fourth Ward

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    (149 reviews)
    1.8 mi
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    Don't believe the HYPE! Took my son here for a Friday night bite and we were both underwhelmed. The…read moreCOOLEST thing may have been the kiosk ordering because I prefer not to talk to humans whenever possible. We placed our orders at the kiosk, my son ordering a 6 piece chicken bites, fries and a Fanta. I ordered the avocado bacon chicken and fries and a cherry limeade.....$38!! PRICEY to me. We sit down and wait about 15 minutes for our food while FREEZING. We should have sat outside because inside the restaurant is Antarctica! When our food finally comes my son's plain fries tasted like they were cooked in old grease....and nothing we ate tasted very seasoned although presentation was A1. We hurried to eat because we were cold. Leave out of the parking and the icing on the cake was $11.99 parking for 36 minutes!!

    I ordered my food through Uber Eats for delivery. I have not visited this location yet. I read that…read morethere is a parking garage near. I got a double burger with crinkle fries and I got a Vienna Dog for the first time delicious food! What would my order be with out me getting a Shake? This shake is delicious I got a cookie and cream shake! I had to do it because of the name alone! This is my first time ever eating this food! I ordered my food on 8-26-2025.

    Photos
    Inside of restaurant
    Inside of restaurant
    Bourbon Bacon Jam Burger & SmokeShack Burger, fries with a Root  Beer Float, OREO Cookie Funnel Cake Shake and Lemonade
    Bourbon Bacon Jam Burger & SmokeShack Burger, fries with a Root Beer Float, OREO Cookie Funnel Cake Shake and Lemonade
    Outside of entrance from parking garage

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    Outside of entrance from parking garage

    The Varsity - burgers - Updated July 2026

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