As iconic an Atlanta entity as Coca-Cola, the original Varsity has been downtown’s two-block incarnation of Southern diner Americana since 1928. Here, chili dogs topped with yellow mustard form the base of the nutritional pyramid; the hometown team draws twice the crowd on game days (go Jackets!); and variations on the words "Coca-Cola" encompass all drink options. (Orange soda, for example, becomes "orange co-cola." If befuddled, just order the specialty frozen orange slushie drink known as the FO.) Be familiar with the lingo of the primarily burger-and-dog menu by the time your server asks, "What’ll ya have?" or the charmingly short-tempered waitstaff might turn redder than the large "V" on the eatery’s sign.
No alcohol available. Serving lunch and dinner daily. Late-night Fri–Sat.
"Since 1928, and through feeding presidents (and candidates for that and lesser offices) and the homeless, The Varsity has enticed visitors to abandon decorum and indulge themselves with toasted pimiento cheese sandwiches, hot dogs with house-made chili, onion rings and fried pies."
— Gayot
As iconic an Atlanta entity as Coca-Cola, the original Varsity has been downtown’s two-block incarnation of Southern diner Americana since 1928. Here, chili dogs topped with yellow mustard form the base of the nutritional pyramid; the hometown team draws twice the crowd on game days (go Jackets!); and variations on the words "Coca-Cola" encompass all drink options. (Orange soda, for example, becomes "orange co-cola." If befuddled, just order the specialty frozen orange slushie drink known as the FO.) Be familiar with the lingo of the primarily burger-and-dog menu by the time your server asks, "What’ll ya have?" or the charmingly short-tempered waitstaff might turn redder than the large "V" on the eatery’s sign.
No alcohol available. Serving lunch and dinner daily. Late-night Fri–Sat.
"Since 1928, and through feeding presidents (and candidates for that and lesser offices) and the homeless, The Varsity has enticed visitors to abandon decorum and indulge themselves with toasted pimiento cheese sandwiches, hot dogs with house-made chili, onion rings and fried pies."
— Gayot