Varsity Drive In

Everyone makes a big deal about the Varsity. Look, it’s jokingly called «The Greasy V» for a reason. I don’t think you get any greasier food than at the Varsity, it’s insane. I usually get a chili dog, and regret it later when I can’t get up off the Porcelain Throne. But at the time, it’s delicious. Always seems like the place is falling apart, but I guess it’s an Athens staple.

The fries and onion rings are not made fresh to order — they are like warm and greasy. The dogs are small and not tasty. Ripoff.

I was born in Atlanta and grew up in Georgia. The Varsity is not just a restaurant its a family tradition. This place brings back great memories so when I was in Athens for a UGA football game I had to stop in. Once again it did not let me down. I understand some may not think its the best for true southerners its iconic. «Whatta ya have whatta ya have?»

I’ve been traveling to Atlanta for years but this weekend was the first time I got to try the Atlanta institution. I only knew it from TV and hearsay. We got there late for lunch and early for dinner on a rainy Saturday afternoon. We had plenty of time to look at the menu and decide what to get.
It wasn’t too hard since it’s a burgers and hot dog joint. I got one of the combos– a chili cheese dog and a chili cheeseburger with onion rings. The onion rings were a little greasier than my preference but still really good. I devoured the chili cheese dog– the chili was thick enough that it stayed on the dog with every bite. The dog itself was really tasty and the bun was fresh and held together. The burger was also good but was a little on the small side for me and for the bun.

This location of the Varsity isn’t on the same level as the original location in downtown Atlanta. For whatever reason, the employees at the Athens store are very slow and lacking in customer service skills. The restaurant itself seems dirty. Overall, the Athens location just doesn’t seem as well managed or efficient as the original Atlanta location — or any of the other locations around the metro Atlanta area. The food is about what you’d expect from a Varsity, but given the slow service, it’s probably best to go elsewhere unless you specifically want an FO or a chili dog.

Talk about bad food.
If you like a burger that was frozen, and precooked, buns stick to the patty (McD and BK style), you will have it made here.
I asked lots of people that like it. Every single one said it was not for the food. It’s all sentiment. I’m from Oregon so I guess I lack any of the sentiment that can allow me to swallow and of the shit they served me. I would have been happier with a frozen meal I can microwave, it’s basically what I was served anyway.
No point in breaking down the lack of service or anything else. I hope you head my advice.

6÷16÷15 we visited athens restaurant. I must say i felt like i was at a funeral. None of employees smiled. Dragged around like the were made to work and didnt act like the could give a crap. Food was good. Atlanta location is a lot more customer friendly.

The food is usually good but couldn’t get past seeing live roaches crawling all over the walls. The food is overpriced as well.

You’ve got to give The Varsity a try. Food is decent but I go for the Frosted Orange, I get it every time and on occasion made special trips just to get it. Not diet friendly so there is that.

Kind of greasy fries, but basic old fashioned cheeseburger on the white buns of my youth. Not sure what the mysterious red powder in the salt shaker was. Too frightened to use enough to find out. Love the ’50’s vibe that the interior, I think original, lends the place.

terrible Slaw dogs, oily soft fries. all terrible. Happened to this this place.

Not as awesome as the original Atlanta location, but food is consistent. Frosted orange is delightful. Chili dogs with onions on the side and a pimento burger are favorites. We share fries and onion rings,

Slow, slow, slow. Most of the counter people are surly and rude. The food was okay, but not as good as the original in Atlanta.

First time at this location but I couldn’t come back to Atlanta and not come to The Varsity — it is an institution.

It’s the Varsity. Eat a damn chili dog, a fried pie and an orange soda. Then take a nap.
It’s greasy, high in calories and while likely take 6 months off your life.
It’s also delicious.

Orange frostie– don’t miss it. The burger is small but fine. Fries greasy and onion rings just ok. But– the atmosphere and history is the best part. Southern accents abound. «What do ya want» — not a normal greeting but it just fits in. Glad I visited.

Fine dining it ain’t, but it doesn’t pretend to be, either.
High volume counter service restaurant. Know what you want, because if you don’t, you”ll annoy the person taking your order, and the people in line behind you. It’s pretty simple — hot dogs and burgers, with or without chili or or cheese. Fries, or onion rings.
These are gut-​busters You will pay for your sins a few hours down the road.
I was tempted to tick the «Formal attire» option, but managed to control myself.

Still the same tasty Varsity food as you’ll get at the original North Ave. location in Atlanta, and their few other locations. This was my first time going to a Varsity in my lifetime that wasn’t the North Ave. flagship one, interestingly enough. Service felt a tad quicker at this one, and the main difference here is that it doesn’t have the high school and college-​style desk seats that the North Ave. one does in their dining rooms.
And please if it’s your first time here, I will make the public announcement that you should get a chili dog, or another item with chili (i.e. chili cheeseburger) over something that doesn’t have it (i.e. regular cheeseburger, and I wouldn’t recommend that). Their slaw dogs are good, if you want a chili alternative. And of course, I can’t forget the Frosted Orange (better than Orange Julius IMO, btw), and that I’d pick onion rings over fries. Feel stupid I didn’t try a bite of the fried pie someone I ate with got, but I’ll attest that it’s good from the fact he enjoyed it.
Yep, that satisfied my Varsity craving fine for a good while to come!

If you didn’t grow up with the Varsity, don’t bother. I think the restaurant’s clientele keeps coming for nostalgia.
Let’s start off on a high note: the onion rings are really good. Greasy, but good. So is the ice cream, which tastes like Baskin Robbins — but isn’t. My grilled chicken sandwich was a sickly white. I don’t know how it was prepared, but it sure didn’t taste grilled. My husband enjoyed his hot dog — HE GREW UP WITH THIS STUFF — but his orange drink was 97% ice.
I tried to be agreeable, after all, it was only lunch. But why come here when there are so many better places?! Nostalgia doesn’t satisfy one’s appetite.

We went at a time that was very quiet (around 3:00 PM during the summer), so there was absolutely no line at all.
The food came out quickly, and the hot dogs were juicy and flavorful. The chili had a good spice to it, but it tasted a bit like it had been sitting for a while. Maybe just a result of the slow afternoon time we visited.
I felt compelled to go here because I had visited many many years ago, and I needed a slice of nostalgia with my chili dogs. The Varsity is a good place to grab a few chili dogs, and is a legendary landmark. But I have to say that I would probably not return solely for the food.