Atlanta institution and world's largest drive-in since 1928. Chili dogs, onion rings, and FO (frosted orange) drinks.
The Varsity, at 61 North Avenue NW in Atlanta, Georgia, is the world's largest drive-in restaurant — a claim that refers to both its physical size and its operational capacity rather than a simple physical measurement. The restaurant was founded in 1928 by Frank Gordy, a Georgia Tech dropout who opened a hot dog and hamburger stand near the university. The original building has been expanded over decades and now occupies a full block adjacent to the Georgia Tech campus, with indoor seating for approximately 800 guests and drive-through lanes that extend around the building. The Varsity has become one of the most recognized food institutions in Atlanta — a place where Georgia governors, university presidents, and football fans returning from Bobby Dodd Stadium have eaten side by side for generations. The menu is a faithful artifact of 1950s American fast food: chili dogs, hamburgers, onion rings, fried pies, and the Frosted Orange — a chilled, thick orange drink that has achieved the status of a regional beverage landmark. Servers greet guests at the counter with the traditional call of 'What'll ya have?' in a vocal style that has been part of the Varsity experience for decades. The combination of consistent food, enormous scale, retro aesthetic, and genuine Atlanta identity has made The Varsity resistant to the forces that have closed most of its contemporaries. A second Atlanta location operates at Lindbergh, and small additional outlets operate at Georgia stadiums and venues.
Signature dishes
- Chili Cheese Dog — $5
- Onion Rings — $4
Good to know
- Hours
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Reservations
- Walk-in only
Location
61 North Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30308
33.7716, -84.3893 View on map
Highlights
- World's largest drive-in restaurant — capacity for approximately 800 indoor diners plus drive-through lanes
- Chili cheese dog and Frosted Orange (FO) — the two most iconic orders that define the Varsity experience
- Founded in 1928 adjacent to Georgia Tech, serving students, governors, and fans for almost a century
- The traditional 'What'll ya have?' greeting, delivered by counter staff in a vocal style preserved since the 1950s
- One block from Georgia Tech campus — a before-and-after game institution for Yellow Jacket fans
Tips for visiting
- Order the Frosted Orange (FO) alongside the chili dog — the combination is the definitive Varsity experience
- Game days at Georgia Tech create extreme crowds; arriving early or well after kickoff minimizes the wait
- The drive-through lane is often faster than walking in during peak hours
- Onion rings are freshly cut and fried in-house — worth ordering as a side even if the menu looks simple
- The indoor dining rooms are divided into themed sections; the main room near the front offers the best view of the operation
Accessibility
The Varsity's North Avenue location is a large building with multiple entrances at street level and ADA-accessible entry. The indoor dining areas are on one level with accessible pathways. Drive-through service is also available. Accessible parking spaces are located in the lot adjacent to the building.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Frosted Orange (FO) at The Varsity?
The Frosted Orange, abbreviated FO on the menu, is a thick, creamy, sweet-tart orange-flavored frozen drink that has been a Varsity signature since the restaurant's early decades. It is closer to an orange sherbet slush than a juice drink and is one of Atlanta's most recognized food items.
Is The Varsity really the world's largest drive-in?
The Varsity makes this claim based on the combination of its indoor seating capacity (approximately 800 guests), multiple dining rooms, and extensive drive-through capacity. The original campus location consumes a full block adjacent to Georgia Tech.
What should first-time visitors order at The Varsity?
A chili cheese dog, onion rings, and a Frosted Orange constitutes the definitive first-visit order. A plain hamburger with mustard and onion (a 'Naked Dog Walking' in Varsity terminology) is the secondary recommendation for those who prefer beef.
What does 'What'll ya have?' mean at The Varsity?
It is the traditional greeting that counter staff deliver to customers as they approach the register — a vocal shorthand that has been part of the Varsity experience for nearly a century. The phrase is an Atlanta cultural touchstone.
Are there multiple Varsity locations?
There is a second Atlanta Varsity at Lindbergh, as well as smaller Varsity outlets at Georgia stadiums and campus locations. The North Avenue location near Georgia Tech is the historic flagship and original.