The Varsity

The Varsity is a place to eat or drink in Atlanta, GA, part of the Atlanta guide. Cost: free.

61 North Ave NW · Atlanta, GA

Why you should go…

Frank Gordy opened The Varsity in 1928 on a 70 by 120 foot lot with a white picket fence, and it is still family owned. The North Avenue restaurant now covers two city blocks and seats more than 800 people, though car-side service ended in 2020. Step up to the counter, hear "What'll ya have," and order hot dogs, burgers, chili or a fried fruit pie. Its V sign is visible from the Downtown Connector.

#drive-in
#hot dogs
#atlanta landmark
#fast food
#classic diner

What's around here?

The closest stops to The Varsity, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

Theatre & Events
Iconic
Fox Theatre
$25–$50
A 1929 Moorish movie palace with a twinkling starlit ceiling, catch Broadway tours, concerts and the Mighty Mo organ.
0.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Theatre & Events
Museums
History Buff
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
$25–$50
Walk through galleries on the American Civil Rights Movement, Dr. King's papers and human rights struggles around the globe.
0.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums
Museums
Family Favorite
Children's Museum of Atlanta
Under $25
An interactive children's museum in Centennial Olympic Park with hands on exhibits for ages 0 to 8.
0.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums
Attractions
Iconic
World of Coca-Cola
Under $25
Pop the cap on 130+ years of fizzy history, vault secrets, vintage ads and a tasting room with 100+ sodas from around the globe.
0.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions
Eat & Drink
Foodie Favorite
Ponce City Market
Free
A massive 1926 Sears building reborn as a food hall, shops and a rooftop amusement park right on the BeltLine.
1.3 mi awayMore like this
Eat & Drink
Foodie favorite
Krog Street Market
Free
Inman Park's 1920s stove-works food hall, ramen to barbecue, steps from the BeltLine and the mural-covered Krog Street Tunnel.
1.8 mi awayMore like this