The Varsity - What'll Ya Have??, What'll Ya Have??, What'll Ya Have??

The Varsity is an Atlanta tradition that shouldn’t be missed. It’s the world’s largest drive-in restaurant, although most people eat inside. When entering The Varsity, you must first put on a red and white paper hat that you will find lying around. Next, step up to the counter where you will be greeted with “What’ll ya have? What’ll ya have?” Make sure you know what you want before approaching the counter. They like to keep the line moving. The best thing to order is a chili cheese dog with pimento cheese. I know it sounds nasty. I don’t even like pimento cheese, but these hot dogs are amazing. To accompany your hotdogs, try the onion rings or fries and a frosted orange. Don’t forget to ask for a side of onions. Then, listen to see how your order is called in. For example, if you order one plain hotdog to go, they would say “one naked dog walkin.” Be forewarned, you may find the food a bit greasy if you aren’t a local. Afterwards, visit the ice cream counter for the best banana ice cream anywhere in the world.
The Varsity is easy to get to. If you are going south on I-75, take the Georgia Tech exit and take a left at the end of the ramp. The Varsity will be on your left. There is plenty of free parking.

First, this review goes out to my friend Pam (aka "Nonna" on TravBuddy) that requested this restaurant specifically and by doing so also inadvertently requested that I give myself a big helping of grease and cholesterol that will last me all of next year. LOL! Pam, I had two Heavy Weights and a Varsity Orange just for you baby!! :-)

And second, the place that bills itself as putting the "Comfort in Comfort Food" should change their logo to "we put the Gas, Indigestion, Grease and Elevated Cholesterol" in Comfort Food. But what the hell, it's The Varsity! And before heading off to a Georgia Tech football game across the interstate, who couldn't use a little grease and gas to liven things up a bit.

The Varsity has been in Atlanta serving up great grub, across from The Georgia Institute of Technology, since 1928. It is the world's largest drive-in and can accommodate over 800 guests at once. On a day the GA Tech Yellow Jackets are in town, they'll serve over 30,000 people. Also unique to The Varsity is their lingo when ordering. Below is just a sample:

Hot Dog = Hot dog with chili and mustard
Heavy Weight = Hot dog with extra chili
Naked Dog = Plain hot dog on a bun
MK Dog = Naked dog with mustard and ketchup
Regular C Dog = Hot dog with ketchup
Red Dog = Naked dog with Ketchup
Yellow Dog = Naked dog with mustard
Yankee Dog = Plain dog with mustard
Walk a Dog = Hot dog to go
Steak = Hamburger with ketchup, mustard and pickle
Chili Steak = Hamburger with chili
Glorified Steak = Hamburger with mayo, lettuce and tomato
Mary Brown Steak = Hamburger with no bun
Naked Steak = A plain steak
Varsity Orange = The original formula
Squirt One = A Varsity Orange
N.I. Orange = Varsity Orange with no ice
F.O. = Frosted Varsity Orange
Joe-ree = Coffee with cream

Regardless what kind of burger you're in the mood for, The Varsity has it. Fantastic fries and onion rings made fresh in-house daily, and the best orange drink on the face of the earth. Period. You could always spring for something on the "Lite" menu - but if you do, you'll have to see what's on it for yourself because personally, "lite" and "Varsity" shouldn't be mentioned in the same sentence. Definitely a must do when visiting Atlanta. Just ask Pam!