Table of Contents
The Varsity Burger: An Icon of Atlanta’s Culinary and Cultural Landscape
Introduction
Standing proudly in downtown Atlanta, The Varsity is more than just a burger joint—it’s a Southern institution that has been serving up classic American fast food for nearly a century. Known for its iconic “What’ll ya have?” greeting, sprawling carhop service, and uniquely Southern hospitality, The Varsity has solidified its place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. The Varsity Burger, in particular, has become a symbol of this beloved establishment’s culinary prowess, embodying the spirit of Atlanta in every bite.
In this extensive article, we’ll explore The Varsity Burger’s rich history, its rise to fame, and the elements that have contributed to its enduring popularity. From the origins of The Varsity to its status as the world’s largest drive-in restaurant, we’ll dive deep into what makes The Varsity Burger a must-try for anyone visiting Atlanta. We’ll also highlight the best dishes, provide an overview of pricing, and take a closer look at the role The Varsity has played in shaping Atlanta’s food culture over the decades.
History of The Varsity
Early Beginnings
The story of The Varsity began in 1928 when Frank Gordy, a Georgia Tech dropout with a passion for cooking, opened the original location near Georgia Tech’s campus. At the time, Gordy had no idea that his modest drive-in would become one of the most iconic eateries in the United States. His vision was simple: to serve affordable, high-quality food to the students and faculty of Georgia Tech, as well as to the residents of Atlanta. The restaurant’s immediate success was a testament to the quality of its food and the friendly, welcoming atmosphere that Gordy cultivated.
The Varsity was initially a small operation, catering primarily to the university crowd. However, it quickly outgrew its original space due to overwhelming demand. In 1932, Gordy moved The Varsity to its current location on North Avenue, just a stone’s throw from downtown Atlanta. This move allowed Gordy to expand the restaurant’s operations, adding more seating, carhop service, and additional menu items that would soon become Varsity classics.
Growth and Expansion
The relocation of The Varsity marked the beginning of its expansion, not just in terms of physical space but also in its cultural impact. With its new, larger space, Gordy was able to introduce the now-famous Varsity Burger and a range of other offerings that would define the restaurant’s identity. The Varsity quickly became a favorite among Atlanta’s residents, with everyone from university students to families and even celebrities stopping by for a taste of the famed burgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes.
As the years passed, The Varsity continued to grow, both in popularity and size. Additional locations were opened across Georgia, ensuring that people from all over the state could experience the magic of The Varsity. Despite this growth, the restaurant never lost its connection to the local community, maintaining its reputation as a welcoming place where people could enjoy a delicious meal served with a smile.
The Legacy of Frank Gordy
Frank Gordy’s vision for The Varsity was rooted in a commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service. Under his leadership, The Varsity pioneered many of the features that are now synonymous with classic American drive-in restaurants, such as carhop service and a lively, fast-paced atmosphere. Gordy’s hands-on approach ensured that every aspect of the restaurant met his high standards, from the preparation of the food to the way customers were greeted at the counter.
Gordy continued to be involved in the daily operations of The Varsity until his passing in 1983. His dedication to the restaurant and his love for the city of Atlanta are still felt today, with his legacy living on in every aspect of The Varsity’s operations. The restaurant remains family-owned and operated, with Gordy’s descendants carrying on his vision and commitment to excellence.
The Varsity’s Rise to Fame
The Varsity’s rise to fame can be attributed to several factors, including its prime location, distinctive service style, and, of course, its mouthwatering menu. From the moment it opened its doors, The Varsity was a hit with the Georgia Tech community. The restaurant’s proximity to the university meant that it quickly became the go-to spot for students looking to grab a quick bite between classes or celebrate after a big game.
One of the key elements that set The Varsity apart from other restaurants in the area was its innovative use of carhop service. At a time when most eateries were strictly dine-in, The Varsity offered a novel experience that allowed customers to be served right at their cars. This convenience, combined with the friendly and efficient service provided by the carhops, made The Varsity a popular destination for people from all walks of life.
The Varsity’s reputation soon spread beyond the Georgia Tech campus, drawing in customers from all over Atlanta and beyond. The restaurant became known not just for its food, but for its lively, welcoming atmosphere. The iconic “What’ll ya have?” greeting, shouted by servers as customers approached the counter, became synonymous with The Varsity experience, creating a sense of excitement and anticipation that kept people coming back time and time again.
The Menu: A Classic American Experience
The menu at The Varsity is a celebration of classic American fast food, featuring a range of burgers, hot dogs, fries, and shakes that have been perfected over decades. While the restaurant is known for many of its offerings, the Varsity Burger stands out as a shining star, embodying everything that makes The Varsity special.
Signature Burgers
- The Varsity Burger: The star of the menu, the Varsity Burger is a simple yet perfectly executed creation. It features a juicy beef patty cooked to perfection and topped with a slice of American cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles, all nestled between a soft, toasted bun. The addition of The Varsity’s signature chili sauce elevates this burger to legendary status, adding a layer of flavor that is both rich and satisfying.
- The Double Varsity Burger: For those with heartier appetites, the Double Varsity Burger offers twice the deliciousness. With two beef patties and double the cheese, this burger is a feast for the senses. The combination of flavors and textures—juicy beef, melted cheese, and the tangy chili sauce—creates a truly indulgent experience.
- The Bacon Varsity Burger: A fan favorite, the Bacon Varsity Burger takes the classic Varsity Burger and adds crispy strips of bacon for an extra burst of flavor. The smokiness of the bacon complements the rich, savory beef patty and the tangy chili sauce, resulting in a burger that is both familiar and exciting.
- The Varsity Cheeseburger: The Varsity Cheeseburger is a slightly lighter option, featuring a single beef patty topped with a slice of American cheese, pickles, and onions. It’s a perfect choice for those looking to enjoy the essence of the Varsity Burger without the added heft.
Hot Dogs and More
In addition to its legendary burgers, The Varsity is also known for its hot dogs, which are equally beloved by patrons. Some of the most popular options include:
- The Varsity Chili Dog: A staple of The Varsity’s menu, the Chili Dog features a plump, juicy hot dog topped with The Varsity’s signature chili sauce, mustard, and onions. The combination of flavors is both bold and comforting, making it a must-try for first-time visitors.
- The Naked Dog: For those who prefer their hot dogs without all the extras, the Naked Dog offers a simpler option. Served plain, it allows the quality of the hot dog to shine through.
- The Cheese Dog: This variation of the classic hot dog adds a generous helping of melted cheese, creating a rich and satisfying flavor that pairs perfectly with the slight smokiness of the hot dog.
- The Slaw Dog: A Southern classic, the Slaw Dog is topped with a heaping portion of creamy coleslaw, adding a refreshing crunch to every bite.
Sides and Beverages
No meal at The Varsity is complete without indulging in some of the restaurant’s famous sides and beverages. The Onion Rings are a standout, featuring thick slices of sweet onions coated in a light, crispy batter. The French Fries are golden and perfectly salted, making them an ideal accompaniment to any of the burgers or hot dogs.
For beverages, The Varsity’s Frosted Orange is a must-try. This unique drink, a blend of creamy vanilla ice cream and tangy orange soda, is both refreshing and indulgent, offering a delightful contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the main dishes.
The Atmosphere: More Than Just a Restaurant
Stepping into The Varsity is like stepping back in time to a golden era of American fast food. The sprawling dining area, with its bright red-and-white decor and vintage signage, exudes a sense of nostalgia that harkens back to the early days of drive-in restaurants. The bustling kitchen, with its quick-moving staff and constant hum of activity, creates an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation.
The Varsity’s carhop service, still in operation today, is a beloved feature that adds to the restaurant’s unique charm. Pulling up to one of the many carhop stations, customers are greeted by friendly servers who take their orders and deliver food directly to their vehicles. This personalized service, combined with the ability to enjoy a meal from the comfort of one’s car, is a quintessential part of The Varsity experience.
The restaurant’s location near major landmarks like the Georgia State Capitol and Georgia Tech University makes it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. It’s not uncommon to see families, students
For any alternative suggestions or if you notice any inaccuracies, please send an email to foodzaggy.ztief@gmail.com
Checkout
Instagram – Foodzaggy
Youtube – Foodzaggy.
Facebook – Foodzaggy
Make sure to check out this article – World’s 100 best pizza places list