The Varsity

The Varsity is not just a restaurant — it's an Atlanta institution. Since 1928, this sprawling drive-in has been serving hot dogs, burgers, and onion rings to generations of Atlanta families, Georgia Tech students, and travelers from around the world. Spanning two city blocks near the Georgia Tech campus, it's the world's largest drive-in restaurant and an essential stop on any family visit to Atlanta.

The experience starts at the counter, where energetic staff greet every customer with the iconic call: 'What'll ya have? What'll ya have?' The menu is classic American drive-in fare — chili dogs, slaw dogs, hamburgers, onion rings, fries, and the legendary Frosted Orange drink. Prices are remarkably affordable, making it one of the best value meals in the city for families.

For kids, the appeal is the atmosphere as much as the food. The fast-paced counter service, the bustling dining rooms, the red-and-white signage, and the sheer scale of the place create an experience that feels like stepping back in time. It's loud, it's messy, and it's fun — exactly what a family lunch should be.

The Varsity's multiple dining rooms span two floors, each with a slightly different character. The rooms can seat nearly 800 people inside, and the curb service parking adds even more capacity. For families with young children, the upstairs rooms tend to be less hectic and provide more space to spread out.

While The Varsity isn't a destination you'll spend hours at, it's the perfect pit stop between other Atlanta attractions. Its central location near Midtown makes it easy to combine with visits to the Georgia Aquarium (10-minute drive), Piedmont Park (5-minute drive), or the Center for Puppetry Arts (5-minute drive). Many Atlanta families consider a Varsity run a family tradition, and out-of-town visitors quickly understand why.