The Varsity - Athens

We also got onion rings and fries, which were crispy and delicious. The fries are the thin, shoestring type, while the onion rings were impressive in size, thou... read more We also got onion rings and fries, which were crispy and delicious. The fries are the thin, shoestring type, while the onion rings were impressive in size, though there were only seven of them. My absolute favorite thing at The Varsity is the Frosted Orange – it's thicker, sweeter, and just a bit tangy. It’s so delicious, but it comes with a strong brain freeze! I’m really going to miss The Varsity here. I’m not sure if I would make the trip to Atlanta just for another Frosted Orange, but it’s definitely something to consider.

I absolutely love Varsity! It brings back fond memories of my college days at the University of Georgia. Dining here is always a pleasure. The chili dogs are on... read more I absolutely love Varsity! It brings back fond memories of my college days at the University of Georgia. Dining here is always a pleasure. The chili dogs are one-of-a-kind and delicious, along with the peach pies and frosted orange drinks. This is just a taste of what the menu has to offer, as it’s filled with fantastic options. While it may not be the healthiest food around, it’s definitely some of the most memorable. I’m sure you’ll love it as well!

I had the speck double cheeseburger and the wobble rings, which are the best tater tots I've ever had. I usually order the two chili dogs, and they're always ex... read more I had the speck double cheeseburger and the wobble rings, which are the best tater tots I've ever had. I usually order the two chili dogs, and they're always excellent. Whenever I pass through Georgia, I make sure to stop by Varsity.

I get that the Varsity is a staple in Georgia and has garnered a passionate fan base since it first opened. In fact, it likely had that enthusiastic following r... read more I get that the Varsity is a staple in Georgia and has garnered a passionate fan base since it first opened. In fact, it likely had that enthusiastic following right from 1928 when it was originally called the Yellow Jacket. It rebranded to the Varsity to better attract college students. The place has a charming retro vibe, and while the menu is straightforward, sometimes simplicity can still be a culinary delight. However, I have always found the Varsity to be just average, at best. Honestly, it's nothing extraordinary; it really doesn't stand out. People continue to flock to the Varsity, often driven by nostalgia, which I completely understand. Food can evoke memories, and we all cherish those moments that take us back to happier times when life felt a little brighter.

I’ve heard that this historic restaurant, which has been around since the early 1930s as an outpost of the original in Atlanta, might be closing soon. While it'... read more I’ve heard that this historic restaurant, which has been around since the early 1930s as an outpost of the original in Atlanta, might be closing soon. While it's unfortunate for the employees, it might be for the best. For $10, I ordered a chili dog and chili cheeseburger combo with fries and a soda. Unfortunately, the hot dog bun was squished, the hot dog itself was average, and the chili was dry—how do you even make dry chili? The cheeseburger was overcooked, and its dryness only worsened the already unappealing dry chili. The french fries were merely warm, making their greasiness even more noticeable, again not in a good way. I’ve eaten at The Varsity in Atlanta as well, and while I didn’t find it exceptional, the prices didn’t stand out as much in the bustling city compared to this college town. On a positive note, the service was good, so I do feel for the employees if the restaurant does shut down. I hope they can find jobs at other local establishments.