Taste of the Game: The Varsity Drive-In Still Hot after 80-Plus Years

Now that most of us have recovered the first round of the holiday hustle and bustle, it’s time to move on to round two. The Rebel nation will surely be filling the streets of Hotlanta this New Year’s holiday to take on No. 6 TCU.
In a place like at Atlanta, it’s so difficult to experience all there is to do, but I am going to do my best to give you the top variety picks of restaurants and bars so y’all can make sure to have a hell of a time on the town during bowl week.
Instead of my usual one pick for the Taste of the Game I decided to make a bowl series edition and give you some more choices to enjoy since most of us will be there for a few days.
In honor of our Rebels who have received All-American Honors this season, I decide to go with a good ol’ Atlanta tradition for our first game week stop.
Who would have guessed in 1928, the concept of a drive-in diner would become a favorite Atlanta gameday tradition for some good ol’ fashion food to this day.
The original Varsity was opened in 1928 on a 70′ by 120′ lot with a white picket fence by a man named Frank Gordy; a man with a $2,000 nest egg and “million dollar taste buds.” Through his dedication to freshness, superior quality, advanced technology and serving the best food fast, he gained a reputation that is known worldwide.
What I love about The Varsity is it takes you back into one of a great eras of the ’50s and reminds me of the stories my grandparents used to share about going to the drive-ins. Who doesn’t love to live in a little nostalgia seeing world famous car hops and volumes of good ole American grub?
The downtown location is a must, especially since it will be our headquarters for the next few days. If your worried about a wait The Varsity is used to big volume — after all, it lies on more than two acres and can accommodate 600 cars and more than 800 people inside. So whether you choose to dine in our out, you won’t have to worry about the typical holiday wait like most places. Great spot to stop in if you are just getting into town and need something fast and delicious.
Chili dogs to old fashioned hamburgers the menu is simple and classic so perfect place for the. So here are my picks start off: the Big V cheeseburger, side of rings and for dessert, their famous frosted orange or fried pies. Oh, and for all those making healthy resolutions, all fried items are cooked in pure Rice Bran Oil which contains no cholesterol, no trans fat, and low saturated fat. Talk about enjoying guilty pleasures without the guilt!
Make a stop at the downtown The Varsity location at 61 North Avenue in Atlanta. Happy bowling, Rebels!

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Lee Ann Herring-Olvedo is a HottyToddy.com contributor, veteran SEC sports journalist and Brown University graduate. She loves good cigars, good games and a smooth glass of bourbon — not necessarily in that order and can be reached at misskentuckyus2011@gmail.com.