The canonical version and where to order it.
A steamed hot dog on a soft bun topped with chili, mustard and chopped raw onions. The Varsity has served the same version since 1928 at North Avenue downtown.
Frank Gordy founded The Varsity at North Avenue and Spring Street in downtown Atlanta in 1928. The chili dog, fried onion rings and Frosted Orange became Atlanta soda-fountain canon. Curb service was a fixture into the 2010s. The Varsity is among the largest drive-in restaurants in the world by daily volume; the chili dog is the canonical Atlanta sports-game pre-meal. Multiple satellite locations across the metro since the 1980s.
1 editor pick for The Varsity chili dog in Atlanta, ranked by editorial score. All Atlanta signature dishes · The Varsity chili dog across every city.
Frank Gordy's North Avenue drive-in in Atlanta opened 1928 and remains among the largest drive-in restaurants in the world by daily volume, with chili dogs.
OrderTwo chili dogs (called Naked Dogs Walking), an order of onion rings and a Frosted Orange.
TipWalk-up counter inside; carhop service paused. Order in Varsity slang for the full experience: 'two dogs walking' = two hot dogs to go.
The Varsity chili dog makes more sense with someone from Atlanta explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.
Guided tour · 3 hours
Enjoy lunchtime dining at 6 locally owned award-winning restaurants, experiencing the best of Southern food today. See Victorian houses in Atlanta's first suburb and i...
Guided tour · 2 hours
Taste the best of Atlanta’s street food without the streets, or the humidity, in Atlanta's largest food hall, Ponce City Market. Enjoy a filling lunch over 5 restauran...
Guided tour · 3 hours
Enjoy a walking tour of Atlanta's vibrant food scene in the company of an Atlantan who is passionate about local food, the city, and its history.