Dining in Georgia: Lunch at The Varsity
Since 1928, The Varsity has served “the best food fast” – just as founder Frank Gordy planned it – to college students, business professionals, politicians, professional athletes, Hollywood elites and everyone in between. This iconic Atlanta drive-in/restaurant welcomes diners to eat in their car or grab a booth in one of several rooms within the two-story building. Regardless of which you choose, your dining experience always starts with the signature question: “What’ll ya’ have?”
Of course, to answer that it’s important to know the menu and proper lingo for placing your order. For example, if you want a plain hot dog to go, order a “naked dog walking.” Want a hamburger with mayonnaise, lettuce and tomato, plus a side of fries? Order a “glorified steak with strings.” And for The Varsity’s famous Frosted Varsity Orange (think orange sherbet milkshake) ask for a large “F.O.”
Here’s a list of common Varsity “speak” that will have you ordering like a local in no time:
- Heavy Weight – hot dog with extra chili
- Red Dog – naked dog with ketchup
- Steak – hamburger with ketchup, mustard and pickle
- Bag of Rags – potato chips
- Joe-ree – coffee with cream
- P.C. – plain chocolate milk served with ice
- Naked dog walking – plain hot dog to go
- Glorified steak with strings – hamburger with mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato plus a side of fries
- F.O. – Frosted Varsity Orange
