Table Talk

By NYer

July 11, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this

having adopted Atlanta as my second home, I do occassionally go to Mary Mac’s and the Varsity for some “Vitamin G”. Mary Mac’s is comfort food and the locale is spacious and roomy and the service is friendly, unlike some of our snootier “high end” restaurants! Haven’t been to the Varsity in years, but do love a slaw dawg and a fried pie! Went to Harold’s once many years ago and enjoyed it, although I have never had any cracklin’ cornbread. I may have to drive over this weekend!

By Beejay

July 11, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

Now you just have to mention The Busy Bee Cafe on MLK, Jr. Drive. Fried chicken, Ham Hocks, Sweet Potatoe pie, Mmmm Mmmmmm

By Flo Jean

July 11, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

I enjoy eating at the Varsity but the next day while I’m on the toilet I wonder why.

By Mark

July 11, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

I moved here from NYC in 2003; couldn’t wait to try Mary Mac’s for good Southern food… huge disappointment, seems like vegetables are taken from a can and heated.

The Varsity??? Come on… give me a break.

“if for no other reason than to say you’ve had a quintessential Atlanta experience.”

Umm… quintessential Atlanta experience?

By L-Dogg

July 11, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

Mark, welcome to Georgia … NOW GO HOME!

By L-Dogg

July 11, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

Mark, welcome to Georgia … NOW GO HOME!

By Mizzlinda

July 11, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

My son who lives in Atlanta recently took us to Mary Mac’s. We literally rolled out of there after eating the “all you can eat” spread. One of the servers was rather stand-offish but the others were super friendly even suggesting how to eat the pot likker and cornbread. We LOVED the experience!

By SusieQ

July 11, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

Mark, please go home. How’s that for Southern hospitality ? I said please……….

By Becky

July 11, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

Mark, if you want good Southern food, find a place that sells soul food & looks like a place that you normally wouldn’t go into..As for the Varsity, I was born & raised here & I only eat there about every two years..That’s about all your stomach can handle.. I usually cook my own Southern food if I want good, tasty food..

By ladyj

July 11, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

When I lived in Atlanta many yrs ago, the Busy Bee was one of the places to get a good meal. The Varsity was also one of the places we ate at. Back then,it was good and still good today. We bought a group of students from south Georgia on a field trip to Atlanta and the Varsity was one of the places we ate at. I have to check out the other places you mentioned on one of my future visits.

By Becky

July 11, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

Mark, not everyone in the south is rude, so welcome to GA..I was told that everyone in NY was rude & when I went there on vacation, the people there were a lot nicer than most people that I meet here..

By Denise

July 11, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA and I have NEVER eaten at The Varsity…the thought scares me. Maybe one day I will get up the nerves. As for Mary Mac’s, the food has not been the same since Mrs. Lupo passed. I used to go often until I was turned on the Busy Bee…oh my gosh. The are top rated by Zagats. You must go to see why. Always good, always fresh, always hot and always crowded. The BEST Soul Food in Atlanta.

By ScottAtlGa

July 11, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

As a southerner, I grew up loving the Varsity. However, as an adult, I have to limit myself to Varsity once in awhile. The hotdog wieners seem to be a very low quality, so I no longer eat them. The onion rings, the chiliburgers and fried pies are a southern/Atlanta experience that only means something to some of us. I met Mr. Gordy many years ago; he was a nice guy and a real success story.

By Denise

July 11, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

There is no need to get hostile because others have a different point of view. We are all different and view things different and that’s okay. These are only opinions of what we feel is good or bad. No one has to go home and so what if you don’t like the way a place looks. Grow up!!!!

By Stuart

July 11, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

I am amazed at how rude Atlantan’s can be to outsiders. The food at the many of the old Atlanta institutions like the Varsity and Mary Mac’s is pretty bad by any reasonable standard. Folks from New York like Mark with higher standards have greatly improved culinary standards in this city in the 25 years I have lived here. Thank you Mark, I am glad you are here.

By jess.me

July 11, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

Ya’ just gotta try the Colonnade on Cheshire Bidge Rd. Been around for about 60 years and still is a favorite of real Atlanta natives.

Yes! We also eat at the Varsity and enjoy it nearly as much today as we did in he 50’s.

There’s just a lot to be said and enjoyed about our old standby restaurants and not much to be said for the FF places.

By Chris

July 11, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

Just went to Carver’s today for lunch. As always I had a wonderful meal and will be going back many more times! Lunch crowd was big today.. The line was out the door.

By Francine

July 11, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

I think people like Mark should leave the South if they don’t like it here, AND take Stuart with you. “Higher culinary standards”??? Give me a break! Tradition is tradition.

By Chrisb

July 11, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

Carver’s, Thelma’s, Fatt Matt’s.

Now those are Atlanta experiences!!!

Yankee Mark, please move away if you don’t like southern cooking.

By MB

July 11, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this

Look, the food in Atlanta in general is excellent. But let’s be for real here, The Varsity is terrible. Every time me or some one I know goes there, they get sick later on! It’s a tradition thing, not a food thing unfortuntely. Otherwise, love the BBQ and southern cuisine down here!

By Grizzard Fan

July 11, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this

You’re either gonna like the Varsity or you’re not. But just because you don’t like it doesn’t mean it’s not good. It’s a matter of personal taste. The Varsity locations don’t seem to be hurting for business. And as Southern icon Lewis Grizzard said “We don’t care how you did it in Cleveland. If you don’t like it, Delta is ready when you are.”

By nothern steve

July 11, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this

Haha, some people down here are so overly protective of their whole “southern” culture. The guy simply said that the Varsity is no good, which any objective person would agree with. North, South, East, West, there are simple minded people everywhere.

How about this…if you don’t like “yankee’s” in “your” city, then how about YOU move?

By truthteller

July 11, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

I love it when we get comments from New Yorkers about some of the traditional restaurants and food in Atlanta.

New York is no different from Atlanta. I have spent a lot of time there, and the food there is no better than the food here. What did these people expect when they went to Mary Mac’s and the Varsity? When I went into a hot dog joint in NY, I expected to get a lousy hot dog. When I went to a NY diner, I got very average food…usually something along the lines of day old meat loaf,and cold mashed potatos. NY has some fine restaurants and so does Atlanta. New Yorkers trying to convince Atlantans how wonderful NY is are just BORING.

By phoenixdawgfan

July 11, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

I grew up in Savannah, lived in Atlanta and subsequently ended up traveling and living around the world. Now broiling in Phoenix! My wife and I get Varisty dawgs, burgers & rings then go across the street and get JR Crickets Wings (not sure if they are still there) and a bottle of good champagne to take back to the room every time we vist Atlanta. It was the first place I took my (soon to be wife at the time 20 years ago) to eat in Atlanta. I take my kids there, I take guests there just to see them stumble when they order the first time.I tailgate with Varsity. I was there the day the OJ decision was announced (while in Atl on business) and that is like knowing where you were when Kennedy died.I am on the side of those that feel the varisty is a must see, must do, must eat!

By francine

July 11, 2007 6:10 PM | Link to this

As for you, yankee “northern steve”, we Southerners were here first. Why should we abandon “our” city, just because you abandoned yours?……..and speaking of simple minded………don’t get me started.

By nothern steve

July 11, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

“our” city…what does that mean? You were here first? Do you want a medal, congratulations…sorry my ancesters were not as supportive of slavery as yours likely were.

Some people here are so defensive. Yes, someone who takes the time to defend a place like the varsity over a statement that was hardly derogitory is quite simple minded.

By tc

July 11, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this

I grew up in ATL going to the Varsity both on North Ave and to the Varsity Jr. The people you met there were always nice and polite, the food always good and the service with a smile and a laugh. My kids had there first burgers at the Varsity and love them too. I now reside in Dallas Tx and every time I am home I have to do two things, Go to the Varsity and Get Chocolate Pie from the Dwarf House.

By fv

July 11, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this

Not everyone in the South supported slavery, or even had slaves for that matter. Everyone with a decent education knows that and also knows northerners participated in the slave trade as much or more than anyone else. Plus the War of 1861 was about economics and Southern states’ right for independence, not slavery. AND none of this has anything to do with the merits of Southern cooking anyway. I’m tired of the yadda yadda….

By Londoner

July 11, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

Bloody hell…the poor bloke just made a comment….let’s not start WWIII. We all know hot dogs, burgers, meatloaf, bangers & mash aren’t upper crust fare, but so what! Certain places become tourist attractions along with the cities in which they are located. Of course one restaurant is not going to be representative of the food and culture of that city…..it’s just an experience to be enjoyed and shared. Lighten up people, or i’ll force you to eat my Steak and Kidney pie with some Black Pudding on the side ;-)

By Michael

July 12, 2007 8:24 AM | Link to this

I love the Varisty. The food is great and the experience is the best.

By George P Burdell

July 12, 2007 8:33 AM | Link to this

The reasons Atlantans are so rude is because 99% of the five million or so are not Atlantans. Try to find a native of Atlanta!

By Hoosier

July 12, 2007 8:36 AM | Link to this

Coming from Indiana, not known for culinary experiences other than sweet corn, I was excited about “southern food”. But if you didn’t grow up consuming grease I think you have a problem learning to like it. I hate grits, sweet tea, bacon, and most things fried other than fries. Its the style of cooking down here at the traditional restaurants that I don’t like. Doesn’t mean they are crap, just not for me.

By ed

July 12, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this

the varsity should be burned to the ground. that place is horrible.

By J

July 12, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this

I really wish you hadn’t mentioned Carver’s in this article. The lines are long enough.

Places like the Varsity and Mary Mac’s are unfortuantely more about experience now than food. And the fact that a lot of Atlantans cling to them illustrates the real difference between north and south. Those in the north (in GENERAL) are surrounded by physical links to their history and tradtions, to the point that it’s all taken for granted. In the south, most of those links are leveled for condos and stadiums, and so they’ll cling to any link to tradtion they can find, even if it’s a hotdog.

And in the end, we all end up arguing about which yankee should go home and when and which southerner is dumber than the other in the comment section of a food article written for the online version of a second-rate “newspaper”. Life is awesome.

By CL

July 12, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this

Cut Mark some slack. New York is known for it’s hotdog stands and I would guess that after you’ve had a Nathan’s out near Coney Island, The Varsity may not match up. Varsity onion rings and FOs are worth the trip but let’s face it, the dogs are average. The place is an icon to be experienced but they ARE NOT the best hotdog in town. For southern cookin’ don’t forget the Barbeque Kitchen on Virginia Ave. near the airport. They are known more for there meat and “all you can eat” vegetables than their barbeque. And there is a relatively new place (been opened a couple of years)in Tyrone, just south of town called the Boxcar Cafe. They sereve some of the best fried chicken and veggies going.

By EF

July 12, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

The Varsity is just an experience, nobody seriously thinks the food is great, right? Although I do love those frosted oranges… For a southern experience got to Fat Matts BBQ. SO GOOD!! And for some REALLY Southern food come visit us down in Macon, Ga.

By Mark

July 12, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this

I would like to refer you to an article recently published in The New York Times “life in the fast food lane” by Frank Bruni. In the article the resturant critic goes on a road trip sampling fast food across the nation. The slaw dog at the Varsity was rated as one of the best fast food items reviewed.

By Lived in GA forever

July 12, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this

I’ve lived in Georgia my entire life. Grow up in Marietta and lived in Atlanta the last 7 years. The Varsity is still a treat a few times a year (my system can’t take it much more than that)!!! My work caters it at least once a year. BUT, I’ve only been to Mary Mac’s once and will never return. We took my mother there to celebrate her 55th birthday this spring. After and hour wait (which wasn’t that bad), the service was terrible. The waitress was rude and seemed like she wanted to be anywhere but there. She never once offered refils and even took up my nephew’s plate BEFORE he was finished. The food wasn’t good at all. Nothing special about the visit. After I went, I told my friend (a chef in Atlanta) that I went there and as soon as I said the name (before telling about the experience), he just groaned…and said “why didn’t you ask me about it before hand? I know several people that have worked there and it’s crap.” Looking back, I think using the word ‘crap’ was kind. In a nutshell: Mary Mac’s is overrated - it may have once been an Atlanta staple, but they now fail miserably. Go the Varisty instead!

By Long Time Atlantan

July 12, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this

I grew up going to Mary Mac’s and still go there with my family. It has its ups and downs, but you can’t beat Ms. Jo’s free shoulder massage and wise words while you’re munching on their cinnamon rolls.

Carver’s is in our neighborhood, so we’re proud of it too. Great owners from Douglas, GA - now that’s southern food!

By Lance

July 12, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this

Some of the reactions to Mark’s comment are downright frightful. The guy simply doesn’t like the Varsity or Mary Mac’s. He “couldn’t wait to try…good Southern food”, so how bad of an egg can he be?

Apparently in Atlanta, transplants aren’t allowed to voice that they don’t like things.

I’m a transplanted yankee who doesn’t care for the Varsity BUT I’ve loved many many fine Southern establishments I’ve been to in Atlanta, Savannah, Macon, and Columbus. One of the things my family loves about our home of Georgia is the food, no matter what the style.

By JJ

July 12, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

We eat at The Varsity whenever we go to sporting events downtown. No trip is complete without a “Nekkid Dog Walkin” and a frosty Orange. And I LOVE their fries….. YUMM-O!!

As for Mary Mac’s, I have not eaten there in YEARS but would drive downtown for that food. I cannot believe the Colonade is still around either. I guess I need to hit Cheshire Bridge and downtown more often!!

By Jimcpa

July 12, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

Have lived in the South 30 of my 40 years and been downtown the last 13. I would rate Piccadilly food above Mary Macs, with the hassle of the varsity for ambiance purposes only, not for the food. And that woman at Mary Macs who wants to forcefully rub the back of all males, whether they are engaged in conversation with their meal partner or not, is really annoying.

By Grizzard Fan

July 12, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

Like I said earlier when I quoted Lewis Grizzard. “We don’t care how you did it(or what kind of food you think is good [editorial interpretation])in Cleveland. If you don’t like it, Delta is ready when you are”. All of you Atlanta and American South critics should heed his advice.

By DKM

July 12, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

I have eaten at Mary Macs since 1974 as a student at Tech and have always enjoyed the food and the atmosphere. However, the last time I took my family and some guests there the waitress, who was African-American, purposely bypassed our table to take the orders of two other tables who were seated after us with African-American patrons. This discriminatory behavior was disappointing and embarassing to me with my out-of-town guests. The only thing that saved the day was the outstanding food. We are considering having a corporate outing with dinner at Mary Macs but have some hesitation after this experience. In all these years, Mary Macs has been a model of the best there is in our city with a diverse clientele and staff and we have always enjoyed this, but to experience this racism in this restaurant was sad to say the least! We will quietly try it one more time and see if we just experienced a “bad apple”.

By MLA

July 12, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

The Varsity - it’s the one place in Atlanta that I wanted to be when the Braves won the World Series - it’s not so much about the food as it is about an experience that is uniquely Atlanta - although I do love those onion rings.

Mary Mac’s - used to be really good, however as the prices have gone up the quality has gone down. It’s truly not the same since Mrs. Lupo left us…

By mayretter local

July 12, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

ummmm, the Colonnade. and yes, part of the Varsity is the experience with the throngs of people and watching them huslte the food. “Git yer money in yer hand and yer order on yer mind, whatata have whataya have!!”.

By Matt

July 12, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

Fortunately, I live in Athens and pretty close to the Varsity here so I can get a Frosted Orange and a nekkid dawg any time I want. The Varsity is a true Georgia college tradition and even has the Presidential seal of approval: check the paper plate on display in Atlanta signed by George Bush

By G.B.

July 12, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

How about The Beautiful Restaurant!

By Dave

July 12, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

I like The Colonnade. The Varsity hot dogs are just a sloppy, heart-burn inducing mess and the fries are yucky too.

By MM

July 12, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

Mark and Stuart: defining the stereotypical snooty holier-than-thou carpetbagger

By the truth

July 12, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

Southern food is horrible in general, and MaryMac’s is definetely not the exception. I went there for brunch once, and the service was terrible, the food was mediocre at best, and it looked a little run-down- I was really concerned about the cleanliness factor. Don’t get me started on the Varsity. These places carry outdated food, and with all we know today about the effect of saturated fat and calorie-ladden food, any intelligent person does well by staying away from them. Gross…

By Native Atlantan

July 12, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

Until you have tried Busy Bee Cafe you cannot comment on soul food restaurants in Atlanta. I have never had a bad meal there. It is quite small (although I think they are moving to a new location soon), so be prepared to wait. It would be impossible to walk away disappointed.

P.S. They are not open on Saturdays.

By b.o.o,h.o.o.

July 12, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

The Varsity - a unique experience…Still remember the chili dog, onion rings, and frosted orange a friend brought me while pregnant as one of the best meals I’ve ever had…Luckily we have a V here in Athens. Had a very helpful car waiter give me some good advice at the ATL main location one night on the way to a concert - told us not to stop on Techwood drive even if the light was red; I really appreciated that! I don’t eat at the one here often, but just driving by is a pleasant experience, and I still usually get the same thing every time - slaw dog rules! My kids like the fries and watching tv while they eat…

By mo

July 12, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

I concur about Busy Bee’s. It is the BEST soul food in Atlanta.

Oh, and the Beautiful is another one.

Uh, and Chantrelle’s… (See, now I’m getting hungry.)

Now, sometimes, even for those of us who prides themselves on watching what they eat- get a craving for some good, old-fashioned grease. You know, that food that you used to eat after football games before research proved that it was actually bad for you?

That’s the Varsity! So satisfying- but only once a year, please!

By b.o.o.h.o.o.

July 12, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

p.s. Still waiting to get a chance to go to mary mac’s…also, I’m from the midwest, and Southern food is the best! Yum! I told a (NYorker) friend I was going to get biscuits and gravy (at a hidden spot here in Athens) and he said, “what kind of food is that?” I said, “Southern Food!” Tried the SF version when I was there recently, and tho it was pretty good, it wasn’t served right - they put the gravy in a flat bowl, with two whole biscuits sitting in it. I took the biscuits out, split them, put the gravy on top, and gave them a lesson.

By sylvia

July 12, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

I’m with you Denise about the food at Mary Mac’s I was totally disappointed with the food and the fried green tomatoes were terrible, I think they need new cooks, it was not the same as years ago.

By WTF

July 12, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

Any Silver Skillet fans? I’ve actually only been there for breakfast (are they even open for dinner?) but the biscuits are great and who doesn’t like a big juicy fried pork chop with their eggs?! Of course, I have to spend a couple hours in the gym afterwards to make up for the calories/fat/etc, but it’s worth it.

By j

July 12, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

I’ve experienced the “bypass” at Mary Macs. I now “bypass” the place and take my stomach/money elsewhere. The portions grew smaller and the prices went up. Did they ever start taking debit cards? Having the surprise of using THEIR atm is a treat. The place is overrated.
I’ve found that Alpha Soda off Haynes bridge on 400 kills everyone for southern food. Portions are huge and price is right.
As for the Varsity, well I eat healthy by avoiding that place like the plague. I guess it’s like growing your hair long or getting married-you have to try it once! That’s enough. What’ll ya have, What’ll ya have??? I’ll have you change your cooking oil and clean EVERYTHING. People need to grow up about the Atlanta experience. Until people lose the attitudes about something that happened a long long time ago, Atlanta is stuck in the past.
Take a lesson from NYC…

By WTF

July 12, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

And what about EATS on Ponce? The space is definitely utilitarian, but man that’s some good food! Love the chicken, collard greens, etc. and of course any place that lists mac and cheese as a vegetable is gonna be good, if not healthy. Plus, you get to see a real cross section of people from all walks of life. I’d love to say that Mary Macs is good, but although I haven’t been there in years, I agree that the vegetables are surely straight out of a can.

By Don

July 12, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

Its obvious that the Hospitality for which Atlantans were once noted did not transfer to the transplants as we hoped it would. Instead the rudeness that was the hallmark of the harder climates of the country has over-shadowed the genteelness on which we once prided ourselves. The Varsity, Mary Macs, Harold’s all hold out to “progress”. Who else remembers: the Yellow Jacket, the Atlanta Crackers Theisen’s Grocery, Plaza Drugs, Bisdoint(Sp.) Dooley, Miss Boo, Officer Don, the Allman Bros. and Hampton Grease Band in Piedmont Park, the Bird, the Rexall Drug Store @ 10th & Peachtree, the American Lunch, and so many others. All these were Atlanta. Today we have too damned many people, in too big of a hurry, who don’t and won’t take the time to enjoy those places and people who made Atlanta attractive in the first place.

Personally I still need at least a bi-annual trip to the Varsity for a lube job and an oil change; a chili dog, a chili steak fries and a Coke.

And it the folks who don’t remember all of the above who are so quick to criticise. That’s just not polite. It just ain’t right.

By Monica

July 12, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

Not for the quality, but what about the Majestic on Ponce, either before or after you’ve done the Varsity AND Krispy Kreme?? Some things are just fun!!

By WTF

July 12, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

Monica, you’re right! The Majestic may not have the best food, but what an experience. I once went with a friend who invited a homeless guy to eat with us. I learned a lot during that meal. I also like how the waitresses are sassy and don’t take any crap from the customers.

By JJ

July 12, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

Can someone please tell me where the Busy Bee is. After all these comments, I want to go there.

Where is the Busy Bee?????

By John

July 12, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

The Varsity is a must for me. I have been going there 30 to 40 times a year for almost 30 years and I have NEVER ever gotten ill! As a matter of fact I think I will head over there tonight! I’m happy I won’t have all of you New York sissies or Atlanta apologist in my way! WHATTTA Ya HAVE?!

By Mo

July 12, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

I’m a yankee living in Atlanta and haven’t been to any of these restaurants yet!! I have a wheat allergy so I get nervous about eating out anyway, but every time I’m near the Varsity, I want to go in…except it would take me an hour to turn into the place!! It’s not in the best location…I’ve heard amazing things about EATS, that their chicken is great and cheap!! But the restaurants that I have been to that are “Atlanta” restaurants are fantastic…don’t tell me to go home!

By Native Atlantan

July 12, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

Busy Bee Cafe 810 Martin Luther King Jr SW Atlanta, GA 30314 (404) 525-9212

It’s in the West End. Don’t drive too fast, you might miss it. I hope you like it!

By Gary

July 12, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

Forget the Varsity and Mary Macs. You gotta go to the Colonnade on Cheshire Bidge Rd. The Fried Chicken, Country Fried Steak, and Fried Shrimp & Oysters can’t be beat. Food’s so good you’ll slap yo Mama…….well at least shove her a little bit!!!

By Miss ATL

July 12, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

How can you not LOVE Mary Macs? It is true southern cooking and I would be surprised if I found out their veggies came from cans.

And for those saying that Atlantans are not nice…well, they probably arent truely from Atlanta. Southern hospitality is still alive if you look in the right places (Mary Macs is one of those places)

By WTF

July 12, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

I don’t know Miss ATL, I never thought the food at Mary Mac’s was all that, but the experience was always great! Do the elderly twin sisters who worked as greeters still work there? I may be showing how long its been since I was at Mary Mac’s by asking that question.

By Tim

July 12, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

Before you call folks from Atlanta rude, take a moment and realize that most of Atlanta is made up of people from other places.

By George P

July 12, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

The Varsity is Atlanta’s cheap local drive-in, just like thousands of others across the country, many of which engender the same degree of loyalty. Through an accident of geography, it just so happened to grow in the the worlds largest cheap local drive-in. To go and expect something other than cheap local drive-in food is a huge mistake. Zesto’s was better anyway.

By born and raised

July 12, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

As an Atlanta native who spent many summers in New York, I can honestly both cities have something to offer. The Varsity is an experience. The food is not the best but the experience is a treat. I enjoy Mary Macs. I have been there and the food was not so great but that can happen. I don’t let one bad day keep me from going back.

I love the hot dogs, pizza and White Castles in NY. So it is possible to be from one area and like the food in another.

For all the transplants, we Atlantans are very protective about our establishments. If you don’t like a place that’s fine but please, don’t down right bash them because we take it personally. You have to remember this is our hometown and we will defend it tooth and nail. I don’t think you would sit back and not defend your hometown if you felt like it was being disrespected.

JJ Busy Bee is on MLK near the AU Center.

By Chez

July 12, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

I’m from the Deep Southern state of Louisiana and I think Atlanta’s version of southern cuisine is just tasteless. New Orleans food was rated #8 in the world by Zagat’s guide for 2007. Zagat is on to something. Go to New Orleans for great food become a vegetarian while you are in Atlanta.

By WTF

July 12, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

Aww, c’mon Chez. We finally got everyone to calm down over the NYC vs ATL fracus, now you’re gonna pit NOLA against us? All cities have their hometown pride and that is often expressed through local restaurants. Just tell us what is good about New Orleans food without bashing food in Atlanta. Can’t we all just get along?! :-)

By Mom_of_Two

July 12, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

I was born in Metro Atlanta so y’all can’t blast me for being a Yankee and tell me to go home when I say that the service is extremely slow and the food nasty greasy at the Varsity. Only someone who regularly eats high fat foods wouldn’t get sick after eating there. As for Mary Mac’s, I’ve been there once and won’t ever go back. The “service” (I’m not real sure it really qualifies as service) was slow, the waitress was borderline rude, the food was pretty much tasteless mush and overpriced.

By feeler

July 12, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

Nekkid dogs were made for kids, anyone over the age of 3 that would eat one would probably suck a raw egg or some such thing. Any true Southerner knows to order the heavy slaw dog (that means extra chili and a dollop of slaw to the heathens among you), its the only way to go. As for burgers its either a chili steak or a heavy chili steak. And if you get cheese on anything its pimento cheese - and you gotta get it grilled. Don’t even thing of putting on one of those Kraft American slices. Don’t even know why they offer that as an option.

And if you don’t like the Greeeeazy V, then fine, don’t go. Those of us that like it get through the line quicker and God forbid I gotta sit around while you whine and bellyache about the grease as you dab your nekkid steak with a napkin.

By Kelley McK.

July 12, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

I worked at the Colonnade a couple of years back and it was an experirnce(a fun one). Yes; the fried chicken and sweet potatoe soufle’ were out of this world, but; the guests were the prize! All the ladies, and “ladies”, and o.k. a few gents were just adorable.

By ColoradoCole

July 12, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

I remember those many trips walking across the bridge from Georgia Tech to the Varsity 40 years ago. You’d step into the Varsity, always busy as it was, step into a fast-moving line, decide quickly on your night’s menu, announce your choice to the busy people behind the counter and get ready to grab your dinner as it came down the line. (Mine was often a naked dog and a bag a’ rags.) You could then take a breath and amble around the TV rooms while looking for a spot to sit and catch the news, the sports, or a sit-com. It was a comfortable place. Sometimes a restaurant is more than just a meal.

By Jim

July 12, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

I’ve been going to the Varsity since I was a kid and still do, but only maybe 4 - 5 times a year. Feller - true southerners don’t necessarily or even usually put slaw on their dogs.
Over the years the wieners have gotten smaller and the costs increase higher than normal fast food. The chili dogs are still the best around, but they are well overpriced. Either make them normal size or drop the cost. I had onion rings at Chops the other day, and the Varsity has them easily beat.

By Charlie

July 12, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

My wife and I arrived in Atlanta in June 1948 for me to try my hand at Georgia Tech as a vet student just out of the Army and four years out of high school! The Varsity was one of the first places we discovered (and could afford).There was no freeway and the parking lot streched across what is now freeway. Nipsey Russell, yes the later TV comedian, and Strawberry were two of the many carhops. Great guys. The food offerings weren’t considered “Southern”, just “Varsity”. We lived in Atlanta off and on over the next almost forty years, and we still love the place. I know full well that if I order a dog there today it will taste just like it did “way back then”. It is and always has been a top quality place with rigid standards. The Gordy’s always saw to that. The turnover is so high that virtually no food is ever more than twenty-four hours old. We always stop and get a box of dogs to take with us on the road when we leave to come home to Charleston!

By Danny

July 12, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

Born and raised Atlantans are not rude, we are just tired of all of the folks that have infested our town, polluting our air, overcrowding our schools and hospitals, taking our jobs, and then complaining about southerners and “our way”. As a born and raised Atlantan, I wish the rest of the country would leave us alone and stay where they were. Varsity Dogs on me!

By andres

July 12, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this

How about the fried green tomatoes at Mary Mac’s? I love them, and don’t particularly care if they’re healthy… I enjoy their fried chicken as well, though I understand that everyone has their own favorite fried chicken locale.

By andres

July 12, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this

And I do find southerners to be very charming… those wonderful folks from Montgomery, Chattanooga and Greenville. I think the crowding has adversely affected everyone here in Atlanta… it’s like putting too many rats in a cage - they always end up attacking each other!

By jw

July 13, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

Matthews Cafeteria in Tucker!

By kay

July 18, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

Has anyone ever been to the Silver Skillet? I hear they have great food but I haven’t been yet….

By Athens_Gal

July 19, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

Drive on over to Athens for some great southern fare….Weaver D’s, Wilsons Soul Food or the Plantation Buffet (open for lunch only) are all great at making true, old fashioned southern food. For more updated southern cuisine, no one beats the 5 Star Day Cafe with their rolled meatloaf and collard greens.

By polkadots

July 23, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

Our Way Cafe in Avondale - yummmmmm! Their mac/cheese and squash casserole are great! The green beans are always overcooked, but that’s how lots of people like them! Their meat loaf is wonderful! Take cash - they do not take plastic - they’re not open on Saturdays or Sundays, but ARE open in the evenings.

Ever had the turnip greens at Taqueria del Sole? Oooooooh - spicy and so good!