Hi.
I will have a 2 1/2 hr layover in Atlanta on a weekday in the late afternoon. Do I have time to hop on the subway and go to the North Ave station to check out The Varsity for dinner (I'll do takeout)?
Thanks...

Nope - not enough time. I'd maybe do it if I had 4 hours between flights (and assuming I'd want to eat that kind of thing for dinner).

NO

Absolutely not.

Check out Paschal's on the A concourse. The best soul food you will ever have at an airport.

I must say...this is the first time I've seen a thread where all of the reponses are the same...100%

Might as well keep it going...not by train, bus, cab or any other way would you make it out of the airport, to the varsity, back to the airport and through security for your next flight. Just can't see it.

Pashcals is very good. There is one in the rotunda outside of security, concourse A, and concourse C.

NO.

Ditto on Paschal's. I get to the airport early for flights just to eat at P's. Get a rice and gravy to go if I'm running too late to eat at a table.

Wish there were Krispy Kreme's at the airport!

Come back on a Georgia Yech Football Saturday for the "classic" Varsity expierence.Or for the Thurs night game vs UVA!

Whaddaya have? Whaddaya have?

You can't get ANYWHERE and BACK in 2 hours in Atlanta!

soooo true, ruthijayne!

The real question isn't whether or not you can get to the Varsity and back in 2.5 hours. It is how long will it take to clear security when you get back. On a weekday later afternoon/ early evening it could take 5 minutes or 55 minutes. That's the real problem - and no way to know ahead of time. If a big convention is closing around that time in Atlanta, the wait to clear security could take even longer.

Enjoy Paschal's. I'd combine it with a stop at Chili's for a Presidente margarita afterwards

Another 'no' vote from me. Odds are high that you'd miss your flight.

I'm probably going to get flamed by the native Atlantans but why do you guys love The Varsity so much?? I've eaten there 2x--once because friends told me it was an Atlanta institution not to be missed and the other was under duress. An ex-BF wanted to go there for a burger and onion rings.

Both times I ended up with a belly ache...

To put this in perspective: I grew up in NY and didn't 'get' the White Castle thing either

Only because it's an institution!

My parents used to go there on dates (back in the carhop days) and stopped by Krispy Kreme on Ponce on the way home.

What else has been in Atlanta - UNCHANGED!) for half a century?

Someone at church was thrilled with her 50th birthday celebration. Friends rented a limo - that took them to the Varsity for the party!

My own question made me wonder what REALLY is still her since my dad's days as a kid in Atlanta in the 30's. I can only think of 3 things - the Varsity, Krispy Kreme on Ponce de Leon and the Fox. Even the downtown Rich's is gone.

I'll ask him - when he gets back from his latest trip!

Okay, Boys High School is now Grady and Girls High School is now apartments.

And, I'll shut up now and try to go to sleep!

I totally 'get' Krispy Kreme! Yummm! Tastes delish but goes straight to the hips!

OWJ, there used to be a White Castle in Decatur when I was growing up. And, unlike you I "got it". White Castle and Dairy Queen = what else could a kid ask for?

OK...OK...I get the message...don't do Varsity...try Paschal's!!
Thanks for all the input.