RETRO Restaurants

Atlanta’s metropolitan area has a rich history, and its restaurant scene is no different. Restaurants such as The Varsity, Mary Mac’s Tea Room, La Grotta, The Colonnade and many others have stood the test of time and continue to serve Atlanta residents. While many historic restaurants have chosen to modernize, many have also chosen to maintain their vintage aesthetic.

The Varsity, located in Midtown directly across from Georgia Tech, was established in 1928 and is the world’s largest drive-in restaurant, taking up two entire city blocks. Originally named “The Yellow Jacket,’’ it was founded by Frank Gordy, a Georgia Tech drop-out and Reinhardt University graduate. The name was later changed as the business hoped to open more locations on other college campuses. Today, there are six locations - Atlanta, Gwinnett, Kennesaw, Dawsonville and two in Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The Varsity has not abandoned its retro diner theming, with its neon signs and the em- ployees’ soda-jerker hats. Its famous sign, towering above I-75/85 was built in 2000 but features Coca-Cola’s vintage logo and lots of chrome, which was popular in the 1950s. Speaking of, The Varsity is the largest restaurant consumer of Coca-Cola in the world, with a running partnership for over eight decades.

Mary Mac’s Tea Room is located in Midtown on Ponce de Leon Avenue. Founded by Mary MacKenzie in 1945, it was one of 16 tea rooms opened by enterprising women in Atlanta in the post-war period. At the time, labeling the restaurant as a “Tea Room” was the only way for a woman-owned restaurant to be considered acceptable. Mary Mac’s is the only original Tea Room still open today. The restaurant is famous for its devotion to the original intent of its founder, having the same menu and doing things the same way as in 1945. Mary Mac’s originally opened with only one dining room and has since expanded to six, making it one of the five largest restaurants in Atlanta. Recently, the State of Georgia and the

House of Representatives awarded Mary Mac’s with a special resolution for providing authentic Southern food and service, and it was officially named “Atlanta’s Dining Room.”

Marietta Diner may not be as famous or rooted in Atlanta history as The Varsity or Mary Mac’s, but it is easily the most recognizable for its retro looks. Opened in 1995, the restaurant offers 24hour service and has a reputation for its 500-item menu. It was even featured on an episode of Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” Its neon and chrome facade is absolutely unmistakable, leaving no doubt it is trying to keep the American tradition of diners alive.

If you are looking for some good food and even a portal back in time, Atlanta has plenty of restaurants that fit the bill. Georgia Tech students will urge you to go to The Varsity. Fans of southern cuisine will advocate for Mary Mac’s Tea Room. Those in the metropolitan area will campaign for Marietta Diner. You truly cannot go wrong.