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"The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it," Oscar Wilde infamously declared. And though we're constantly reminded that too much isn't good for us, sometimes food that's fast and tasty is a lure that just can't be resisted. Here are five places where guilty pleasures abound, along with some fun takes on atmosphere and service.

— Bob Townsend

JOEY IVANSCO/AJC STAFF (ENLARGE)
Fatburger is SoCal cool, with a retro vibe.
NELL REDMOND/STR (ENLARGE)
Hot doughnuts now? That's Krispy Kreme.
Becky Stein/Special (ENLARGE)
A burger with the works and french fries at Five Guys.
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SOUTH BUCKHEAD

Fatburger

So cool SoCal chain, Fatburger was founded in Los Angeles in 1952 and proclaims itself "The Last Great Hamburger Stand." In Atlanta, its vivid red and yellow exterior and glowing neon signs beckon from the corner of Sidney Marcus and Piedmont. Inside, the look is '50s diner with more bright colors and stainless steel accents. The Fatburger fast food mystique is higher-quality ingredients and made-to-order menu items — including never-frozen, grilled and charbroiled hamburgers, fat and skinny fries, homemade onion rings and real ice cream milkshakes.

• THE 411: 2625 Piedmont Road N.E., 404-844-0444, and other locations, www.fatburger.com.

MIDTOWN

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

The neon "Hot Now" Krispy Kreme Doughnuts sign elicits a Pavlovian response in many people. What they salivate for is the Original Glazed. Made from a secret recipe that dates back to 1937, the fluffy, yeast-raised doughnut, served up warm with a sugary-soft essence, melts in your mouth like cotton candy. Other varieties range from the even more decadent chocolate-iced, custard-filled to traditional cake and apple fritter. And though there are now stores in New York City, California and even Canada, somehow going to Krispy Kreme still feels like a Southern tradition.

• THE 411: 295 Ponce de Leon Ave. N.E., 404-876-7307, and other locations, www.krispykreme.com.

GEORGIA TECH

The Varsity

Since 1928, servers at the "World's Largest Drive-in Restaurant" have been shouting out "Welcome to the Varsity" and asking customers "What'll ya have?" The chili dog, streaked with yellow mustard and served on a pillow-soft bun, is the classic offering. But regulars go for the crunchy onion rings, fresh French fries, Creamsicle-like frosted orange ("FO") and syrupy fried pies. The most famous car hop, Flossy Mae, may no longer be around to sing the menu, but the Varsity is always a fun place to eat. And a great destination for out-of-town guests.

• THE 411: 61 North Ave., 404-881-1706, and other locations, www.thevarsity.com.

CHESHIRE BRIDGE

The Waffle House

It's the place where you can always go at 3 a.m. and order scrambled eggs with "scattered, smothered and covered" hash browns, and punch up "There Are Raisins in My Toast" on the music machine. The cast of characters — be they workers or customers — is usually colorful. The menu includes specialties such as Bert's Chili, Alice's Iced Tea and, of course, waffles with pecans or chocolate chips. There are also egg sandwich and burger plates. And Waffle House claims to be the world's largest server of T-bone steaks and omelets, among other things.

• THE 411: 2264 Cheshire Bridge Road N.E., 404-634-9414, and other locations, www.wafflehouse.com.

EDGEWOODFive Guys Famous Burgers and Fries

Five Guys is bringing in customers who don't mind waiting longer to trade up for a burger that's better than the usual drive-though fare. Though all the made-to-order patties are cooked to well done, the big, fat double is juicy and flavorful. For smaller appetites, there's a single "Little Hamburger." Regardless of the size or addition of cheese or bacon, there are more than a dozen free toppings that can be piled on. For many, though, the real reason to go is the fresh-cut "boardwalk-style" fries, which are brown-skinned, soft and slightly sweet, with loads of potato taste.

• THE 411: 1253 Caroline St. N.E., 404-688-6474, and other locations, www.fiveguys.com.