Highland Tap in Atlanta: A Classic Virginia-Highland Steak & Burger Spot

Tucked beneath street level in Atlanta’s Virginia-Highland neighborhood, Highland Tap has developed a reputation as a low-lit, old-school spot for steak, burgers, and cocktails. For many locals, it feels more like a neighborhood institution than a typical restaurant.

If you’re searching for “Highland Tap restaurant Atlanta” and wondering what to expect, this guide walks through its atmosphere, menu highlights, practical tips for visiting, and how it fits into the broader Virginia-Highland dining scene.

What Makes Highland Tap Stand Out in Atlanta

Highland Tap is often associated with:

• A speakeasy-style, underground setting
• Steaks, burgers, and prime rib as core menu draws
• A full bar with martinis, whiskey, and classic cocktails
• A casual but grown-up vibe that leans cozy rather than flashy

People who visit tend to talk about the combination of comfort food, dark-wood bar ambiance, and the sense that the place has been around long enough to feel familiar—even on a first visit.

Location & Atmosphere: Underground in Virginia-Highland

The Neighborhood: Virginia-Highland

Highland Tap sits along North Highland Avenue in Virginia-Highland, one of Atlanta’s most walkable in-town neighborhoods. The area is known for:

• Tree-lined streets and historic homes
• Independent shops, bars, and restaurants
• A mix of longtime residents and younger crowds

Because of this, Highland Tap often feels like a neighborhood hangout as much as a destination restaurant.

Stepping Inside: Basement Bar Vibes

Highland Tap is set below street level, and that shapes the entire experience:

• Dim lighting and lots of wood and brick
• A long bar that anchors the room
• Booths and tables that work well for date nights or small groups

The energy generally leans toward:

• Relaxed, not rushed
• Casual, but many guests still dress “nice casual” for a night out
• A mix of bar regulars, couples, and small groups

For visitors looking for loud music and a high-energy scene, it may feel subdued. For those seeking somewhere to talk over a drink and a steak, the mood often fits well.

Menu Overview: Steaks, Burgers, and Comfort Classics

Highland Tap is typically described as a steak-and-burger-focused restaurant with a classic American bar feel. Exact offerings can change over time, but several themes are consistent.

Core Focus: Steaks & Prime Rib

Many guests associate the restaurant with:

• Grilled steaks (such as ribeye, filet, or sirloin)
• Prime rib as a recurring highlight
• Familiar steakhouse-style sides, such as potatoes and vegetables

Preparation trends toward straightforward and hearty rather than experimental. Sauces and accompaniments usually support the main cut instead of overshadowing it.

The Burger Reputation

The Highland Tap burger is often mentioned in local conversations about Atlanta burgers. Common characteristics people look for there include:

• A substantial beef patty, cooked to order
• Classic toppings (cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, sauces)
• A simple, no-frills presentation that emphasizes flavor and portion

Burger fans tend to compare it with other well-known Atlanta burger spots, and many see it as part of the city’s long-standing burger culture.

Other Menu Staples

Beyond steak and burgers, the menu typically includes:

• Sandwiches and bar-friendly plates
• Hearty appetizers such as dips, fries, or shared starters
• Salads and basic sides for balance

The overall feel is comfort-oriented: familiar, filling, and aligned with a classic American grill.

Drinks & Bar Program: Classic Cocktails and Spirits

Highland Tap’s bar is central to its identity, especially for those searching for “Highland Tap bar Atlanta” or martinis in Virginia-Highland.

Classic Cocktails & Martinis

Visitors often mention:

• Martinis (gin or vodka) as a go-to order
• Old-school cocktails such as Manhattans or Old Fashioneds
• Straightforward mixed drinks rather than elaborate, modern craft presentations

The tone is more classic bar than experimental cocktail lab.

Beer & Wine

The selection commonly includes:

• Draft and bottled beers with a mix of domestic and popular choices
• Wine by the glass and bottle, typically geared toward pairing with steak and burgers

Those looking for highly niche or rare selections may not find a specialty focus, but most diners can choose something that fits their taste.

When to Go: Timing, Crowds, and Occasion

Different times of day can change the feel of Highland Tap.

Evenings & Weekends

In the evening, especially on weekends:

• The restaurant can feel busier and more social
• The bar area may draw neighborhood regulars and date-night diners
• Wait times can vary depending on local events and season

Many visitors see it as a dinner spot rather than a quick lunch option, even if lunch is sometimes available.

Best-Fit Occasions

Highland Tap tends to suit:

• 🥩 Steak and burger nights
• 🍸 Drinks-centered meetups where food is also part of the plan
• 💬 Laid-back date nights in a dim, cozy room
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Small groups meeting up before or after exploring Virginia-Highland

It may feel less suited to very large, rowdy groups or guests wanting a bright, family-style dining room, though different groups may still enjoy it based on preference.

Highland Tap vs. Other Atlanta Dining Options

People searching for “Highland Tap restaurant Atlanta” often compare it with other local choices. While every restaurant has its own style, a few contrasts stand out.

Compared With Trendy New Spots

Newer Atlanta restaurants often emphasize:

• Highly styled interiors
• Frequently changing, chef-driven menus
• Complex cocktails and seasonal small plates

Highland Tap, on the other hand, leans into:

• A time-worn, underground bar atmosphere
• Stable, classic menu items (steaks, burgers, prime rib)
• A focus on consistency and familiarity

For some diners, that makes it feel nostalgic; for others, it may seem traditional compared to emerging dining concepts.

Compared With Upscale Steakhouses

More formal steakhouses may offer:

• Large, bright dining rooms
• Extensive wine programs and tableside presentations
• Highly polished, luxury-focused service

Highland Tap generally occupies a more casual, neighborhood-oriented lane:

• Dim, bar-forward space
• Straightforward steak and burger options
• A looser, less formal atmosphere

Diners often choose between these based on whether they want an occasion-focused meal or a low-key, comfortable steak night.

Practical Tips for Visiting Highland Tap in Atlanta

Here is a quick reference for planning a visit.

Quick-Glance Guide 🧭

Helpful Planning Tips ✅

• 🕰️ Check current hours before going; operating times can change by season, day, or ownership decisions.
• 📞 Call ahead if you’re visiting with a group or for a special occasion; this can help clarify wait times and seating options.
• 👟 Plan for steps: being below street level usually means some stairs, which matters for accessibility planning.
• 🚗 Consider parking and transportation: Virginia-Highland can be busy, especially on weekends. Many guests combine a visit with rideshare or careful street parking.
• 📱 Look up recent photos or menu snapshots from current visitors to get a sense of current offerings and portions.

These steps help align expectations, especially for first-time visitors unfamiliar with the area.

How Highland Tap Fits Into Virginia-Highland’s Food Scene

Virginia-Highland as a neighborhood blends:

• Longstanding bars and restaurants
• Newer concepts and rotating eateries
• A pedestrian-friendly stretch of shops, cafes, and nightlife

Within that mix, Highland Tap is often viewed as one of the older, enduring presences:

• It appeals to diners who enjoy traditional pub-and-steak environments.
• It offers a reliable option for those wanting burgers, steaks, and drinks without chasing the newest trend.
• It contributes to the neighborhood’s character as a place where classic and contemporary spots coexist.

For visitors exploring Atlanta’s in-town neighborhoods, dinner or drinks at Highland Tap can easily be combined with:

• A stroll through Virginia-Highland’s side streets
• Visits to nearby bars, dessert spots, or coffee shops
• A longer evening moving between different venues in the area

Key Takeaways for “Highland Tap Restaurant Atlanta” 🔎

For anyone searching or deciding whether Highland Tap belongs on their Atlanta dining list, here are the main points to remember:

• Classic, underground feel: The basement-style setting and dim lighting create a cozy, bar-centric atmosphere.
• Steak and burger focus: Core strengths revolve around grilled meats, prime rib, and hearty comfort dishes.
• Neighborhood staple: It functions as both a destination for visitors and a familiar spot for locals in Virginia-Highland.
• Casual but grown-up: Expect a relaxed, adult-oriented vibe rather than a loud club or a bright family restaurant.
• Best for simple, satisfying nights out: Highland Tap often appeals to people seeking solid food and classic drinks in a setting that favors conversation over spectacle.

Understanding these elements helps set realistic expectations and makes it easier to decide whether Highland Tap in Atlanta aligns with the kind of night out you have in mind.