Highland Tap in Atlanta: What to Know About This Virginia-Highland Classic

Highland Tap is one of those old-school Atlanta restaurants that locals tend to talk about with a mix of nostalgia and loyalty. Tucked into the Virginia-Highland neighborhood, it’s known for its cozy basement setting, strong drinks, and classic steakhouse-style menu.

If you live in Atlanta, are new to the city, or are visiting and looking for a solid neighborhood spot, this guide breaks down what to expect from Highland Tap Restaurant in Atlanta, how to get there, and how it fits into the local dining scene.

Where Highland Tap Is in Atlanta

Highland Tap is located in the heart of Virginia-Highland, one of Atlanta’s most walkable intown neighborhoods known for its bungalow homes, tree-lined streets, and cluster of bars and restaurants.

Typical details you’ll see:

• Neighborhood: Virginia-Highland
• Area: East of Midtown, just north of Ponce de Leon Ave
• General vibe: Casual, slightly upscale, neighborhood steak and burger spot

Virginia-Highland is easy to reach from many intown areas:

• From Midtown: It’s a quick drive or rideshare east via Ponce de Leon Ave or North Avenue.
• From Inman Park / Old Fourth Ward: Head north or northwest, often via North Highland Ave.
• From Decatur: Drive west along Ponce de Leon Ave toward the city and head up into Va-Hi.

Parking in this area can be tight, especially on weekends and evenings. Street parking is common, and visitors often plan a few extra minutes to circle the blocks or use a nearby paid lot.

Atmosphere: What It Feels Like Inside Highland Tap

Highland Tap is often described as a “underground” steakhouse because it’s set below street level. That design shapes the entire experience.

Typical atmosphere details:

• Lighting: Dim, with a cozy, cave-like feel
• Style: Exposed brick, dark wood, and a long bar
• Noise level: Can be lively in the evenings, especially at the bar, but still comfortable for conversation
• Dress code: Generally casual to smart casual – jeans, polos, casual dresses, and business-casual attire all feel at home here

For Atlanta residents, Highland Tap works well for:

• Date nights without being overly fancy
• Drinks and burgers after work
• A laid-back steak dinner before or after going out in Va-Hi or nearby neighborhoods

Food: What Highland Tap Is Known For

While menus can change over time, Highland Tap has long leaned into classic American steakhouse and tavern fare.

You’ll most often find:

• Steaks and prime rib
• Burgers (a major draw for many locals)
• Sandwiches and salads
• Traditional sides like potatoes, vegetables, and fries

Typical Highlights

• Steaks:

  • Often grilled or charbroiled with a focus on straightforward preparation
  • Cuts like ribeye, filet, or New York strip are common in this type of setting

• Burgers:

  • Thick, juicy pub-style burgers
  • Usually customizable with cheese and toppings

• Starters and bar snacks:

  • Dips, wings, or shareable plates that pair well with cocktails or beer

• Desserts:

  • Classic desserts such as cake, pie, or ice cream-based options may appear, depending on the current menu

If you’re planning a visit, many Atlanta diners check a recent menu online or call ahead, because specific items and prices can change over time.

Drinks and Bar Experience

Highland Tap is also known as a neighborhood bar as much as a restaurant. The bar section typically offers:

• Cocktails:

  • Traditional cocktails and house specialties
  • Often a focus on martinis and strong pours

• Beer:

  • A mix of domestic, imported, and sometimes local craft options

• Wine:

  • A modest but serviceable wine list supporting steak and red-meat dishes

Many locals treat Highland Tap as a pre-game or nightcap spot when spending an evening in Virginia-Highland:

• Before heading to other neighborhood bars
• After dinner elsewhere when a quieter, dimly lit bar sounds appealing
• As a main destination if they want a full meal plus drinks in one place

Highland Tap and the Virginia-Highland Neighborhood

Part of Highland Tap’s appeal is where it sits. Virginia-Highland (often written “Va-Hi”) is one of Atlanta’s classic intown districts, and Highland Tap has a reputation as one of its long-standing fixtures.

What’s Around Highland Tap

Within a short walk, you’ll typically find:

• Other restaurants offering everything from casual bites to more upscale dining
• Bars and pubs that stay busy on weekend nights
• Local shops and boutiques along North Highland Ave
• Side streets of historic houses and bungalows, making the area feel distinctly residential and walkable

If you’re planning an evening out:

• Dinner at Highland Tap + dessert nearby is a common pattern
• Many locals park once and then walk between multiple spots in Va-Hi
• On nice evenings, the sidewalks are usually busy with diners and bar-goers

When to Go: Timing Your Visit

Highland Tap generally operates as a lunch and/or dinner restaurant and bar (exact hours can vary).

Common busy times

• Friday and Saturday evenings: Often the most crowded, especially around standard dinner hours
• Weekend nights in Virginia-Highland: The whole area can be lively, so expect more foot traffic and tighter parking
• Happy hour / early evening: After-work crowd from nearby neighborhoods and Midtown

If you want a quieter experience, consider:

• Earlier in the evening on weekdays
• Later dinners after the main rush

Because hours and operations can change, especially around holidays or neighborhood events, it’s helpful to:

• Call ahead to confirm current hours
• Ask if there are waits or large parties expected that night

Price Range and What to Expect to Spend

As a steak-and-burger restaurant in an intown Atlanta neighborhood, Highland Tap tends to land in the mid-range to moderately upscale category.

General expectations (exact prices vary):

• Burgers and sandwiches: Typically more than fast casual, less than high-end steakhouses
• Steaks: Generally priced below major fine-dining steakhouses in Buckhead or Midtown, but above casual chain options
• Drinks: Standard bar pricing for cocktails, wine, and beer in a popular intown area

For an Atlanta resident budgeting a night out:

• One person might plan for:
  • A burger or entrée, plus
  • A drink, plus
  • Tax and tip, which can add noticeably to the final total

Those ordering steaks and multiple drinks should expect a higher check closer to what you’d pay at other sit-down restaurants in central neighborhoods.

Getting There and Nearby Transit Options

Atlanta is largely car-oriented, but there are multiple ways to reach Highland Tap.

Driving and Parking

• Driving:

  • From I-85 or I-75, many visitors exit near Midtown or Freedom Parkway and work their way east into Virginia-Highland.
  • Navigating side streets can be easier than sticking to main arteries during peak hours.

• Parking tips:

  • Look for street parking on surrounding residential streets, following all posted signs.
  • Pay close attention to permit-only areas and time limits.
  • On busy nights, some visitors opt for paid lots nearby if available.

MARTA and Rideshare

• MARTA rail:
  • The nearest rail stations are generally in Midtown (such as Midtown or North Avenue stations). From there, riders often transfer to a bus or use rideshare to reach Virginia-Highland.
• Buses:
  • Several MARTA bus routes typically serve the Va-Hi and Ponce corridor. Routes and schedules can change, so checking MARTA’s current system map or trip planner before heading out is useful.
• Rideshare:
  • Many Atlantans use rideshare for nights out in Va-Hi to avoid parking stress and allow for drinks with dinner.

Tips for Atlanta Locals and Visitors

A few practical pointers if you’re considering Highland Tap:

• Plan for parking:

  • Allow some buffer time, especially on weekends or when the weather is nice and the neighborhood is busier.

• Check current hours and menu:

  • Atlanta restaurants sometimes adjust hours seasonally or after ownership/management changes.

• Expect a classic, not trendy, experience:

  • Highland Tap feels more like a traditional neighborhood steak-and-burger joint than a high-concept, trend-driven restaurant.

• Use it as part of a larger evening:

  • Many people pair Highland Tap with a walk around Virginia-Highland, a stop at another bar, or dessert nearby.

Quick Reference: Highland Tap at a Glance

For anyone in or visiting Atlanta who wants a classic, comfortable, Virginia-Highland restaurant with hearty food and a strong bar, Highland Tap is often on the short list. Planning ahead for parking, checking current hours, and knowing you’re going for a cozy, old-school atmosphere will help you get the most out of your visit.