Highland Tap: A Classic Virginia-Highland Grill in Atlanta

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting the Virginia-Highland neighborhood, Highland Tap is one of those long-standing spots people mention when they talk about old-school Atlanta grills and burgers. This underground steak-and-burger bar on North Highland Avenue has a reputation for being cozy, dimly lit, and focused on hearty, straightforward American food.

Below is a practical guide to what to expect, how to plan a visit, and how Highland Tap fits into Atlanta’s dining scene.

Where Highland Tap Fits into Atlanta’s Restaurant Scene

Highland Tap is best understood as a neighborhood grill and bar with a strong steak-and-burger focus:

• Category: Restaurants → Grill
• Neighborhood:Virginia-Highland, a walkable in-town area east of Midtown
• Style: Casual, underground tavern feel with a focus on grilled meats and classic pub-style dishes

Atlanta has plenty of modern, chef-driven spots, but Highland Tap leans more classic and comfortable than trendy. Many locals treat it as:

• A go-to for burgers and steaks
• A relaxed date-night or after-work drink spot
• A pre- or post-event stop when spending time in Virginia-Highland, Poncey-Highland, or near the BeltLine Eastside Trail

Location, Parking, and Getting There

Highland Tap
1026 North Highland Avenue NE
Atlanta, GA 30306

It’s located in the main commercial strip of Virginia-Highland, near other restaurants, bars, and small shops.

Getting There

• By car:
  You’ll be driving through neighborhood streets, not major highways. Highland Tap is a few minutes’ drive from:
  • Midtown via Monroe Drive or N Highland Ave
  • Poncey-Highland via N Highland Ave
  • Emory/Druid Hills via Briarcliff Rd or N Decatur Rd
• Parking:
  Virginia-Highland can be tight on parking, especially on weekends and evenings. Expect:
  • Street parking along N Highland Ave and nearby side streets
  • Time limits or residential restrictions in some areas
  • A short walk from your car to the restaurant
• Rideshare:
  Many locals use rideshare at night to avoid parking hassles and to enjoy drinks more comfortably.
• Walking / BeltLine access:
  If you’re staying nearby in Poncey-Highland, Virginia-Highland, or off the BeltLine Eastside Trail, Highland Tap can be part of a walkable evening with multiple stops.

Atmosphere: What It Actually Feels Like Inside

Highland Tap is below street level, so you’ll head down a set of stairs from the sidewalk. That layout shapes the experience:

• Low lighting and brick/wood interior give it a speakeasy-style, old-school pub vibe.
• It tends to feel cozy, not flashy—more about conversation and comfort than being seen.
• It usually draws:
  • Neighborhood regulars
  • Couples on low-key dates
  • Small groups meeting before or after other plans in the area

If you’re used to bright, open-plan restaurants along the BeltLine, Highland Tap will feel more like a classic tavern than a modern lounge.

Food: What a Grill-Lover Can Expect

Highland Tap’s menu can change over time, but it’s consistently built around grilled meats and pub staples. Common categories you’re likely to see:

1. Burgers and Sandwiches

One of the main reasons many Atlantans know Highland Tap is for burgers:

• Grilled beef burgers with customizable toppings
• Usually offered with standard sides like fries or house chips
• Often cooked to specific temperature requests (medium, medium-rare, etc.), which burger fans appreciate

You may also find:

• Chicken sandwiches
• Steak sandwiches or similar hearty grill items

2. Steaks and Heavier Mains

As a grill and tavern-style spot, Highland Tap typically features:

• Grilled steaks (various cuts depending on the menu at the time)
• Possibly other mains like grilled chicken or ribs, depending on the season and current offerings

These dishes tend to appeal to people looking for a sit-down meal rather than just a quick bite at the bar.

3. Starters and Sides

Expect classic American bar-and-grill starters, such as:

• Appetizers like fries, onion rings, or shareable snacks
• Salads or veggies as sides for heavier mains

The focus is more on familiar, satisfying plates than highly experimental dishes.

4. Vegetarian / Lighter Options

Compared with some newer Atlanta restaurants, the menu leans meat-heavy. However, it often includes:

• A salad or two that can be made into a full meal
• Potential vegetarian-friendly appetizers or sides

If you eat vegetarian or have more specific dietary needs, it’s a good idea to:

• Call ahead and ask about current options
• Ask your server about possible modifications once you’re seated

Drinks: Bar and Late-Night Appeal

Highland Tap functions as much as a bar as it does a grill, which shapes how locals use it:

• A selection of beer, wine, and cocktails
• Generally comfortable for:
  • After-work drinks
  • Late-night meetups
  • A single drink before walking to another spot in Virginia-Highland or along N Highland

Because it’s below street level and low-lit, some Atlantans think of it as a good cool-weather hangout, especially in fall and winter when cozy spaces are more appealing.

Price Range and What to Budget

Prices can change, but compared to other in-town Atlanta neighborhoods:

• Burgers and sandwiches: Often in the mid-range for city prices
• Steaks and mains: Typically higher than bar snacks, in line with what you’d expect for a sit-down steak in an in-town neighborhood
• Drinks: Comparable to other Virginia-Highland and Intown Atlanta bars

If you’re planning, a typical visit might look like:

*Actual prices depend on current menu and your choices, but this gives a general planning range for in-town Atlanta.

When to Go and How Busy It Gets

Highland Tap’s flow tends to follow Virginia-Highland’s rhythm:

• Weeknights:
  Often manageable, good for quieter meals or drinks with conversation.
• Weekends (especially evenings):
  The area gets significantly busier. Parking is tougher, and wait times can increase during prime dinner hours.
• Late-night:
  It can be a comfortable, mellow option when you’re looking for somewhere that feels less hectic than some BeltLine bars.

If you’re scheduling a Friday or Saturday visit with a group, planning some buffer time for parking, a possible wait, and walking from your car can make the night smoother.

Who Highland Tap Is Best For

Highland Tap tends to be a good fit if you:

• Like classic grills with a focus on burgers, steaks, and hearty plates
• Prefer a cozy, dimly lit tavern over a bright, modern, or high-energy scene
• Are spending time in Virginia-Highland and want a reliable, neighborhood-style spot
• Appreciate a full bar and the option to stay for a while and talk

You might find it less ideal if you’re seeking:

• A large selection of plant-based or highly specialized diets
• Trend-driven, ultra-modern cuisine
• A loud, party-focused atmosphere

Tips for Locals and Visitors in Atlanta

A few practical pointers if you’re planning Highland Tap into your Atlanta plans:

• Combine it with a neighborhood stroll:
  Virginia-Highland has boutiques, coffee shops, and dessert spots within easy walking distance. Many people pair dinner at Highland Tap with a walk through the neighborhood.
• Use rideshare on busy nights:
  Between limited parking and the bar-forward nature of the space, rideshare is often the simplest choice.
• Call ahead for current hours and menu:
  Like many Atlanta restaurants, specifics on hours, seasonal dishes, or special offerings can change.
• Think of it as “old Atlanta” energy:
  If you’re trying to get a feel for Atlanta beyond new developments and BeltLine-adjacent complexes, Highland Tap provides a sense of a long-established, in-town grill that has seen the neighborhood evolve.

With its underground setting, straightforward grilled menu, and Virginia-Highland location, Highland Tap remains a solid option for Atlantans and visitors who want a classic, neighborhood grill experience in the heart of the city.