Highland Tap
Traditional American restaurant · Atlanta
1026 N Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Highlights
Underground steakhouse known for martinis, prime rib, and burgers
Underground steakhouse known for martinis, prime rib, and burgers
"Walk into a massive wine vault accentuated by burgundy-colored walls, dimmed wall sconces, and REO Speedwagon tunes, and you’ll know you're at Highland Tap, a self-proclaimed “steak cellar” that has operated in VaHi since 1989. To make it this long, though, you've gotta have more than a speakeasy shtick and a solid martini. Lunch-breakers and kinda-casual-night-out couples continue to dine here for dishes like their center cuts and slow-roasted French Dip with its kick-ass au jus. But, if for some reason you’re thinking less ribeye and more seafood, try the thick crab cakes that pair wonderfully with the green beans and fluffy mashed potatoes." - demarco williams, juli horsford, nina reeder
"No matter the day of the week, locals love to meet up for steak and martinis at the Tap. Lovingly referred to as “steak basement” or “steak cellar”, as the Virginia-Highland restaurant institution is located below street level, Highland Tap serves heaping platters of old-school cuts of steak and starchy sides. Look around the dining room and you’ll likely see multiple tables filled with people sipping the generously poured martinis served here, which come with a sidecar to refresh the drink. There’s no need to dress up at Highland Tap. Just come as you are and enjoy the low-key atmosphere, comfort food, and amazing people-watching. Check out brunch on the weekends, too. Best for: Late-night hang, people watching, steak, and martinis." - Eater Staff
"Head to the Virginia Highlands then down underground to take part in an established Atlanta tradition. This “steak basement” or “steak cellar” has been the only steakhouse in the neighborhood since 1989 and still serves up wood-fired ribeyes, center-cut filets, and New York strips that come with a side, or change it up with a slow-roasted prime rib. Better yet, the food here won’t break the bank or require dressing up. Generously poured martinis go down easy as bands like Night Ranger, Fleetwood Mac, and Run DMC play over the sound system. Reservations highly encouraged." - Su-Jit Lin
"A longtime Va-Hi underground favorite celebrated for having the city’s best martini in local polls since its 1989 opening; the spot even pours a classic cocktail on tap and can serve blue cheese–stuffed olives on request. The menu includes a traditional Caesar with housemade croutons and french fries, and you can order a side of warm bacon dressing for dipping to amplify the savory profile." - Molly Harris
"At night this “steak cellar” (you can only enter the restaurant via steps), is noisy and crowded with dudes in polos, ladies who know not to wear heels, and everyone in between. We brave the crowds for a taste of their very good dirty martini that comes full to the brim plus an extra decanter of the briny liquid. After downing a few, we feel less bad about having to shout at our tablemates to be heard above the racket. Then it’s on to the best thing on Highland Tap’s menu—steak. We like the Tap Oscar: tenderloin medallions topped with lump crab meat and served over creamy mashed potatoes. In case you forget what’s good here, the plates will remind you with an overt “steak and martinis” written in red ink. Food Rundown Martini If you’re drinking, get the martini. It’s strong, you get a massive portion, and it’s kind of their thing. Smoked North Carolina Trout Dip The cheesy dip is served warm with crunchy housemade toasted rounds. It’s a good way to sneak in some pre-dinner seafood and stave off hunger pangs until your steak arrives. Tap Oscar You can’t really go wrong with steak here, but this is our favorite beef option. The medallions are decently sized, could be cut with a butter knife, and come doused in a buttery béarnaise sauce. They sit between lump crab meat on top and creamy mashed potatoes on the bottom, which make the perfect bookends. Crab Cakes These are the exact definition of just fine. They’re thick and will definitely cure your crab cake craving, but you’ll likely forget about them before you make it home. They do pair well with the fluffy mashed potatoes, so we’d still order them again." - Juli Horsford
