Highland Tap is a timeless American steakhouse and bar tucked beneath the streets of Atlanta’s Virginia-Highland neighborhood. Located at 1026 North Highland Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA, this “steak basement” offers a warm, speakeasy ambiance with stone walls, red leather booths, and a dim, cozy atmosphere. Since opening in 1989, it’s remained a beloved neighborhood staple—famous for its wood-fired steaks, prime rib, and award-winning martinis.
Subterranean Speakeasy Feel: Set below street level with vintage charm
Music: Classic rock — Fleetwood Mac, Night Ranger, Run DMC
Casual Yet Elegant: Comfortable without formality
Romantic + Group-Friendly: Good for dates, families, and private events
Amenities & Logistics
Feature
Notes
Private Dining
Private room for up to 30 guests available
Parking
Free street & rear lot parking, paid lot nearby
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible (downstairs access)
Reservations
Highly recommended for dinner & groups
Service
Servers praised; hosts sometimes criticized
Owner Engagement
Owner/management responds to reviews
Key Considerations
Quality Can Vary: Some report dry steaks during off-peak or takeout orders
Host Policies: Some guests felt turned away or unwelcome in larger groups
Atmosphere: Noise can vary; cozy to lively
Not for Food Snobs: Some reviewers note it’s more of a local favorite than fine dining
Most Loved Dishes
Popular Menu Items
Prime Rib
Martini with Blue Cheese Olives
French Onion Soup
Original Steakburger
Chicken Pot Pie
Bread Pudding with Banana Ice Cream
Escargot with Pastry
Lobster Burger
Crab Cakes
Garlic Spinach & Mashed Potatoes
Food Quality Feedback
Food Highlights & Criticism
Most steaks are juicy, flavorful, and cooked well
Prime rib frequently praised, though sometimes fatty or bland
Bread pudding & desserts widely recommended
Oysters & crab cakes received mixed to poor reviews
Mac and cheese sometimes called bland or artificial
French onion soup consistently loved
Some complaints of food being reheated (e.g., microwave taste)
Service Experience
Comments on Service
Most servers praised as kind and attentive
Specific names mentioned: Doug, Sam, Erin, Shane, Alexis
Some complaints about rude or unfriendly hosts
Bartenders and managers noted as helpful
Quick service for most diners
Atmosphere & Ambience
Environment & Vibe
Cozy, rustic, and somewhat old-school interior
Below-ground layout adds charm
Dim lighting and wood decor appreciated
Often busy and loud but still enjoyable
Not ideal for children due to bar-like vibe
Price Range (Per Person)
Price Category
$10–20
$20–30
$30–50
$50–100
$100+ (rare)
Parking & Accessibility
Parking Insights
Street parking available but fills up quickly
Some mention of free or paid lots nearby
Not wheelchair accessible (stairs at entrance)
Parking signs are often missed; better signage recommended
Wait Time & Reservation Notes
Seating & Wait Experience
Wait time ranges from none to 30 minutes
Reservations recommended, especially on weekends
Hosts sometimes strict about party size
Bar seating often more flexible
Complaints & Negative Experiences
Common Complaints
Host behavior (rude or dismissive at times)
Inconsistently cooked steak (e.g., blue rare)
Cold or poorly seasoned sides
Overly sweet or bland items (e.g., salad, soup)
Reheated items & microwave taste
Limited accessibility (no elevator, stairs only)
Summary Highlights
Overall Strengths
Consistently high ratings on service & drinks
Strong local following, classic institution
Wide drink selection, especially martinis
Signature steakhouse dishes well-executed
Staff go out of their way to assist diners
Final Thoughts
Highland Tap is more than just a steakhouse—it’s a nostalgic experience with strong neighborhood roots. Whether you’re visiting for a romantic dinner, catching up with friends over martinis, or enjoying a casual night with family, the vintage atmosphere and satisfying menu offer something for everyone. It may not be perfect every time, but it continues to hold a special place in Atlanta’s dining scene
