Tucked beneath the streets of Atlanta’s vibrant Virginia-Highland neighborhood, Highland Tap is the kind of place that makes you wonder how you ever ate steak anywhere else. This underground steakhouse has been serving up incredible cuts of meat, legendary martinis, and warm Southern hospitality for years.
With a speakeasy vibe that feels both cozy and exciting, it draws locals and visitors alike who keep coming back for one reason above all others — the prime rib. If you have never made a special trip just for a single dish, Highland Tap’s prime rib might be the one to change your mind.
The Prime Rib That Started It All
One diner put it perfectly when she said she had to call a friend and send a photo before she even left the table. That is the kind of reaction Highland Tap’s prime rib inspires in people.
Cooked to a beautiful medium rare, the meat is tender, juicy, and packed with deep, savory flavor that is hard to forget.
The kitchen takes this dish seriously, treating each cut with care and precision. Whether you prefer it medium or on the rarer side, the staff will make sure it comes out exactly the way you want it.
First-timers and regulars alike consistently rank it as one of the best prime rib experiences in Atlanta. Once you try it, you will completely understand why people drive from across the state just for a single plate.
Underground Speakeasy Atmosphere You Will Never Forget
Walking down the stairs into Highland Tap feels like stepping into a secret world. Stone walls surround you, the lighting is warm and moody, and the hum of conversation fills the air with energy.
It is the kind of place that immediately makes you feel like you are somewhere special.
The decor carries a charmingly old-school personality — some call it a little tacky, but in the best possible way. That lived-in character is exactly what gives the restaurant its soul.
You are not walking into a sterile, overly polished dining room.
Booths line the walls, creating cozy pockets where groups can settle in for long, leisurely dinners. Regulars who have been coming for decades say the atmosphere has barely changed, and that consistency is a big part of its lasting appeal in the Atlanta dining scene.
Guinness Marinated Steak Worth Every Single Penny
If the prime rib is the star of the show, the Guinness marinated steak is a very close second. Reviewers have called it one of the best steaks they have had in a long time, and it is easy to see why.
The rich, malty flavor from the stout marinade soaks deep into the meat, creating something truly memorable.
The steak arrives perfectly cooked, with a beautiful sear on the outside and a juicy, tender interior. Pair it with one of the creative sides and you have a meal that feels like a genuine celebration, even on a random Tuesday night.
Highland Tap prices their steaks at a very reasonable level for the quality they deliver. You get a serious steakhouse experience without the kind of bill that makes your eyes water when it arrives at the table.
Loaded Mashed Potatoes That Steal the Show
Side dishes at many steakhouses feel like an afterthought, but at Highland Tap, the loaded mashed potatoes demand your full attention. Creamy, rich, and deeply satisfying, they are the kind of comfort food that makes you close your eyes after the first bite.
Several reviewers specifically called them out as a highlight of the entire meal.
They pair beautifully with the prime rib, soaking up the au jus and adding a velvety texture to every forkful. The kitchen does not hold back on the butter or the seasoning, which means every bite delivers maximum flavor.
For anyone who thinks mashed potatoes are just a simple filler, Highland Tap will quickly change that perspective. Order them alongside any entree and you will likely find yourself scraping the bottom of the bowl before your steak is even halfway finished.
Wood-Fired Salmon for the Non-Steak Crowd
Not everyone at the table is a dedicated carnivore, and Highland Tap has a perfect answer for seafood lovers. The wood-fired salmon has built its own loyal following among regulars who return specifically for this dish.
The smoky char from the wood fire gives the fish a depth of flavor that a standard oven simply cannot replicate.
One longtime regular described it as one of her absolute favorites, mentioning that she and her dining companions return to Highland Tap again and again partly because of it. The salmon is cooked with the same level of care as the steaks, which says a lot about the kitchen’s overall commitment to quality.
It is a reliable, delicious option that proves Highland Tap is not just a one-trick pony. The restaurant takes every dish seriously, whether it comes from the land or the sea.
Dirty Martinis That Have Become Almost as Famous as the Food
Ask any regular at Highland Tap what they order to drink, and a large number will answer without hesitation: the dirty martini. These cocktails have developed a reputation of their own, with guests praising their perfect balance of brine and spirit.
One reviewer called them a highlight of the entire evening, expertly crafted and beautifully presented.
The bar team at Highland Tap clearly takes their craft seriously. The drinks are more than generous in size, which is exactly what you want after a long drive or a busy workweek.
Pair one with a plate of prime rib and you have a combination that feels almost impossibly satisfying.
Even on weeknights, the bar buzzes with energy and conversation. Whether you are coming in for a full dinner or just stopping by for a drink and an appetizer, the martinis alone are worth making the trip for.
Spinach and Artichoke Dip to Kick Off the Evening Right
Starting a meal at Highland Tap with the spinach and artichoke dip has become something of a tradition for many guests. It arrives warm and creamy, with just the right balance of cheese and vegetables to get your appetite going without filling you up too fast.
Multiple reviewers mentioned ordering it as a table starter before moving on to their steaks.
It is the kind of appetizer that disappears fast when shared among friends. The texture is smooth, the flavor is comforting, and it pairs nicely with a cold martini while you settle in and soak up the speakeasy atmosphere around you.
Some diners have compared it to versions at other restaurants, but the consensus among loyal Highland Tap fans is that the overall dining experience here elevates everything on the menu. Starting strong with this dip sets a great tone for the whole meal ahead.
Bailey’s Chocolate Chip Cheesecake for a Sweet Finish
Saving room for dessert at Highland Tap is not optional — it is a requirement. The Bailey’s chocolate chip cheesecake has become legendary among regulars, with reviewers describing it as decadent, creamy, and the perfect sweet ending to a big meal.
The portions are enormous, so sharing is absolutely the smart move.
The Bailey’s flavor comes through beautifully without being overwhelming, and the chocolate chips add just the right amount of texture and sweetness. It is the kind of dessert that makes you forget you were already completely full from your steak and sides.
One group of diners split a single slice between two people and still said it was almost too much. That is a testament to how generous and indulgent this dessert truly is.
If you have a sweet tooth, skipping this cheesecake would be one of the biggest dining regrets you could make at Highland Tap.
French Onion Soup That Will Make You Emotional
One visitor described Highland Tap’s French onion soup with two simple words: “OH MY GOODNESS.” That kind of unfiltered enthusiasm tells you everything you need to know about this dish. Rich, deeply savory, and topped with a blanket of perfectly melted cheese, it is the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out.
The broth carries layers of caramelized onion flavor that take hours to develop properly. Highland Tap does not cut corners here, and you can taste the difference with every spoonful.
The cheese pull alone is enough to make it worth ordering.
On a cool Atlanta evening, sitting in that underground stone-walled dining room with a bowl of this soup in front of you feels almost cinematic. It is a small detail that reveals a lot about how seriously this kitchen approaches every single item on the menu, not just the steaks.
A Staff That Genuinely Cares About Your Experience
Great food only goes so far when the service does not match up, but that is never a concern at Highland Tap. Reviewers consistently praise the staff for being attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely warm.
One guest shared a story about her steak being accidentally cooked wrong, and the server handled it with such professionalism and care that it actually made the experience more memorable, not less.
Several servers have been working at Highland Tap for years, which means they know the menu inside and out. They will help you choose the right cut, recommend the best sides, and make sure your glass is never empty for too long.
That kind of consistent, long-term dedication from the team creates a sense of familiarity that keeps people coming back. Whether it is your first visit or your fiftieth, you are treated like a valued regular from the moment you walk through the door.
The Half-Pound Steakburger With Tomato Jam
Not every visit to a steakhouse has to end with a full slab of beef, and Highland Tap’s half-pound steakburger proves that beautifully. One reviewer called the tomato jam that comes with it genuinely exceptional, saying it elevated the entire dish to something far beyond a typical burger.
It is bold, creative, and deeply satisfying in every bite.
The patty itself is thick, juicy, and cooked to order with the same attention the kitchen gives to its premium steaks. This is not a burger that was thrown together as an afterthought for non-steak eaters.
It is a legitimate headliner that holds its own on a very impressive menu.
If you are dining with someone who is on the fence about ordering steak, point them toward this burger. The tomato jam alone will spark a conversation, and the overall quality will have them planning their next visit before dessert even arrives.
Reservations Are Strongly Recommended — Here Is Why
Highland Tap fills up fast — and not just on weekends. Multiple reviewers noted that even on weeknights, the restaurant gets slammed quickly after opening.
One visitor who came during a work trip to Atlanta specifically recommended making a reservation, saying the place went from manageable to packed in a very short window of time.
The good news is that reservations are easy to make, and the experience on the other side is absolutely worth the small effort of planning ahead. Walk-ins can sometimes get lucky, especially if they arrive right when the doors open, but counting on that during peak hours is a gamble you might regret.
For groups of six or more, calling ahead is especially important. Highland Tap does have a private back room that has hosted birthday parties and special celebrations, but that kind of space books up quickly.
Plan ahead and you will have a seamless, stress-free evening.
Why Highland Tap Keeps Drawing People Back Year After Year
Some restaurants are trendy for a season and then forgotten. Highland Tap is the opposite of that.
It has been a neighborhood institution in Virginia-Highland for decades, and its loyal following spans generations of Atlanta diners. One reviewer who had not visited in eight years came back and said nothing had changed — and meant it as the highest possible compliment.
The combination of consistent food quality, a staff that sticks around, generous portions, and that irreplaceable underground atmosphere creates something that is genuinely hard to replicate. You can feel the history in the walls when you sit down.
Visitors from out of town make it a regular stop whenever they are in Atlanta. Locals treat it like a beloved neighborhood living room.
That rare combination of broad appeal and deep community roots is exactly what makes Highland Tap more than just a restaurant — it is an Atlanta experience worth making the drive for.