Like any big city, Atlanta is filled with neighborhoods with distinctive characters. One such neighborhood is the Virginia Highlands, the area around the intersection of Virginia and North Highland avenues. Often called simply "The Highlands," this area is home to quirky shops, Craftsman homes and nearly 40 unique restaurants, taverns and coffee houses.
This Virginia Highlands landmark, which began as a deli in 1922, is Atlanta's oldest continuously licensed bar and restaurant. The kitchen stays open until 2:30 a.m. every day but Sunday, when it closes at midnight. The kitchen serves until 2:30 a.m. every day but Sunday. It offers patio dining, a private party room for up to 50 people and weekday and weekend brunches. The website calls the food "upscale comfort cuisine." The menu includes roasted free-range chicken and bacon-wrapped, grilled trout as well as Southern favorites such as fried green tomatoes, boiled peanuts and shrimp and grits. The extensive beer and wine menu includes more than 30 varieties of bottled beer and more than 15 beers on tap. A second location has opened in Smyrna and the owners also operate Ormsby's on Howell Mill in Atlanta.
Atkins Park Tavern
794 N. Highland Ave.
Atlanta, GA 30306
404-876-7249
atkinspark.com
George's is known around Atlanta for one thing: outstanding burgers. The menu includes 15 burger choices, including classics like the cheeseburger and barbecue, bacon and cheddar burger; fun twists such as the Jalapeño Dijon Burger and the Lemon Pepper Burger; and non-meat choices such as the black bean burger and the veggie burger. Established in 1961, this family-owned restaurant also offers onion rings, buffalo wings, chili, chicken fingers, salads, hot dogs and sandwiches as well as a beer and wine menu. The location is decorated with the owner's baseball trophies, which date back to World War II. It offers both indoor and patio dining.
George's Bar & Restaurant
1041 N. Highland Ave.
Atlanta, GA 30306
404-892-3648
georgesbarandrestaurant.com
Everybody's has been The Highlands' pizza place since 1971. It has been featured in the New York Times, Atlanta Magazine and Creative Loafing, as well as on The Today Show. The restaurant offers takeout and delivery as well as a dining room and outdoor balcony. Pizzas are available with original or thin crust. Toppings include classics such as onions, pepperoni and Italian sausage, but also non-traditional options such as broccoli, goat cheese, golden raisins, oven-roasted zucchini, roasted peanuts and shrimp. In addition, the menu includes a beer and wine list, salads, sandwiches and pasta dishes. A second location serves the Emory University area.
Everybody's Pizza
1040 N. Highland Ave.
Atlanta, GA 30306
404-873-4545
everybodyspizza.com
