Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar

If we’re talking about one business to represent the Virginia-Highland spirit, this 100-year-old-plus operation makes the short list. Thanks to muted lighting, slightly-elevated booths, and just the right amount of tomfoolery, Atkins Park is where locals come for a good time almost any time. But where the tavern stands out from the pitcher-pouring fray is with its full-service kitchen. Yeah, you can order wings elsewhere, but the duck fat-fried, sweet-chili-dripped baddies here are different. And sure, the pub three doors over has nachos, too, but we can almost guarantee you that the chicken, salsa, and black beans piled on them won’t taste nearly as fresh.