We were in Vegas for four days and three nights, a trip centred around the Backstreet Boys concert, and the last weekend of their residency at the sphere.
On the day of the actual concert we planned to head out mid-afternoon and spend the day exploring the BSB Terminal before the concert at 8pm. We started the day off with lunch at the Venetian, a walk between our room at Planet Hollywood Hotel and The Boys’ performance at The Sphere. There, we fuelled up at Black Tap, a funky spot known for towering milkshake parfaits and classic American eats like burgers, fries, and other popular bar time snacks.
We started with desserts instead of drinks. When in Vegas, I had to get the Golden Knights Shake. A caramel and whipped cream flavoured milkshake decorated with the logo of Vegas’ hockey team. It has a vanilla frosted rim with black and white sprinkles, a chocolate cake golden knights puck, whipped cream, more sprinkles, and a cherry on top. This was a lot to drink, but decadently complimentary to our burgers below. Just be weary of the whipped cream falling off everywhere. Thankfully there are table-side caddies of napkins to utilize.
My travel companion ordered The Cinnamon Bun Shake with a cream cheese frosted rim lined with crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch. The towering drink is then topped with a whole cinnamon roll, whipped cream, and a cinnamon sugar glaze. Another sweet treat and refreshingly creamy, thick drink to offer a break in between bites. It also helped to cut into some of the heavier and greasier morsels below.
For appetizers we started with the Street Cart Hot Dogs. Two all beef hot dogs dressed either New York style with spicy mustard and sauerkraut and/or as a classic chili cheese dog with chili con carne, queso, crispy onion, and scallions. Both delicious in their own ways. The chilli rich and cheesy with crispy onions, the NY style spicy with mustard and a brightening tangy from the sauerkraut. So filling that they are better served as mains than appetizers.
I never turn down Crispy Brussels Sprouts, so ordered these served with a sesame tahini for dipping. Crispy, hearty, and healthy; this is my favourite way to eat my greens.
As a craft burger spot entrees are either burgers, chicken sandwiches, or salads. We went for the two highlighted on the menu, each came with awards from the NYC Wine & Food Festival.
The Wagyu Steakhouse Burger won Judge’s Choice. This is ½ pound wagyu burger with pepper jack cheese, bacon, crispy onions, Al sauce, and roasted garlic mayo. The crispy onion had me unhinging my jaw to get it all in a full bite. This had so much flavour and everything you’d expect from a meaty burger, between the type of cheese, salty bacon and the familiarity of A1 steak sauce.
The Champ is a 3x People’s choice winner at the “Burger Bash”. It is ½ pound wagyu burger topped with house buttermilk-dill, blue cheese, and arugula. I love the umami flavour of blue cheese together with the bold tang of pickles, and the pepperiness of the greens. Here, the beef acted like a base soaking up all this excitement.
In short, if looking for a solid classic American burger and shake spot Black Tap is a great choice.
Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer
3355 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, United States
Located in: The Venetian Las Vegas
+1 702-414-2337
blacktap.com
