Black Tap’s classic burgers, ‘Crazy’ shakes come to the Strip

Black Tap is helmed by Chef Joe Isidori, who earned a Michelin star at the city’s DJT, and Vegas veteran Chris Barish, who co-founded Light nightclub. “Las Vegas is a second home to me, making this opening incredibly special,” said Barish.

So what’s had New Yorkers lining up for hours outside Black Tap over the past couple of years? Wonderfully purist burgers, craft beers and outlandishly irresistible CrazyShakes served in nostalgic luncheonette decor.

Try the simple, delicious All-American or the Greg Norman -- a Wagyu beef wonder with buttermilk-dill sauce, blue cheese and arugula.
Black Tap is famed for its ludicrously indulgent CrazyShakes. Outsized versions of diner shakes, these monuments to excess are as share-worthy as they are delicious. First-time “Black Tappers” are left slack-jawed at the likes of the original Cotton Candy -- a strawberry shake adorned with a lollipop, rock candy and whipped cream, or the Bam Bam, which features Fruity Pebbles, a Rice Krispies treat, a Pop Tart and a Nerd rope.

The All-American

Black Tap’s “gateway” burger – the one Chef Joe Isidori recommends guests try first.

--Inspired by the classic NYC cheeseburgers of his childhood – and inspired Isidori to open Black Tap.

--Its 8-ounce Pat LaFrieda beef patty is griddled, never grilled.

--Topped with American cheese for two reasons: It’s classic, and melts into that perfect, gooey bite.

“Import” Vegas burgers

Black Tap isn’t the first out-of-state burger chain to sweep into Sin City. Here are four more beefy transplants.

Shake Shack
Originally a NYC food cart, Shake Shack now boasts 136 locations serving its 100% natural, roadside-style burgers at the Strip’s appropriately themed New York-New York Hotel.

White Castle
White Castle’s small, square burgers command a cult following. Founded in Kansas in 1921, there’s a White Castle on the Vegas Strip and, since September, downtown.

Bobby’s Burger Palace
While most locations are back East, you can also enjoy celeb chef Bobby Flay’s inspired creations and sleek decor in
front of the Strip’s Mandarin Oriental.

Five Guys
Started as a family business in Virginia in 1986, Five Guys Burgers and Fries became America’s fastest-growing fast food chain, including seven Vegas locations.

-Paul Rogers, Custom Publishing Writer