Black Tap has officially brought its legendary craft burgers and beers across the Atlantic for its first London opening. With roots inspired by New York luncheonettes, this old-school North American icon delivers everything you’d expect from a quintessential diner bar – plus a few surprises that push the experience into indulgent overdrive. Think towering milkshakes, bold flavours, and a 90s hip-hop playlist that keeps the vibe upbeat and unapologetically catchy.
At its core, Black Tap is all about the food. The craft burgers are as upscale as they are unpretentious, offering combinations that tantalise without overcomplicating. Take The Champ, for example: a luxurious wagyu patty topped with blue cheese and peppery rocket, delivering layers of flavour with every bite. Pair it with cheese fries loaded with a zesty cheese sauce and smoky bacon – you’ve got an unbeatable duo.
Whether you’re after a beer accompaniment or a mid-shop snack, the buttermilk fried chicken tenders deserve a spot on your table. Golden and perfectly crispy, they come paired with tangy lime honey and smoky Korean BBQ that will have you scraping the bowl. Or my personal favourite, their hot fried pickles, which are spiced just enough to keep you reaching for more. As well as two other incredible wing flavours, The Black Tap hot wings – coated in a fiery dry rub and served with their signature buttermilk dill, are another crowd-pleaser.
But let’s talk about the showstoppers: the CrazyShake® milkshakes. These handcrafted marvels redefine indulgence with combinations that defy logic (and gravity). The Cookies ‘N Cream Supreme is a spectacle to behold, featuring a vanilla-frosted rim dusted with crushed Oreos, crowned with a cookies and cream ice cream sandwich, more crumbled Oreos, whipped cream, and a generous drizzle of chocolate. This isn’t your average blended milkshake – it’s a decadent feast that begs to be photographed (or hiked?).
Black Tap’s menu isn’t shy about portions – this is American dining at its most generous. Whether it’s the classic sides, the towering shakes, or the burgers packed with personality, you’re bound to leave with more food than you know what to do with. Add in a Biggie-filled soundtrack, and you’ve found exactly the kind of diner bar you hope for: upscale, unfussy, and unforgettable.
