Black Tap Burger, Meatpacking District, NYC
You should never judge a book by its cover and I surely should apply that to my experience at Black Tap Burger. This place is often covered in social media, especially on Instagram, where photos of their milkshakes have been legendary. And, if you passed in front of it, you cannot not notice the line in front of it. Surely the photos look appetizing and you would think that the hype surrounding this place is justified. Well, that it what I thought until we had lunch there, on January 2nd...
Line in front of Black Tap Burger, Meatpacking District, NYC
We have a sort of tradition where, when we come back from a trip to Europe, we go for a burger. Originally, we were going to the joint inside the New Gansevoort Market, but thought that, maybe, Black Tap Burger could be an option as it was January 2nd, with some people away or working (I was not), and it was raining. We waited probably 20 minutes outside and I was surprised when we got seated to see that there were any empty tables that did not justify that wait. My theory: the line outside gives attention. Well, I think it might have also been the fact that the restaurant was short of staff that day as our food took forever to come to our table. Our neighbors who arrived many 10 minutes after us even got their order...when we left!
Bar area at Black Tap Burger, Meatpacking District, NYC
Dining room at Black Tap Burger, Meatpacking District, NYC
Of course, I could not not try their milkshake, not the regular, but the crazy one, and chose the Vanilla cookie that was made of vanilla frosted rim with cookie crumbles topped with a ‘cookiewich’, crumbled cookies, chocolate chips, whipped cream and chocolate drizzle.
Vanilla Cookie milkshake at Black Tap Burger, Meatpacking District, NYC
For sure it looked spectacular, but I just had enough time to take a couple of photos that it collapsed on the bottom plate. I asked for a spoon and was surprised to hear from the waiter that they did not have any clean...So, I used one of the cookies...Was it good? Yes, but it surely did not justify the $15 it costs!
Vanilla cookie milkshake at Black Tap Burger, Meatpacking District, NYC
Next were the burgers. The All American for Jodi, composed of prime burger, lettuce, tomato, pickles, american cheese and a special sauce.
All American burger at Black Tap Burger, Meatpacking District, NYC
The Old Fashioned for me, a burger made of prime burger, crimini mushrooms, swiss, caramelized onions and horseradish sauce (fortunately on the side).
Old Fashioned burger at Black Tap Burger, Meatpacking District, NYC
Old Fashioned burger at Black Tap Burger, Meatpacking District, NYC
Old fashioned burger at Black Tap Burger, Meatpacking District, NYC
The burgers looked good, but it stopped there: we ordered them medium and I found them slightly overcooked and dry. They came with French fries for Jodi and onion rings for me. The fries were mushy and I was hoping that these beautiful big onion rings, served with a truffle aioli would be delicious. Again, disappointing.
French fries at Black Tap Burger, Meatpacking District, NYC
Onion rings at Black Tap Burger, Meatpacking District, NYC
So, I do not know if it was because it was an off day, but I did not like Black Tap Burger and found it overpriced. For a good burger close by, I would go to 5 Napkin Burger that has also delicious shakes.
Enjoy (...)!
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