“Extravagant milkshakes that are part dessert, part art project. Nostalgia taken to the next level for the Instagram age.” Black Tap
Black Tap, the cult New York burger joint that has taken the Dubai casual dining scene by storm, opened here in the capital back in July. As a family we are big fans of the original Black Tap Dubai located in Jumeirah Al Naseem hotel (a second venue is also now open in JBR) so we were excited that the popular restaurant was finally coming to Abu Dhabi.
Famous for its range of signature burgers, crazy sweet laden freakshakes, craft beers it was interesting to see how this concept would translate to an unlicensed environment in Yas Mall. Without the original craft burgers and beers combo the vibe is obviously more understated than its Dubai counterparts but the good news is the food and shakes are just the same. The industrial New York style interior, artwork and playlist are just the same, the large open-fronted restaurant having the familiar graffiti adorned walls and old school hip-hop and pop pumping through the speakers. As it’s part of the Cascade Dining area, that sits between the mall and Ferrari World, there’s an outdoor terrace with fountain views for alfresco dining in the cooler weather.
The menu is a meat lovers dream with a whopping fourteen different burgers to choose from along with wings, tacos, fish and chips, fries, salads and sides. The food is complimented by a range of Mexican jarritos sodas, classic mocktails and some that are unique to the Abu Dhabi location. The award-winning piece de resistance, enjoyed by the other half, is the Greg Norman Burger, named after the professional golfer, wagyu beef topped with blue cheese. I tried the vegetarian option, The Falafel Burger, a burger with a regional twist, falafel patty combined with tahini, pickled onions, feta and hummus.
There are eight other varieties of prime burgers including The All-American and The Mexico City, the more unusual bison burger as well as lamb, spicy chicken, turkey, atomic shrimp options and the vegan choice, a black bean patty. Fancy some spice? Try a side of Korean wings, teriyaki broccoli, crispy brussels sprouts or the tasty guacamole with salsa verde and chips. All the burgers are served with french fries or sweet potato fries that can be substituted with onion rings, house salads or any side at an additional cost. More healthy options include four craft burger salads, four signature salads and Fish and Chips, fried chicken platter and sandwiches are also available, this large menu literally caters for everyone.
There are seven extravagant crazy shakes that are so instrammagable it’s nigh on impossible not to take a photo for your social media and equally tricky to finish one of the indulgent treats. The towering shakes not only defy gravity but are sugar rush central. Having previously tried the Sweet N’ Salty peanut butter shake and The Cookie Shake, a vanilla cookie shake topped with crumbled cookies it was time to try The Brooklyn Blackout.
This giant chocolate shake has two full-size chocolate brownies perched on top, mini chocolate chips topped with lashings of whipped cream and chocolate drizzle. I can confirm that it’s just as sweet, delicious and calorific as the others I have previously sampled. Those who fancy something more understated can order a regular shake with nine flavours on offer.
So there may not be the craft beer selection but the food and service were good and overall Black Tap is a welcome addition to the casual dining options at Yas Mall. Do make sure you go hungry as you need plenty of room for the burgers and a must-try crazy shake.
Black Tap Abu Dhabi
Location: Cascade Dining, Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi
Telephone: 02 446 5128
E-mail: hello@blacktapme.com
Website: www.blacktapme.com
Opening Hours: Sunday to Wednesday – 11:00 am -11:00 pm and Thursday, Friday, Saturday – 11:00 am – Midnight
Read about Black Tap Dubai at Jumeirah Al Naseem HERE
I was invited to review this restaurant. The views in this post are all my own based on my experience. Unless otherwise stated all photos © Jo Brett 2018. All rights reserved.