Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer Is More Than A Burger Joint

Owner Chris Barish is confident their over-the-top milkshakes and well-curated menu of craft beers will earn the brand a bigger slice of the pie

It’s safe to say that when it comes to satisfying our burger cravings, we’re easily spoilt for choice. However, that doesn’t hinder foreign brands from penetrating the vibrant yet competitive market.

The latest is award-winning American alternative Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer by restaurateur Chris Barish, and helmed by chef Joe Isidori. It opened its first branch in Asia at the Marina Bay Sands two weeks ago, bringing their total number of outlets across the globe to 11; an impressive feat for a three-year-old brand.

Above Owner and restaurateur Chris Barish flew to Singapore to open Black Tap's first venture in Asia

Barish, who’s known for opening nightclubs in the US, admits that this project was fueled by his love for burgers. “I also wanted to do something different, and I thought it would be a great place for people to come and hang out,” he shares.

What started out as a humble burger and beer joint in SoHo, New York, quickly evolved with the addition of its hugely popular CrazyShake milkshakes. It is such a hit with the customers that it prompted the owners to include a standalone milkshake bar in its succeeding outlets.

Barish also admitted that it’s through their original, three-in-one concept that they plan to find their niche in Singapore. “I think the market didn’t have anything quite like Black Tap,” which he discovered when he and Julie Mulligan, head of development and design at Black Tap, checked out the food scene here last year. She adds, “Singapore is a city that’s obsessed with food, and in that way, we’re the perfect fit.”

Photo 1 of 8 Texan burger

Photo 2 of 8 All American burger

Photo 3 of 8 Baja grilled chicken sandwich

Photo 4 of 8 Chilli cheeseburger

Photo 5 of 8 Greg Norman burger

Photo 6 of 8 Falafel burger salad

Photo 7 of 8 Chicken caesar salad

Photo 8 of 8 Chicken wings

Barish promises an authentic Black Tap experience, as if you were dining at their original SoHo outlet. The menu of burgers is also a collection of their best hits, from the Greg Norman (which won the Best Burger Award in NYC in 2015) to the classic all-American burger. Alternative choices range from lamb, chicken and turkey to a vegetarian option, which diners can have with a selection of salads, snacks and sides.

Barish confessed that their secret to their burgers' success lies in their patties. While he didn't let us in on how they’re prepared, he did affirm that they only use quality meat sourced from the US. Buns are also essential as they need to be firm enough to absorb the juices without breaking. “Our buns are important to us; no matter where we are, we use the same kind.”

Above There are 15 CrazyShake milkshakes to choose from, with toppings ranging from candy sprinkles, crushed Oreos and cakes

Not surprisingly, the CrazyShake milkshakes continue to draw in throngs of crowds—teens and families in particular. And it's not only for their Instagrammable looks, their flavours are equally appealing.

Still, Barish was quick to point out that they’re more than just a family place. “Don’t forget that we also have a great craft beer programme, making us popular for office workers and business people,” he says, adding that their target audience range from age eight to 80.

Above The ambience stays true to the look and feel of the original SoHo outlet in New York

Black Tap clearly has a lot going for it, but with so many craft burger options already available in Singapore, Black Tap will need to get even more creative if they are to survive this volatile industry. Barish did stress the importance of having the right partners who are like minded and have the same burning passion. But he also plans to continuously innovate. “We’re working on a couple of items that are more localised; we’ll also introduce specials with the first one scheduled for Halloween.”

The team will also undergo constant training in the US “to understand the culture better”. Suffice it to say, they’ve brought a delicious slice of New York to our sunny island, and they're planning to stay.

Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer | L1-80, Bay Level of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands (South Promenade), S(018956) | 6688 9957 | BlackTap@MarinaBaySands.com

Topics

black tap craft burgers & beer chris barish marina bay sands burger joints

Tatler Asia

Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer Is More Than A Burger Joint