Black Tap Las Vegas Review: Are the Viral CrazyShakes Worth It in 2026?
Las Vegas is built on over-the-top spectacles, and that extends to its food scene. Few restaurants embody this better than Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, located right on the casino floor of The Venetian Resort Las Vegas.
Since opening its doors back in 2017, Black Tap has been famous for its massive, monstrous, Instagram-breaking “CrazyShakes.” But heading into 2026, we wanted to find out: is this trendy New York-style luncheonette still worth the hype, or is it just a tourist trap on the Las Vegas Strip?
Here is our complete, honest review of the food, the vibe, and those legendary milkshakes.
1. The Vibe and Prime Strip Location
Location is everything in Las Vegas, and Black Tap absolutely nails it.
The restaurant is situated on the casino floor of The Venetian, right next to the sportsbook. It features a fun, retro 80s and 90s hip-hop vibe with custom murals and neon signs.
Pro-Tip: Ask to sit outside! They have a gorgeous 52-seat outdoor patio. Sitting here gives you an incredible view of the Las Vegas Strip and lets you overlook the famous Venetian gondolas floating by. It is one of the best casual dining views on the Strip, especially if the weather is nice.
2. The Viral “CrazyShakes”
Black Tap is most famous for housing the brand’s first-ever standalone CrazyShake bar. We had to test them out.
- The Cakeshake ($19.50): We just had this one today and it is very good! It’s a cake batter shake featuring a vanilla frosted rim rolled in rainbow sprinkles, and it comes topped with an actual slice of funfetti cake, even more rainbow sprinkles, whipped cream, and a cherry. Surprisingly, the best part was that the shake itself wasn’t too sweet, which perfectly balanced out the toppings.
- The Vegas Golden Knights Shake ($21): This massive shake is heavily themed and totally customizable. The menu describes it as a caramel shake with a vanilla frosted rim, black, white and gold sprinkles, topped with a chocolate cake Golden Knights puck, whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry. We actually customized ours by swapping in peanut butter ice cream! You definitely need a plate to catch the falling toppings, but the taste is pure, nostalgic bliss.
- The New Yorker ($19.50): Originally recommended to us as a cheesecake shake, this is officially called “The New Yorker.” It is a strawberry shake featuring a vanilla frosted rim with crushed graham crackers, topped with an entire slice of strawberry cheesecake, whipped cream, and fresh strawberry. If you love cheesecake, this is an absolute must-order.
TIP
Portion Warning: These CrazyShakes are massive! We usually share one shake between our family. They are so filling that you definitely won’t need to order any extra dessert after finishing one. In fact, especially in the hot Vegas summer, my daughter usually skips all other food entirely after having just the milkshake!
Are they over-the-top? Absolutely. Are they still worth it in 2026? Yes. They are delicious, extremely fun, and undeniably Instagram-worthy. (If you love aesthetic foods, make sure to check out our list of the 5 Viral & Instagrammable Las Vegas Foods You Must Try in 2026).
3. The Food: Burgers & Apps
Of course, you can’t survive on sugar alone. We also dug into their savory menu:
- Fried Mozzarella Appetizer: These are massive mozzarella triangles served with a side of cheese sauce. They have a perfectly seasoned, light, and crispy crust while being super cheesy on the inside. Highly recommended.
- The Black Truffle Burger ($25.50): The official menu lists this as a ½ pound Wagyu burger topped with havarti cheese, baby arugula, truffle-yuzu vinaigrette, black garlic peppercorn aioli, shaved parmesan, and truffle oil. We customized ours by adding the sautéed mushrooms add-on (+$2). While it is undeniably a good, solid burger, we wished the truffle flavor was just a bit more pronounced.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Nice, crunchy, and packed with sweet potato flavor. A massive upgrade over standard french fries.
4. Service & Experience
It’s easy for trendy, viral spots on the Strip to feel rushed, but our server was exceptionally friendly and helpful, making the whole experience feel welcoming rather than chaotic.
5. 2026 Hours and Information
Black Tap operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning they do not take reservations. Be prepared for a wait during peak lunch and dinner hours, especially on weekends.
2026 Hours of Operation:
- Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Final Verdict
If you find yourself wandering through The Venetian Resort Las Vegas or just walking down the Las Vegas Strip craving a solid burger and an unforgettable dessert, Black Tap is a fantastic option.
While the burgers are “good but not extraordinary,” the prime location, the outdoor patio views, and the sheer spectacle of the CrazyShakes make the prices completely fair for an upscale Strip resort. It is a highly recommended stop for a fun, casual lunch or dinner.