Like other Downtown Disney properties, Black Tap Burgers & Shakes is there because execs like it

Black Tap Burgers & Shakes officially opened today with the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Downtown Disney District in Southern California. The New York City-based gastronome burger joint gained notoriety back in 2015 from both its burgers and moreover, their “CrazyShakes,” which are stacked extravagantly high with toppings.

It only took a few years for those shakes and burgers to make its way across the U.S. and into Southern California in one of the most coveted and lucrative business spaces in the state if not the nation.

How did that happen? It’s one of the questions that we asked Black Tap’s co-founder and owner Chris Barish, as well as more on the new location at the Disneyland Resort.

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Questions and responses were edited slightly for clarity and conciseness.

DE: What did Disney execs like/dislike about Black Tap as a company when deciding to put it on their property?

CB: Disney leaders loved our fun and familiar vibe when visiting our original New York locations, and that we bring a full experience to the guest when they visit Black Tap. From the music to the art, and of course the delicious burgers and over-the-top CrazyShakes, Black Tap offers something truly unique.

DE: What makes the Downtown Disney location unique compared to other Black Tap locations?

CB: Black Tap at Downtown Disney is the first location to feature an enhanced “fast casual” format with counter and table service, allowing guests to come in order and find a seat wherever they’d like (since other Black Tap locations are waited table service).

This location also features our first-ever CrazyShake window where guests can get their CrazyShake milkshakes to-go!

We also have an exclusive CrazyShake here — the Strawberry Shortcake Shake. This new addition starts off as a strawberry shake, vanilla frosted rim with crumbled cake topped with a strawberry shortcake ice cream bar, pink twisty pop, whipped cream, strawberry drizzle and a cherry on top.

The art inside the location is also unique. Each Black Tap features custom street art, and for this location we worked with Southern California artist Jason Woodside to create colorful street art murals throughout the restaurant.

DE: Black Tap is an East Coast-born brand. What should West Coast locals and visitors expect when it comes to food and service at the Downtown Disney location?

CB: Black Tap is all about fun! We definitely bring a Downtown New York City vibe through our décor and vibe, but we offer something for everyone whether vegan or dessert lover. We’re for any person of any age who wants to share in that fun with us!

Our thanks to Chris Barish and Black Tap for taking the time to contribute to this story.

Black Tap Burgers & Shakes is now open at the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort. Disneyland Annual Passholder discounts apply. This location validates parking.