Ballast Point vs Black Tap?

[CharleneTheDM]

I have 2 days on my trip I plan to visit DTD. One of them is going to Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen for a sit-down meal.

The other day I want to try and do the walk-up waitlist for Trader Sam's. But in case the wait is too long, I'm thinking of a meal at either Ballast Point or Black Tap for a simple burger, fries and milkshake meal instead.

Which one do you guys like better?

Do they require reservations?

Thanks!

 

[Iceman93]

I've only eaten at Ballast Point and it's been quite good each time, but for "simple burger, fries, and milkshake" it sounds like Black Tap is the way to go.

 

[DLgal]

Black tap is a counter service place that ALWAYS has a long line. Ballast Point has an excellent burger and fries and a more laid back atmosphere plus some great beers. I'd recommend Ballast Point for a burger followed by a milkshake from the walk up window at Black Tap (not a crazy shake, just a standard one). I just can't bring myself to pay $20 for a burger and fries at a counter service place.

Ballast Point has walk up availability, usually.

Uva Bar is also a great choice for a basic burger and they can usually accommodate walk ups also.

 

[ej119]

I agree with @DLgal -- Uva is definitely the best of the three.

I've eaten at Ballast Point several times and will be going there for lunch when I arrive next Thursday. Honestly, Ballast Point beer is also a big selling point when you're considering options. Plus, Ballast Point is the only Downtown Disney restaurant that takes reservations on OpenTable vs. the Disneyland app.

 

[CharleneTheDM]

This is good to know! I didn't even consider UVA, I thought it was just drinks!

What are your favorite things to order?

 

[DLgal]

This is good to know! I didn't even consider UVA, I thought it was just drinks!

What are your favorite things to order?

At Uva the Corn Arepas are great as are the Carne asada fries. But the burger is a classic executed really well.

My favorite drink is the Phil Collins.

(This is the best bar at DLR...I'd go here over Trader Sam's a million times over)

 

[Epicnemesis]

Ballast has a better burger than black tap, but I think a black tap signature shake is a must do.
black tap also has a great burger but have to give the nod to ballast.

 

[longboard55]

Black Tap seems to be the lowest priced of the 3

 

[DLgal]

Black Tap seems to be the lowest priced of the 3

Not really. At Ballast Point an 8oz Kobe blend burger and fries is $18. At Black Tap, the All American burger and fries is also $18 but it's smaller and not as high quality as the one at Ballast Point. The equivalent sized burger, the Greg Norman, is $22.

Beer prices are equivalent at both places. You'll be pressed to tip at both places, since they do being your food to you at Black Tap, even though you order at a counter. At Ballast, you order via an an online system and they bring the food to you.

 

[CharleneTheDM]

Thanks everyone! I'll have my husband also take a look at the menu items and we will decide which one we might check out. Thanks for introducing me to UVA--I thought it was only for drinks out on the patio. The menu looks casual and promising

 

[DLgal]

Thanks everyone! I'll have my husband also take a look at the menu items and we will decide which one we might check out. Thanks for introducing me to UVA--I thought it was only for drinks out on the patio. The menu looks casual and promising

Uva Bar & Cafe is part of Catal. Catal is the best restaurant at Downtown Disney by far. Uva and Catal share a kitchen. I've never been let down by either place.

 

[Chickinvic]

I'd go to Black Tap just for the milkshakes lol. I went to Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at Universal Florida for the same reason. The food was actually quite good too - but I wanted one of those insane milkshakes

My favourite casual/inexpensive food at Downtown Disney is Earl of Sandwich. I love the Holiday Sandwich. The Original (or whatever they call their roast beef one) is very good too.

 

[DizMe]

I've never eaten at Catal. I've heard good things, but their menu never appeals to me. I may have simply had bad luck, but I'm not a fan of Uva. The last time I went, the food was ok but nothing special. The time before that, the waiter dumped my meal half on the table and half in my lap. I mean, ok, mistakes happen, but it was handled very poorly. Everyone else had finished their meals long before mine was ever brought out, and it was awful. There was a curt apology and that was it. The final thing is that, while the openness of the venue appeals to many, I hate it. I feel like I'm dining in the middle of a sidewalk.

I much prefer Black Tap and Ballast Point. I like Earl of Sandwich but not for a sit-down meal.

 

[Bcarrier1983]

Are the Black Tap milkshakes made with real ice cream or are they like soft serve+syrup type shakes?

 

[Epicnemesis]

Are the Black Tap milkshakes made with real ice cream or are they like soft serve+syrup type shakes?

From what I saw it’s soft serve vanilla as the base line and then whatever toppings go into it.

 

[DLgal]

Are the Black Tap milkshakes made with real ice cream or are they like soft serve+syrup type shakes?

It's soft serve.

 

[SherylLC]

Great info on both! I can't wait to try them both!