The Tap Room at Dubsdread: Home of Orlando’s Best Award-Winning Burgers
The Tap Room at Dubsdread is famous for its award-winning burgers, made fresh in their “scratch kitchen.” Served in a relaxing atmosphere, this is a dining experience you must try in Orlando! This article will tell you why these burgers are so special. We’ll cover their story, what’s on the menu, tasty sides, and even what drinks go best with them. You’ll also hear what customers and the news say about them, and how you can call ahead to jump on the waiting list, book a table, or order online. By the end, you’ll know exactly why these burgers get so much praise—they use fresh ingredients, cook them perfectly, and make them look great. You’ll also get easy tips on how to pick your burger, what to drink with it, and how to order with confidence.
Why Are The Tap Room’s Burgers So Good They Win Awards?
People say The Tap Room’s burgers win awards because they use special cooking methods, always have fresh ingredients, and serve them in a way that makes them taste even better. Their “scratch kitchen” means they make burger patties and sauces fresh every day. Because of this, they taste amazing and have great texture. They also use top-quality ingredients like certified Angus beef, tasty toppings, and the right buns. This makes the burgers smell great, stay juicy, and feel good to eat. Customers also love the restaurant’s setting and friendly service. All these things together make the meal feel special, which is why they get noticed by magazines and local review sites.
Here are the main reasons why these burgers are so special:
- They make everything fresh from scratch every day, right there in the kitchen.
- They use top-quality ingredients for every part of the burger (the patty, bun, cheese, and sauce) to give it different tastes and textures.
- They’ve won awards and been featured in the media, showing that customers and food critics love them.
These three things are why The Tap Room’s burgers are much better than regular pub food. Next, we’ll explain how making everything from scratch makes the burgers so good.
How Does Making Everything from Scratch Make The Tap Room’s Burgers Better?
When a kitchen works “from scratch,” it means they make the burgers on site, fresh for each order. This ensures the food tastes better, and is always consistent. They make their patties and sauces every day. This means no frozen food and juicy, perfectly cooked burgers that look great. This careful way of cooking also allows them perfect the seasoning and temperature every single time. Knowing how they cook helps you understand why their famous burgers are always so good, and why they keep winning awards.
Amazing Burger Patty: Great Beef, Spices, and Fresh Ingredients
The burger patties are made with 100% Certified Angus Beef and a simple seasonings of salt and pepper. They are cooked perfectly, so they’re always juicy and full of flavor. Each patty is about 1/2 of a pound, making for a substantial and satisfying meal. They only use the freshest ingredients. Anyone who loves a good burger will love them!
What Awards Has The Tap Room’s Burger Won?
The Tap Room at Dubsdread is known for more than just its burgers; it’s famous for its exceptional food and atmosphere. For example, Kayak Magazine called it one of the “Top 25 Hidden Gems in The World.” OpenTable diners have also voted them onto lists like “Top 100 Neighborhood Restaurants in America” and “Top 100 Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in America.” These awards for the restaurant make people expect great things from all its food, including the burger. When these awards are mentioned in the news, more people want to stop by or book a table, and the burger has become known as a local favorite.
These awards show that the restaurant’s great cooking and customer service are truly special. They prove that what happens in the kitchen, and the guest experience, are top-notch.
The Story Behind The Tap Room’s Famous Award-Winning Burger
The story of this iconic burger is rooted in great cooking and the restaurant’s proud history. The menu was designed around the finest ingredients, created to delight both the local community and visitors to Dubsdread Golf Course. The recipe centers on a perfectly seasoned patty, thoughtfully paired toppings, and a bun that holds its own without getting soggy. Over the years, the team has refined the burger through experimentation and customer feedback, turning it into a signature dish that embodies The Tap Room’s commitment to top-quality American fare. Knowing its story makes every bite even more satisfying.
How The Tap Room’s Relaxing Setting Made Its Burger Famous
The atmosphere at Dubsdread makes people expect classic, well-made American food. It creates a special feeling that makes the food taste even better and seem more valuable. The dining room, views from the outdoor courtyard overlooking the golf course make, you want food that feels both comforting and high-end. So, the burger is served as a special dish, not fast food. The owners, Steve Gunter and Barbara Teal, have created a menu that honors the past, but they also encourage the kitchen to try new things. This makes local customers keep coming back and tell their friends. So, the atmosphere helps make the great food even better, making you notice all the small details of taste and texture.
This special atmosphere makes you trust the food, which brings us to the amazing ingredients that make the burger so good.
What Great Ingredients Go Into The Tap Room’s Burgers?
The main things that make this burger special are a carefully cooked certified Angus beef patty, a bun chosen to be just right, cheese that melts perfectly, and fresh toppings and special sauces that add bright flavors. Every part of the burger—the patty, the bun, the cheese, and the sauce—has a job. The patty provides the main flavor and juiciness, the bun makes each bite feel good, the cheese adds richness, and the sauces and toppings add different tastes. Because they make everything from scratch every day, the ingredients stay fresh and taste clear. Knowing what each ingredient does helps you order smart and choose drinks that go well with all the different flavors.
Here’s a quick table showing why the burger is “award-winning”:
| What Makes it Great | How We Do It | Why It Matters to You |
| Made from Scratch | Patties and sauces made fresh every day | Fresher taste and always delicious |
| Top-Quality Ingredients | Local sourced fresh Brioche bun, cheese, and fresh toppings | Feels good to eat and smells amazing |
| Perfectly Cooked | Highly trained kitchen staff and demand for excellence | You’ll always get a great burger |
| Great Place & Service | Classic restaurant in a historic setting, and friendly staff | Makes your meal feel special, makes you want to come back |
What Kinds of Burgers and Other Food Can You Get at The Tap Room?
The burger menu at The Tap Room includes their famous signature burger, many specialty burgers, and the opportunity to create your own. You can choose your own toppings and determine how crunchy, spicy, or unique you want your burger. Whether you prefer classic beef, lean turkey, or a hearty portobello mushroom, every option starts with the same “scratch kitchen” basics—fresh ingredients and homemade sides. So, if you change the cheese or add a topping, the burger will still be great. The sides are made to go well with the burger, not take away from it, by offering different textures and temperatures. Here’s a glimpse of what’s usually on the menu and how to pick combinations that taste great and make you happy.
Here are some common special burgers you might find and why you might choose them:
- TAP ROOM CLASSIC: This burger features Tillamook cheddar cheese, offering a rich and classic flavor profile. It’s a perfect choice for those who appreciate a well-executed traditional cheeseburger.
- COLLEGE PARK: A unique blend of Nueske bacon, Jack cheese, and smashed avocado creates a savory and creamy experience. This burger offers a fresh twist on a classic.
- STEAKHOUSE: Indulge in this robust burger with Jack cheese, Nueske bacon, crispy house onion straws, and a creamy horseradish sauce for a bold, steak-inspired taste.
- ABOVE PAR: For a gourmet experience, try this burger with “flash-fried” goat cheese, Nueske bacon, sweet fig preserves, and fresh arugula, offering a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
These choices show how you can make your burger just how you like it. The table below compares different burger styles to help you pick.
| Burger Name | Meat | Bun | Special Topping |
| TAP ROOM CLASSIC | Certified Angus Beef | Local sourced fresh brioche bun | Tillamook cheddar cheese |
| COLLEGE PARK | Certified Angus Beef | Local sourced toasted brioche bun | Nueske bacon, Jack cheese, smashed avocado |
| STEAKHOUSE | Certified Angus Beef | Local sourced fresh brioche bun | Jack cheese, Nueske bacon, house onion straws, creamy horseradish |
| ABOVE PAR | Certified Angus Beef | Local sourced fresh brioche bun | “Flash-fried” goat cheese, Nueske bacon, fig preserves and arugula |
What Special Burgers and Custom Options Can You Order?
Special burgers start with the basic signature burger and add special touches. This could be extra cheese for a richer taste, bacon for a crunch, or a zesty homemade sauce for a fresh flavor. You can also customize toppings, pick your cheese, and choose how well-done you want your burger (juicy or more cooked). Because they make everything from scratch, even custom orders are made with care, so your changes won’t compromise the burger. If you have questions about allergies or what ingredients are available, it’s best to check the menu or ask your server before ordering.
Knowing how to customize your burger helps you pick sides that either match or offer a nice contrast from the burger’s main flavors.
What Sides Go Best with The Tap Room’s Burgers?
The sides at The Tap Room feature a variety of textures and tastes. You can get delicious fries, including Seasoned French Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, and Truffle French Fries, along with fresh salads or plates to share such as fresh vegetables. These sides either match the burger’s salty taste or offer a fresh complement. For example, having salty fries with a fresh salad makes your meal taste balanced. Sharing plates is great for groups. Think about what you want: more comfort (like fries) or a more balanced meal (like a salad with a zesty dressing). These choices make it easy to order whether you’re eating alone or with friends.
Now that you know about sides, let’s talk about drinks that make your burger taste even better.
What Drinks Go Best with The Tap Room’s Award-Winning Burgers?
Picking the right drink can make your burger taste even better! Some drinks offer a nice contrast, while others match the flavors. For example, bitter beers can cut through the richness of the burger, while sweeter beers can bring out smoky flavors. Some wines can match the richness or add a fresh, zesty taste. Your drink choice should depend on what your burger tastes like—is it spicy, smoky, or creamy? The Tap Room has many craft beers and wines, so you can try different pairings. Here’s a quick table to help you choose:
| Burger Type | Best Drink Choice | Why It Tastes Good Together |
| TAP ROOM CLASSIC | IPA beer, Cabernet wine, or The “Langston” Old Fashioned | IPA’s bitter taste cuts through the richness; Cabernet matches the beef flavor. |
| COLLEGE PARK | Amber ale beer, Pinot Noir wine, or a Citrus Cocktail | Amber beer goes well with the cheese; Pinot Noir keeps it light. |
| STEAKHOUSE | Dark beer, Zinfandel wine, or a Signature drink | Dark beers and strong red wines pair well with the smoky and sweet flavors. |
What Craft Beers Go Best with Our Burgers?
Different craft beers go well with different burgers because of their bitter taste, sweetness, and fizziness. A bitter IPA beer with lots of bubbles can make spicy or heavily seasoned burgers taste even better. Amber ales, which are a bit sweet, go well with sweet onions and cheddar cheese. For smoky or BBQ-style burgers, dark beers like stouts can bring out those smoky flavors and make the meal more interesting. The Tap Room has many beers to choose from, so you’ll be sure to find your favorite match.
Once you know about beer pairings, you can also think about how wine or cocktails can make your burger taste great, too.
What Wines and Cocktails Make the Burger Meal Better?
When picking wine, think about how rich your burger is. Strong red wines like Cabernet or Zinfandel go well with rich beef burgers. Lighter red wines like Pinot Noir are better for burgers that are less rich or have mushrooms. White wines and rosés are good for lighter burgers, like turkey burgers, because their zesty taste cleans your mouth. Cocktails that are zesty, sour, or slightly bitter—like drinks with lemon or lime, or sweeter drinks with liquor—can cut through richness and add a different taste. Choosing a wine or cocktail based on the burger’s main flavor (rich, spicy, smoky, or savory) helps make your meal truly enjoyable.
These tips for pairing drinks lead us to what other customers say, which often helps people decide where to eat.
What Do People Say About The Tap Room’s Award-Winning Burgers?
Customers and news stories often say great things about how balanced the burger tastes, its texture, and how the historic building and views make the meal even better. Reviews and articles point out that the burgers are always cooked perfectly, have tasty patties, and look good—just like they say about their “scratch kitchen.” When many people say the same good things, or when the media talk about it, it helps new customers trust that the burger is worth trying. Here’s a list of the main things customers praise:
- People always praise the great taste and how balanced the flavors are.
- They often say the burger’s texture and juiciness are much better than other places.
- The restaurant’s atmosphere and friendly service often make the whole meal even better.
These common praises are why news stories and word-of-mouth often bring new customers to try the burger. Next, we’ll show you some examples of what reviews and the news say.
What Reviews Show How Good the Burger Tastes?
Reviews often talk about how well the burger is seared, its seasoning, and how fresh the toppings are. Many customers also say the portions are generous, and it feels great to eat. Websites like OpenTable and local review sites have helped the restaurant become well-known. Many customers say the same good things over and over, showing that the quality is consistent. With such great feedback from different outlets, it helps new customers trust that the burger will be great. These reviews make it clear that new guests can expect a delicious, award-winning burger.
How Has News Coverage Made The Tap Room’s Burger More Famous?
When the media talks about The Tap Room at Dubsdread, or features the restaurant on “best of” lists, more people in the area find out about it, and more tables get booked. This shows that the quality is high, even beyond what individual reviews say. Being on national and travel lists makes the restaurant a must-visit destination in Orlando for people looking for great local food. This attention makes customers expect great things, encouraging them to try famous dishes like the award-winning burger. For people who follow the news or these lists, trying the burger becomes part of a bigger trip to see the historic Dubsdread area.
How to Visit or Order The Tap Room’s Award-Winning Burgers
It’s easy to turn your interest into action! This section tells you how to book a table, call the restaurant, or order online. It’s a good idea to book a table during busy times, especially if you want to sit on the patio or in the dining room to enjoy your burger. If you want to take your food to go, you can order online for pickup, and they’ll prepare it with the same care as if you were dining in.
Common Questions About The Tap Room’s Burgers
Do I Need a Reservation at The Tap Room?
Reservations are recommended but walk-ins are always welcome. The Tap Room is typically pretty busy during the week at lunchtime, and weekends get crowded, especially at dinner time. Sundays tend to be busy much of the day. To be safe, it’s always best to book a table in advance. Click here to reserve a table.
Does The Tap Room have food for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes, The Tap Room offers Portobello Mushroom burgers for vegetarian and vegan options. You will also find other wonderful vegetarian and vegan dishes on the menu. It’s a good idea to check the menu or ask your server what’s new, as their offerings may change with the seasons. Unique daily specials are also featured throughout the week.
What drink goes best with the famous burger?
For the famous Signature Burger, we suggest an IPA beer or a Cabernet Sauvignon wine. The bitter taste of an IPA helps balance the rich burger, and the strong flavors of a Cabernet wine pair nicely with beef. If you like cocktails, a drink with whiskey can also make your meal more special. The staff at The Tap Room are very knowledgeable and can help you pick the perfect drink to round out your meal.
How does The Tap Room make sure its ingredients are of the highest quality?
The Tap Room makes sure its ingredients are top quality. You can see how much they care about freshness in their “scratch kitchen” cooking, where they make all their dishes, including burger patties and sauces, fresh every day. This is why their burgers and other food taste so good and are of such high quality.
Can I make my own burger at The Tap Room?
Yes, definitely! The Tap Room encourages you to make your burger just how you like it. You can choose from many different toppings, cheeses, and sauces to create a burger that’s perfect for you. The staff knows how to handle these special requests while still making sure your burger tastes great, just like those made famous on their menu.
What makes eating at The Tap Room special?
The atmosphere at The Tap Room has classic American decorations and a warm, welcoming feel. Since it is overlooking Dubsdread Golf Course, you can choose to sit inside or outside, which makes your meal even better. The friendly service and beautiful views create a memorable setting for enjoying their award-winning burgers. That’s why it’s a favorite spot for people in the College Park community and those visiting Orlando.