Readers of the Haverhill Gazette and Eagle-Tribune voted The Tap Brewing Company’s burger Haverhill’s Best Burger for 2026. The Tap serves burgers at lunch and dinner from 100 Washington Street in downtown Haverhill, and it brews its own beer in the same building. The win comes down to a few things working together: well-built patties, good bread, a kitchen that cooks with care, and a setting that makes a burger feel like an occasion.

If you are hunting for the best burger in Haverhill, MA, it helps to know what the title actually measured. This was a readers’ vote, not a panel of critics, which means people who eat out in the city every week made the call. The Tap also finished as runner-up for Best Bar in the same vote, a good sign that the place works as a neighborhood hangout as well as a dining destination.

What the Vote Says About The Tap

The burger win is one piece of a strong year for the kitchen. At the 2026 Tasty Awards, Chef Chris Kole took Best Chef for the second year in a row, and The Tap also won Best Beer Selection and Most Creative Menu. Those awards come from a separate local program, but they point in the same direction as the readers’ vote. People in Haverhill are noticing what comes out of this kitchen, and the restaurant has had since 2003 to build that reputation with regulars. A citywide vote also tends to reward consistency. A burger that wins one has to taste the same on a slow Tuesday as it does on a packed Saturday night.

How The Tap Builds a Burger

When this was written, the menu posted on the restaurant’s website listed several burgers rather than one signature. The smash-style burger stacks two patties made from brisket and short rib with American cheese, red onion, and a house sauce. A smash burger is pressed flat on a hot griddle so the edges crisp while the center stays juicy, which is a standard technique rather than anything unique to The Tap. Another burger swaps in a chorizo patty and tops it with blueberry bacon jam, garlic basil mayo, arugula, and bleu cheese. A third uses a brisket and short rib patty with bacon, crispy onion strings, smoked Gouda, and a housemade steak sauce. Several of these sit on bread from Fantini Bakery, including a brioche bun and an onion roll.

Every handheld comes with fries or onion strings, and you can swap in another side or a salad for a small upcharge. For guests who skip beef, the menu lists an Impossible veggie burger, and gluten-free bread is available. Menus change with the season, so check the dinner menu or call before you go if you have a specific burger in mind.

Why a Brewpub Is a Good Place for a Burger

A burger and a beer are an old pairing, and a brewpub makes it easy to get right. The Tap brews every batch on site in a 10-barrel brewhouse and typically has 11 to 12 house-brewed ales and lagers pouring at once, with seasonal releases mixed in. As a general rule, a rich burger with melted cheese works well with a crisp lager that cleans the palate or a malty amber ale that matches the char and caramelized flavors. That is a common pairing principle, not a house rule, so ask the bartender what is pouring and let them steer you. If you are not a beer drinker, the full bar and a non-alcoholic list are available, and cans and growlers are sold to go if you want to bring a little of the brewery home.

The Room and the Deck

The Tap sits in a historic building on Washington Street, and the dining room keeps that character with exposed brick and original woodwork. Guests can see the brewhouse through the windows while they eat. In warm months the seasonal deck looks out over the Merrimack River, and the restaurant says the full menu is served outside. Deck seating is first come, first served and depends on the weather, so call the day you plan to visit if you are set on eating outside. The front patio is dog friendly, while the back deck allows service dogs only. The dining room is family friendly, with kids’ portions available, and the downstairs Playpen bar is 21 and over.

When to Go and How to Book

The kitchen is open Tuesday through Sunday. Hours run noon to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Sunday and noon to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and the bar stays open until last call. The Tap is closed on Mondays. Dining room reservations are taken by phone, walk-ins are always welcome, and larger parties should call ahead so the team can see what is possible. Parking is available on site and on nearby downtown streets. The restaurant draws guests from across the Merrimack Valley, including Bradford, Groveland, Methuen, and North Andover, and specials change weekly, so it is worth following The Tap on Facebook or Instagram to see what is new.

Plan Your Visit

The Tap Brewing Company is at 100 Washington Street in downtown Haverhill, and you can find directions on Google Maps. To reserve a dining room table or ask about the day’s specials, call (978) 374-1117. Come hungry and ask your server what is most popular that week.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best burger in Haverhill, MA?
Readers of the Haverhill Gazette and Eagle-Tribune voted The Tap Brewing Company, a Haverhill restaurant and brewery on Washington Street, Haverhill’s Best Burger for 2026. The Tap also placed as runner-up for Best Bar.

Does The Tap have a veggie burger or gluten-free option?
Yes. The menu lists an Impossible veggie burger, and gluten-free bread is available. Tell your server about any allergies and the kitchen will work with you.

Do I need a reservation for lunch or dinner?
Reservations for the dining room are taken by phone, and walk-ins are always welcome. Deck seating is first come, first served, and tables there are not held.

What are The Tap’s hours?
The kitchen is closed Monday, open noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Sunday, and open noon to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. The bar stays open until last call.

Is The Tap kid friendly?
Yes. The dining room is family friendly and kids’ portions are available. The Playpen bar downstairs is 21 and over.