Searching for Iowa’s Best Burger

Contact: Kylie Peterson, Director of Marketing & Communications, Iowa Beef Industry Council, 515-296-2305
Erika Osmundson, Director of Communications, Iowa Cattlemen's Association, 515-296-2266

For those searching for the best burger in Iowa, the Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen's Association are making the quest easier as they announce the top 10 finalists in the 17th annual Iowa's Best Burger Contest.

More than 350 restaurants were nominated this year, and 5,400 burger aficionados cast their votes to determine the finalists. There are a handful of restaurants returning to the coveted list, and many new contenders making it for the first time. The Top Ten finalists for 2026 (in alphabetical order) are:

* Returning Top 10 Finalist

"We know Iowans love beef, especially burgers," said Kylie Peterson, Director of Marketing for the Iowa Beef Industry Council. "The Iowa's Best Burger Contest celebrates that passion, along with the commitment of our state's cattle farmers who raise the high-quality beef served on menus."

To qualify, the burger must feature a 100% real beef patty served on a bun or bread product. Toppings, condiments, sauces, and cheese are left to the creativity of the restaurant.

The final phase of the contest begins soon, as a panel of anonymous judges will visit each Top Ten restaurant to evaluate the burgers based on taste, appearance, and proper doneness (160°F). The 2026 Iowa's Best Burger winner will be announced on May 1 to kick off May Beef Month.

Recent Previous Winners

2025 - Halftime Bar & Grill, Pleasantville
2024 - JJ's Tavern + Grill, Ankeny
2023 - Flight Bar + Grille, Huxley
2022 - The Flying Elbow, Marshalltown
2021 - Bambino's, Ossian
2020 - Twisted Tail Steakhouse & Saloon, BeeBeeTown

To view the full list of Top Ten finalists, including locations and hours, visit https://www.iabeef.org.

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About the Iowa Beef Industry Council: The Iowa Beef Industry Council is funded by the $1-per-head National Beef Checkoff Program and the $0.50-per-head Iowa State Beef Checkoff. Checkoff dollars are invested in beef promotion, consumer information, research, industry information and foreign market development, all with the purpose of strengthening beef demand. For more information, visit https://www.iabeef.org.

About the Iowa Cattlemen's Association: The Iowa Cattlemen's Association represents nearly 8,000 beef-producing families and associated companies dedicated to the future of Iowa's beef industry. ICA's mission is "Grow Iowa's beef business through advocacy, leadership and education."