AMES, Iowa—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:
Arcadia, Polk City* B52 Bar & Grill, Bennett
Dixie’s Biergarten, Decorah
Northside Diner, Washington
Prairie Canary, Grinnell Salsa Guy Café, Cedar Rapids*
Scooters On Main, Alta
Smash & Grab Burger Co., Knoxville*
TCI Bar & Grill, Polk City
The Landmark Bistro, Grundy Center
* 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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