Who has the best burger in Iowa? 10 finalists across the state compete for top honors

Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register
·2 min read
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Vote for the best burger in Iowa
Vote for the best burger in Iowa

More than 6,400 Iowans voted for 509 restaurants across the state to find out whoe has the best burger in Iowa. The Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association winnowed the results of voting, which ended on March 13, to 10 restaurants vying to be named the best.

The beef council requires all competing burgers to use a 100% real beef patty served on a bun or bread product. Burgers may include any combination of condiments, sauces, cheeses or toppings.

Here’s a look at the contenders:

Ten restaurants across Iowa vie to be named the best burger in the state.
Ten restaurants across Iowa vie to be named the best burger in the state.

More:Who has the best pulled pork sandwich in Iowa? You can vote on your favorites

Five of the Top Ten restaurants are new qualifiers, including Ben’s Burgers, Burger & Co., Flight Bar & Grille, Jeronimo’s Bar & Grill, and Parlor on Main.

How is the best burger in Iowa chosen?

Now, an anonymous panel of judges visit these restaurants to judge the burgers based on taste, appearance, and proper doneness (160 degrees Fahrenheit). The beef council announces a winner on May 1.

Who won the best burger competition in the past?

Owner Garrett Goodman stands with Iowa's Best Burger 2022 at The Flying Elbow, 229 N. 13th Street, Marshalltown.
Owner Garrett Goodman stands with Iowa's Best Burger 2022 at The Flying Elbow, 229 N. 13th Street, Marshalltown.

Last year, The Flying Elbow in Marshalltown took home the title of 2022 Iowa’s Best Burger.

Previous winners include Bambino’s in Ossian in 2021; Twisted Tail Steakhouse & Saloon in BeeBeeTown in 2020; Wood Iron Grille in Oskaloosa in 2019; Café Beaudelaire of Ames in 2018; The Smokin’ Hereford BBQ of Storm Lake in 2017; The Chuckwagon Restaurant in Adair in 2016; The Cider House of Fairfield in 2015; Brick City Grill in Ames in 2014; 61 Chop House Grille in Mediapolis in 2013; Coon Bowl III in Coon Rapids in 2012; Rusty Duck in Dexter in 2011; and Sac County Cattle Co. of Sac City in 2010.

More:The Flying Elbow wins Iowa's Best Burger Contest 2022 — as a write-in candidate

Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: What's the best burger in Iowa? The Iowa Beef Industry Council finds out