Northeast Iowa Eatery Among 2026 Finalists for Best Burger

A northeast Iowa eatery is among the 10 finalists to vie for the title of Best Burger in Iowa for 2026.

The Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association are conducting their 17th annual Iowa’s Best Burger Contest. After more than 350 restaurants were nominated, 5,400 burger aficionados cast their votes to determine the Top 10 finalists for 2026.

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

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

In the final phase of the contest, 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.

Previous winners include Bambino’s in Ossian, named Best Burger in 2021.

To view the full list of 2026 Top Ten finalists, including locations and hours, visit https://www.iabeef.org.