Iowa’s Best Burger: Meet The 10 Finalists

What began as a field of 400 is now down to just ten, with big Iowa bragging rights up for grabs.

The finalists are in for the Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association’s 16th annual Iowa’s Best Burger contest.

To be considered, burgers must be made with a 100% real beef patty served on a bun or bread product. The combination of condiments, cheeses, toppings, and sauces does not matter.

After more than 6,000 votes have been cast, here are the ten restaurants still standing in the competition:

• Arcadia, Polk City
• Big Head Burger, Waterloo
• Burger & Company, Spirit Lake
• Dan’s Road House, Cresco
• Halftime Bar & Grill, Pleasantville
• Lewis and Lewis Hot Shotz Kitchen, Oskaloosa
• The Roadhouse, Orange City
• Salsa Guy Café, Cedar Rapids
• Smash & Grab Burger Co., Knoxville
• Wilder, Iowa City

Seven of the ten are new to the list in 2025: Arcadia, Dan’s Road House, Halftime Bar & Grill, Lewis and Lewis, Salsa Guy Café, Smash & Grab Burger Co., and The Roadhouse.

The task of picking the winner now shifts from the general public to a panel of judges  from across the Hawkeye State who will grade each of the finalists in  three categories:

• Taste
• Appearance
• Proper Temperature (160 degrees Fahrenheit)

The winner will be announced May 1st.