10 Finalists Announced For Iowa’s Best Burger Contest

The battle to see who has Iowa's best hamburger in 2025 is underway!

The Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattleman's Association revealed the finalists for Iowa's Best Burger competition and we have THREE finalists from Eastern Iowa! The Des Moines Register revealed that 6,000 votes were cast by Iowans for their favorite burgers and nearly 400 restaurants from across the state received nominations. Ladies and gentlemen, we proudly present your top ten burgers in Iowa, led off by our Eastern Iowa finalists!

1. Big Head Burger - Waterloo

Big Head Burger is located at 324 West 4th Street in Waterloo. Their classic smash burgers come served on a toasted potato bun, and you can order either a single or a double.

2. Salsa Guy Cafe - Cedar Rapids

The Salsa Guy Cafe is located at 2874 Mt. Vernon Road SE in Cedar Rapids. What began with selling food and salsa at downtown Farmers Markets, turned into a popular physical location in 2024. Their Conquistador Burger is what got them nominated. It features 100% Angus Beef, then brisket, bacon, pepper jack cheese, and hand-breaded onion rings.

3. Wilder - Iowa City

Wilder at the Graduate is located at 210 South Dubuque Street in Iowa City. The restaurant is named after University of Iowa graduate Gene Wilder. They were nominated for their Iowa Gold Burger which features Jiyu American Wagu.

The Register reports that the other nominated restaurants that made the top ten include:

• Arcadia - Polk City
• Burger & Company - Spirit Lake
• Dan's Road House - Cresco
• Halftime Bar and Grill - Pleasantville
• Lewis and Lewis - Oskaloosa
• The Roadhouse - Orange City
• Smash & Grab Burger Co. - Knoxville

The Register points out that seven of the top ten are new restaurants to the best burger list. A panel of judges will now visit each restaurant and rank the burgers based on criteria including taste, appearance, and proper temperature.

The winner of the best burger in Iowa contest will be announced on May 1st.

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