Decorah can now claim Iowa’s best burger for 2026, according to voters with the Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association.
The annual Iowa’s Best Burger contest, now in its 17th year, ended with more than 350 nominations for restaurants statewide from more than 5,000 fans. A panel of secret judges reviewed the top 10 vote-getters and determined a final winner.
Here’s what to know.
Who won best burger in Iowa 2026?
The Iowa Beef Industry Council named the Biergarten Smashburger at Dixie’s Biergarten in Decorah the best in Iowa. The burger features two 4-ounce smash patties of a custom brisket-and-chuck blend, topped with grilled onions, fresh vegetables and a house-made “SMASH” sauce on a brioche bun.
Owners Nick and Jordyn Harless purchased the space — formerly the Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. taproom at 310 College Drive — in 2024 from Jordyn’s parents, Troy and Christine Dixon.
Since being named a top-10 finalist in March, Dixie’s Biergarten has sold more than 153 burgers per day, and with this recent distinction, business is expected to continue to grow.
Unlike Pleasantville’s Halftime Bar & Grill, which won last year, Dixie’s Biergarten serves just one burger on its menu. The smashburger originated from Nick Harless’ days as a food truck owner, according to the Iowa Beef Industry Council.
“Iowa’s Best Burger contest celebrates both the quality of beef and the creativity of the restaurateurs who bring it to life for consumers,” Kylie Peterson, marketing and communications director for the Iowa Beef Industry Council, said. “Nick and Jordyn have crafted not only a standout burger that guests will love, but an experience that keeps them coming back.”
Where to find Dixie’s Biergarten
Who are the past Best Burger winners?
Which restaurants made the Iowa’s Best Burger Top 10?
Here’s a look at the finalists from 2026:
Des Moines Register entertainment editor and dining reporter Susan Stapleton contributed to this report.
Cooper Worth is a service/trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at cworth@gannett.com or follow him on X @CooperAWorth.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Northeast Iowa bar wins 2026 Best Burger contest
Reporting by Cooper Worth, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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