For Iowans on the hunt for the state’s top burgers, the search just got a little easier. The Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association have unveiled the top 10 finalists in the 17th annual Iowa’s Best Burger Contest — a celebration of culinary creativity, local pride and the unmatched appeal of a perfectly cooked beef patty.
This year’s competition drew more than 350 restaurant nominations from across the state, with 5,400 burger lovers casting votes. The resulting list blends returning favorites with exciting newcomers, showcasing the diversity of Iowa’s burger scene. Here are the 2026 finalists, presented in alphabetical order.
Arcadia — Polk City
Arcadia has carved out a reputation in Polk City for its elevated yet approachable menu, led by its standout smash burgers. The Sunrise Burger — a crisp-edged, deeply caramelized smash patty topped with breakfast-inspired flavors — has earned particular praise. Customers celebrate Arcadia’s balance of refined dining and warm hospitality, enhanced by craft cocktails and a welcoming patio.
Details: 1010 Tyler St. #4, Polk City, 515-207-0011, arcadiapolkcity.com
B52 Bar & Grill — Bennett
A veteran-owned favorite, B52 Bar & Grill is famed for smash burgers that crackle with a perfectly “slapped” sear. Reviewers rave about juicy patties, hearty portions and the irresistible pairing with pickle-cut fries. The atmosphere is small-town Midwest at its finest — casual, comforting and a hub for the community.
Details: 116 Main St., Bennett, 563-890-2473, facebook.com/p/B52-Bar-Grill-61568601358252/
Dixie’s Biergarten — Decorah
Though beloved for its Iowa craft beer lineup and cozy patio, Dixie’s Biergarten has quietly developed one of Decorah’s most buzzed-about burgers. The restaurant’s smash burger — often paired with truffle fries — delivers crisp, juicy, pub-style bites. Try the beer cheese smash burger.
Details: 310 College Drive, Decorah, 563-277-1295, dixiesbiergarten.com
The Landmark Bistro — Grundy Center
Scratch-made comfort food is the heartbeat of The Landmark Bistro, and its burgers — especially the popular Dilly Burger — are local legends. From brioche buns to thoughtfully crafted toppings, everything here is designed with care. Friendly service and a warm, hometown vibe make it a favorite stop for both locals and travelers.
Details: 725 G Ave., Grundy Center, 319-825-4950, thelandmarkbistro.com
Northside Diner — Washington
Northside Diner blends classic Americana with modern culinary creativity and its smash burger has become a breakout hit. Fans highlight its flavor and standout sides, such as sea salt fries. Known just as well for homemade pies and inventive plates, the diner continues expanding its menu as it prepares to launch dinner service.
Details: 106 W. Main St., Washington, 319-460-8140, northsidediner.com
Prairie Canary — Grinnell
A leader in chef-driven small-town dining, Prairie Canary elevates Iowa beef with a selection of signature burgers, including the bacon jam burger with house-made bacon jam, goat cheese, balsamic drizzle and Havarti; Canary burger with an Angus beef patty topped with blue cheese, bacon and caramelized onion; and an option to build your own. Each is built with high-quality local ingredients and layered, thoughtful flavor combinations that keep guests returning again and again.
Details: 924 Main St., Grinnell, 641-236-0205, prairiecanary.com
Salsa Guy Café — Cedar Rapids
Rich and unapologetically indulgent, the Conquistador Burger has become a defining dish at Salsa Guy Café. With a half-pound Angus-and-brisket blend, pepper jack cheese, bacon, fried onions, spicy pickles and a cherry bourbon chipotle barbecue sauce, it’s a meal with personality and a loyal following to prove it.
Details: 2874 Mt. Vernon Road S.E., Cedar Rapids, or 3925 Blairs Ferry Road N.E., Cedar Rapids, salsaguy.cafe
Scooters On Main — Alta
Scooters On Main is a small-town gem serving up homemade comfort classics, including crowd-pleasing burgers made with fresh ingredients and plenty of care. Known for its warm atmosphere and in-house approach to nearly everything on the menu, it’s a dependable favorite for satisfying, straightforward American fare.
Details: 208 S. Main St., Alta, 712-730-3269, facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579588606560.
Smash & Grab Burger Co. — Knoxville
A smash-burger specialist and returning finalist, Smash & Grab is dedicated entirely to thin, crispy-edged patties stacked with creative toppings. Favorites include the Pepper Jelly Smash, PB & Bacon Jam, BBQ Banger, and the signature Smash & Grab. Fast, flavorful and inventive, it has cemented itself as Knoxville’s go-to burger destination.
Details: 322 E. Main St., Knoxville, 641-205-8307, smashandgrab.rocks
TCI Bar & Grill — Polk City
Set within the Tournament Club of Iowa, TCI Bar & Grill offers a relaxed dining space with comfort classics and seasonal menus. While not centered around a signature burger, its lineup of well-prepared American fare and scenic golf course backdrop make it a standout community gathering spot with consistently praised food quality.
Details: 1000 Tradition Drive, Polk City, tcofiowa.com/bar-grill
A mix of veterans and newcomers
Arcadia in Polk City, Salsa Guy Café in Cedar Rapids and Smash & Grab Burger Co. in Knoxville return to the Top 10 this year, underscoring their continued excellence.
“We know Iowans love beef, especially burgers,” said Kylie Peterson, director of marketing for the Iowa Beef Industry Council. “The Iowa’s Best Burger Contest celebrates that passion, along with the commitment of our state’s cattle farmers who raise the high-quality beef served on menus.”
What’s next?
To qualify, each entry must feature a 100% real beef patty served on a bun or bread product, while toppings and flavor profiles are limited only by a restaurant’s imagination.
Next, a panel of anonymous judges will hit the road, visiting each of the Top 10 restaurants to score burgers on taste, appearance, and doneness (cooked to 160°F). The 2026 Iowa’s Best Burger winner will be revealed on May 1, kicking off May Beef Month.
Who are the past winners?
2020: Twisted Tail Steakhouse & Saloon, BeeBeeTown
2021: Bambino’s, Ossian
2022: The Flying Elbow, Marshalltown
2023: Flight Bar + Grille, Huxley
2024: JJ’s Tavern + Grill, Ankeny
2025: Halftime Bar & Grill, Pleasantville
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Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter 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: These 10 Iowa restaurants just made the 2026 Best Burger finals
Reporting by Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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