The third time was the charm. When Jack Jones heard the news, in fact, he didn’t believe it at first.
The owner of The Dump Bar & Grill in Cambria said the phone call announcing his restaurant as the winner of Wisconsin’s Best Burger Contest left him stunned ‒ and grateful.
“It is very rewarding,” Jones said. “I credit our success to small‑town, Wisconsin values.”
Located at 105 N. Edgewater Street in the heart of the small Columbia County village of Cambria ‒ just a stone’s throw from North Branch Duck Creek ‒ The Dump Bar & Grill is a go-to destination in this little burg that boasts a population of 765 residents and premier burger creations. At the top of the list is the Tennessee Whiskey Burger, a half-pound ground chuck burger topped with cheddar cheese, sautéed onions, whiskey brown sugar candied bacon and a bourbon glaze, presented on a lightly grilled Kaiser roll.
For the team at The Dump, the recognition was years in the making. The Cambria bar and grill had been nominated by customers for the contest three years in a row, had consistently landed in the Elite Eight before finally claiming the top spot.
“We’ve met so many new customers from all over the state,” bar manager Evelyn Leystra said. “They bring zest with them and eagerness to try new food and explore the venue here.”
Leystra said the third annual Best Burger contest ‒ organized by the Wisconsin Beef Council ‒ has transformed what used to be a familiar, local crowd into a steady stream of new faces, many making special trips to Cambria just for the burger. Of course, the burgers created under “dump burgers” are in no way a sub-par culinary offering.
Behind the scenes, staff say the secret is simple: consistency and fresh ingredients. Office manager Katie Meagher said burgers are hand‑pattied daily, with fresh products brought in every morning.
“Our entire team has been a huge part of this,” says office manager Katie Meagher. “I couldn’t wait to call them and say, ‘We did it!’”
As for the name of the establishment, acquired by owner Jones in 2003, “The Dump” likely reflects the friendly vibe, attributed to the laid-back, no‐frills, old-school, Midwestern dive‐bar atmosphere. The vibe is friendly, unpretentious, and rooted in “real” hospitality. Many commenting on The Dump’s social media give high fives to both the staff and food.
“Congratulations on winning the Best Burger award. Love the burgers, and the staff (and owner) rock!!! Love The Dump!” posted Renee Guagenti Cybul.
“Congratulations!!! My absolute FAVORITE is the Tennessee Whiskey Burger. Just had it on April 24!” said customer Julie Mertens Armon.
Secret panel of judges agreed this burger was the best
A secret panel of judges visited each of the Elite Eight finalists throughout April, scoring burgers on taste, appearance, cooking temperature and overall enjoyment, with bonus points for atmosphere and experience.
To make the Elite Eight, customers across Wisconsin were aske to submit the name of their favorite burger jduring a 30-day window. According to the release, to be eligible for the contest, the hamburgers on the restaurant menus had to:
Tammy Vaassen, executive director of the Wisconsin Beef Council, said judges praised The Dump’s burger for its flavor, presentation and the welcoming environment created by the staff.
“It’s impressive what can be done,” Vaassen said in a news release, noting the care restaurants put into sourcing beef, grilling buns and creating memorable dining experiences.”
The win comes with a bittersweet note for The Dump: as a champion, the restaurant is no longer eligible to compete in future contests. Still, Jones said the exposure and support from the Beef Council — and customers across Wisconsin — have been worth it.
“We’ve gained great notoriety,” he said. “Just being nominated brought us great traction.”
If you missed trying out these top-rated burgers, get in your car and go!
The restaurants selected among the 2026 Elite Eight restaurants include:
Now, with the title secured, The Dump Bar & Grill has become a destination for burger lovers statewide — proof that a small‑town bar, a dedicated team and a well‑crafted burger can rise to the top.
Vaassen says the burger contest has gained traction and excitement over the past three years, with burger lovers traversing the state to see for themselves what all the fuss is about the Elite Eight finalists.
“As I travel to the restaurants and enjoy their burgers, I continue to be impressed by how much effort they are putting into a great eating experience,” Vaassen added.
This article originally appeared on Wisconsin State Farmer: Cambria’s The Dump Bar & Grill wins Wisconsin’s Best Burger Contest
Reporting by Colleen Kottke, Wisconsin State Farmer / Wisconsin State Farmer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
