Here’s How You Can Help Pick Iowa’s Best Burger

For the 16th straight year, the bragging rights for 'Iowa's Best Burger' are up for grabs, and you can help pick the winner.

The Iowa Beef Industry Council, along with the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association will ultimately crown the champion, but it's up to you to narrow the field down to 10 finalists.

Between now and March 10 you can go online, where you'll find a list of restaurants nominated in previous years, based on the town they are located in. If your 'Best Burger' isn't listed, don't worry, you can select 'Other' at the bottom of the list and write in your choice.

Remember, you can only vote for one restaurant in one city.

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To be eligible for the contest:

• Burgers must be 100% beef, although other ingredients may be added to the patty (such as spices, vegetables, etc.). All burgers must be composed of a formed ground beef patty/patties served on a bun or other bread product (such as biscuits, focaccia, or tortillas).
• Burgers may include any combination of condiments (such as ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard), sauces (such as barbeque or hot sauce), cheeses, and toppings (such as bacon, onions, tomatoes, and lettuce). Every component of the burger must be placed between the bun or bread pieces or served open-faced on a bread product.
• Burgers must be available on the nominated restaurant’s regular menu.
• The restaurant must be open for business by the beginning of the nomination period – (February 10, 2025) and must be open year-round.

Ten burgers will be selected as finalists from throughout the state based on the number of nominations each restaurant receives. An anonymous judging panel will then evaluate those ten based on:

• Taste (of the burger patty) – 50%
• Appearance and Presentation – 30%
• Proper cooking temperature/degree of doneness – 10%
• Medium doneness, the internal temperature reaches 160° F - 10%

Last year's winner was the 'JJ's Smashburger' at JJ's Tavern + Grill in Ankeny.