The Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen's Association announced the 13th Annual Iowa's Best Burger Contest now has its Top 10 nominees.

Audience voting for the best burgers of 2022 ended March 14th. A total of 5,400 votes from 265 cities and towns across Iowa were tallied up, and the Top 10 list of Iowa burgers was released on March 18th. Eight of the Top Ten restaurants are new qualifiers. Returning contestants include Arty’s Ice Cream & Grill and Foodie Garage Eatery.

A panel of anonymous judges will visit each Top Ten Restaurant and evaluate the burgers based on taste, appearance, and proper doneness (160 degrees Fahrenheit). The judge's scores will be accumulated and the winner of the 2022 Iowa's Best Burger Contest will be announced on May 2nd. A great way to kick off May Beef Month.

Last year, Bambino’s of Ossian took home the title of 2021 Iowa’s Best Burger. 

Looking through Bambino's social media posts, they have a very creative way of sculpting designs on their burger with cheese! Bambino's is located at 102 N Lydia St, Ossian, IA 52161. 

HERE ARE THE TOP 10 BEST IOWA BURGER NOMINEES OF 2022


ARTY'S ICE CREAM & GRILL

Burgers AND Ice Cream? Now that's a great combo. Arty's Ice Cream & Grill, located in Wilton Iowa was nominated for its delicious Burgers. Arty's also has a food truck called "Arty's on Wheels" that can be spotted around the Quad Cities, offering a solid menu of Burgers, banana splits, and tenderloins!

CATTLEMEN'S STEAKHOUSE

This modernized old western-themed steakhouse serves beautiful dishes! Not only will you receive great-tasting meals, but the way this restaurant plates its food is STUNNING! Looking at their classy layouts, you would think your plate of food costs millions. Cattlemen's Steakhouse is located in SAC CITY, IA.

FLAMING OFFICE BAR AND GRILL

Flaming Office Bar and Grill, located in Toledo Iowa may seem like just a small-town bar. HOWEVER, this bar made the Top 10 for a reason. Though the bar does not reveal any pictures of what they serve, the burgers must be so good that they keep it a secret! Looks like you will have to make a trip to Toledo if you want to taste the mystery burger.

FOODIE GARAGE EATERY

Foodie Garage is a garage-themed restaurant that offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Located in Dubuque since 2020, and after only 2 years, they are popularly known for their burgers and steaks. If you are wanting to try one of their famous burgers, make sure you keep up with their social media, as they will be changing locations on April 1st!

LACHELE'S FINE FOODS

Smash burgers, hot dogs, daily specials, and drinks on Ingersoll Ave in Des Moines. Lachele's offers Vegan and vegetarian options, too! Lachele's Fine Foods just celebrated their one-year anniversary back in February, impressive that they made the list within their first year open.

PALLY'S BAR & GRILLE

Pally's Bar & Grille located in Clive Iowa has delicious burgers, live music, and Taco Pizza! Pally's offers live music performances almost every Friday night. The latest performers have been Zachary Freedom, Mike Aceto, and David Watson. This bar is also looking for more cooks! (Probably because their burgers are such a hit) If you are wanting to work for a restaurant that serves some of the best burgers in Iowa, Pally's Bar & Grille is your place!

THE HANDLEBAR

The Handlebar is a destination craft beer bar and restaurant located in Dallas Center Iowa. Thirty-two craft beers on tap, burgers made from scratch, a seasonal menu, and a family-friendly atmosphere. This restaurant has two acres of beautiful outdoor space and seating that overlooks a pond with a fountain. Not only is there a bar inside, but one outside as well. The Handlebar would be a beautiful restaurant to visit at this time of year as spring approaches.

THE FLYING ELBOW

A wrestling-themed hot dog joint in Marshall town Iowa. Although they are known for their all-beef and vegan hot dogs, this place was recognized to serve some awesome burgers. Just by viewing their social media, this place looks like a fun time. Every food photo features a mini pro-wrestler. They take their theme seriously!

VICTORIA STATION

Taken directly from their website, "Victoria Station is the location of countless cherished memories made among family, friends, and neighbors since its founding in the late 1970s. In April of 2020, we returned home to Harlan to purchase Victoria Station, the site of our first date. We are dedicated to making our little steakhouse your favorite place to celebrate."

It seems like this steakhouse has a beautiful story behind it, maybe that's why the burgers are so good, they are made with love!

WEST TOWNE PUB

"These now-famous burgers are at least 25% bigger than hamburgers we've seen anywhere else! DO NOT attempt to lift these burgers with one hand without extensive strength training and conditioning. Unless we change our mind or sneak something else in the fine print, the burgers are served with lettuce, tomato, onion, and a pickle spear. Substitute soy burger for any beef patty," says their website. West Towne Pub in Ames always has daily specials going on. For example, trivia nights on Mondays and Wednesdays, 2-Fer Tuesdays, and Irish Thursdays.

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To qualify in the contest, the burger must be a 100% real beef patty served on a bun or bread product. Burgers may include any combination of condiments, sauces, cheese, or toppings.

Read More Here: Iowa Beef

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