And the Winner Is… Iowa’s Best Burger Unveiled!

The people have spoken!

Every single year the Iowa Beef Industry Council does a search for the best burger in the Hawkeye State.

According to reports, year's contest featured over 7,500 ballots cast and over 500 restaurants were nominated. Then somehow officials at the Iowa Beef Council narrowed it down to just ten restaurants.

Three of them were actually right here in Eastern Iowa!

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Iowa Beef Council's Best Burger in the State Top Ten

How amazing of a job do you think that is?

Having to go from restaurant to restaurant and taste testing some of the best burgers in the state sounds like a massive task. Here is the full list of the top ten contenders for the contest.

• Big Head Burger in Waterloo
• The Market at the Tap in Monticello
• Wilder at The Graduate in Iowa City
• Chuckwagon Restaurant in Adair
• Flight Bar + Grille in Huxley
• Houson's on Main in Milo
• JJ's Tavern + Grill in Ankeny
• Lucile's at the Continental Hotel in Centerville
• The Flying Elbow in Marshalltown
• Williamson Tavern in Williamson

So, Who Is the Winner?

Officials from the Iowa Beef Council crowned the best burger in Iowa earlier this week.

And the winner is...

JJ’s Tavern + Grill!

A Little Bit About JJ’s

JJ’s Tavern + Grill located in Ankeny has won over the hearts of voters and the Iowa Beef Industry Council.

This restaurant is relatively new. They opened up for business in November of 2023.

Located at 1975 N. Ankeny Boulevard in Ankeny, JJ’s is owned by Rick and Lilia Romero and Michael Roberts, also the general manager, and Liberty Van Genderen.

The new eatery offers a good selection of “elevated bar food offerings.”

And of course you want to know what’s on the menu, right?

There are eight smash burgers on this restaurant’s menu. Some of the highlights of this award winning burger roster include JJ’s Smash Burger, the Brock Curdy Burger, and the Jalapeno Cheddar.

Each smash burger can be a single patty or a double.

And we’ve got to talk about some of their sides!

When you’re trying to find that perfect food compliment to your burger, maybe try out the hot honey Brussels sprouts or even the edamame!

Best Burgers Over the Past Few Years

If you're looking to check out the past Best Burger winners, then you're in luck! We've got you covered!

Add these Iowa eateries to your must-visit list so you can try some of the best burgers in the Hawkeye State!

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