IOWA'S BEST BURGER CONTEST NAMES FINALISTS; TWO LOCAL ESTABLISHMENTS MAKE THE CUT

Iowa’s Best Burger Contest Names Finalists; Two Local Establishments Make the Cut

DES MOINES — The Iowa Beef Council announced the top 10 finalists in the 2026 Iowa’s Best Burger Contest on Friday.

The finalists include:

  • Arcadia in Polk City
  • B52 Bar & Grill in Bennett
  • Dixie’s Biergarten in Decorah
  • Northside Diner in Washington
  • Prairie Canary in Grinnell
  • Salsa Guy Cafe in Cedar Rapids
  • Scooters on Main in Alta
  • Smash & Grab Burger Co. in Knoxville
  • TCI Bar & Grill in Polk City
  • The Landmark Bistro in Grundy Center

It’s the second consecutive year for Smash & Grab Burger Co. as a finalist in the contest.

Over 350 restaurants were nominated for this year’s contest. Approximately 5,400 people cast votes for the finalists.

A panel of anonymous judges will begin visiting each restaurant finalist and will name Iowa’s Best Burger on May 1.

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