The Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association have opened up nominations for the state’s annual Best Burger Contest.
Several restaurants across the Quad Cities region already are contenders for the coveted award – but more submissions are being sought. For instance, Davenport has 12 restaurants on the list, Bettendorf has five, Clinton has four and Buffalo has one.
The last day to submit a nomination for this year’s contest is Monday, March 13. To nominate the restaurant that makes your favorite burger visit the Iowa Beef Industry Council’s website.
Ten burgers will be selected as finalists from throughout the state based on the number of nominations they receive. Selection of the 2023 Iowa’s Best Burger then will be conducted by an anonymous judging panel.
The local restaurants already on the list include:
- Bettendorf – Central Station Craft Burgers, Ross’ Restaurant, Rudy’s Tacos, The Main Event and Treehouse Pub & Eatery.
- Buffalo – Judy’s Barge Inn.
- Clinton – Hook’s, Lyons Filling Station, Slop’s, Stouts Irish Pub.
- Davenport – Barrel House, Boozie’s Bar & Grill, Draft Day Sports, GruBeez, Me & Billy, Mo Brady’s, Olympic Gyros, Portillo’s, Rookie’s Sports Bar, Sippi’s Restaurant, The Filling Station, The Monarch.
“We are looking for the best burger served in an Iowa restaurant,” said Kylie Peterson, director of marketing and communications for the Iowa Beef Industry Council. “Although burgers are often standard fare, we know from experience that the winners of this contest are well-above standard, and serve outstanding burgers. Finding these great burgers depends on Iowans choosing their favorite, and nominating them.”
This marks the 14th year the two groups are holding the annual Iowa’s Best Burger contest, which officially kicked off Monday, Feb. 13, when nominations opened.
Ms. Peterson noted that restaurants are a valuable partner to the beef industry. “They do a tremendous job preparing and serving our beef products in delicious and creative ways. This contest is not only a great way to celebrate the high-quality products that Iowa’s beef farmers produce, but draws business to participating restaurants and their communities.”
To qualify to be named as Iowa’s Best Burger, the burger must be a 100% real beef patty and served on a bun or bread product. The more nominations a restaurant receives, the better the chances are for that burger to make it on the “Top Ten” list, which will be announced Monday, March 20, on WHO Radio’s “The Big Show.
Finalists will receive a certificate and be eligible for the secret taste-test of contest judges. The 2023 Best Burger in Iowa will be announced on May 1 with the kick-off of May Beef Month in Iowa.
To follow Iowa’s Best Burger Contest, like the Iowa Beef Council on Facebook and share your favorite burger on social media using #IABestBurger.
