Iowa ranks high among the top 10 beef producing states in America, so it’s fitting that the state is home to so many top-tier burger joints. From simple classics like a bacon cheeseburger, to more creative options such as breakfast patties served on glazed donuts, you can find the perfect burger to satisfy your cravings.

1. The Rusty Duck

The Rusty Duck, Dexter Iowa

Voted Iowa’s best burger in 2011, the Rusty Duck serves up classic American fare five days a week in Dexter. Their menu keeps things simple with just three burger options — the Ultimate Cheeseburger, the Bacon Cheeseburger and the Hamburger. In this case, simplicity works best.

2. Burger and Company

Burger and Company, Spirit Lake Iowa

Burger and Company’s flagship location is in Nashville, but thankfully there’s a location in Spirit Lake. Burger & Co.’s thick patties are handmade and stacked high on golden buns, served with BC sauce alongside a pile of fries. You can even add a milkshake to boot! Burger & Co. also offers vegetarian options, chicken sandwiches and a pet-friendly patio.

3. Troy's Bar and Grill

Troy's Bar and Grill, Earling Iowa

Troy’s in Earling serves up juicy tenderloins and delicious chicken wings, but their specialty is their mouth-watering burgers. Voted one of the top 10 burgers in Iowa in 2020, this bar & grill offers a range of beer and cocktail specials. And if you’re feeling adventurous, be sure to try out Troy’s Homer Burger, a breakfast-centric meal with bacon, egg, cheese and a hamburger patty served on two glazed donuts.

4. Jefferson Street Grill

With 14 burger options on the menu, you’re never out of burger options at Jefferson Street Grill. Owners Jimmy and Tina Matthews opened the Grill in Mount Pleasant in 2019 after years in the restaurant business and you can expect a warm, welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere.

5. Allycatz Grubhouse

Allycatz Grubhouse, Denver Iowa

Fortunately, Allycatz Grubhouse is located in Denver, Iowa, not Denver, Colorado. Their extensive menu offers a wide variety of options, including seven unique ½-lb burgers served with fries or seasoned tots. If you need an accompanying sauce to drizzle on your burger or dunk your fries in, Allycatz offers six signature sauces like Meow’in’ Mayo and Cyclone Sauce.

6. Bombers Tap

Bomber's Tap, Bennett Iowa

This local watering hole provides a laid-back atmosphere to enjoy a cocktail, the company of friends both old and new and of course juicy burgers. Bombers Tap also has three separate outdoor patios and features live music all summer long. Fun times and great food are yours to have at Bomber’s, located in Bennett.

7. Wood Iron Grille

Wood Iron Grille, Oskaloosa Iowa

Wood Iron Grille took home the title of Iowa’s best burger in 2019, an honor made all the more special considering the restaurant opened in Oskaloosa in 2018. Word traveled fast. The award-winning burger comes in two variations, the ‘Merica Burger and the Wood Iron original. These two fresh-ground, hand-pattied creations are served up with your choice of fries, mashed Yukon gold potatoes or Cajun superfood coleslaw.

8. Wacko's Bar and Grill

If getting a game of sand volleyball in before crushing a burger on an outdoor patio sounds like your idea of a good time, then you are set with Wacko’s in Knoxville. Wacko’s stays simple with five burgers to choose from, but adds delicious toppings such as queso, bourbon maple glaze or even a hand-breaded chicken patty to keep things fresh.

9. Milk and Honey

Milk and Honey, Harlan Iowa

Searching for farm-to-table options? While Milk and Honey in Harlan specializes in breakfast and lunch options, they also serve burgers so good that you just might consider ordering one at 8 a.m. You can trust that Milk and Honey is using fresh, local ingredients for both their traditional options like the hamburger and bacon cheeseburger, as well as more unique offerings like the brunch burger or bean + beet burger. As a bonus, you can enjoy your meal in the comfortable dining area of the former lobby of the famous Saylor Hotel in Harlan’s historical downtown.

10. Mary Jo's Hobo House

Mary Jo's Hobo House, Britt Iowa

Mary Jo’s Hobo House is a name you’re not likely to forget and their food is equally unforgettable. This unique mom-and-pop restaurant in Britt serves delicious and fairly priced breakfast and lunch offerings that are sure to satisfy. Plus, their “Hobo Burger” menu is loaded with a variety of delicious burgers, served with a side of chips or fries.


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