Cresco Eating Establishment Makes the Cut for Top Ten in Iowa Best Burger Contest

From quaint hometown diners to upscale urban eateries, the competition was fierce as the Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association accepted nominations for the 16th annual Iowa’s Best Burger Contest.

This year’s contest saw impressive engagement, with more than 6,000 burger enthusiasts casting ballots—a testament to Iowa’s deep-seated love for beef. 

The Top Ten finalists for 2025 include a pair of Northeast Iowa eating establishments: Dan’s Road House in Cresco and Big Head Burger in Waterloo. Dan’s is a first-time Top Ten finalist.

Kylie Peterson, Director of Marketing for the Iowa Beef Industry Council said in a statement, “Nearly 400 restaurants were nominated during this year’s voting process. This year’s Top Ten restaurants are award-winning worthy, but they’re only a handful of the many outstanding establishments in Iowa that proudly serve high-quality beef raised by our state’s cattle farmers.”

To qualify, the burger must feature a 100% real beef patty served on a bun or bread product. Toppings, condiments, sauces, and cheese are left to the creativity of the restaurant.

The final phase of the contest begins soon, as a panel of anonymous judges will visit each Top Ten restaurant to evaluate the burgers based on taste, appearance, and proper doneness (160°F). The 2025 Iowa’s Best Burger winner will be announced on May 1 to kick off May Beef Month.

Past winners include Bambino’s in Ossian, which claimed the top prize in 2021.