The 7 Best Burgers In Iowa

The Midwest is home to some pretty mighty burgers. But, few things taste greater than the best burgers in Iowa. They’re juicy, thick and loaded up with all of your favourite toppings. In short, they’re the epitome of a fantastic American burger.

But, where do you go when you want the best of the best? You’ll find lots of great burger spots, but we scoured the state to bring you seven great places where you can treat yourself to a full meal of some of the absolute best burgers in Iowa.

The 7 Best Burgers In Iowa, How do these rankings work?

1. The Twisted Tail – Logan

The Twisted Tail is a popular steakhouse that serves up seriously good burgers. With such a focus on quality beef, you can bet on great burgers. They’re made with 8oz. USDA choice Angus chuck – fresh, never frozen. Toppings include Black Forest bacon or crispy beer battered onion rings.

2. Dotzy’s Restaurant and Saloon – Elgin

Order any of the half-pounder burgers at Dotzy’s for a mouthwatering bite of juicy beef. As well as classic creations with blue cheese, jalapenos and bacon, you can try some unique burgers here. Case in point? A beef patty topped with white chocolate dipped candied cinnamon bacon, bourbon cranberries, and fried onions!!

3. Saucy Focaccia – Cedar Rapids

This gourmet burger restaurant goes above and beyond when it comes to flavour. From their fresh baked bread, homemade cheese sauces to fresh-pressed beef patties, the burgers here are on a whole other level. It’s tough to pick just one, but try the Mac & Cheese burger or the Brunch burger with fried egg, bacon, tots, caramelized onions, swiss cheese & grape jam.

4. farmHouse – Des Moines

This New-American restaurant is a hidden gem in downtown Des Moines, with a hearty menu of dishes made with local ingredients. Ask any burger fiend in the city and they’ll tell you these are some of the tastiest burgers in Iowa. Fresh, soft, housebaked burger buns combine with juicy grass-fed Iowa beef, topped with farm fresh tomatoes and lettuce and a thick slice of cheese.

5. Wood Iron Grille – Oskaloosa

Wood Iron Grille was selected last year as officially having the best burgers in Iowa by the Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association – folk who really know great beef. And believe us, they deserve this accolade.

The ground chuck & short rib burgers are flat-iron seared to perfection and come with smokey cheddar cheese and applewood bacon.

6. The Iowa Tap Room – Des Moines

With 99 regional craft beers on tap and dishes that go above and beyond your standard pub grub fare, The Iowa Tap Room is really making a name for itself in Des Moines. The locally-sourced beef burgers are topped with all sorts of delights, such as cheddar cheese, honey-peppercorn bacon and peanut butter.

7. The Ankeny Diner – Ankeny

This old school-style diner has been a hotspot for comfort food in the area since opening in 2003, with all sorts of delicious things on the menu. While you might get tempted by other dishes, we suggest you try the droolworthy burgers. There’s oozing Swiss cheese toppings or the local favourite, the Rarebit. It’s an open-faced burger with a spicy cheddar cheese sauce.