Two Corridor restaurants are among the 10 finalists for the 16th annual Iowa’s Best Burger Contest.
The two Corridor finalists, The Salsa Guy Café in Cedar Rapids and Wilder in Iowa City (named for University of Iowa graduate Gene Wilder), will vie for the title in the annual competition, sponsored by the Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association.
More than 6,000 burger enthusiasts cast ballots this year.
“Nearly 400 restaurants were nominated during this year’s voting process,” Iowa Beef Industry Council marketing director Kylie Peterson said in a release. “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.
Seven of the Top Ten restaurants are new to the list, including Arcadia, Dan’s Road House, Halftime Bar & Grill, Lewis and Lewis, Salsa Guy Café, Smash & Grab Burger Co., and The Roadhouse.
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.
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.
Seven of the Top Ten restaurants are new to the list, including Arcadia, Dan’s Road House, Halftime Bar & Grill, Lewis and Lewis, Salsa Guy Café, Smash & Grab Burger Co., and The Roadhouse.
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.
To view the full list of Top Ten finalists, including locations and hours, visit www.iabeef.org/events/best-burger-contest.
