The Best Burgers in Iowa According to Iowa Road Trip Followers
Who makes the best burger in Iowa? We asked Iowa Road Trip followers to name their favorite, and hundreds of recommendations came in from across the state.
Before getting to the results, there’s an important distinction to make. Dixie’s Biergarten in Decorah was officially named Iowa’s Best Burger for 2026 through the annual contest co-sponsored by the Iowa Beef Industry Council and Iowa Cattlemen’s Association.
This list comes from a different source. It’s based entirely on comments submitted by Iowa Road Trip followers. We combined alternate spellings and variations of restaurant names, then removed loose-meat sandwiches and responses that didn’t identify a specific Iowa restaurant.
Here are the 12 burger spots that rose to the top of the conversation.
1. Tornado’s Grub & Pub in Cedar Rapids
Address: 1600 3rd St. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
Online: Tornado’s Grub & Pub on Facebook
Tornado’s Grub & Pub received more recommendations than any other restaurant in the discussion. Its burgers follow the tornado theme, with options ranging from the milder F2 to the fully loaded F5.
This longtime Cedar Rapids neighborhood restaurant has been serving burgers since 2000. It’s a casual, unpretentious stop where the burgers are large, the combinations are creative and the atmosphere feels like a classic neighborhood pub.
2. The Flying Elbow in Marshalltown
Address: 229 N. 13th St., Marshalltown, IA 50158
Online: flyingelbowfood.com
The Flying Elbow combines smash burgers, hot dogs and professional wrestling inside one of Iowa’s most distinctive burger restaurants. Wrestling references appear throughout the restaurant and across a menu filled with boldly named creations.
The Flying Elbow is no stranger to statewide recognition. Its Tombstone burger was named Iowa’s Best Burger in 2022. The winning burger combined a blend of chuck, brisket, short rib and Wagyu beef with Manchego cheese, guacamole, bacon sour cream and Death Valley hot sauce.
3. Gunder Roadhouse in Gunder
Address: 17455 Gunder Road, Elgin, IA 52141
Online: Gunder Roadhouse on Facebook
The tiny community of Gunder has been associated with enormous burgers for decades. The signature Gunder Burger features a full pound of fresh Iowa beef, making it one of the largest burgers on this list.
The restaurant is located at the intersection of Gunder Road and Agate Road in rural Clayton County. Although the mailing address is listed as Elgin, the restaurant is in the unincorporated community of Gunder.
4. Dan’s Road House in Cresco
Address: 107 2nd Ave. SE, Cresco, IA 52136
Online: Dan’s Road House on Facebook
Dan’s Road House has developed a loyal following for its smash burgers. The patties are pressed on the grill to create crisp edges while keeping the middle juicy, then served with a variety of toppings.
It’s a casual downtown Cresco sports bar with televisions, cold drinks and a menu built around burgers and familiar bar food. Several Iowa Road Trip followers singled out Dan’s without hesitation.
5. 2 MIT Burgers in Elkader
Address: 204 W. Bridge St., Elkader, IA 52043
Online: 2 MIT Burgers on Facebook
2 MIT Burgers has been serving its distinctive steamed burgers in Elkader since 1980. Its small building and simple menu are part of the experience, giving it the feel of a classic roadside hamburger stand.
This is a seasonal business, traditionally operating from spring through fall. Because its schedule can be limited, check the restaurant’s Facebook page for current dates and hours before making a special trip.
6. The Rusty Duck in Dexter
Address: 723 Marshall St., Dexter, IA 50070
Online: The Rusty Duck on Facebook
The Rusty Duck is known for substantial portions, hand-pattied burgers and steaks. Its bacon cheeseburger was named Iowa’s Best Burger in 2011, helping put this small-town restaurant on the statewide burger map.
The restaurant is easy to miss from the street, but its reputation extends well beyond Dexter. Reservations are worth considering, especially when visiting during the busier evening hours.
7. Paul’s Tavern in Dubuque
Address: 176 Locust St., Dubuque, IA 52001
Online: Paul’s Tavern on Facebook
Paul’s Tavern offers an old-school burger experience without an elaborate list of toppings. Its straightforward cheeseburgers are prepared on a vintage broiler that has reportedly been used by the tavern for decades.
The interior is nearly as memorable as the burgers. Paul’s is a traditional neighborhood tavern filled with mounted animals, old signs and the kind of atmosphere that’s difficult to recreate intentionally.
8. Lachele’s Fine Foods in Des Moines
Ingersoll address: 2716 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312
Highland Park address: 3621 6th Ave., Des Moines, IA 50313
Online: lacheles.com
Lachele’s specializes in thin smash burgers with crisp edges and a rotating collection of creative specials. The regular menu ranges from straightforward cheeseburgers to combinations featuring pepper jelly, giardiniera and house-made sauces.
The original location is a colorful counter-service restaurant on Ingersoll Avenue. Lachele’s has since added a second location in Highland Park, giving visitors two places to try its burgers in Des Moines.
9. Smash and Grab Burger Co. in Knoxville
Address: 322 E. Main St., Knoxville, IA 50138
Online: smashandgrab.rocks
Smash and Grab Burger Co. opened in downtown Knoxville in 2024 and quickly developed a following. Its burgers are made with premium beef, smashed to develop crisp edges and served on toasted brioche buns.
The restaurant keeps its focus narrow, concentrating on smash burgers, house-made sauces and a selection of appetizers. It was also selected as one of the Top 10 finalists in the 2025 Iowa’s Best Burger contest.
10. Angry Goldfish Pub & Eatery in Des Moines
Address: 2301 SW 9th St., Des Moines, IA 50315
Online: angrygoldfishdsm.com
Angry Goldfish serves creative pub food from its location on the south side of Des Moines. Its burger menu includes familiar choices along with combinations that go well beyond the standard bacon cheeseburger.
One of its best-known creations is the Asian Peanut Butter and Jelly Burger. The combination may sound unusual, but it has helped make Angry Goldfish a destination for diners interested in trying something different.
11. Rides Bar & Grill in Fort Dodge
Address: 723 S. 31st St., Fort Dodge, IA 50501
Online: ridesbar-grill.com
Rides Bar & Grill pairs its burgers with an automotive theme. Racing memorabilia, automobile decorations and menu names inspired by classic cars fill the Fort Dodge restaurant.
Several followers specifically mentioned the 64 Impala, a bacon cheeseburger on the Rides menu. The restaurant also serves tenderloins, sandwiches, salads and other bar-and-grill favorites. Rides is currently a cash-only restaurant, so come prepared.
12. Dixie’s Biergarten in Decorah
Address: 310 College Drive, Decorah, IA 52101
Online: dixiesbiergarten.com
Dixie’s Biergarten is both an Iowa Road Trip follower favorite and the official winner of the 2026 Iowa’s Best Burger contest. Its Biergarten Smashburger features two four-ounce patties made from a custom blend that includes brisket and chuck.
The patties are topped with grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, pickles, American cheese and Dixie’s SMASH sauce on a brioche bun. Add an extensive selection of Iowa craft beer and a relaxed taproom atmosphere, and it’s easy to see why Dixie’s has drawn statewide attention.
Honorable Mentions
Plenty of other Iowa burger spots appeared more than once in the discussion. Here are the remaining honorable mentions:
- 209 Main — Paton
- B-52 Bar & Grill — Bennett
- B-Bop’s — Multiple Iowa locations
- Chuckwagon Restaurant — Adair
- Club 51 — Postville
- Finski’s — Coggon
- George’s — Iowa City
- Halftime Bar & Grill — Pleasantville
- Hamburg Inn No. 2 — Iowa City
- Hickory Park — Ames
- Iowa’s Best Burger Cafe — Kellogg
- Kalmes Restaurant — St. Donatus
- Maxie’s Supper Club — West Des Moines
- Needa Burger — Clinton
- Salty Heifer Grill — Malvern
- Scooters on Main — Alta
- Starlite Room — Cedar Rapids
- Troy’s Bar & Grill — Earling
- Wally Burger at The Little Diner — Fort Madison
- Williamson Tavern — Williamson
- Zombie Burger — Des Moines
