Officials with the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association report Iowans submitted nearly 9,200 nominations between February 12th and March 12th to kick off the quest to find the best burger in Iowa. Nominations were accepted online by the the Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association. The number of votes each restaurant received determined the 2018 Top Ten restaurants. The restaurants making the Top Ten list (in alphabetical order) include:

BurgerFiend, Cedar Rapids

Cafe Beaudelaire, Ames

The IowaStater Restaurant, Ames

Moo’s BBQ, Newton

Morgan’s Corner, Ottumwa

Rides Bar & Grill, Fort Dodge

Robin’s Nest Cafe, Clarinda (formerly Vaughn’s Cafe and Bakery)

Saucy Focaccia, Cedar Rapids

The Twisted Tail Steakhouse, Logan (BeeBeeTown)

Wrangling Grace Cafe, Bancroft

To qualify, the burger must be a 100% beef patty or patties, although other ingredients may be added such as spices, and served on a bun or bread product. Burgers may include any combination of condiments, sauces, cheese or toppings.

Seven restaurants are new to the contest’s Top 10 list and include: BurgerFiend, Cedar Rapids; Cafe Beaudelaire, Ames; Iowa Stater Restaurant, Ames; Moo’s BBQ, Newton; Morgan’s Corner, Ottumwa; The Twisted Tail Steakhouse, Logan; and Wrangling Grace Cafe, Bancroft.

Returning contestants include: Ride’s Bar and Grill, Fort Dodge; Robin’s Nest Cafe, Clarinda (formerly Vaughn’s Cafe and Bakery); and Saucy Focaccia, Cedar Rapids.