Ankeny, IA – From cheese curds to chip dust, burgers as big as dinner plates to multiple patty burgers, fresh veggies to cheeses, and sauces to spreads, this year’s Top 10 Iowa’s Best Burger restaurants had it all. The Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC), today (Wednesday), announced the winner of the title of “Iowa’s Best Burger in 2024,” is JJ’s Tavern + Grill in Ankeny, Iowa.

The IBIC’s Director of Marketing & Communications, Kylie Peterson, said owners Rick and Lilia Romero and Michael Roberts, also the general manager, and Liberty Van Genderen, say JJ’s Tavern + Grill is about family. They have worked diligently to build this for their employees, but also want their customers to recognize the family vibe. Michael even went as far as to say they’d like it to have the television show Cheers, “everyone knows your name” feel. The intimate atmosphere and upscale smaller space naturally lend themselves to that feel.

The Best Burger Contest’s timing is intentional and celebrates the kickoff of Iowa’s May Beef Month. JJ’s has several beef options. The menu currently features eight smash burger selections. All look delicious, but Rick and Michael highlighted the JJ’s Smash Burger, the Brock Curdy Burger, and the Jalapeno Cheddar. Each smash burger can be a single patty or double, but for that robust beef taste.

JJ’s Smash Burger

JJ’s Smash Burger is a classic, with tavern sauce, gooey American cheese, and notably fresh lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickle. The Brock Curdy Burger is named for San Francisco 49ers quarterback and former Iowa State player, Brock Purdy. The burger is loaded, with BBQ sauce, ranch, American cheese, cheese curds, pulled pork, and bacon.

The Jalapeno Cheddar Burger is topped with tavern sauce, cheddar, bacon, and of course, jalapenos.

The competition and being named as a Top 10 contestant in Iowa’s Best Burger competition has already had a significant impact on their business. Since being named a Top 10 contestant on March 12, they went from selling 13 burgers a day to over 36 burgers a day.

JJ’s recently opened in late November 2023. They have recently added a patio for an outdoor dining experience and additional seating. Rick shared that thanks to the contest they may consider moving up plans for a second location.

This was the 15th year for the annual Iowa’s Best Burger Contest and had the added excitement of allowing previous winners the chance to be nominated again. There were three previous winners in the list of Top 10 contestants. The Best Burger Contest is sponsored by the Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association to showcase the valued partnership between Iowa’s cattlemen and food service providers through delicious burgers crafted by Iowa’s talented chefs and restaurateurs.