best burger in iowa

Burgers have come a long way since they were first introduced to the American dining scene in the early 20th century. Today, burgers are one of the most popular foods in the United States, and each state has its own unique burger culture. In Iowa, burgers are king. In this article, we'll explore the best burger joints in Iowa, the history of this great cuisine, and the future of this beloved food. So, buckle in, and let's get started!

Iowa's burger culture: a brief history

The story of the burger in Iowa began in the early 20th century when the first diners and burger joints opened up across the state. Since then, Iowans have always been passionate about their burgers, and they've never been afraid to experiment with new flavors and ingredients to create the perfect burger. Iowa's burger scene has grown and evolved over the years, with thousands of burger joints opening up across the state. Today, Iowa is considered one of the best states for burgers in the country.

One of the most popular burger joints in Iowa is Zombie Burger, which has gained national recognition for its unique and creative burger creations. Some of their most popular burgers include the "Undead Elvis" which features peanut butter, fried bananas, bacon, and egg, and the "Walking Ched" which is a burger topped with mac and cheese and bacon. Zombie Burger has even been featured on the Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives."

Criteria for choosing the best burger

Choosing the best burger in Iowa is no easy task. However, there are a few criteria that we used to determine the top 10 burger joints in the state. These criteria include the quality of the beef, the freshness of the ingredients, the creativity of the toppings, and the overall taste of the burger. We also looked at the ambiance of the restaurant, the service provided, and the prices of the burgers. All of these factors were taken into consideration in selecting the top 10 burger joints in Iowa.

In addition to the criteria mentioned above, we also took into account the sustainability practices of each burger joint. We looked for restaurants that source their beef from local, grass-fed farms and use eco-friendly packaging. We believe that supporting sustainable practices is not only good for the environment, but it also leads to better quality ingredients and a more ethical dining experience.

Top 10 best burger iowa

The top 10 burger joints in Iowa are as follows:

1. Raygun Lounge (Des Moines) - This Des Moines spot has burgers with toppings that range from mac and cheese to Fritos. They also have plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.
2. Short's Burger & Shine (Iowa City) - This burger joint is known for its giant burgers and toppings that range from bacon and avocado to fried eggs and hollandaise sauce.
3. Northwestern Steakhouse (Mason City) - This family-owned steakhouse is known for its thick, juicy burgers and classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, and onion.
4. Boone Valley Brewing (Boone) - This brewpub has burgers that are made using locally sourced beef and topped with innovative toppings like bacon jam and beer mustard.
5. Sadtown Brewing Company (Pella) - This brewery has burgers that are made using 100% grass-fed beef and creative toppings like peanut butter and jelly and jalapeno jam.
6. Townhouse Supper Club (Decorah) - This popular supper club is known for its delicious burgers that are made using fresh Angus beef and topped with classic toppings like cheddar cheese, lettuce, and tomato.
7. Drake Diner (Des Moines) - This diner is known for its flavorful burgers that are cooked to order and served with fresh toppings like caramelized onions and spicy guacamole.
8. El Bait Shop (Des Moines) - This pub is known for its giant burgers that are served on a pretzel bun and topped with unique toppings like peanut butter, jelly, and bacon.
9. Smitty's Tenderloin Shop (Des Moines) - This popular shop is known for its mouth-watering burgers that are served on an onion roll and topped with homemade BBQ sauce and onion rings.
10. Roosevelt Tap (Cedar Rapids) - This cozy bar has burgers that are made using fresh beef and topped with creative ingredients like fried egg, bacon, and peanut butter.

While Iowa is known for its delicious burgers, it's important to note that many of these burger joints also offer other tasty menu items. For example, Raygun Lounge also serves up tasty cocktails and craft beers, while Short's Burger & Shine has a variety of sides like sweet potato fries and onion rings. Additionally, many of these burger joints have a fun and unique atmosphere, making them a great spot to hang out with friends and family.

The most unique burger creations in Iowa

When it comes to burgers, creativity is key. And Iowa burger joints don't lack in this area. Some of the most unique creations include:

• The PB&J Burger: A burger topped with peanut butter and jelly at El Bait Shop in Des Moines.
• The Tarragon Bacon Burger: A burger topped with tarragon mayo, bacon, and cheddar cheese at Short's Burger & Shine in Iowa City.
• The Mac & Cheese Burger: A burger topped with mac and cheese and bacon at Raygun Lounge in Des Moines.
• The Breakfast Burger: A burger topped with a fried egg, bacon, and cheddar cheese at Roosevelt Tap in Cedar Rapids.

But it's not just the toppings that make these burgers unique. Many Iowa burger joints also use locally sourced, grass-fed beef to create a more sustainable and flavorful burger. Some even offer vegetarian or vegan options, such as the black bean burger at Zombie Burger + Drink Lab in Des Moines. So whether you're a meat lover or a plant-based eater, Iowa has a burger for everyone.

Vegetarian and vegan options for burger lovers in Iowa

For those who don't eat meat, there are plenty of options for burger lovers in Iowa. Vegetarian and vegan options include:

• The Impossible Burger: A plant-based burger that tastes just like beef at Raygun Lounge in Des Moines.
• The Veggie Burger: A burger made from black beans and topped with avocado and salsa at Northwestern Steakhouse in Mason City.
• The Falafel Burger: A burger made from chickpeas and topped with tahini sauce at Sadtown Brewing Company in Pella.

But that's not all! Iowa also offers a variety of other vegetarian and vegan options for those who want to explore beyond burgers. For example, the Cornucopia in Ames serves up a delicious vegan Reuben sandwich made with seitan and sauerkraut. The Trumpet Blossom Cafe in Iowa City offers a vegan BBQ jackfruit sandwich that will satisfy any craving for smoky, savory flavors.

And for those who want to indulge in some sweet treats, there are plenty of vegan bakeries to choose from. One such bakery is NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids, which offers a variety of vegan pastries and desserts, including cinnamon rolls and chocolate chip cookies.

The role of local ingredients in Iowa's best burgers

One of the things that makes the burgers in Iowa so special is the use of locally sourced ingredients. Many of the top burger joints in Iowa use beef that is sourced from local farms, and they also use fresh produce and other ingredients that are grown or produced in the state. This focus on local ingredients not only supports Iowa's small businesses, but it also ensures that the burgers are of the highest quality and have a unique, regional flavor.

In addition to the use of locally sourced ingredients, many of the top burger joints in Iowa also take great care in preparing their burgers. From hand-pattying the beef to toasting the buns just right, these restaurants take pride in every aspect of the burger-making process. This attention to detail is what sets Iowa's burgers apart from the rest and keeps customers coming back for more.

The impact of small businesses on Iowa's burger scene

The burger joints in Iowa are largely made up of small businesses. These businesses play a crucial role in the state's economy, providing jobs and contributing to the local culture. They also offer diners a more personalized experience, with unique menus and personalized service. When you visit a small burger joint in Iowa, you're not just eating a burger - you're becoming a part of the local community.

Burger challenges and eating contests in Iowa

For those who are up for a challenge, Iowa has plenty of burger eating contests and challenges. Some of the most popular include the Big Daddy Burger Challenge at Short's Burger & Shine in Iowa City, the Burger Battle at El Bait Shop in Des Moines, and the Baconator Challenge at Townhouse Supper Club in Decorah. These challenges usually involve eating an enormous burger with a variety of toppings in a limited amount of time.

The influence of regional flavors on Iowa's burgers

Regional flavors are a big part of Iowa's burger scene. Different parts of the state have their own unique flavors and ingredients that are used in burgers. For example, burgers in Des Moines are often topped with spicy jalapenos and barbecue sauce, while burgers in Cedar Rapids are often topped with sweet corn and bacon. These regional flavors add to the diversity and excitement of Iowa's burger scene.

A guide to pairing beer with burgers in Iowa

In Iowa, there's nothing better than pairing a delicious burger with a cold beer. But with so many different types of beer to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. For beef burgers, try pairing with an IPA or a dark stout. For veggie burgers, try pairing with a wheat beer or a light lager. And for burgers with lots of toppings, try pairing with a fruity or floral beer. With so many choices, you're sure to find the perfect pairing for your burger in Iowa.

The future of Iowa's burger industry

The future of Iowa's burger industry is bright. As people continue to crave delicious and innovative burgers, the state's burger joints will continue to thrive. And with a focus on locally sourced ingredients, creativity, and personalized service, the burger joints in Iowa are sure to stand out.

How to make the perfect burger at home: tips from Iowa chefs

If you're looking to make the perfect burger at home, Iowa chefs have a few tips for you. First, start with high-quality beef that is at least 80% lean. Season the beef with salt and pepper, and form it into patties that are about ½ inch thick. cook the burgers on a hot grill or in a cast-iron skillet for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness. Then, add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Insider secrets of the best burger restaurants in Iowa

Finally, we asked some of the top burger joints in Iowa for their insider secrets to making the perfect burger. Here are a few of their tips:

• Short's Burger & Shine: Always use high-quality beef, and don't skimp on the toppings.
• Northwestern Steakhouse: Keep it simple - all you need is fresh beef and classic toppings.
• Raygun Lounge: Get creative with your toppings, and don't be afraid to try something different.

Iconic burgers that represent different regions of the state

Finally, here are a few iconic Iowa burgers that represent different regions of the state:

• The Tavern Burger: This classic burger from Dubuque is topped with pickles, onion, and ketchup.
• The Loosemeat Burger: This iconic burger from Maid-Rite in Newton is made with loose ground beef and topped with mustard, onion, and pickles.
• The Quad City Burger: This burger from the Quad Cities is topped with a secret blend of spices and a sweet, tangy sauce.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it - everything you ever wanted to know about the best burgers in Iowa. Whether you're a meat-eater, vegetarian, or vegan, there's a burger in Iowa for everyone. So, take a road trip and explore Iowa's diverse burger scene for yourself. Who knows, you might just find your new favorite burger joint!

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