Who has Iowa's Best Burger? The 2024 winner comes from central Iowa

The Iowa Beef Industry Council has spoken and ruled Ankeny is home to the best burger in the state.

The annual contest, now in its 15th year, is sponsored by the he Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association. More than 7,500 fans of Iowa burgers submitted nominations for more than 500 restaurants. A group of secret judges reviews the top 10 vote-getters and determines a final winner.

So who won the title of best burger in Iowa?

Who has the best burgers in Iowa?

JJ's Tavern and Grill in Ankeny was awarded the best burger restaurant in Iowa.

The menu offers eight smash burger selections including the Brock Curdy Burger, named after San Francisco 49ers quarterback and former Iowa State player Brock Purdy. The burger is loaded with BBQ sauce, ranch, cheese curds, pulled pork, bacon and more.

JJ's classic smash burger comes with tavern sauce and all the standard toppings. If you are looking for more spice, JJ's offers a Jalapeno Cheddar Burger including tavern sauce along with cheddar, bacon and jalapenos.

“To me, a lot of restaurants are the same, just with a different name,” said owner Michael Roberts. “One of our goals with JJ’s was to be totally different. We wanted to focus on the quality of food, the atmosphere, and customer service at a reasonable price point."

Which restaurants made the Iowa's Best Burger Top 10?

Here's a look at the finalists:

• Big Head Burger, Waterloo

• Chuckwagon Restaurant, Adair

• Flight Bar + Grille, Huxley

• Houston's On Main, Milo

• JJ's Tavern + Grill, Ankeny

• Lucile's at The Continental Hotel, Centerville

• The Flying Elbow, Marshalltown

• The Market at the Tap, Monticello

• Wilder at Graduate Hotel Iowa City, Iowa City

• Williamson Tavern, Williamson

More:The best burger in Iowa is found at The Flight Bar + Grille in Huxley

Burgers must be made with a 100% real beef patty served on a bun or bread product. The combination of condiments, cheeses, toppings and sauces does not matter.

And this year, the organizations marked the 15^th anniversary by allowing previous winners to complete.

Last year, Flight Bar + Grille in Huxley won and returns as a competitor. So does 2022 winner the Flying Elbow in Marshalltown. Chuckwagon Restaurant in Adair returns as well after winning 2016.

Who won Iowa’s Best Burger contest in the past?

• 2023 — Flight Bar + Grille of Huxley

• 2022 — The Flying Elbow of Marshalltown

• 2021 — Bambino’s of Ossian

• 2020 — Twisted Tail Steakhouse & Saloon of BeeBeeTown

• 2019 — Wood Iron Grille of Oskaloosa

• 2018 — Café Beaudelaire of Ames

• 2017 — The Smokin’ Hereford BBQ of Storm Lake

• 2016 — The Chuckwagon Restaurant in Adair

• 2015 — The Cider House of Fairfield

• 2014 — Brick City Grill in Ames

• 2013 — 61 Chop House Grille in Mediapolis

• 2012 — Coon Bowl III in Coon Rapids

• 2011 — Rusty Duck in Dexter

• 2010 — Sac County Cattle Co. of Sac City

More:Love a good burger? Here's where to find some of the best in the Des Moines metro

Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa's Best Burger is at JJ's Tavern and Grill in Ankeny, contest rules