Northside Diner in Washington has been voted in as a top 10 finalist in the best burger in Iowa contest. 

The Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association are making the quest for the best burger in Iowa easier as they announced the top 10 finalists in the 17th annual Iowa’s Best Burger Contest last week. 

More than 350 restaurants were nominated this year, and 5,400 votes were cast to determine the finalists. To qualify, the burger must feature a 100% real beef patty served on a bun or bread product. Toppings, condiments, sauces, and cheese are left to the creativity of the restaurant.

A panel of anonymous judges will be starting the final phase of the competition soon, as they visit each top 10 restaurant to evaluate the burgers based on taste, appearance, and proper doneness. 

Northside Diner’s smash burger is one of the finalists. The burger consists of beef sourced from Marek Land and Livestock, a local Washington County century farm. 

The 2026 Iowa’s Best Burger winner will be announced on May 1st to kick off May Beef Month.