Two restaurants in Marion County have been selected as top ten finalists for Iowa’s Best Burger.

The Iowa Beef Industry Council holds the Iowa Best Burger contest annually and among the top ten finalists for 2025 are Smash and Grab Burger Co. in Knoxville and Halftime Bar and Grill in Pleasantville. Smash and Grab is a new counter serve eating establishment that opened in 2024 and specializes in unique smash burgers and appetizers, while Halftime’s menu includes a variety of wraps, sandwiches, tacos, wings, and nine different burgers. A panel of anonymous judges will come and evaluate the burgers and a winner will be announced on May 1st.

Last year’s Iowa Best Burger was JJ’s Tavern and Grill in Ankeny.