This Iowa City burger is one of the best in the state

The Iowa Gold Burger, made with Jiyu Wagyu beef, stuffed with Gruyère cheese, topped with caramelized onions, and served with a mustard aioli on a brioche bun, from Wilder at the Graduate Iowa City has been ranked top 10 in the state two years in a row by the Iowa Beef Council.

Jiyu Wagyu beef, stuffed with Gruyère cheese, topped with caramelized onions, and served with a mustard aioli on a brioche bun

The Iowa Beef Council ranked Wilder’s Iowa Gold Burger one of its top 10 in the state in the annual Best Burger Contest.

Wilder is a bar and restaurant located in the downtown Iowa City pedestrian mall that takes its name from Hawkeye alum Gene Wilder, best known for playing Willy Wonka in the ’70s classic.

“Nearly 400 restaurants were nominated during this year’s voting process,” said Kylie Peterson, Director of Marketing for the Iowa Beef Industry Council. “This year’s Top Ten restaurants are award-winning worthy, but they’re only a handful of the many outstanding establishments in Iowa that proudly serve high-quality beef raised by our state’s cattle farmers.”

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.

The restaurant was recognized in both 2024 and 2025.

Read more by clicking here.

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Find Your game day headquarters

Visiting to support your team when they play the Hawks or looking for a staycation to make the most of a Hawkeye victory? Here’s the best hotels to kickoff your stay.

Hotels

The Highlander Hotel Iowa City

2525 Highlander Place Iowa City, Iowa 52245 USA
Heartland Inn Coralville
Coralville, Hotels

Heartland Inn Coralville

87 2nd St. Coralville, Iowa 52241 USA
Hampton Inn Coralville
Coralville, Hotels, Places to Stay

Hampton Inn Coralville

1200 1st Ave. Coralville, Iowa 52241 USA
Element Iowa City
Downtown Iowa City, Extended Stay, Hotels

Element Iowa City

314 South Clinton Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 USA
Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center
Hotels, Iowa River Landing, Wedding Venue

Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center

300 E 9th St Coralville, Iowa 52241 USA
The Heights Rooftop Event Center
Alternate Meeting Space, Hotels, Off-Site Venue

The Heights Rooftop Event Center

901 Melrose Avenue Iowa City, Iowa 52246 USA
Fairfield Inn & Suites Coralville
Coralville, Hotels, Places to Stay

Fairfield Inn & Suites Coralville

650 Coral Ridge Avenue Coralville, Iowa 52241 USA
Hilton Garden Inn Iowa City Downtown University
Downtown Iowa City, Hotels

Hilton Garden Inn Iowa City Downtown University

328 South Clinton Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 USA
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
Coralville, Hotels

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites

970 25th Avenue Coralville, Iowa 52241 USA

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attractions

Discover the perfect mix of culture and adventure across Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty.

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Midwest Living: Best College Town Getaways in the Midwest

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Downtown Iowa City

Wander through historic Downtown Iowa City with its charming pedestrian mall and eclectic mix of independent shops and eateries.
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Getting Here

Here, creativity lives on every stage, gallery wall, and page. With a pulse on the past and a passion for what’s next, our cultural scene will leave you inspired long after the final act.
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Rankings

Our area consistently ranks as a top community in which to live, work, play, and raise a family. The recognitions listed below are just a few of the accolades our destination has received in the last few years.
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Restaurants

In Iowa City you may feast upon milk shakes made from whole slices of pie, slurp corn chowder produced from the freshest and best corn on the planet, and order a jar of bacon as an appetizer.
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