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

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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