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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Sleep Inn & Suites North Liberty

485 Madison Ave. North Liberty, Iowa 52317 USA

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Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center

300 E 9th St Coralville, Iowa 52241 USA

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Hampton Inn Iowa City / University Area

4 Sturgis Corner Dr. Iowa City, Iowa 52246 USA

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The Heights Rooftop Event Center

901 Melrose Avenue Iowa City, Iowa 52246 USA

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Brown Street Inn

430 Brown St. Iowa City, Iowa 52245 USA

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Historic Phillips House Bed & Breakfast

721 North Linn Street Iowa City, Iowa 52245 USA

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Element Iowa City

314 South Clinton Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 USA

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Residence Inn by Marriott Coralville

2681 James Street Coralville, Iowa 52241 USA

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SureStay Plus by Best Western Coralville Iowa City

200 6th Street Coralville, Iowa 52241 USA

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