Iowa Pork Producers Association Announces Five Finalists for Iowa’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest
CLIVE, Iowa — Iowa is known for its breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches, and five restaurants across the state are competing for the title of Iowa’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin in 2026. The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) has announced this year’s top five finalists, giving pork lovers five destinations to add to their list during National Pork Month, also known as Porktober.
After nominations from the public and evaluations by contest judges, five restaurants earned a spot among Iowa’s best. The finalists represent communities across the state, each serving its own version of the iconic Iowa pork tenderloin sandwich.
Iowa’s Top 5 Breaded Pork Tenderloin Finalists for 2026
The five finalists, listed in alphabetical order, are:
- Friends Hide-A-Way — Underwood, Iowa
- Landmark Grill & Grind — Williamsburg, Iowa
- Sasquatch Jacks Hideaway Barroom & Grill — Waverly, Iowa
- Tin Roost — North Liberty, Iowa
- Wasted Grain — Carroll, Iowa
Visitors travel from across Iowa and the Midwest to sample the award-winning sandwiches.
What Makes an Award-Winning Pork Tenderloin?
While Iowa pork tenderloins are often recognized for their generous size, contest judges consider much more when selecting the state’s best sandwich. Tenderness, flavor, quality of the pork and how well the breading complements the meat all play an important role in the judging process.
“Every restaurant on this list has earned its place, but judging a great tenderloin comes down to more than size,” said Greg Carlson, a contest judge and retired pork producer. “We look for pork that’s tender and flavorful, with breading that complements it. As a former producer, it’s rewarding to see restaurants put so much care into a sandwich Iowans love.”
To qualify for the competition, restaurants must serve a hand-breaded or hand-battered pork tenderloin sandwich as a regular menu item and maintain consistent, year-round operating hours. Food trucks, concession stands, seasonal establishments and catering businesses are not eligible.
Following the public nomination process, judges evaluate qualifying restaurants before a final panel selects the winner and runner-up.
Winner to Be Announced During Porktober
The 2026 Iowa’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin winner will be announced in mid-October as part of National Pork Month celebrations.
The winning restaurant will receive $500, a plaque and an outdoor banner recognizing its achievement. The runner-up will receive $250 and a plaque.
In 2025, Hometown Heroes in Grinnell, Iowa, earned the title of Iowa’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin.
The annual contest celebrates one of Iowa’s most recognizable foods while supporting local restaurants and highlighting pork as a featured ingredient in communities throughout the state.
For Iowans looking to celebrate Porktober, the five finalists offer an opportunity to explore different communities and experience some of the state’s top-rated breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches.
The Iowa Pork Producers Association also encourages families to prepare their own breaded pork tenderloins at home using its online recipe and instructional video.
Five Tenderloins, Five Stops: Follow The Iowa Gallivant
Jay Jay, known as The Iowa Gallivant, is currently highlighting Iowa’s top five breaded pork tenderloin finalists on social media, sharing his food reviews and firsthand experiences at each restaurant. Follow along as he showcases these Iowa favorites, takes a closer look at what makes each tenderloin special, and gives food lovers a taste of what to expect. Check out his reviews and decide which of these award-worthy pork tenderloins deserves a stop on your next Iowa foodie road trip!
