The Pork Tenderloin at the Blind Pig in Monticello was a top five contender for the title of Iowa’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin in 2024.
Nick Rohlman/The Gazette
CLIVE — Iowa’s breaded pork tenderloin is back under the heat lamp’s spotlight as five finalists vie for the title of Iowa’s best.
The finalists for Iowa’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest, including three in Eastern Iowa, were named Friday by the Iowa Pork Producers Association:
Tin Roost in North Liberty
Sasquatch Jacks in Waverly
Landmark Grill & Grind in Williamsburg
Wasted Grain in Carroll
Friends Hide-A-Way in Underwood
“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.”
A map from the Iowa Pork Producers Association shows the five 2026 finalists for the Iowa’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin contest. This year’s finalists includes restaurants in North Liberty, Waverly, Williamsburg, Carroll and Underwood.
Submitted by the Iowa Pork Producers Association
Each year, the public nominates restaurants that serve hand-breaded or hand-battered pork tenderloin sandwiches on their menus. Restaurants must keep regular, year-round hours to compete; food trucks, caterers and concession stands are ineligible.
Restaurants compete for a $500 prize, plaque, outdoor banner and bragging rights. The runner-up receives a $250 prize and plaque. Past finalists have noted a substantial increase in customers and pork tenderloin sales as diners across the state travel to try each sandwich.
The winner will be announced later this month. Last year’s winner was Hometown Heroes in Grinnell.
Elijah Decious covers food and features on a variety of topics for The Gazette. He can be reached at elijah.decious@thegazette.com or (319) 398-8340.
Dining and Cooking