Five Iowa restaurants are in the running for the state’s top honors in the 18th annual Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin contest in Iowa, sponsored by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA).  

This year’s finalists are The Blind Pig in Cedar Rapids; Birdies, Burgers and Brews in Graettinger; PrairieMoon on Main in Prairieburg; Sasquatch Jacks Hideaway Barroom & Grill in Waverly; and Bents Smokehouse & Pub in Westgate. 

“It is more important than ever to support our locally owned re­­staurants, and we believe that continuing our annual Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin contest will help encourage patrons to visit their favorite establishments and especially the top five finalists in the state,” said Kelsey Sutter, IPPA marketing and programs director. “The top five finalists scored highly in our first round of judging this summer, which included 40 restaurants from around the state.” 

The  IPPA received 4,501 nominations for 390 different establishments during the spring nomination period. 

The winning restaurant will receive $500, a plaque, a banner to display and statewide publicity that will bring in new business.

Winners from the past five years (past winners aren’t eligible for the competition) include: 2019 - The Pub at the Pinicon, New Hampton; 2018 - Three C’s Diner, Corning; 2017 - Grid Iron Grill, Webster City; 2016 - Nick’s, Des Moines; and 2015 - The Belmond Drive-In, Belmond.